Just wondering what folks use to MAKE their coffee while on the boat (ie: 12V). I was looking at one of those coffee makers, and thought that would be nice. Then I saw "200W", and "allow 20 mins. for brewing". Yikes! According to my math, that is a wopping 16.67 Amps, for 20 minutes! I may have to increase the gage of the wire to the 12V outlet. Does anyone have any experience with one of these devices? How does it affect the batteries? I have a 10W solar panel. I visit the boat on weekends. Would having this device be worth it? Thanks for your thoughts or experience. Tom M.
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Search the archives, key word "coffee"
We had a major discussion about it just a few weeks ago. You'll find more ideas about the "best" way to make coffee on board than ever dreamed possible--or maybe even want to know!
We had a major discussion about it just a few weeks ago. You'll find more ideas about the "best" way to make coffee on board than ever dreamed possible--or maybe even want to know!
Vive La France!
Those glass French coffee makers where you pour the hot water directly onto the ground coffee make the best coffee, period. The coffee never boils so you get the true, full flavor. You also don't need paper filters. Contrary to popular belief, "electric" coffee is not the best. Peter H23 "Raven"
Those glass French coffee makers where you pour the hot water directly onto the ground coffee make the best coffee, period. The coffee never boils so you get the true, full flavor. You also don't need paper filters. Contrary to popular belief, "electric" coffee is not the best. Peter H23 "Raven"
That 16 amps will keep your 10 watt solar busy all
week. Hardly seems worth the juice. I'm with Peter, you can't beat a french press for coffee. Use a little alchohol or propane, whatever, and the whole episode is over. Great coffee and you've got plenty of electricity for tunes.
week. Hardly seems worth the juice. I'm with Peter, you can't beat a french press for coffee. Use a little alchohol or propane, whatever, and the whole episode is over. Great coffee and you've got plenty of electricity for tunes.
I stayed away from electric
for the very same reasons you noted. Long wait times & lots of electricity required. Make hot water with fuel instead & save yourself time & amps! P.S. I like the insulated french presses, keeps the coffee hot much longer!
for the very same reasons you noted. Long wait times & lots of electricity required. Make hot water with fuel instead & save yourself time & amps! P.S. I like the insulated french presses, keeps the coffee hot much longer!
I use a camping style percolator..
put it on the propane stove, takes about 10 min., works great, smells wonderful on a cool morning. Paul Emley "TESS", #1433 1974, Dinnette, outboard Vancouver, B.C., Canada
put it on the propane stove, takes about 10 min., works great, smells wonderful on a cool morning. Paul Emley "TESS", #1433 1974, Dinnette, outboard Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Second the percolator...
We have a nice stainless one, works great especially if someone likes their coffee a bit stronger. You can just drain off a cup and then put it back on to boil some more, eventually you end up with espresso! (sort of...) I wouldn't mess with an electric one though.
We have a nice stainless one, works great especially if someone likes their coffee a bit stronger. You can just drain off a cup and then put it back on to boil some more, eventually you end up with espresso! (sort of...) I wouldn't mess with an electric one though.
I use coffee bags
We've discovered a product that looks like tea bags, but they're coffee bags. Got some from Folger's and some from another brand. You just heat the water on your stove and pour the boiling water over the coffee bag in your cup. Just like the real brewed stuff, not at all like instant.
We've discovered a product that looks like tea bags, but they're coffee bags. Got some from Folger's and some from another brand. You just heat the water on your stove and pour the boiling water over the coffee bag in your cup. Just like the real brewed stuff, not at all like instant.
Third the percolator...
Have a S/S one and can make 9 cups of great coffee in 10 minutes with the propane burner turned all the way down. If it's too hot it boils so much the basket fills up and coffee grinds end up in the bottom of the pot. Plus it is easy to add a little heat later to keep the coffee hot through out the morning. I really don't like cold coffee but have been known to drink it in a pinch.
Have a S/S one and can make 9 cups of great coffee in 10 minutes with the propane burner turned all the way down. If it's too hot it boils so much the basket fills up and coffee grinds end up in the bottom of the pot. Plus it is easy to add a little heat later to keep the coffee hot through out the morning. I really don't like cold coffee but have been known to drink it in a pinch.
