Yes it’s true, I officially can’t drink coffee. And while there have been many late nights and early mornings where a heart palpitating pick-me-up would have come in handy, I just can’t drink the stuff without becoming ill. So why am I writing about coffee makers? Well, I think my editor is secretly trying to kill me…
In reality, who better to find the coolest products than someone looking at life from the outside in? So while I can’t drink the stuff, I’ve spent my life around plenty of folk who are lifeless zombies before inhaling a few cups of warm black liquid. I have a fair idea of what works and what doesn’t. And I also love finding the latest gizmos and gadgets – some of these machines are works of art!
But enough of my ramblings, I’d love to hear what you guys think is the best way to make a decent brew while on the road. Is a simple billy the way to go, or would you prefer to see one of these beauties on your camp table?
AEROPRESS
The Aeropress is a novel idea, which essentially is a press-type coffee maker that allows for a slow and filtered drip into your favourite mug. It’s fast acting too, with the manufacturers claiming the whole process from start to finish only takes around two minutes. Total immersion of the coffee grind results in a uniform extraction of flavour that must be the coffee-drinker-equivalent of putting warm beer in the fridge. Good coffee, in other words. By using the ideal water temperature (80°C) and gentle air-pressure, Aeropress creators even claim this unit will deliver better flavours with lower acidity and without bitterness. And say goodbye to coffee grit in your moustache thanks to the micro filter system that removes any leftover crunchy bits.
Priced From: $40
www.aeropress.com.au
MSR MUGMATES
See, this just makes plain sense. When you’re on the road, cleaning or packing up multiple items is a pain in the backside. So, why not find a coffee filter system that also stores in your mug? The MSR Mugmate is just that – a slimline, reusable filter that easily stores in any cup or mug. Best of all, you can also use it to make a hot chocolate or a cup of tea too, making it perfect for coffee despisers such as myself. Now I can stand around the campfire with a warm cup of Milo, pretending that I can actually drink coffee.
Priced From: $25
www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/cookware/cookware-accessories/mugmate-coffee/tea-filter/product
GSI MINI ESPRESSO MACHINE
This would have to be the coolest coffee maker I found while researching. In fact, it had every coffee drinker in the office yawning and looking for an excuse to fire up the gas cooker. They all wanted to try it out. So what makes the GSI Mini Espresso Machine so cool? I guess it makes you feel like a barista rather than a caffeine addict, which must be good for your sleep deprived and potentially jittery mindset. After seeing the unit in action though, it is really a very cool bit of kit that is amazingly small. And I guess that’s the point. Sure, this is a bit of a luxury novelty for camping. But it’s so small it makes no sense to not bring it.
Priced From $35
www.gsioutdoors.com/products/pdp/1_cup_aluminum_mini_expresso/
ROK ESPRESSO MACHINE
This is the most expensive coffee maker in this list, and reading through the impressive specifications gives an indication as to why. It seems like there is an even longer list of fans and enthusiasts for this nifty little espresso maker, too. This clever unit is powerless, meaning you can use it anywhere with just hot water and some elbow grease. The build quality is up there with a NASA spaceship, which is represented in the 10-year warranty offered on the ROK. It’s a complete package, with filters, a storage tin, stainless steel milk frother and even a coffee scoop and tamper. Apparently it makes a damn fine drop of coffee too, with some even saying it does a better job than a fancy (and doubly expensive) electronic unit you would have at home.
Priced From $199
www.espressounplugged.com.au/rok
TIRED? WHY FRUIT IS BETTER THAN COFFEE
Sorry to be that guy, but when you cant drink coffee due to medical reasons you sometimes need that 3.30pm pickup. Fruits contain natural glucose (sugar) that is low-glycaemic. While fruit doesn’t naturally contain caffeine, apples, bananas and oranges all contain glucose, which offers a similar effect to that of coffee. Best of all, there is no crash down period after eating an apple for example, thanks to the slow release of energy. A coffee on the other hand is like riding a roller coaster. What goes up, must come down!
COFFEE ALTERNATIVES
Sunkist orange soft drink has
a massive 41mg of caffeine
Dark chocolate has more caffeine than light chocolate
Chocolate or coffee ice cream
Weight loss pills (some can contain the equivalent of 12 cups of coffee)
Headache and pain relief tablets
Energy drinks with guarana
Breath fresheners… weird, but true
A cup of tea is loaded with caffeine
Energized sunflower seeds. Yep, sunflower seeds infused with caffeine
