You may know by now that brewing coffee simply transforms coffee beans into a drink, and there are different ways to do so. One of which is “cowboy coffee,” which is utilized all over the world.
Table Of Contents
−- What is Cowboy coffee?
- Cowboy coffee versus other brewing methods
- What do I need to consider?
- Camping coffee pot: Buyer’s guide
- Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator
- Farberware Yosemite Classic Percolator
- Stansport Aluminum Coffee Pot
- Overmont Camping Kettle
- GraniteWare Coffee Boiler
- Wenzel Camp Coffee Pot
- Eureka! Camp Cafe
- GSI Outdoors Coffee Boiler
- GSI Outdoors Glacier
- GSI Enamelware Coffee Pot
- Chinook Coffee Percolator
- AITREASURE Portable Coffee Pot
- Texsport Stainless Percolator
- Texsport Camping Enamel Percolator
- Stanley Camp Percolator
- Grip Blue Enamel Coffee Percolator
- Cowboy coffee-making tips
What is Cowboy coffee?
As the term implies, this is an excellent method for some adventurous camping, but you can use it anytime and anywhere. Unfortunately, many people treat this method as a means they run to when they have run out of options, but if time is taken to learn the ropes around this, it can produce some delicious gourmet coffee.
Vaughn Robison, a commercial art director and a cowboy, told Sprudge, “I think the cultural draw is largely something that comes from either die-hard cowboys looking to preserve archaic, cultural touchpoints of a utility-based way of life or those who live outside the Western lifestyle but also see it as a dying craft to be preserved,” says Robinson in the interview. “The second group, who have a tendency to romanticize and lust after the Western way of life, is also largely responsible for the fetishization of the method and its resurgence in popular coffee culture.”
Cowboy coffee versus other brewing methods
Back in the 19th century, coffee making was time-consuming. They buy green coffee, roast it, then brew them. They didn’t have much choice, but it also meant that they consumed fresh coffee every time.
One drawback of cowboy coffee is a lot of people get a cup with sediments from the loose grounds. But don’t worry! With enough knowledge and preparation, this is 100% preventable. In addition, cowboy coffee is one of the simplest ways to make a delicious brew on the range. This means you can have an excellent cup even without the expensive machines we have in the market today. You can even brew coffee without the excessive bitterness and acidity. Keep reading to learn more!
What do I need to consider?
The most important considerations when purchasing a cowboy coffee pot are heat retention and durability. Most variants are made from stainless steel or aluminum, but there are other cheaper models available in the form of aluminum. However, note that stainless steel retains heat much better than aluminum.
Camping coffee pot: Buyer’s guide
Wherever you are, a cowboy coffee pot or portable percolator will help you get that much-needed caffeine fix. So here’s a rundown of great portable pots to consider!
Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator
Known for its durability, Coleman’s Stainless Steel Percolator is on this list for a reason. It’s lightweight but large! It has a 12-cup brewing capacity making it perfect for large groups! You can also rely on its capability to resist damage brought about by impacts and moisture. However, take note that the knob on the lid is made of glass and may break easily. But don’t worry! It’s easy to replace.
Top features
- Stainless steel
- Durable
- Rust- and corrosion-resistant
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Easy to clean
- Large capacity
- Replaceable glass knob
Details
- Brand/Model: Coleman 2000016403
- Capacity: 12 cup
- Weight: 2.4lbs
- Size: 9.5” X 8.6” X 6.4”
Pros
- Sleek design
- It comes with a metal basket
- Great for grills and campfires
Cons
- May leak
- Fragile glass knob on the lid
- The basket does not catch all grounds
Farberware Yosemite Classic Percolator
Another durable option is this one from Farberware, which comes in an elegant mirror finish that will surely sit beautifully on any countertop. The handle is heat-resistant for the user’s safety, and the percolator offers a 12-cup capacity. Plus, it’s fully immersible and is dishwasher-safe, so cleaning should be a breeze!
Top features
- Elegant mirror finish
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy to clean
- Large capacity
- Heat-resistant handle
- Durable
- Stainless steel
Details
- Brand/Model: Farberware 47053
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Weight: 2.9lbs
- Size: 8.9” X 7.3” X 10.8”
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Large capacity
- Dishwasher-safe
- Fully immersible
Cons
- May leak
- The seal wears out over time
- Fragile glass piece on the lid
Stansport Aluminum Coffee Pot
At a great value, the Stansport Aluminum Coffee Pot will provide you with some coffee no matter where you are. Its Aluminum build makes it lighter in weight and easier to carry around. In addition, the hand is slender, and the spout is narrow for a more effortless user experience.
