The 5 Best Camping Coffee Pots

While a camping kettle might be able to get the job done, no real coffee can can truly go camping without the best camping coffee pot. Coffee percolators and cast iron skillets have been a staple of outdoor camping and hiking since the days of the old west. Fortunately, making a good cup of coffee or simply boiling water while camping has become much easier than in the old west with the help of quality campfire coffee pots. There are many camping coffee percolators on the market today – so many in fact, that a buyer will need to narrow them down. Keep reading for our five camping coffee pot reviews and ratings below!

The 5 Top Camping Coffee Pots

Though we recommend all 5 of the camping percolator coffee pots shown below, we do have our favorites. And as with any small cooking appliance, our best and favorite campfire coffee pot may not be yours. Be sure before buying to check the ratings, the size of the appliance, and how it operates. To assist your with your choice, presented below are more detailed reviews and star ratings of the 5 best camping coffee pots we recommend.

Best Choice
Our Score 10 Out of 10
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Premium Pick
Our Score 10 Out of 10
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Best Value
Our Score 8 Out of 10
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Editor’s Choice
Our Score 8 Out of 10
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Honorable Mention
Our Score 6 Out of 10
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* Ratings are determined using our specialized rating system.

Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee Percolator

Our Score 10 out of 10
Farberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator - 8 Cup, Silver
Farberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator - 8 Cup, Silver amazon.com Check price

Classic coffee maker: Make delicious coffee morning or evening with The Original 8-Cup Farberware Stovetop Percolator
Durable and convenient: Heavy-duty stainless steel coffee maker is polished to ...

The Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee Percolator is made from a heavy-duty stainless steel. And with all older type percolators the clear plastic bubble on top will tell you when the coffee starts “percolating”. Included on the inside is a permanent filter basket – so you don’t have to use paper filters. This 4-8 cup percolator is our favorite as it just says, “We are camping.”

Pros
  • No need for a paper filter, cutting down on camping waste
  • Dishwasher-safe design makes for easy cleaning upon returning home
  • Inner lip makes it difficult to drain the liquids inside
Cons
  • Inner lip makes it difficult to drain the liquids inside

Coleman 12 Cup Stainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot

Our Score 10 out of 10
Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator, 12 Cup
Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator, 12 Cup amazon.com Check price

Camping percolator quickly brews up to 12 cups of coffee on a camping stove or grill
Stainless steel construction resists corrosion and wipes down easily
Includes base, tube, basket, and basket lid...

The Coleman 12 Cup Stainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot is larger than most, serving up to 12 cups. It is also made of stainless steel vs. aluminum or enamel coated aluminum. The percolator top is also glass and not plastic. It comes with the “insides” of the metal stem and basket. Though it is more expensive than most of our other best choice camping coffee percolators, we like the larger pot size, the real glass top and the fact that it is stainless steel.

Interested in a Coleman coffee maker? Read our expanded Coleman coffee makers review here.

Pros
  • Large size can brew up to 12 cups of water or coffee to serve a group
  • Includes metal basket for paperless filtering
  • The percolator knob may break if twisted too tightly
Cons
  • The percolator knob may break if twisted too tightly

Stansport Aluminum Percolator Coffee Pot, 9 Cups

Our Score 8 out of 10
Stansport Aluminum Percolator Coffee Pot, 9 Cups
Stansport Aluminum Percolator Coffee Pot, 9 Cups amazon.com Check price

Sport Type: Outdoor Lifestyle

The Stansport Aluminum Percolator Coffee Pot comes in two sizes; a nine cup or a 20 cup size. This review concerns the smaller nine cup product. This Stansport coffee maker is made from a rust-proof polished aluminum, though it is somewhat thin as far as campfire coffee pots go. The percolator stem and basket (both also aluminum) are also included. This product is somewhat different in that it has a handle on top vs. on the side. This is important as the flames from a camping cooking fire sometimes burn your hand when coming in from the side (with side-handle pots).

Pros
  • Includes metal basket for paperless filtering
  • Flimsy handle may warp or dig into hands when pot is full
Cons
  • Flimsy handle may warp or dig into hands when pot is full

GSI Outdoors 8 Cup Red Coffee Percolator Pot

Our Score 8 out of 10
GSI Outdoors 8 Cup Percolator, Red #01254
GSI Outdoors 8 Cup Percolator, Red #01254 amazon.com Check price

STAY CAFFEINATED: Coffee? Always! The Enamelware Percolator makes your caffeine needs attainable for any campsite, cabin, RV, or even a retro farmhouse kitchen.
STURDY STRUCTURE: Built from heavy-g...

The GSI Outdoors 8 Cup Red Coffee Percolator Pot really sticks out with its bright red coloration. It’s made of steel with a baked-on enamel coating. This campfire coffee pot can make up to eight cups of coffee. It comes with the stem and basket, both made of metal. The larger-than-average percolator “dome” on top is made of a hard plastic. The color and size are great, but several reviews reported that the lid was not a tight fit and it leaked after a few uses.

