This review is for all our fellow coffee lovers who have a small RV kitchen. Morning coffee is a MUST for us, so when we first set up our RV kitchen a coffeemaker was at the top of our list!
The problem is, our RV kitchen has very limited counter space – about 4” around the sink and stove. There was no room for our drip coffeemaker. We inspected and measured a variety of coffeemakers – from K-Cups, to smaller drip machines, and even under-cabinet models, and not a single model would fit in our new kitchen.
Then we had a great idea, and dug out our old stainless steel stovetop coffee percolator from our tent camping days. It’s the perfect solution for us, as we can store it on the stovetop when set up, and easily stow it away in a drawer for travel. It doubles as a water kettle and doesn’t require disposable products like filters or K-Cups.
Of course the real test is whether it makes the perfect cup of coffee – and I’m glad to say it does! And if your RV has enough room for a traditional coffeemaker, a percolator makes a great backup, too.
While most RV kitchens have limited counter space, ours has even less – just a 4-inch strip around the sink and a flip-up leaf! That’s not to mention the expansive – and temporary – counter space added while employing the sink covers.
This limited space makes an electric coffee maker impractical as we’d need to put it away every day. In spite of this challenge when we began full-time RVing we looked at ways we could creatively fit one anyway. I was so bent on this project that I suggested we make a small rolling cart for it!
We nixed that idea pretty quickly, and started looking at the overwhelming myriad of other coffee making devices and gadgets in the market. I suspected we could find an under-cabinet drip unit and we set out shopping and measuring every model known to the modern world.
Our Solution
While I thought we could find an under counter model our cabinets hang pretty low and a coffeemaker would have gotten in our way of cooking and cleaning. That, and I didn’t think it wouldn’t look good.
I reluctantly looked at the K-Cup coffeemakers (I don’t like the disposable cups) but even the smallest model was too big and bulky. Ditto for Espresso machines and electric percolators.
Then we had the perfect idea to simply use our GSI Outdoors 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator, which we used while tent camping over the years.
It turned out to be the perfect solution, because it could sit on our stove top, store away easily if needed. Plus, it quickly makes a perfect pot of coffee in less than 10 minutes, and uses no disposable filters or cups!
After using my percolator for a while, we even bought a second percolator. Rich likes regular coffee and I’ve switched to decaf, so we each brew our own coffee (yeah, we’re that serious about coffee). The second percolator is an 8-cup size and serves double-duty, since we can perk more coffee when we have guests, too.
The 12-cup GSI Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator is lightweight, durable, economical, easy to use, and – most importantly – makes a great pot of coffee!
Pros
- Makes great tasting pot of coffee!
- Quality 18-gauge Stainless Steel
- Cost-effective – no filters required
- Space-efficient: Can be left on stovetop, stored away, or even used outside
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- Environmentally friendly
- No electricity required
- Perking process allows for individualized brew strength
- Makes a great pot of coffee with little space
Cons
- You need to be near coffee as it perks so it doesn’t boil over (no ability to set a timer, etc.)
- Glass tops can fall come loose and may need to buy a replacement top
Summary
The Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator is perfect for all RV’ers. Even if your RV has plenty of counter space, and you have a countertop or under-cabinet model, a percolator can serve as a great backup. It’s also great for making coffee outside, whether you’re tenting or Rving.
If you’re looking for a portable, durable and flexible coffee maker, the Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator is a great solution for any home!