Coffee makers for cars: what are they and how to choose the best

There are not many manufacturers of car coffee makers on the Russian market. This is due to the fact that products in this segment are in low demand. These coffee makers are designed specifically for people who spend most of their lives on the road. They allow coffee lovers to enjoy an exquisite drink on the go.

What are car coffee makers?

The product belongs to the portable category. The main purpose is to make coffee. Can be used in trucks and cars. The appearance resembles a thermos. Durable plastic is used in production. Popular drip-type models are also available. The main structural element is the body. Its average diameter is 10 centimeters. It fits in a car cup holder. A 12 volt network is required for operation. It only takes a few minutes to prepare one serving.

For Russian motorists, such devices are considered a novelty. But every year there are more and more users of such a miracle - technology. Anyone who has ever tried homemade coffee using a car coffee maker will never give up such pleasure in the future.

Rating of the TOP 5 best car coffee makers

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Design features of devices

Car coffee makers are practically no different in functionality from other electrical appliances. A distinctive feature is the power source. For regular models, you need a power supply and a socket; for automobile models, you need a cigarette lighter. Cooking takes longer than when using a household kitchen appliance, since the car cigarette lighter does not have high power.

Popular models are available with tanks of different sizes. The smallest is designed to prepare one 50 ml cup. All devices intended for use in a car are compact, stable, minimalist in design and well-thought-out. There should not be any unnecessary details.

Features of portable devices

Coffee makers for cars operate on the principle of standard electrical appliances for brewing coffee. Only the power source has been changed, because unlike the usual ones, the road model runs from the cigarette lighter .
A car cigarette lighter is characterized by low power, so the device for preparing a flavored drink in a car works slower than in a home kitchen . Power – no more than 200 W, however, this does not affect the cooking speed.

The volume of the tank may vary between models, but even the smallest one will be enough to get 50 ml of rich black coffee .

Attention! The coffee machine has a minimalistic design and has no unnecessary parts. The design is compact and stable.

Product varieties

To avoid mistakes when choosing a product, you need to find out what accessories are available. Produced for the following types of car coffee makers: espresso and drip. Let's look at each option in more detail.

Espresso

The device is ready to please you with an exquisite drink with thick foam. Cooking time – 2 minutes. ABS grade plastic is used in the manufacture of products. This material is safe and environmentally friendly, does not emit toxic components during operation, and does not absorb foreign odors. Designed for ground beans or pods. Designed for one serving. At the end of cooking, the product will notify you with a sound signal.

Dimensions are insignificant. The diameter matches the size of the cup holder hole in the car. The device easily fits into the glove compartment along with spare pods. It works on the following principle:

1. Pour clean water into the container.
2. The sealed lid is screwed on until it stops.
3. The device is connecting to the network.
4. The pressed mass in the bag is placed in a special compartment.
5. The device is turned on using a button.
6. When heated, water vapor penetrates the bag.
7. The prepared drink is poured into a cup.

The advantages of the device include:

• cooking speed;
• hull strength;
• economical consumption of ground ingredients;
• with automatic shut-off function;
• there is a creamy foam;
• attractive appearance;
• noiselessness;
• compactness;
• ease of operation and maintenance.

There are few disadvantages, but they are worth mentioning:

• the average price is high;
• designed for preparing one serving;
• It is recommended to use exclusively purified water for cooking;
• you have to shell out money to purchase pods.

Where can I buy the product? At any specialized retail outlet. There is a wide range of products for every taste and budget, differing in characteristics, functionality, and materials of manufacture. How much does the device cost? According to buyers, the best option would be to purchase around 12,000 rubles. You can also order online from the online store. Just first you should conduct a review of the products offered, read user reviews, and check the supplier for integrity.

Drip

They are also called filtration. In appearance they resemble standard drip devices, only their dimensions are smaller. Convenient to store in the car, do not take up much free space. The main element of the device is filters, which come in the following types:

Thanks to the low power, boiling water passes through the ground coffee slowly, preserving its aromatic and taste qualities. The result is enjoying a rich, aromatic and strong drink.

