In this Brew It Stick review, discover whether this compact off-grid coffee maker could become your favourite way to brew fresh coffee outdoors.
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BREW IT STICK COFFEE MAKER DETAILS:
• Link: Brew It Stick on Amazon
• Price: £12
• Weight: 62g
• Measurements: 6cm (base) x 19.5cm (height)
• Main material: ABS, styrene, nylon filter
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• Requires a kettle to heat water: Yes
• Requires extras (filters, batteries, pods): No
• Induction hob compatibility: N/A
• Amazon review score: 3.9/5
• My 7-day review score: 70 / 100
Check the current price on Amazon
Whether you enjoy bushcraft, ultralight backpacking or live in a campervan, I’m on a mission to find the best portable coffee makers. Over the coming weeks I’ll test a range of options to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Tell me in the comments what you look for in a coffee maker and I’ll try to find your perfect match.
BREW IT STICK REVIEW
Today I’m reviewing the Brew It Stick.
This compact brewer has a playful design — most people compare it to a toilet brush when they first see it — but its shape is practical and lightweight for travel.
It’s available in several colours; I chose a teal version. The handle and basket frame are plastic and the brew chamber is lined with a very fine nylon mesh.
The handle and basket screw apart for filling and cleaning. The chamber is narrow but easy to fill without spills.
Fill the basket about two-thirds with freshly ground coffee, place it in a cup, pour hot water through the top mesh, and leave it to brew for four minutes.
Colours include black, navy and light grey; black is the most popular. Once purchased, the Brew It Stick requires no additional filters, pods or batteries.
Find the Brew It Stick on Amazon
Packaging is minimal cardboard with clear, simple instructions.
HOW DO YOU USE A BREW IT STICK COFFEE MAKER?
Wash the Brew It Stick in hot, soapy water or place it on the top shelf of the dishwasher before first use.
Unscrew the basket from the handle and fill two-thirds full with coarsely ground coffee, then reassemble.
Place the brewer into a cup and boil a kettle. Let the water sit 20–30 seconds so it’s just off the boil, then pour through the top mesh while gently turning the brewer to wet all the grounds.
When the cup has the desired amount of water, push the Brew It Stick under the surface and twist for five seconds to expel trapped air, then release the handle so the brewer floats and set a four-minute timer.
After four minutes, remove the brewer and place it on the included holder while you enjoy your coffee.
HOW MANY CUPS DOES IT MAKE?
One cup per brew. You can also use it to brew loose leaf tea.
WHAT COFFEE GROUNDS SHOULD I USE?
Coarsely ground beans are recommended. Grind your beans just before brewing for the best flavour and aroma.
I use a compact handheld burr grinder at home and when camping to keep beans fresh.
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE BREW IT STICK
Its appearance is fun and stylish, and it makes people smile. It’s lightweight, compact, easy to use and has no ongoing consumable costs.
THINGS I DON’T LOVE ABOUT THE BREW IT STICK
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the coffee it produces. I had hoped it would replace my Aeropress in the campervan, but the brewed coffee, while looking and feeling full-bodied, lacked flavour on the palate.
The cup appears strong and has good mouthfeel, yet when swallowed the coffee tastes unusually smooth and almost devoid of bitterness, sweetness or other flavour notes. To my taste this results in a flat, bland cup.
This brewer may suit those who prefer very mild coffee or anyone concerned about bitterness, and perhaps children who like a faint coffee flavour.
BREW IT STICK SCORES
• Ease of Use: 8
• Ease of Clean-up: 8
• Quality of Brew: 2
• Value for Money: 6
• Style: 10
• Design: 6
• Durability: 3
• Waste: 8
• Weight/Storage: 9
• Wow Factor: 10
Total Score: 70 / 100
Overall, it’s a pleasing design and convenient for travel, but the brewed flavour didn’t meet my expectations.
You can watch the full hands-on test and review on YouTube.
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CAN YOU HELP ME FIND THE BEST CAMPING COFFEE MAKER?
What’s your favourite way to brew real coffee outdoors? Share your method in the comments and we may review it next.
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HOW I TEST & REVIEW CAMPING COFFEE MAKERS
When I test a coffee maker I follow the included instructions, then spend seven days refining the brew and experimenting with technique. I read other reviews, watch videos and try adjustments to get the best possible result, then publish a rounded score and summary.
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Thanks to Owens Coffee, a 100% organic roaster in Ivybridge, Devon, for supplying the beans used in this review. This review was not sponsored. This article contains affiliate links and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hedgecombers.
Janie x