Pros
  • Enamel coating protects the coffee percolator and insulates the pot
  • Plastic percolator lid durable and perfect for being beaten around while camping
  • Includes metal basket for paperless filtering
  • Lid may leak after multiple uses
Cons
  • Lid may leak after multiple uses

Coleman 14 Cup Coffee Pot Percolator

Our Score 6 out of 10
Coleman Enamelware Percolator, 14 Cup
Coleman Enamelware Percolator, 14 Cup amazon.com Check price

Camping percolator quickly brews up to 14 cups of coffee on a camping stove or grill
Comes complete with wide base, tube, basket, and basket lid
Lightweight and rugged design ideal for regular outd...

This Coleman 14 Cup Coffee Pot Percolator is larger than most, holding up to 14 cups. Included in the pot are the tube, basket, and basket lid – all made of metal. According to the manufacturer, the blue enamel is double coated to resist cracking and chipping. Though we love the look and the size of this campfire coffee pot, we don’t care for the inside. The tube and basket are thinly made and don’t seem to be the correct size for the camp coffee percolator.

Pros
  • Extremely large size for serving groups
  • Enamel coating protects the coffee pot and insulates the pot
  • Includes metal basket for paperless filtering
  • Inner tube and basket don’t fit properly
  • The percolator knob is fragile
Cons
  • Inner tube and basket don’t fit properly
  • The percolator knob is fragile

Important Features to Consider

Since coffee percolators made specifically for camping and hiking are made to be placed over a fire or on a hot grill, the best campfire coffee pots are made from materials such as:

  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Baked ceramic (usually over a metal base)

Generally, the more expensive camping coffee pots are made from stainless steel, while the less expensive ones are made from aluminum. Of course, camp coffee percolators with plastic handles or parts should not be used in or near an open flame because of the risk of melting.

How Many Cups of Coffee Can a Camping Coffee Percolator Make?

One of the most important questions before buying a camping or backcountry coffee pot, is how much does it brew? Generally, percolators come in these sizes:

  • 8 cup
  • 9 cup
  • 12-14 cup

Remember, however, that a “cup”, as defined in coffee terms is a traditional cooking “cup”. Many newer camping mugs are much larger than the traditional coffee cup and can hold up to two traditional cups. When purchasing a camping coffee percolator for camping or hiking, also note that the higher the volume, the heavier the pot. Larger percolators also usually need a larger grill, metal grate, or stronger camping hook. However, even a larger percolator allows you to be more self-sufficient while camping than a battery operated coffee maker or camping coffee makers, unless you don’t intend to start a fire while camping.

How do Percolators Work?

One of the traditional methods of brewing coffee in the United States, percolating coffee is a method that should be familiar to any coffee-drinkers, even in the outdoors. Its compact and lightweight design is perfect for a camping trip, as is its simple, no-frills functionality. You’re sure to be able to get a delicious cup of joe when you bring a coffee percolator camping.

But how do coffee percolators work? The science is fairly simple. Inside of the coffee percolator, boiling water is put in the bottom of the kettle and a tube is secured inside of it. When the water boils, water moves up the tube and rains down on a basket mounted about halfway down the shaft. That basket holds the coffee grounds, which emit their signature flavor and aroma as the hot water runs throug them. Then, the water falls back down to the bottom to repeat the cycle until you have nothing but a used coffee filter and delicious, delicious coffee.

There are a few different types of percolators, but your preference will depend on if you’re going tent camping or RV camping.

Stovetop Percolators

A stovetop percolator is likely what comes to mind when you’re thinking about brewing coffee outdoors. These percolators have no internal heating mechanism and must be placed over a stove—whether it’s a camping stove or an electric stove—to heat the water. Though functional off-the-grid, stovetop coffee percolators need to be watched to ensure the coffee is brewed properly, as over-boiling can release bitterness in the coffee.

Electric Percolators

An electric percolator can be taken camping if you have an electrical source to power your gadgets. Perfect for RV camping, electric coffee percolators will automatically stop the brewing process when the coffee is perfect. This makes for a consistent brew you don’t have to watch like a hawk while you’re enjoying your vacation. Generally, electric coffee percolators will automatically switch to warming mode when the brew is completed.

No matter what kind of coffee percolator you choose, you’re sure to get a delicious brew while your outdoors. Just make sure not to let it over-boil!

What Other Things Can a Camping Coffee Pot be Used For?

A camp coffee pot packed for camping isn’t just for making coffee. These appliances can also be used for:

  • Making coffee or boiling water for tea
  • Hot cider
  • Heating soup
  • Heating water for boiled hot dogs

The important thing to remember about cooking while camping is to keep your camping mess kit compact and use all your camping gear for as many purposes as possible. Why? So you don’t have carry, transport, or hike with as much gear! Why pack both a small percolator and a pot to boil water when a larger coffee pot will do both?

Don’t forget when you’re packing your coffee pot that you’ll need a travel coffee grinder and a coffee thermos to go with it. The oil in coffee beans preserves better when the beans are whole, so you’ll need a grinder to make the best coffee while camping.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer to use a camping coffee percolator, travel french press, a pour-over coffee maker, or a camping espresso maker, having access to coffee while you’re camping can really elevate the experience. That’s why we recommend the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 8-Cup Coffee Percolator for its power as an efficient coffee percolator, its professional quality, and its top-notch size. Buy a camping coffee pot today and find for yourself the joys of brewing your own coffee in the wilderness.

It is said that memories are made by sight, smell, and taste. And by choosing and buying the right camping percolator coffee pot, you can enjoy that memory for many years to come.

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