Great coffee is an experience. It’s the comforting taste of familiarity and the promise of a fantastic day.
If you love coffee as much as I do, then you know that taking your favorite brand of bean elixir on vacation is non-negotiable.
But if you’re a serious coffee lover, you know that a great cup of joe doesn’t just happen on its own. It takes planning and the right tools, especially when heading to the great outdoors, where your options can be limited.
Aside from the beans, having a great coffee grinder is key to a fresh cup of coffee.
Stick with me as we explore different features of camping coffee grinders and how to find the perfect coffee grinder for your camping needs!
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Why should you bring a coffee grinder along when camping?
For starters, coffee grinders give you more control over the final product. This is a must if you’re picky about your coffee (like me).
Different types of coffee require slight differences in the grind itself. For example, great espresso requires a finer grind, while a French press requires a coarser grind.
And aside from the grind size itself is the freshness.
Freshly ground beans make all the difference in taste. When coffee is pre-ground, it begins to lose its flavor immediately.
You’ll be rewarded with a cup that’s infinitely fresher and tastier by grinding your beans right before brewing.
Coffee grinders also come in handy if camping in a remote location without access to pre-ground coffee. If this is the case, you’ll definitely want to invest in a camping coffee grinder!
And not to mention the fact that grinding your own beans out in nature only enhances the DIY experience inherent to camping.
What should you consider when selecting a camping coffee grinder?
When choosing a camping coffee grinder, remember a few things.
Type of Camping
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the type of camping you’ll be doing.
Are you car camping? Backpacking? Canoeing?
Each activity has different weight and space constraints, affecting the type of grinder you can bring along.
Access to Electricity
You’ll also want to determine whether you’ll have access to electricity. If not, an electric coffee grinder won’t do you much good!
Brewing Solo or for a Crowd
Next, think about how much coffee you’ll realistically be drinking.
If you’re camping with a group, you might want to opt for a larger grinder that can accommodate more beans.
On the other hand, if you’re camping solo or plan on enjoying just a cup or two each day, a smaller grinder will do the trick.
Brewing Technique
Consider your brew of choice. Are you a sucker for fresh espresso? Or do you love your French press? Perhaps your perfect cup of coffee is a drip brew.
Regardless of the brewing method, you’ll need a consistent grind.
And the brewing process depends on grounds of a specific size. You will, therefore, want to make sure the travel grinder can produce the correct consistency.
Ease of Use
Suppose you have difficulty with repetitive hand movements. In that case, you may want to consider a battery-operated grinder instead of a manual one.
After all, there’s no point in buying a portable grinder if it’s too difficult to operate! The hand crank on a manual grinder requires a bit of extra sweat equity.
Extra Features
Last but not least, consider the features that are important to you.
Choose the grinder that has the features that matter most to you!
Some camping coffee grinders have built-in storage for beans and grounds, while others have collapsible handles for easy packing.
A Brief Overview of Coffee Grinders
Now that you know what to look for in a camping coffee grinder, it’s time to decide between a manual or electric model.
Electric vs. Manual
Manual coffee grinders are typically smaller and more lightweight than their electric counterparts, making them ideal for backpacking and camping trips where space is limited.
They also tend to be more affordable and quieter than electric models. A manual grinder is also great for promoting a meditative morning experience.
On the downside, manual coffee grinders can be more challenging to use and require more elbow grease to get the job done.
They’re also not ideal for large camping groups who might need to grind many beans at once.
Electric coffee grinders are great for camping groups or anyone who wants a quick and easy way to grind their beans.
They’re also more versatile, as most models can be used to grind things like spices.
The downside of electric coffee grinders is that they require batteries, a charge, or an outlet to operate, which might not be available when camping in remote locations.
They’re also larger and heavier than manual grinders, making them less ideal for backpacking.
Some people also feel that the heat produced from an electric grinder adds a bitter flavor to the beans.
So, which type of camping coffee grinder is right for you?
It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you want a lightweight and compact grinder for solo camping trips, go with a manual model.
Go electric if you’re camping with a group or need a quick and easy way to grind your beans.
Burr vs. Blade
Regarding camping coffee grinders, there are two main types: burr and blade.
Burr grinders have two revolving abrasive surfaces (called “burrs”), which crush and grind the beans as they pass through.
This results in a more uniform grind that is perfect for making coffee. Burr grinders can be either manual or electric.
On the downside, burr grinders are typically more expensive than blade grinders and can be more challenging to clean.
Blade grinders have a spinning blade that chops the beans as it spins. This results in a less uniform grind better suited for making coffee.
Blade grinders are usually electric but can also be manual.
So, which type of grinder is right for you?
If you want a uniform grind and are willing to pay more, go with a burr grinder.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option that is easy to use, go with a blade grinder.
Ceramic vs. Steel
If you opt for a burr grinder, you must select either ceramic or steel burrs.
Ceramic stays sharper for longer than steel and doesn’t rust or corrode over time. They’re also less likely to heat up during grinding, which preserves the flavor of your beans.
Due to its durability over time and grind consistency, ceramic is typically more expensive. On the downside, ceramic is more fragile than steel and can break if dropped.
In other words, if your camping style is Bear Grylls, you might want to stick with steel.
Steel is not as sharp as ceramic but can withstand more wear and tear. Steel is also generally less expensive.
So, which type of blade is right for you?
If you want a grinder that will last for years and preserve the flavor of your beans, go with ceramic.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that can take a beating, go with steel.
Manual Coffee Grinders
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Bean Grinder
If you’re looking for a quiet, meditative coffee grinding experience, then you’ve found it in the JavaPresse Manual Coffee Bean Grinder! And with 18 grind settings, you’re guaranteed to find the setting perfect for your favorite brew.
