There are a few luxuries we can’t give up when we’re camping—and no, we’re not talking about Wi-Fi. We’re talking about coffee. What’s camping without enjoying a good cup of coffee? Imagine being outdoors, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature with a cup of joe in hand. Does that sound good? Of course. Is it possible? Definitely, with a campfire coffee pot. If you haven’t seen this device, it’s high time that you reacquaint yourself with the amazing ways to enjoy coffee, even while you’re camping.
Camping Coffee Pots: Types And Benefits
A campfire coffee pot is also called a coffee percolator. These pots come in different materials and designs. Some are meant for indoor use, and others are designed for the outdoors. Here’s a quick run-down of the different types of coffee percolators.
Types
Mechanism
- Gravity – This percolator has a tube in the middle of the pot, where water is mixed with the coffee until it is lifted from the heat source.
- Pressure – This campfire coffee pot has three sections for water, beans, and brewed coffee. It uses boiling water’s steam to push water to the coffee beans, filling the top-most chamber for your coffee.
Heat Source
- Electric – This percolator operates on electricity or its heating system and automatically switches off when brewing is completed, reducing the risk of over-brewing.
- Microwave – This percolator needs less electricity.
- Stovetop – This percolator uses heat from the fire to brew coffee, making this the perfect campfire coffee pot.
Benefits
Percolators are excellent camping coffee makers. Here are some other reasons why you should consider one for camping or as a power-free coffee-making alternative:
- Percolators can brew servings as much as 20, which is ideal for large camping groups.
- Percolators are easy to use since all it takes is to boil it over a heat source.
- Percolators are easy to clean.
- Percolators come in different sizes and materials.
- Percolators make very hot coffee.
How To Choose A Coffee Percolator
We’ve eliminated one factor in choosing a campfire coffee pot to ensure it doesn’t run on electricity. But are there other important factors to consider when selecting a percolator? Here are a few things to note.
- Capacity
When you’re camping, you may want to choose a more handy percolator. Even if it doesn’t brew as much as 15 cups, traveling light is essential in the outdoors, especially since you’re going to bring different camping gear with you other than a campfire coffee pot. However, if you’re camping in larger groups, you may need large camping coffee pots.
- Material
When you’re browsing for campfire coffee pots or percolators, you’ll notice that they’re available in different materials like glass, aluminum, stainless steel, and enamel. Most outdoor users prefer enamel since they heat fast, and they’re easy to clean. Stainless steel doesn’t chip like enamel and can be bleached. The debate goes on, but the choice is ultimately yours.
- Price
Price isn’t something to be concerned about since most percolators are less than a hundred dollars. But if you are working on a budget, it pays to invest in quality since you’ll be using it for camping.
Reminders When Using A Coffee Percolator
Coffee percolators have a specific group of followers. Some people prefer percolators over more modern drip coffee machines, and it hasn’t lost its allure. They’ve become especially useful when there’s no power, which is something coffee lovers should consider. If you’re a first-time percolator user, there are a few things you should know:
- Bitter, strong, or burnt – Users of percolators claim that coffee brewed from percolators have a strong and bitter taste.
- Hot – Percolators brew very hot coffee, which is why some coffee lovers prefer brewing their coffee through this method instead of other coffee makers.
- Filters – Percolators use their filter basket with relatively large holes, making coarse granules the ideal way to brew coffee. Still, some models offer different coffee filters, so it doesn’t leave sediment in your coffee.
Other Ways To Enjoy Campfire Coffee
We’ve discussed percolators in length as the best campfire coffee pot, but there are other ways to enjoy coffee in a campfire. Here are some ideas:
- Camping kettle – A kettle isn’t only for coffee use, so if you are a light camper, you may want to consider this method and boil your coffee inside the kettle over the fire. Think of it as a campfire coffee boiler and multi-use boiler. You can transfer the brewed coffee gradually to your mug, so you have coffee handy as you continue to hike.
- Stainless steel or plastic French press – Some French presses are designed for the outdoors and are a great way to enjoy a coffee while camping.
- Portable Pour over – There are portable pour-overs that come in different materials like a collapsible silicone to prepare single-serve coffee while you’re camping. The capacity may be a concern, but if you’re the only coffee lover, it’s a minimalist way to enjoy your coffee.
- Filter cups – If you want to enjoy coffee and tea, a filter cup is an excellent way to go. You can fill this submersible cup with your coffee grounds or tea leaves and place it in your mug, leaving the hot water to do the rest of its job.
- Travel mugs – Some travel mugs have pour-over coffee drippers, perfect for single-serve coffee. If you prefer traveling light and don’t have fellow coffee lovers with you, this is an excellent option.
Conclusion
For coffee lovers, coffee is a necessity and a luxury, which should be part of every day even when you’re enjoying time off in the hills, woods, or the sea. Camping should encourage coffee drinking and not deter it, which is why choosing an excellent campfire coffee pot is a wise investment. After all, coffee enjoyment knows no time nor place. Find out more about coffee pots.