I received a KFlow Portable Coffee Maker at no cost to evaluate; otherwise, I have received no compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.
A frequent question among campers is how to make coffee while camping. Several options are available, including full-sized coffee makers, instant coffee, and cowboy coffee, among others. When I had the opportunity to evaluate the KFlow Portable Coffee Maker, I was interested.
The small coffee maker is only 2.8 x 2.8 x 6.3-inches and 14.2 ounces, making it easy to pack in luggage or a camping chuck box. The stand, two espresso cups, and coffee maker nest together, giving it a compact, sleek appearance. While I didn’t do any endurance testing, the coffee maker appears to be sturdy.
Several versions are available, giving you a choice to use Dolce Gusto capsules, Nespresso capsules, or ground coffee. We tested the one for ground coffee.
The coffee maker is easy to use and brews espresso quickly. First, add ground coffee to the coffee holder and fill the water tank with hot water. The manufacturer suggests a water temperature between 196 and 203-degrees. After adding the water, press the water pump stick at two-second intervals to brew the espresso. I found it takes about 35 pumps to empty the water chamber.
I was disappointed to learn that the coffee maker cannot heat the water, so you still must use another pot to brew coffee. However, I can see this product being helpful for someone with a way to heat water but not brew coffee.
The cups are tiny, espresso-sized cups. However, you can quickly turn espresso into a regular cup of coffee by adding hot water and using a larger cup. While it only brews one cup at a time, the coffee maker is fast enough to brew multiple cups in only a few minutes, provided you heat enough water.
The coffee maker comes apart for easy cleanup. It has a 12-month warranty against defects due to faulty materials or workmanship, with you responsible for the shipping cost to return the product for repair or exchange.
As of this writing, the KFlow Portable Coffee Maker is available at Amazon.com for $65.99, although I noticed Amazon currently has a 50% off coupon available. While the portability and ease of use make this coffee maker perfect for backpacking, I will stick with my coffee pot that heats the water and brews the coffee simultaneously.
With the amount of coffee that I drink I think I’d stick with my cone-shaped coffee filter that I can just pour hot water through into my thermal mug and that is just three mugs a day.
Yea, I don’t think this would make enough coffee quickly enough for the amount you drink! LOL
Interesting gadget. How did the coffee taste?
We noticed that it did have a faint plastic taste.
What a bummer that this portable coffee maker can’t also heat the water. I would feel like that’s more of an issue than brewing coffee is 😅
Thanks for the review.
I was disappointed to find that it didn’t heat the water. I see the coffee question come up a lot in camping groups so I guess finding a way to brew the coffee itself is an issue that this coffee maker could solve.
I like that it’s small enough for easy travel, but sounds like it’s not ideal when you have to still heat water up somehow.
That was my thought. I can see how it could come in handy for people who have been making cowboy coffee.
Great tips on making coffee while camping!
We enjoy the peacefulness of a cup of coffee in nature.
The water heating factor is annoying, but seems decent for a camping option. Especially with a 50% off coupon!
I guess if you have a way to heat water but not brew coffee, it would be perfect.
What a great camping option! And the coupon is great!
I always love a great deal.
What an honest review. Thank you! I like the idea, but my coffee is my heart and soul and I like it HOT and a lot of it 😘
The cup size was a lot small for me.
It seems like an interesting concept, but kind of defeats the purpose of being small and easily transportable if you still need to add equipment for heating the water! I guess a little more development is needed and it would be great! I tend to just boil water on the fire in a pot and use a French press for great tasting and super hot coffee!
I would agree. Most backpackers carry a small way to heat water, so I think it could work as an easier way to brew in that situation. Personally, I will stick with my Bialetti.
What an interesting coffee maker. We have a presspot in the trailer.
I can see this being useful for backpacking, but we aren’t that concerned about the space.
I guess it would work for the groups that have tea drinkers too. You could heat the water for everyone at once
That would work.
Portable coffee maker? Yes please!
Just because you are out in nature doesn’t mean you don’t need your coffee.