Can you have a USB coffee grinder in a campervan?

Yes, you can absolutely have a coffee grinder in a campervan and USB rechargeable coffee grinders are widely available.

We bought ours recently to try out and now I’ve got to find somewhere for it as a permanent fixture. Freshly ground coffee really is worth the wait!

Yes it’s a little noisy, and it does take a few minutes to grind enough coffee for your morning brew but who said all good things come to those who wait?

Are USB coffee grinders any good?

Our grinder came with a USB cable for charging (USB-A to micro USB) which was about 8 inches long and charged to full power within a couple of hours. Once fully charged the little light turns from red to green.

As you’ll see in the video, it is a little noisy but then it is grinding little hard coffee beans into dust so you’d imagine there has to be some noise to match the effort required.

And yes, it did take a while. A home grinder that works from mains power should be able to grind enough for a cup in around 30 seconds. This little grinder took considerably longer (around 3 to 4 minutes) which is no big deal really if you’re flying solo but may become tiresome if you’re making coffee for a group of you.

Being one of the cheaper models (Under £20 at the time of writing) it doesn’t have an option for finer or coarser grinds either but as we stick to the Aeropress we really didn’t mind that but it’s something to bear in mind if you have a selection of brewing options and would like to change the grind consistency.

If you want the true camping experience you might like to try making some authentic cowboy coffee once you’ve ground your beans.

How to make authentic cowboy coffee

What is Cowboy Coffee?

Cowboy coffee is a method of making coffee that has been used for centuries, particularly by cowboys and other travellers who spent time on the trail. The method involves brewing coffee in a pot or kettle over an open fire or stove, without the use of a filter.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To make cowboy coffee, you will need the following supplies:

• Coffee beans or grounds
• Water
• A pot or kettle with a lid
• A heat source (such as a campfire or stove)
• A metal spoon
• A mug or cup

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee Beans (Optional)

If you are using whole coffee beans, you may want to grind them before brewing. You can use a manual grinder or an electric grinder if you have access to electricity. The coffee should be coarsely ground for cowboy coffee, as a finer grind can make the coffee grounds slip through the spout of the pot.

Step 3: Add Coffee and Water to the Pot

Add your desired amount of coffee and water to the pot. As a general rule of thumb, use one tablespoon of coffee per cup of water. However, you can adjust the amounts depending on your personal preference.

Step 4: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the pot over the heat source (a campfire is perfect for the full authentic cowboy experience) and bring the water to a boil. Keep an eye on the pot, as the water can boil over if it gets too hot.

Step 5: Remove the Pot from the Heat

Once the water has boiled, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the coffee grounds to settle to the bottom of the pot. You can pour a little cold water on the top to help the grounds drop to the bottom.

Step 6: Skim the Coffee Grounds

Using a metal spoon, skim the coffee grounds from the top of the pot. This will help prevent them from getting into your cup.

Step 7: Pour the Coffee

Slowly pour the coffee into your mug or cup. Be careful not to pour too quickly, as this can cause the coffee grounds to flow into your cup.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Coffee

Sip and enjoy your cowboy coffee! You can add sugar, milk, or cream if you like, or enjoy it black.

What type of beans should I buy to try in my coffee grinder?

1. Arabica beans: Arabica beans are the most widely used coffee beans in the world, known for their delicate flavors and aromas. They’re usually more expensive than other types of beans, but they’re worth the price if you’re looking for a high-quality cup of coffee.
2. Robusta beans: Robusta beans are less expensive than Arabica beans and have a stronger, more bitter flavor. They’re often used in espresso blends to give them a more robust flavor.
3. Single-origin beans: Single-origin beans come from a single farm or region, which gives them unique flavor profiles based on the soil, climate, and other growing conditions. They’re a great choice if you want to explore the different flavor notes that coffee can offer.
4. Blend beans: Blends are a combination of different types of beans, often designed to create a specific flavor profile. They’re a good option if you want a more consistent flavor from cup to cup.

In general, it’s a good idea to buy high-quality beans that are fresh and have been roasted recently. Look for beans that have a roast date on the packaging so you know they’re fresh. And if you’re buying whole beans, make sure to store them in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture to keep them fresh for longer.