Top features
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Capacity markers for more accurate filling
- Stovetop or over-fire
- Top and side handles for easier pouring
- Compact
Details
- Brand/Model: Stansport 277
- Capacity: 9 cups
- Weight: 12.6 ounces (.79lbs)
- Size: 8.5” X 5.5” X 5.5”
Pros
- Rust-proof
- Affordable
- It comes with a basket and a percolator stem
- Fast heating
Cons
- Thin metal build
- Easily burns coffee
- The handle may warp with too much heat
Overmont Camping Kettle
As cowboy as it can be, a kettle will work just as fine, and we recommend this one from Overmont. It’s built with anodized aluminum with a silicone lining on the handle for burn prevention. It has a wide base, so it’s easy to hang or put on a portable stove.
Top features
- Food-grade anodized aluminum
- Wide and stable base
- Silicone handle for burn prevention
- 3-5 minutes of water heating
- It comes with a carrying bag
Details
- Brand/Model: Overmont Kettle-0.8L
- Capacity: 3 cups
- Weight: 7.8 ounces (.49lbs)
- Size: 6.2” X 6.2” X 3.5”
GraniteWare Coffee Boiler
Made of top-quality porcelain is this GraniteWare Coffee Boiler, which is exceptionally great for those who hate the metallic tastes metal pots can bring. The carbon steel core makes it durable to last you a long time. In addition, it boasts fast and even heat distribution to give you better coffee. On the other end, this is heavier than other models because of its porcelain build. But, you can also enjoy this one in the comfort of your home with its sleek exterior adding some nice touch to your kitchen.
Top features
- Carbon steel core
- No metallic taste
- Dishwasher-safe
- Quick heat absorption
- Even heating to avoid hot spots
Details
- Brand/Model: Granite Ware F6006-1
- Capacity: 12.5 cups
- Weight: 6.25lbs
- Size: 9.8” X 9.7” X 9.3”
Wenzel Camp Coffee Pot
This coffee pot from Wenzel is lightweight and portable, thanks to its food-grade aluminum build. It has convenient handles on its top and side, although the handle design could’ve been improved, in my honest opinion. It retains heat, so you might want to use a towel when handling it. Nevertheless, this remains to be a convenient option for campers.
Top features
- Dual handles
- Lightweight aluminum
- Clear knob for easy and clear internal visual field
- Easy pour spout
Details
- Brand/Model: Wenzel 50070
- Capacity: 9 cups
- Weight: 12.8 ounces (.8lbs)
- Size: 5.8” X 5.6” X 8.2”
Eureka! Camp Cafe
One unit with a kettle, pour-over dripper, and a carafe? The Eureka! Camp Cafe is one to look out for. These are also easily stored, as they can fit in the kettle. Additionally, boiling takes twice as fast as most kettles. The carafe and kettle are made of aluminum, with the pour-over dripper and lid built with BPA-free plastic. This is our best bet for pour-over on the go!
Top features
- Boils faster
- Durable build
- BPA-free plastic
- Comes with pour-over dripper and mug
- Integrated lid strainer
- Compact
- Lightweight
Details
- Brand/Model: Eureka! 2572191
- Capacity: 10 cup kettle (7.5-cup carafe)
- Weight: 3.2lbs
- Size: 8” X 8” X 8”
GSI Outdoors Coffee Boiler
This boiler from GSI is excellent for huge groups because of its impressive capacity. It’s built with heavy-duty steel with kiln-hardened enamel. The exterior is also scratch- and chip-resistant to ensure a longer lifespan. So while it may be huge to carry around, it works great for RVs and tent camps.
Top features
- Large capacity
- Kiln-hardened enamel
- Dual handles for easy handling
- Rugged three-ply build
Details
- Brand/Model: GSI Outdoors 15166
- Capacity: 36 cups
- Weight: 4.4lbs
- Size: 10.7” X 9.2” X 13”
GSI Outdoors Glacier
The GSI Outdoors Percolator is perfect for group camping, RVs, or even a home gathering. The lid remains attached with a clear dome for easy monitoring. It is made of heavy-duty stainless steel to keep it in its best shape for longer. The downside worth nothing, though, is that the rear handle can get pretty hot, so be careful!
Top features
- Integrated percolator
- Large capacity
- Pour spout decreases the risk of dripping
- Can be hung or placed on top of the stovetop
- 18/8 stainless steel construction
- Built-in lid with glass viewing dome
Details
- Brand/Model: GSI Outdoors 65036
- Capacity: 36-cup
- Weight: 3.4lbs
- Size: 11” X 9.3” X 11.7”
Pros
- Stylish design
- Affordable
- Lifetime warranty
- The glass dome provides a clear visual field
Cons
- May leak
- The plastic lid seal is not a tight fit
- Heavy
GSI Enamelware Coffee Pot
You might want to check out this GSI Enamelware Coffee Pot for that vintage look and versatility. As the name implies, it’s coated with enamel-like the boiler. It is smaller, yet it comes with an integrated percolator. You can also rely on this to be durable while being attractive.
