$2.25 Kmart item caravanners say makes perfect coffee when camping: 'Can take it anywhere'

For many Aussies, their morning routine follows a predictable pattern. Wake up, check phone, make coffee.

A recent survey even found that 75 per cent of Aussies drink at least one cup of coffee a day, with 28 per cent enjoying three cups or more. But the simple pleasure that comes from a daily caffeine hit comes at a cost - and that cost is rising.

Shockingly the price of your morning brew could be set to rise to as much as $10 by the end of the year.

Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association chief executive Wes Lambered told the ABC the cost of a coffee "could reach double digits" in some capital cities due to the high price of beans. So, if you’re one of the 28 per cent drinking three cups a day that’s a huge chunk out of your pocket every week.

Luckily, there is an alternative, and it’s one that’s been discovered by the thousands of clever Aussie campers who’ve learnt to make their own cafe-style coffee when an actual cafe isn’t available. But even if you've never set foot in a motorhome in your life, you can still save some serious cash on your morning cup of joe.

Caravanner's clever coffee hacks

The number one gadget caravanners have discovered is something that costs just $14 from Kmart.

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The Manual Espresso machine works to press your boiling water through ground coffee or capsules, and users rave about the results.

“Bought this from Kmart for $14. Very happy with it. Works a treat. Can use capsules, which we love,” said a post in a popular Facebook group.

The fact it’s compact and easy to clean is an added bonus for those in caravans, but also handy for anyone with limited bench space in their kitchen.

“Got one yesterday...thanks for sharing. Bargain for $14,” read one reply.

“Might have to get one for the van,” said another.

Then there’s also the slightly more expensive $35 Kmart coffee maker which is another favourite.

Using ground coffee it’s compact and lightweight so you can brew your favourite coffee camping, travelling or at the office.

“Partnered with a milk frother it’s like a coffee machine coffee,” said one happy customer.

“So great for no power,” said another.

Extra Kmart gadget for great coffee when camping

There is one drawback, however.

The smaller coffee machines preferred by campers don’t all include the bells and whistles that bigger ones do. There are no milk frothing options for the Kmart gadgets or all the pod machines but that doesn’t mean it’s just long blacks that you can make on the road.

An Aussie family shared their Kmart hack for this on TikTok and it comes in the form of a bargain milk frother.

“If you need a device that helps you froth your milk I’ve got something for you,” sixwheelwanderers told their followers pulling out the $32 Kmart item.

The plug in device comes with four frothing options and as an “affordable” choice it’s perfect.

Reviews on Kmart’s website agree. “Love my milk frother, easy and quick froth every time even with no lactose low-fat milk,” read one.

“Fabulous. This is the cheapest, best frother ever, it is tall enough that it does not overflow, and froths really well,” said another.

Even cheaper Kmart frother with glowing reviews

And, if you're looking to save even MORE cash on your caffeine hits, there is a more basic milk frother available at Kmart for a mere $2.25.

The small, but apparently mighty, handheld frother boasts an almost 5-star review on the Kmart website, with people loving the fact that it is battery-operated.

"Great product. Small & easy to operate. Can take it anywhere as it is battery-operated. Love it," one review reads.

"Handy for camping when you don’t have your Nespresso machine 😉," another enthused.

How to make cafe-style coffee on the road

As well as having the perfect froth the other vital ingredient for the best brew is, of course, the coffee itself.

This is something you don’t want to compromise on and Thieves coffee could be another saviour on this front.

Our new favourite Aussie company offers a carefully curated range of ground coffee and coffee capsules from its online store. Featuring only the highest quality blends they are sourced from some of the best coffee producers in Australia.

And even better their Nespresso-compatible pods are currently all half -price.

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For as little as $5 you could treat yourself to a Margaret River roast or something from Melbourne, the home of coffee connoisseurs.

They also offer some handy gadgets that would be perfect for coffee-making on the road.

A range of manual coffee grinders are just what the beans-only purist need and there’s also a great selection of reusable coffee cups, perfect for van life.

So, whether you’re deep in the bush or at home and ready to save some dollars, it’s easy to get brewing, drinking and enjoying without leaving the comfort of your own space.

To check out the full Thieves Coffee range, click here.

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