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Road warriors don’t necessarily need to stop for a cup of hot java. We can brew—and keep moving—thanks to a wide selection of car-based 12v coffee makers and travel espresso-makers.
It’s the magical interior accessory you never knew you needed. Commuters with refined coffee habits can also use USB-powered coffee makers, mugs, and milk frothers.
VW and Fiat Offered 12v Coffee Makers
In 2012, Fiat announced an optional Lavazza espresso maker for the 500L compact wagon. Handpresso, a French manufacturer, designed Fiat’s 12-volt coffee makers. But it never found its way as a new-car option in America.
But take heart, coffee enthusiasts. eBay has a couple of dozen different Handpresso models. The higher-priced models are powered by 12 volts.
Fiat is hardly the first carmaker to offer 12v coffee makers. The wonderful history of espresso machines includes the German-made Paluxette. In the 1960s, the brand offered a small travel version for cars. It used a 12-volt supply to prepare a single cup of coffee.
There’s a vintage example available now on eBay. German automakers reportedly sold it with the Porsche 356 or Volkswagen Beetle. The collectible is offered with a Buy-It-Now price of $599.00.
Vintage Porsche 356 coffee maker
Go Italian style with a Handpresso, which made coffee devices for Fiat.
A vintage Volkswagen 1959 Hertella Auto Kaffeemaschine coffee machine sold on eBay for $215 a few years ago. The seller said the device was “in very nice used condition and working.” Unfortunately, the set’s white china cup was missing.
Traveling with Coffee in America
Nesco Home’ N Away 12v coffee maker travel kit
Long before Starbucks, Americans used 12v coffee makers to brew coffee in the car. The equipment choices were extensive.
For example, Empire was a leading brand, with their Travl-Perk, Car’-N-Home, and KarMate 8-piece Coffee Console.
Dynamic Classics hawked the Deluxe Fast Perk Auto Coffee Percolator, and Girard had the Travelmate. Even JC Penney had a kit.
Scrolling through the listings is like going on an archeological dig through mid-century Americana.
In-Car Coffee Makers for Today
Hand-Pump Espresso Makers
While single-serve coffee makers are dime a dozen, the vast majority use household current. Nonetheless, there are many car-powered options for coffee on the go. The Handpresso, mentioned above, is an attractive option. Some are powered while others are completely manual. Use the pump to add pressure, pour in hot water, and voila.
A similar option is the Wacaco Nanopresso, a popular portable espresso maker. It comes in a wide range of colors to complement any interior.
The Nanopresso uses ground coffee or Nespresso capsules. It’s small enough to stow in a cupholder. Like the Handpresso, you’ll need to supply hot water.
Small 12v Coffee Pots
Small 12v Coffee PotsIf heating water separately is too much fuss, consider a RoadPro model. It works like a scaled-down kitchen counter unit. This little wonder brews a whopping 20 ounces of coffee in no time. eBay lists dozens of options for RoadPro 12v coffee makers.
It’s important to find a safe platform to situate the RoadPro.
Power-Tool Coffee
The Makita DCM501Z Cordless Coffee Maker is the perfect gift for caffeine-addicted Makita cordless tool owners. This beauty comes in aqua blue or red. It brews a five-ounce cup of joe from ground coffee in five minutes.
The DCM501Z uses either an 18v LXT or 12v max CXT lithium-ion battery. It does not require a paper filter.
Coffee and the highway are forever intertwined. Are in-car 12v coffee makers due for a renaissance in America? Please tell us how you make joe on the go in the comments below.
PSA: Never brew your coffee while driving. Life on the road is dangerous enough. If you choose to indulge in a self-brewed steaming hot cup of java on the road, please do so safely. Pull over, brew your coffee, and enjoy it. Then be on your way.
See 12-Volt Portable Coffee Makers for sale on eBay.
