Options for Making Coffee when there is no Power
That first cup of coffee in the morning is a lifeline for many people. It’s one of the first things I do after waking. My normal routine is to prepare my coffee maker the night before so all I have to do it flip the switch in the morning and minutes later have that hot cup of coffee in my hand. Alternatively, I sometimes don’t want to wait for the coffee maker to do it’s job and I’m perfectly happy with grabbing a cup of water, stir in some instant coffee, and putting it in the microwave oven for a minute.
That’s the formula… water + coffee + heat = a nice warm cup of joe.
Works great when everything is normal. But, what about when I don’t have electricity to heat the water? I can usually survive no coffee situations when they are temporary, like when I have a power outage that lasts an hour our two. But, what about those times where the power loss lasts for several days or longer?
That’s when it’s nice to have some alternatives.
By far, the easiest way of making that cup of coffee is to use instant coffee. It may not make the best cup of coffee, but in a pinch when the power is out all you need is a way to heat water and you’re good to go. Instant coffee is easy to stock up on and store for emergencies.
One option I’ve found to heat water is to use a portable stove such as the Coleman Bottletop Propane Camping Stove, Portable 1-Burner Adjustable Stove. This is a compact, portable one-burner stove that makes a practical addition to any emergency-preparedness kit. It features an adjustable burner with up to 10,000 BTUs of cooking power, a pressure regulator for consistent performance, and a stable base that attaches to a standard 16.4-ounce propane cylinder. The burner and base separate for easier storage.
An even simpler approach—and one that is highly portable—is the REDCAMP Mini Alcohol Stove. This lightweight, compact stove uses denatured alcohol or other suitable alcohol-based fuel and requires no propane canister, making it an excellent option for an emergency preparedness kit. Its small size makes it easy to store with other survival gear, while still providing a simple way to heat water or prepare a basic meal when conventional cooking methods aren’t available.
Another option for your emergency preparedness kit is the Gas One GS-3400P Dual Fuel Portable Stove. What makes this stove especially useful is its flexibility—it can operate with either an 8-ounce butane canister or a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, giving you more than one fuel option when circumstances change. It features an adjustable heat dial, push-button piezo ignition, built-in safety features, and a convenient carrying case for storage and transport. With its compact design and 8,000 BTU output, it can be useful for preparing meals during a power outage.
Percolators like the Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator or GSI Enamelware Coffee Boiler Kettle aren’t just versatile—they’re practical, especially for anyone who thinks in terms of readiness. Because they can brew with coarse chunks, mid-range grinds, or finely powdered coffee, they give you flexibility no matter what’s in your pantry. That makes them a smart addition to any emergency-preparedness setup: no reliance on specialty filters, no fragile electronics, and no need for a perfect grind. When riding out a power outage, a percolator delivers a strong, reliable cup when consistency matters most.
Another nice option I’ve added for my off-grid cooking is the Odoland Camping Cookware Mess Kit for not only making coffee but also for cooking dehydrated foods.
All these options can be used at home when the power if out as well as being portable to drop in my bug out bag.
Luxuries like coffee are not as much of a necessity but can still provide comfort in times of distress. Coffee provides warmth and energy that can help keep spirits high during difficult times.
