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.
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.
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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.
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.
Even cheaper Kmart frother with glowing reviews
If you’re looking to save even MORE cash on your caffeine hits, however, 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.
Make your own ‘take away’ coffee on the road
Once you’ve made your cafe-style cup of joe in your van, you might want to head out for some exploring – which means you need an epic keep cup in your travel arsenal.
Sunshine Coast-based brand PARGO has long been a favourite among campers and caravanners (fun fact, you can cook hot dogs and boil eggs in their drink bottles!) and their selection of insulated coffee cups are perfect for travellers who want their morning brew to stay hotter for longer.
It’s not just the convenience and sturdiness of PARGO cups that make them ideal for life on the road, but also the brand’s commitment to reducing waste – something that any camper or caravanner will love as they know how important it is to leave no trace when exploring the country.
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Sadly, 1 billion takeaway coffee cups are used every year and many of them are not recyclable so they end up in landfill or polluting waterways, breaking down into harmful microplastics. Not to mention, many takeaway cups and low-quality reusable options contain plastics and toxic coatings that can leach into hot drinks – meaning your morning coffee might come with an unwanted dose of chemicals. This is why using a PARGO cup is a smarter move for your health and the health of the environment.
Beyond reducing waste, every PARGO purchase helps fund clean water projects for remote communities. So far, Project PARGO has helped over 55,000 people gain access to safe drinking water – so your on the road caffeine hit can come with a side of feeling seriously good about yourself.
Check out the PARGO range, here.
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