Functions as follows:

1. The reservoir is filled with water.
2. Ground coffee is poured into a compartment specially designed for this purpose.
3. The cigarette lighter is switched on.
4. The liquid moves to the heater through the tube, reaching a temperature of 90 - 95 degrees.
5. As the coffee powder passes through, the finished drink fills the cup.

It is worth highlighting the following advantages of the device:

• small sizes;
• light weight;
• comfort of control;
• reliability;
• ergonomic design;
• ideal capacity of the container;
• reasonable price (from 1000 to 8000 rubles);
• variety of products.

How to choose the right product

Everyone's selection criteria are different. Which one is better to buy depends on the personal preferences of users. What should you pay special attention to when choosing products? Expert advice boils down to the following: you should not lose sight of the following nuances:

1. Voltage. For passenger vehicles, the maximum voltage value is 12 Volts; for trucks and buses, you can purchase a product rated for 24 Volts.
2. Tank volume. Models are produced that allow you to prepare from one to eight servings. For owners of passenger cars, there is no need to purchase devices designed for many servings.
3. Material of manufacture. Regardless of whether the device is made of metal or plastic, the design must be of high quality and durable.
4. Safety and reliability. Particular attention should be paid to the tightness of the lid. Otherwise, when driving, boiling water may spill out of the device and burn the driver and passengers.
5. Availability of additional functions. Almost all devices have automatic shut-off. However, manufacturers equip their products with additional functionality, which is a big plus.

Rating of high-quality inexpensive devices

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/05/12

If you don’t know which company is better to purchase products, pay attention to this model. Produced by a German company. Will prepare a fragrant drink for 5 people. Works with regular paper filters. The manufacturer has equipped the product with a convenient transparent container with a scale, thermostat and heating element. You can pour up to 680 ml of water inside. Operates on a voltage of 12 V. Parameters – 21*26*14 cm. The device weighs 1.34 kg. The set contains a meter cable with a plug and a glass mug. Can be installed on the floor or hung on the door wall. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty.

You can purchase the product at a price of 2627 rubles.

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/05/12

Advantages:

• with mode indicators;
• designed for several servings;
• there is an automatic shutdown;
• convenient transparent water container;
• thermostat;
• German build quality.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Waeco MC/01/24

A convenient and practical coffee maker for a vehicle from a German manufacturer. It will help you enjoy a fragrant and strong drink without leaving your car. Designed for one serving. Operates from an on-board network of 24 Volts. Designed for mobile use in trucks, buses, trailers, yachts, boats. Five minutes is enough to prepare the drink. Power consumption – 250 W. The maximum current is 15A. Parameters – 13.5*19*11 cm. Product weight – 0.750 grams. The case is available in two shades: silver and black. Suitable not only for your own use, but also as a gift. The manufacturer's warranty is 12 months.

Purchase price – 1200 rubles.

Waeco MC/01/24

Advantages:

• automatic shutdown in the absence of water;
• optimal time for preparing the drink;
• work indicator;
• quality of the material used;
• safety;
• reliability;
• practicality;
• value for money;
• durability;
• The kit includes fasteners and a ceramic cup.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/08/24

The product is manufactured in Germany. It is lightweight and portable. It will become an indispensable device in the cabin of a tour bus or in the cabin of a truck. Doesn't take up much free space, easy to clean and easy to store. You can either install it on a stand or hang it on the wall. Able to prepare eight servings. Energy is used economically. After preparing the drink, the device turns off immediately. Reservoir capacity 750 ml. To operate, you need 24 V power. Consumes 360 W. Parameters – 28.5*32*10 cm. Body color: silver or black. The weight of the structure is 1.8 kg.

The average cost is 3909 rubles.

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/08/24

Advantages:

• interesting design solution;
• removable water tank;
• there is a liquid level indicator;
• there is LED backlighting;
• the speed of preparation of the drink is insignificant;
• auto shutdown after finishing work;
• electrical circuit using relays;
• safety;
• long service life;
• reliability;
• practicality;
• one-year warranty from the manufacturer;
• comfort in use.

