It's Mrs A's birthday soon, and as she enjoys a good coffee or two, three, etc., I thought a Nespresso compatible coffee machine that could be used in the bus would be a hit. Looking on Google I can find a few handheld devices that seem to be aimed at hikers or for use in regular cars, but that's not really what I'm looking for. Can anyone recommend a coffee machine that uses the Nespresso style capsules, runs on 12V, and can deliver a regular sized coffee, not just a ristretto? Failing that, are there any other 12V portable coffee machines you'd recommend? If not, we'll stick with the percolator, and she will be really pleased with the fold up washing-up bowl I've secretly ordered along with sun shades we've got coming. Thanks
I’m a ‘bean to cup’ machine man myself. In my opinion it can’t be beaten for taste. But I use an Aeropress with a gauze filter while away in the bus. Ground coffee is widely available so it makes life easy, and I prefer the gauze to a paper filter and don’t have to worry about running out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Bear in mind that the power output of a cigarette lighter socket is about 150 watts. A mains machine is more like 1000 watts. 150 watts heats 0.6g of water from 20 to 80 deg C in a second. So a 50ml espresso takes 2 minutes. ..per cup A bit of a faff. A proper 200ml takes 8 minutes .. per cup . You need a gas powered thing with a pump...
Aeropress is where it’s at if you don’t have a proper espresso machine. I have both, so when work forgets to service the machine or order beans I’m still good.
The pump pushes the hot water through the coffee capsule, by pushing cold water into a small kettle... which is gas rather than electric heated. Actually just use a coffee filter and a kettle, save on scene tax...
If you really loved her, you'd buy her an Atomic for making coffee whilst your off in the bus - back to basics stove-top goodness that will even fluff your milk... plus they're cool as cream to boot!
https://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-d...VSoBQBh2DJgJwEAQYASABEgJAVfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Get a drill for yourself at the same time!
Why not just use a cafetiere? Not expensive, only needs a kettle or pan of boiling water which can be done on gas or electric. Grind beans at home and take them with you in an airtight container. Beautiful fresh coffee and absolutely no need for a fancy piece of expensive kit or expensive processed coffee capsules.
That’s where the Aeropress does well; it’s plastic so can’t break if it rolls around in the bus, it’s big enough for one big mug’s worth of coffee or two smaller mugs, you get the forced effect as you push the plunger down so no need to wait very long for it to brew, and with the gauze you don’t need to worry about filters. The gauze also lets the oil in the coffee through which improves the taste, and with a full size amount of pre ground coffee loaded it doesn’t need Schwartzenegger size arms to press it through which the paper filter tends to unless you grind your own beans less finely. Also when done you just pick the gauze off and literally pop the used coffee ‘puck’ straight in the bin with minimal mess. Downside is you don’t have a jug full of coffee ready to drink. But I have to say those ready-made one-cup filter things or coffee bags are even less fuss, I just don’t go places that sell them. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That's a good write-up of the benefits of Aeropress. One thing, I have had mine for years and I've never heard of the 'gauze'. I guess that's a new thing to use instead of the paper filters? I must look into it. Thanks.
Used it for a few years too, saved me a fortune on franchised coffee at work. Gauze filter is available for a couple of quid on Amazon, works really well for me at least. Just rinse after each use, a bit more mess than paper but with a good press it comes out fairly clean, just remember not to fire it off in the bin! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