The quality of the coffee bags is arguable
Better than instant, but a long way from perked or drip coffee. However, it improves considerably if you cover the cup and leave the bag in it to steep for several minutes instead of only dunking it till the water turns brown.
Better than instant, but a long way from perked or drip coffee. However, it improves considerably if you cover the cup and leave the bag in it to steep for several minutes instead of only dunking it till the water turns brown.
Stainless Steel French Press
We also use a French Press. We broke our glass one fairly quickly, but found a stainless steel model which holds up to boating abuse and make a great cup of coffee. Easy to use, no power necessary.
We also use a French Press. We broke our glass one fairly quickly, but found a stainless steel model which holds up to boating abuse and make a great cup of coffee. Easy to use, no power necessary.
oh boy !!, more coffee !
i use a drip coffee maker. boil water in one pot, pour it in the other. john
i use a drip coffee maker. boil water in one pot, pour it in the other. john
Thanks Guys (and Gals...;-)...)
There IS an abundance (slight understatement) of information in the archives. I'm gonna take the coffee maker back and get the Melita, or percolater or something non-electric. Thanks again. Tom M.
There IS an abundance (slight understatement) of information in the archives. I'm gonna take the coffee maker back and get the Melita, or percolater or something non-electric. Thanks again. Tom M.
In a pinch...try eggs
Here's an old camping trick I learned once. Early morning, have coffee, have pot, no strainer or filter. Get your water boiling, in the meantime, put your coffee in a cup/bowl and crack an egg over it. Mix thoroughly and then pour/scrape into boiling water. Let simmer about ten minutes and tada! The egg binds the coffe together while allowing the water through. Straining is a matter of keeping the clump of egg/coffee mixture back with a spoon. I know it probably sounds a little disgusting, but it works. The egg gives little or no flavor to the coffee, and when it's early and my wife hasn't had her coffee, I'll try anything. Btw - I wouldn't try eating the egg afterwards. T J
Here's an old camping trick I learned once. Early morning, have coffee, have pot, no strainer or filter. Get your water boiling, in the meantime, put your coffee in a cup/bowl and crack an egg over it. Mix thoroughly and then pour/scrape into boiling water. Let simmer about ten minutes and tada! The egg binds the coffe together while allowing the water through. Straining is a matter of keeping the clump of egg/coffee mixture back with a spoon. I know it probably sounds a little disgusting, but it works. The egg gives little or no flavor to the coffee, and when it's early and my wife hasn't had her coffee, I'll try anything. Btw - I wouldn't try eating the egg afterwards. T J
French Press
I have tried just about all the before mentioned methods of making coffee, including "cowboy coffee" (a pot of boiling water to which is added a handful of coffee grounds, boil until thick). Perculators take too much thought (for me!, I can't seem to get it right), bags just don't taste right, but a French press works great. Simple, quick, and easy. I doubted it 'till I tried it.
I have tried just about all the before mentioned methods of making coffee, including "cowboy coffee" (a pot of boiling water to which is added a handful of coffee grounds, boil until thick). Perculators take too much thought (for me!, I can't seem to get it right), bags just don't taste right, but a French press works great. Simple, quick, and easy. I doubted it 'till I tried it.
Coffee press or Malita filter
I purchased a coffee cup/press all in one-just add coffe,hot water wait 5 min-push down plunger and drink-bought from ad in Latts and Atts-ideal for one cup. Also Malita cone w/filter makes coffee easy - just pour hot water over coffee
I purchased a coffee cup/press all in one-just add coffe,hot water wait 5 min-push down plunger and drink-bought from ad in Latts and Atts-ideal for one cup. Also Malita cone w/filter makes coffee easy - just pour hot water over coffee
Plastic French Press or Espresso Maker
We use a plastic French press that we bought at West Marine. We also have a classic, aluminum, stove-top espresso maker that does a pretty good job when your taste is running a little to the exotic.
We use a plastic French press that we bought at West Marine. We also have a classic, aluminum, stove-top espresso maker that does a pretty good job when your taste is running a little to the exotic.
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