Tired of the same burnt cafeteria coffee that’s been sitting unattended in an urn for hours on end? Getting annoyed by the rising prices at your local Starbucks? Craving a fresh, flavorful brew that can rival your favorite local café? Or, just wanna sit at home in your PJs while you enjoy a morning cup? Luckily, with a little creativity and the right equipment, you can elevate your dorm room coffee game.
From classic French presses to innovative cold brew methods and espresso machines, there are countless ways to make delicious coffee in a small space. Whether you’re a minimalist looking for a simple solution or a coffee connoisseur seeking a more sophisticated experience, this guide has a dorm-friendly coffee solution for everyone. So, grab your mug and let’s chat dorm room coffee brewing.
French Press
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. A French press is a simple and elegant way to brew coffee, with limited space needed — just hot water. A French press uses a plunger to press the grounds down and through the water, creating a rich and flavorful brew. We love the classic OXO French Press, or Polivar’s French Press for a pop of color.
Cold Brew Pitcher
Upgrade your dorm coffee game with a portable cold brew pitcher and make a refreshing batch of cold brew coffee right in your room. No more waiting in line at the coffee shop, or spending $5+ on a single cup of ice cold joe. We recommend the Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker, the Takeya Cold Brew Pitcher (which is known for its airtight lid!), and the budget-friendly QHH Cold Brew Coffee Maker.
#SpoonTip: Just want one cup? We love Chamberlain Coffee’s convenient, pre-portioned bags.
Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is a quick and easy way to get your caffeine fix in a dorm room. Just add hot water and enjoy a cup of coffee in minutes. We like Nescafe, Trader Joe’s, and Cafe Bustelo at home, and Starbucks Single Serve Packets on the go!
#SpoonTip: The temperature of the water can significantly impact the flavor of your coffee. Use fresh, hot water for best results!
AeroPress
The AeroPress is a compact coffee maker that’s perfect for making a full-bodied cup of coffee in the comfort of your dorm. Its portable and easy-to-clean design combines elements of a French press and pour-over for a cup of coffee that’s perfectly smooth and rich in flavor to rival your favorite local cafe’s drip. Find the AeroPress Clear Colors here.
Keurig K-Mini
The Keurig K-Mini is the perfect single-serve coffee maker for your dorm room thanks to its compact size and easy-to-use design. With a wide range of K-Cup pods available, you can enjoy your favorite coffee, tea, or cocoa in minutes. Find it at Target, Amazon, or Walmart.
Percolator
As a coffee-addict, my Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Percolator was my best purchase of sophomore year. Want a nostalgic and flavorful coffee experience in your dorm room? A percolator is the way to go. These classic and compact coffee makers brew strong, bold coffee in minutes, and pack a little extra punch compared to smaller pots. If you have healthier caffeine intake habits than I do, try Presto’s 6 Cup Percolator or Farberware’s 8 Cup Percolator.
#SpoonTip: The longer you let the coffee percolate, the stronger the flavor will be. Don’t let it sit plugged in for too long, or you’ll end up with motor oil.
Classic Drip Coffee Pot
A single-person coffee pot is perfect for making a quick cup of coffee in your dorm room without brewing a pot’s worth of extra. Plus, these compact machines are easy to use and clean,and make the perfect amount of coffee for the “more than one mug but not quite two” drinker. We love the Amazon Basics Single-Serve Coffeemaker, Black+Decker Single-Serve Coffeemaker, and the classic Mr. Coffee Single-Serve Coffeemaker.
Espresso Machine
Say goodbye to cafeteria coffee and overpriced campus coffee shops with a classic espresso machine that’s compact enough to fit on a dorm room countertop. We love the large-but-not-too-large EspressoWorks 15-bar Espresso Machine for the brewing newbie; the CASABREWS 20-bar Espresso Machine for the boujee barista; the budget-friendly KEENSTAR 3.5-Bar Espresso Machine for the cash-conscious consumer; and of course, the stupidly simple and slim De’Longhi Nespresso Machine when it comes to dorm-friendly lattes, cappuccinos, and personalized coffee creations.