Flaws:

• none.

Koto 63194, 12 V

The device is ready to provide a drink for one person. Country of origin: China. The weight of the device is 0.5 kg. Compact and easy to use. A voltage of 12 V is sufficient for operation. The plug is inserted into the car cigarette lighter. Power – 170 W. Heating time is minimal. The manufacturer has equipped the product with an automatic shutdown function when there is no liquid in the container. The design includes a liquid crystal display. The product is available in black and silver.

The average cost is 1836 rubles.

Koto 63194, 12 V

Advantages:

• practicality;
• compactness;
• reliability;
• ease of care;
• acceptable price;
• durability;
• safety.

Flaws:

• none.

Koolatron Coffee Market, 12 V

The device is designed for 10 cups. Operates from a car cigarette lighter. It is very popular among those people who constantly disappear on business trips, or go on vacation with their family in their own car. Heat-resistant plastic is used in the manufacture of the product. The tank volume is significant. The principle of operation is no different from the household analogue. Disposable filters are not used. Consumes 200 W. Dimensions – 24*19*30 cm. Country of origin – Canada.

Purchase price – 3839 rubles.

Koolatron Coffee Market, 12 V

Advantages:

• practicality;
• versatility;
• will provide a strong and aromatic drink to 10 people at once;
• functionality;
• long service life;
• quality of assembly and materials used;
• does not require careful care;
• value for money;
• positive user reviews.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Automatic coffee maker Mug 12842, 12 V

Budget model from a domestic manufacturer. It will become an indispensable assistant during long trips in your own vehicle. Able to provide the driver with a cup of aromatic drink without resorting to the services of roadside drinking establishments. Allows you to prepare a delicious drink without stopping the car.

The average price is 400 rubles.

Automatic coffee maker Mug 12842, 12 V

Advantages:

• acceptable price;
• practicality;
• compactness;
• ease of use;
• ease of storage and transportation.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/01/12, 12 V

The design is designed to prepare one cup of hot coffee. He will do everything quickly and efficiently. If there is no water, it will turn off automatically. The device is equipped with an LED indicator. The German manufacturer controls the build quality at all stages of product production. Defects do not go on sale unless it is a cheap Chinese counterfeit. Consumes 180 W of energy. For full operation, a 12 V power supply is sufficient. The volume is small - only 0.15 liters. The device weighs 0.75 kg. Dimensions – 13.5*19*11 cm. The manufacturer provides a 12-month guarantee for its creation.

Purchase price – 3500 rubles.

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/01/12, 12 V

Advantages:

• The set includes a set of fastenings;
• practicality;
• functionality;
• German build quality;
• safety;
• strength of the materials used;
• reliability;
• long service life;
• compactness;
• positive reviews;
• efficiency.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Rating of mid-price segment products

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/052

High-quality and reliable design from a German manufacturer with a volume of 680 ml. Power consumption - 200 W, can operate with voltages of both 12 V and 24 V. Taking into account the fastening element, the parameters are 21 * 26 * 14 cm. Weight - 1.34 kg. It will become an indispensable device for preparing delicious aromatic coffee in both cars and trucks. Durable plastic is used in the manufacture of the case. The volume is enough to prepare five cups. A special fastening helps to firmly install the product on any surface. Easy to clean. If there is no water left in the tank, it will turn off automatically. Thanks to the light indicator, you can monitor the operation of the electrical appliance. To prepare the drink, 10 to 20 minutes are enough.

Purchase price – 4650 rubles.

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/052

Advantages:

• ease of operation;
• does not require careful care;
• long service life;
• strength of the materials used;
• build quality;
• cooking speed;
• safety;
• reliability;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• none.

Minipresso Wacaco and Nanopresso NS

The device is intended for coffee capsules and ground coffee. No electrical connection is required for operation. Easy and simple to operate. The reservoir is designed for 80 ml of liquid. The product is equipped with a vacuum pump with a power of 18 bar. The structure weighs 336 grams with dimensions of 156*71*62 mm. The list of structural elements includes: a housing with a piston, a portafilter with a feed spout, and a container for liquid. The set also includes a spoon and brush, an espresso cup and a coffee cup.

