DC coffee maker
- Thread starter MarcJ
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 3238
- Messages
- 4,831
I had one. it was slow.
Seemed like it would be convenient, but it was so slow.
Did I mention that it was slow?
Faster to un-stow the properly stowed propane tanks, set up the grill hanging over the side of the boat, boil water and use a Melita cone. Then break gown the grill and tank and properly stow both.
Verdict? Even though it was a gift, it was a waste of time and effort. YMMV.
Seemed like it would be convenient, but it was so slow.
Did I mention that it was slow?
Faster to un-stow the properly stowed propane tanks, set up the grill hanging over the side of the boat, boil water and use a Melita cone. Then break gown the grill and tank and properly stow both.
Verdict? Even though it was a gift, it was a waste of time and effort. YMMV.
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2001
- RO Number
- 3641
- Messages
- 765
The real problem with the 12 volt heating device is the inherent design constraints. "Twelve volts" is a nominal value. The device has to be able to take 14+ volts without burning out. When you make coffee (heat water) the high current pulls the voltage down to (probably) 11- volts. That three volt drop is almost cutting the power in half and makes the process slower than molasses in January. There is a good reason that anyone who has used one is voting against one.
- Joined
- May 26, 2003
- RO Number
- 11603
- Messages
- 132
We've got a mini Keurig machine on board that we run at the dock. If we are out then I'll fire up the genny or use a small inverter I keep on board to power it up. It's a very small unit and we love the individual K-Cups so each person can choose what coffee they want. Pretty cool IMO.
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2009
- RO Number
- 31109
- Messages
- 378
you pay the shipping and I'll give you mine used once 
and did any one say it's slow..
and did any one say it's slow..
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 3238
- Messages
- 4,831
Here is a quick clue as to whether a 12V appliance will work or not:
A Mr. Coffee "plain Jane" 120v model consumes 850 watts. At 120v that is just a few amps ( about 7A ), and you can use "smallish" wire, about 18 to 16 ga. ( ie: zip cord, lamp cord ).
Remember that it takes the same wattage to heat water, regardless of the voltage, so if you cut the voltage 10x then the amperage goes up 10x, to 70A at 12v. Wire size is determined by current, so you need a much larger power cord. In this case, 2/0 or so ( about the size of your finger! For -each- wire ). So if that coffee maker ( or other 12v high power appliance ) does not have two "fire hoses directly connected to your battery via a short run, then it is very unlikely you will be receiving the same wattage as the 120v appliance. ie: most 12v kitchen appliances will not work at the same speed/power as your home appliances will.
In short: if that 12v appliance has the same size power cord as the 120v appliance, then it almost certainly will not work as well as the 120v appliance.
In the case of the 12v coffee maker, this is definitely the case.
A Mr. Coffee "plain Jane" 120v model consumes 850 watts. At 120v that is just a few amps ( about 7A ), and you can use "smallish" wire, about 18 to 16 ga. ( ie: zip cord, lamp cord ).
Remember that it takes the same wattage to heat water, regardless of the voltage, so if you cut the voltage 10x then the amperage goes up 10x, to 70A at 12v. Wire size is determined by current, so you need a much larger power cord. In this case, 2/0 or so ( about the size of your finger! For -each- wire ). So if that coffee maker ( or other 12v high power appliance ) does not have two "fire hoses directly connected to your battery via a short run, then it is very unlikely you will be receiving the same wattage as the 120v appliance. ie: most 12v kitchen appliances will not work at the same speed/power as your home appliances will.
In short: if that 12v appliance has the same size power cord as the 120v appliance, then it almost certainly will not work as well as the 120v appliance.
In the case of the 12v coffee maker, this is definitely the case.
12 volt appliances can work. You would have to look at the specs. Items that heat up, like a coffee maker or pizza oven, require a significant amount of power, wattage, to perform the way we are use to. The issue with using 12 volts is that it requires large wires to deliver the amperage. Instead of using #2 or #4 wire, which is very thick, the manufactures reduce the overall wattage of the units so they can use smaller wire. Thus, they take much longer to do the job versus what can be done at 120 volts.