Top features
- Coated with enamel
- Limits spills
- Even heat distribution
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Resin cap on the lid for a clear visual field
Details
- Brand/Model: GSI Outdoors 15155
- Capacity: 8 cups
- Weight: 1lbs
- Size: 6” X 2” X 6”
Chinook Coffee Percolator
Our favorite for wilderness camps is the Chinook Coffee Percolator. It is lightweight and compact to carry around and even comes with a drawstring to hang on to your backpack easily. It’s durably made with heavy-gauge stainless steel and comes with a Permawood handle that does not retain heat for easy handling.
Top features
- Heat-insulated handle
- Hinged lid with brew viewing dome
- Dishwasher-safe
- 18/8 stainless steel build
- Drawstring bag
- Easy to pack
Details
- Brand/Model: Chinook 41110
- Capacity: 3 cups
- Weight: 13 ounces (.8lbs)
- Size: 4.75” X 3.5” X 3.5”
AITREASURE Portable Coffee Pot
The AITREASURE portable coffee pot is a handy tool that would be great for your hiking trips. It’s also versatile so that you can do more things than one with this equipment. It is compact, especially with its foldable top handle. Plus, it comes with a handy carrying bag too! A downside is the handle design needs more improvement.
Top features
- Versatile
- All-purpose
- It comes with a carrying bag and carabiner
- Retains heat well
- Excellent weight-to-capacity ratio
Details
- Brand/Model: AITREASURE
- Capacity: 5 cups
- Weight: 1.2lbs
- Size: 4.7” X 4.7” X 4.7”
Texsport Stainless Percolator
While the Texsport Stainless Percolator is not your most aesthetically pleasing option, its functionality is an excellent addition to camping trips. Its wide spout allows easy pouring, and its handle resists heat. Another great feature is that its interior components are removable so that you can use it as a standard pot.
Top features
- Easy to disassemble
- Easy to clean
- Markings on the side
- Removable components
- Attached is the lid with the viewing dome
Details
- Brand/Model: Texsport 13215
- Capacity: 9 cups
- Weight: 1.9lbs
- Size: 11” X 9” X 7”
Texsport Camping Enamel Percolator
This enamel variant from Texsport is excellent for RVs due to its portability and homey feel. The blue finish is not only for aesthetic purposes, but it protects the steel body from rust. In addition, the hardened glazed enamel is effective in resisting damage. Pouring is also a breeze with this one!
Top features
- Steel body
- Scratch- and chip-resistant enamel
- Stovetop- or campfire-compatible
- Removable percolator insert
Details
- Brand/Model: Texsport 14516
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Weight: 1.9lbs
- Size: 10” X 6.2” X 8.6”
Stanley Camp Percolator
The Stanley Camp Percolator is 6-cup coffee equipment that’s compact and easy to use. The silicone handle resists heat for easy pouring. On the other end, the pot holds up well. As a result, coffee stays hot for up to 4 hours!
Top features
- Silicone cool-grip handle
- Great heat retention
- Durable stainless steel construction
- The attached lid has a viewing dome
- Lightweight
- Compact
Details
- Brand/Model: Stanley Camp Percolator
- Capacity: 6 cups
- Weight: 1.4lbs
- Size: 8.1” X 4.6” X 8.5”
Grip Blue Enamel Coffee Percolator
Last on our list is this one from Grip. It has a classic aesthetic and is made of enamel-glazed steel, which resists rust. It’s also a durable material. In addition, it has a side and top handle for easy handling. In our opinion, this comes at a better value than other options!
Top features
- Lightweight
- Large capacity
- Rust-proof
- Durable
- Built-in handle for easy hanging over flames
- Dual handle
Details
- Brand/Model: Grip Blue Enamel
- Capacity: 8 cups
- Weight: 1.4lbs
- Size: 6.5” X 8” X 9.5”
Cowboy coffee-making tips
The best time to brew cowboy coffee is, of course, when you go camping. Being out in nature is fun and games, but imagine not having fresh coffee? Even if you’re used to manual brewing at home, things can still be different if you’re out at a campsite. The reduced access to electricity can change a lot of things. Thus, we’ve compiled some coffee-making tips that may help you!
Grinding coffee
Use fresh grounds to have the best tasting cup of Joe! The way to do this is to grind whole beans just before your brew, so keep all the flavors in. However, this can be more challenging outside the comforts of your home.
One option is a traditional hand-powered mill-style coffee grinder since it won’t need electricity. However, remember that grinding for 1-2 cups will not take much effort, but if you have to grind for more people, it might be a hassle. This is why other campers opt just to bring ground coffee. But the problem is that percolators require a coarser grind than what’s typically available in pre-ground coffee.