The purchased model can only be used for ground coffee. To use capsules, you need to additionally purchase a special Nanopresso NS adapter. Its installation location is the upper part of the device. After installing the capsule, you need to pour hot water. To create pressure, you need to press the button 10 to 15 times. The result is an amazing shot of espresso with foam.

The average price is 4,790 rubles.

Minipresso Wacaco and Nanopresso NS

Advantages:

• functionality;
• practicality;
• ease of use;
• quality of materials used;
• durability;
• positive reviews.

Flaws:

• It is advisable to use capsules of the same brand.

Handcoffee Truck

The product is intended for use in trucks. Can provide delicious coffee and tea to several people at the same time. For operation, a voltage of 24 V is required. Connects to the cigarette lighter. It is reliable and durable.

The sellers are asking 8,500 rubles for the product.

Handcoffee Truck

Advantages:

• quality of materials used;
• wear resistance;
• build quality;
• reliability;
• safety.

Flaws:

• none.

Handpresso Pump Black

The car coffee maker is of the manual type. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to use. It will help you enjoy delicious and aromatic coffee while traveling without leaving the car. No electricity or batteries are required to operate. The maximum permissible pressure is 16 bar. Suitable for ground coffee.

Purchase price – 8500 rubles.

Handpresso Pump Black

Advantages:

• economical;
• practical;
• comfortable;
• reliable;
• functional.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Handprersso Auto ESE, 12 V

The design is very popular among those who are forced to spend a long time driving their own vehicle. In order not to waste time at roadside cafes, you can simply purchase this model. It will help you prepare coffee in 2 minutes and enjoy it without interrupting your driving. Can operate from a 12 V cigarette lighter. The manufacturer provides a 6-month warranty.

The average price is 8,500 rubles.

Handprersso Auto ESE, 12 V

Advantages:

• practicality;
• value for money;
• positive reviews;
• the marriage does not come across;
• durability;
• reliability;
• safety.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/06/24

The manufacturer has developed and launched the production of devices intended exclusively for drivers who carry out international transportation of goods in cargo transport and are forced to spend days behind the wheel of a car. Works with conventional paper filters. Structural elements: water tank, heating element, thermostat, rigid relay system. Additional options include overheating protection and an LED indicator. The body is made of durable steel. Voltage consumption is 24 V. The set contains 6 cups with a total volume of 750 ml. The length of the network cable is small - only 1 meter. With parameters 27*23.2*17 cm, the weight of the structure is 2600 grams.

The average price is 9631 rubles.

Waeco PerfectCoffee MC/06/24

Advantages:

• modern design solution;
• There is a thermal jug for coffee;
• removable liquid container;
• there is a mode indication;
• you can see the water level in the flask;
• after complete readiness, the device automatically turns off;
• there is a reliable relay;
• versatility;
• can be attached both to the floor and to the door wall;
• German build quality.

Flaws:

• none.

Features of car coffee makers

Coffee machines operate from a cigarette lighter and are universal or designed for a specific vehicle. A passenger car requires a 12V coffee maker, while a truck requires a 24V appliance.

The weakness of car coffee machines turns into their advantage, since the best coffee drink with a rich taste and aroma is prepared slowly.

A car coffee maker uses a special filter into which ground coffee is poured. It comes in several varieties:

• Paper - used to prepare one serving of an invigorating drink, does not affect the taste in any way, but you will have to keep spare filters in the machine.
• Nylon is reusable, making it convenient for use in a car; after use, it is washed and used again for up to 60-70 brews of a coffee drink. But over time, the filter may become covered with a brown coating, thereby distorting the taste of the drink.
• “Golden” - coated with titanium nitride, durable, easy to wash, taste remains unchanged. It has a high cost, so it is rarely found on sale.

For all heating devices, electrical wires and cigarette lighter sockets should be replaced with a 20 A fuse installed. The cross-section of the wires must be at least 4 square meters. mm. If this is not done, the device will become very hot during operation, as a result the cigarette lighter socket and the plug of the device will melt. The coffee maker will not operate at full capacity and the brewing time will increase.

