TO ALL YOU SNOW BIRDERS: DON'T FORGET THE ESPRESSO

I was ecstatic when I inherited my father’s motor home. Before you say how lucky I am though, keep in mind that it was nearly 13 years old, needed work and hadn’t been driven in ages.While I left the repairs to a mechanic, I personally took care of replacing its old drip coffee maker. With Fall here and Winter around the corner, I got to thinking about all the espresso loving snow birds who'd be spreading their wings for warmer climates in the coming months.

Before you push off, I invite you to take a little trip with me, and we can explore some of the best brewing options available for when you're on the road or roughing it in the great outdoors. The only real limitations to brewing quality espresso drinks in a motor home is going to be the size or footprint of the machine.

If you prefer Super-Automatic espresso machines, the Gaggia Brera would be the most compact for use in a motor home or camper. The Brera only measures H 12.4”x W 10”x D 17.5” and only weighs 18 pounds.

In the Semi-Automatic category of espresso machines I would suggest either the Gaggia Classic, measuring in at H 14.25”x W 8” x D 9.5”, or the Saeco Aroma SS which measures in at H 11.75” x W 8”x D 10”. However, keep in mind when using a Semi-Automatic espresso machine that you will need to grind your own beans, requiring a grinder which would take up more space. The other option is to buy pre-ground espresso.

The third category and probably the smallest option (other than a Handpresso) would be a Single-Serve espresso machine. The Gaggia For Illy Plus or the Nespresso Essenza C100 single serve espresso machines are the best contenders in this category. The Gaggia for Illy measures H 11.5” x W 8.5”x D 11.5” and has seven Illy iperEspresso capsules to choose from, including a Decaf and a Lungo. Nespresso offers a choice of sixteen different espresso capsules to choose from for use in their machines, also including a Decaf and a Lungo. The measurements of the Nepresso machines vary depending on which model you choose, but all of them would take up very little space in your RV or camper.

Well, as you gear up your RV or camper for winter, tune up the generator, and begin to pack and plan for the camping/travel season, I hope this information comes in handy. Have a great season, and as you see other RV’s passing you, if you see someone waving, there is a very small chance that it's me, so wave back! Safe travels Snow Birds!