Weighing in at 9.4 ounces, this ceramic burr grinder is an essential part of your camping gear, especially if you’re into backpacking.
This hand grinder forms the foundation of a great cup of coffee, but it’s not designed for a crowd. In other words, if you’re looking for a grinder that accommodates more than one cup of coffee at a time, it’s not the best option.
But this grinder does rank #1 in the manual grinder category on Amazon. And it has almost 22,000 ratings with a score of 4.2 out of 5 stars. It’s a great overall option for backpackers and solo coffee lovers.
Click here for a price check on Amazon.
Heihox Manual Coffee Grinder
The Heihox Manual Coffee Grinder features stainless steel burrs and 24-click settings to ensure the perfect grind. It features a reasonably smooth hand grinding experience, making it the ideal companion for your next camping trip!
And this model also features an affordable price which is better than many other hand grinders on the market today.
Although it features a compact design, this grinder isn’t designed for mass coffee making. Similar to other manual grinders on the market, you may want to look elsewhere if you’re brewing coffee for more than 1 or 2 people.
Another drawback is the grind adjustment switch which is somewhat difficult to turn. Although it can produce a fine and even grind, changing grind settings is challenging.
The Heihox comes with a brush for cleaning and a drawstring bag for traveling. It’s a solid investment if you’re looking for a quality manual grinder.
Click here for a price check on Amazon.
Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder
The Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder has a sleek and modern design that highlights its quality construction. It has an array of settings from fine to coarse grind and can accommodate a variety of brew methods.
This grinder has a stainless steel conical burr and weighs just over 15 ounces. Although its grind capacity is small, this particular coffee grinder is faster than other manual grinders on the market.
And its overall quality makes it a top pick for the best coffee grinder.
If you’re looking for a premium manual coffee grinder at a reasonable price, this is the one for you!
Click here for a price check on Amazon.
VSSL Java Manual Hand Coffee Grinder
The VSSL Java Manual Hand Coffee Grinder offers a premium coffee grinding experience with a carabiner that doubles as a hand crank. The durable air-craft grade aluminum lends itself well to any rugged camping excursion you throw at it.
The VSSL grinder has stainless steel burrs and 50 grind settings to accommodate various ground sizes. It can accommodate around 20 grams of coffee beans, and many reviewers comment that it grinds quickly compared to similar models.
The only drawback is that this grinder is on the high end of the price spectrum. On the flip side, the VSSL was made to withstand the elements. And it can produce a ground of any size, ranging from very fine for Turkish coffee to coarse for a French press.
Between the durability, variability of grind, and speed, the VSSL Java Manual Hand Coffee Grinder is the premium grinder for serious outdoor coffee enthusiasts.
Click here for a price check on Amazon.
Electric Coffee Grinders
Outin Portable Cordless Burr Coffee Grinder
Are you looking for an electric grinder that will produce coffee grounds for more than one cup of joe? If so, you need to consider the Outin Portable Cordless Burr Coffee Grinder.
The grinder features 5 different settings to ensure an optimal grind for your favorite coffee beans. And when fully charged, it has enough juice to power 20 grinds.
This grinder features conical ceramic burrs and can hold up to 50 grams of coffee beans.
It’s also less noisy than other portable coffee grinders, making it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the serenity of nature.
The Outin model comes with a handy velvet carrying case, so you won’t get coffee grounds in your luggage.
And whether you’re preparing coffee for a crowd or simply prefer to grind larger quantities, this model can handle whatever you throw at it!
It even comes with a glass container and lid to store excess grounds.
Overall, the Outin Portable Cordless Burr Coffee Grinder is an excellent choice for anyone preferring the convenience of an electric grinder with the tranquility of a manual one.
Click here for a price check on Amazon.
Paracity Electric Burr Grinder
Weighing in at just over a pound, the Paracity Electric Burr Grinder is a great little grinder for anyone on a budget. It has a USB charger and conical ceramic burrs so your beans won’t overheat during grinding.
The Paracity grinder also has adjustable grind settings so you can make delicious coffee regardless of how you like your brew.
Although a tremendous little grinder, reviewers have previously indicated this brewer is somewhat loud and on the slower side.
So, if solitude and speed are what you’re after, you may want to keep scrolling.
Overall, this is a great little grinder for someone who doesn’t want to invest much money into their coffee camping gear but still wants the opportunity for a fresh brew rather than instant coffee.
Click here for a price check on Amazon.
DmofwHi USB Rechargeable Coffee Bean Grinder
If you’re preparing coffee for a crowd, this is the electric grinder for you!
Featuring stainless steel blades, this grinder can produce grounds for up to 12 cups of coffee at once. It’s also quieter than many other electric coffee grinders.
One unique feature of the DmofwHi is the removable grind bowl. Its design prevents grounds from flying everywhere during use. And it allows you to thoroughly clean the grinding chamber.
This versatile grinder can also be used for spices, so you may not want to write it off as solely a camping coffee grinder.
You can adjust the ground size by controlling how long the machine grinds.
For a coarser ground, simply run the machine for 5 seconds. And for finer ground, run it for 20 seconds.
The DmofwHi is an ideal grinder for anyone looking to brew coffee for a crowd. It also offers a quiet grind experience and the ability to grind spices and nuts.
And it comes in multiple colors so if you want something other than black, check this one out!
Click here for a price check on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this post has inspired you to revolutionize how you approach coffee while camping!
Thanks to the portability offered by each of the above grinders, you can make coffee shop quality coffee anywhere.
Now the only thing you have to worry about is remembering to pack your favorite coffee mug!
And don’t forget to leave a comment below with your craziest camping experience!