Premium Product Rating

Handcoffee Auto Travel Pack

If you are planning to purchase a coffee maker for your own car and can allocate up to 22,000 rubles for this purpose, pay attention to this model. Gorgeous travel kit. It will bring pleasure not only to a large company, but also to all family members. It is able to prepare not only coffee, but also other various drinks, both for adults and for the younger generation. To prepare one cup of 80 - 110 ml, the product will need only 4 minutes. You can make coffee with any flavor using soft pods. A 12 V cigarette lighter or 2 bar pressure is required for operation.

The purchase price is 15,500 rubles.

Handcoffee Auto Travel Pack

Advantages:

• original appearance;
• practicality;
• functionality;
• value for money;
• versatility;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• none.

Handpresso Auto (in case)

The set is intended for those who like to create coziness and comfort around themselves, regardless of location. The case contains everything you need for a comfortable trip or long business trips: pods, spoons, sugar, coffee itself. Everything is neatly laid out in pockets. The case itself can be used as a stand for the coffee machine. It can also serve as a convenient table for a snack.

You will have to pay 20,500 rubles for the product.

Handpresso Auto (in case)

Advantages:

• perfect gift;
• practicality;
• pleasant appearance;
• functionality of the case;
• reliability;
• compactness;
• ease of use.

Flaws:

• a bit expensive.

Handpresso Auto Capsule

The device will help prepare amazing coffee and help the driver feel at home. Works with compatible Nespresso capsules. The model is quite modern. Innovative technologies are used in its production. In 2 minutes you can prepare a strong, aromatic drink. The process itself is displayed on a digital display. The power supply is dual, designed for both 12 and 24 V. There is an electronic delay system for 5 minutes. The spout is safe and anti-splash. The device can withstand a pressure of 19 bar.

The average price is 17,000 rubles.

Handpresso Auto Capsule

Advantages:

• safety;
• ease of use;
• durability;
• versatility;
• functionality.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Handpresso Auto

A very convenient and practical purchase for those who spend most of their lives behind the wheel of their own car. It is compact and reliable. Capacity – 53 ml. Power – 140 W. Weight – 880 grams. The internal pressure indicator is 16 atmospheres. Height - only 22 cm. To function, a voltage of 12 Volts is required. Easily and easily fits into the glove compartment. The set contains unbreakable cups with different volumes. There is a special receiver where ESE pods with compressed coffee are placed. Cooking time – 2 minutes.

Before you start cooking, you need to place the structure on a glass holder, pour water inside, and add sugar. Connect the plug to the cigarette lighter. Then insert the pod and start the device using the button. As soon as the drink is prepared, the device will beep.

The average cost of production is 12,450 rubles.

Handpresso Auto

Advantages:

• easy preparation of the drink;
• attractive appearance;
• quality factor of the materials used;
• does not absorb foreign odors;
• reliability;
• durability.

Flaws:

• overcharge.

Car coffee maker Нandpresso

The device is manufactured in China. In fact, there are only two models in the manufacturer’s product line: Handpresso Auto and Handpresso Auto Hybrid. The difference between them is the raw materials used. Handpresso Auto works on capsules, Handpresso Auto Hybrid works on capsules and ground coffee. The ESPRESSGO modification is the same capsule coffee maker as the Handpresso Auto.

All other offers vary in configuration: gift version, complete with a cup or a set of capsules.

All models are designed for 12 V voltage and are suitable for passenger cars.

The principle of operation of the coffee maker is quite simple: connect it to the cigarette lighter, pour water through the top hole, put the filter with coffee, close the lid, press the button. After 4 minutes the coffee maker switches off. All you have to do is remove the lid, turn the device over and pour the finished coffee into a cup or glass.

The volume of the finished drink is about 50 ml. This is the volume of most models.

The cost of a coffee maker is from 10 to 20 thousand, depending on the design and configuration. If you don’t care about having a case or branded cups, then feel free to take the model at the lowest price. They are no different from more expensive versions.