Brewing method
Any brewing method without electricity is excellent for camping trips. Still, the great thing about cowboy coffee and percolators is that water heating and coffee brewing happen in the same pot. Thus, there’s no need to bring a lot of equipment!
Source of heat
It’s challenging to heat over a campfire due to inconsistent heat dispersion. Percolators and temperature consistency go hand in hand. A good option that keeps the temperature consistent is to allow the use of coals. However, this takes some time! So the greatest method, in our opinion, is to bring a camp stove. It will save you time while providing a consistent temperature.
How to use a camping percolator?
Like any beginner, you’ll have to learn the ropes using a percolator. First, learn about its parts:
- Filter basket: situated at the top where you will put the ground coffee
- Stem: running through the center of the filter basket and dips down into the water to draw it as it heats until it gets dispersed over the grounds
- Two chambers: water enters into the bottom chamber, rises through the stem, and then over the brews into another and separate upper chamber (but take note that there are percolators with only one chamber)
Once your heat source is set up, follow these steps:
- Place the stem into the percolator.
- Measure your water by filling your mug and pouring the content into the percolator.
- Insert the basket and fill it with ground coffee. A good rule is 2 tablespoons of coarse-ground coffee per cup.
- Add the lid over the percolator, place it over the heat source, and wait as it brews. You have to monitor closely as time varies per type of heat source.
- Once it boils, the water will percolate from the spout’s upper portion until it flows over the grounds. Take the percolator away from the heat source and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until the liquid turns a rich brown.
How to clean your percolator?
Like anything else, keep your percolator clean to keep it in its best shape as long as possible. Here are some tips you can use:
- Allow the percolator to cool down after use. Once cooled down, take the spent grounds out.
- Stainless steel or aluminum builds are easy to wipe.
- If you don’t have any access to a sink, you may take the components out and rinse them with clean water for the time being.
- Dry completely before putting the components back.
- Once you get access to the skin, clean the percolator thoroughly.
- Don’t forget to clean the inside of the stem. You may use pipe cleaners soaked in soapy water to do so.
- To remove stains, you may use the following:
- Dishwasher pods: Put a dishwashing pod inside the percolator and add boiling water to the brim. Wait for 20-30 minutes, swirl the water, then rinse.
- Baking soda: Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the pot and add warm water until halfway filled. Scrub away using a dish scrub. Dump the mixture, then rinse.
- Vinegar: Fill the pot to the brim with 1 part vinegar and 1 part water. Place the components into the pot and cover with the lid. Place the percolate over the stovetop and let boil. Take it out of the heat and let it cool down. Once cooled, scrub, dump the content, and rinse.
Three cowboy coffee recipes
The eggshell method
Things you need:
- A heat-resistant kettle or coffee pot
- ¾ to 1 cup of ground coffee
- 4 cups (1 quart) of water
- Eggshells
- Heat source
- Cold water
Steps:
- Pour 1-quart water into the kettle and bring to a boil.
- Break the eggshells up and add to the coffee grounds.
- Lightly mix so the egg shells won’t just sit on top.
- Once the water boils, add the grounds and eggshells. Do not stir.
- Wait until it returns to a boil.
- Once it boils again, take the kettle out of the heat source and steep for about 5 minutes.
- Once your grounds have sunk, you can now serve and enjoy!
The clean-sock method
Things you need:
- A heat-resistant kettle
- ¾ to 1 cup of ground coffee
- 4 cups (1 quart) of water
- A coffee sock, a muslin bag, or a regular but clean sock
- Heat source
Steps:
- Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- While waiting, add coffee grounds into a bag or sock, which will serve as filters to keep the grounds from making it into your cup.
- Once the water boils, toss in the coffee bag or sock.
- Wait until it boils again.
- Once it boils, remove it from the heat source, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
The stirring recipe
Things you need:
- A heat-resistant kettle
- 3/4 to 1 cup of ground coffee
- 4 cups (1 quart) of water
- About half a cup of cold water
- A heat source
Steps:
- Bring one quartet of water to a boil.
- Once it starts to boil, take the kettle out of the heat source and set it aside to cool for about 30 seconds to a full minute. The goal is for it to reach around 200°F, the ideal temperature for most coffee brewing.
- Once it cools, throw in coffee and stir for 15 seconds.
- Let that sit for another 2 minutes and keep stirring.
- Let it sit for another couple of minutes and stir again to allow it to be steep.
- Serve and enjoy!
More ways to make coffee while camping
Any secret ingredients to make a good cowboy coffee cup?
While there’s no one secret ingredient to brew a great cup of cowboy coffee, some cowboys love adding eggshells or salt to their coffee to reduce bitterness and serve as electrolyte replenishment. Additionally, egg shells can also help reduce the acidity of coffee.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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