In this Brew It Stick review, discover whether this compact off-grid coffee maker could become your go-to way to brew fresh coffee outdoors.
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BREW IT STICK COFFEE MAKER DETAILS:
• Price: £12
• Weight: 62g
• Measurements: 6cm (base) x 19.5cm (height)
• Main materials: ABS plastic, styrene, nylon mesh filter
• Dishwasher safe: Yes
• Requires heated water (kettle): Yes
• Extras required (filters, batteries, pods): No
• Induction hob compatibility: N/A
• Amazon review score: 3.9/5
• My 7-day review score: 70 / 100
Whether you’re into bushcraft, ultralight backpacking or you live in a campervan like me, I’m testing a variety of compact coffee makers to help you find the best option for outdoor brewing.
Let me know in the comments what you expect from a coffee maker and I’ll help you find a match.
BREW IT STICK REVIEW
Today I’m looking at the Brew It Stick.
The first thing everyone comments on is its shape — many people joke it looks like a toilet brush. I chose the teal version and found it attractive and lightweight, which makes it convenient for a campervan or mobile kitchen.
The handle and frame are plastic and the brew basket uses a very fine nylon mesh. The handle and basket screw apart for filling and cleaning. The basket is narrow but easy to fill without making a mess.
You fill the basket two-thirds full with freshly ground coffee, place it in your cup, and pour hot water through the top mesh. The coffee steeps inside the chamber for about four minutes before you remove the brewer.
The Brew It Stick comes in several colours; black is popular, and there are navy and light grey options too. Once purchased, it requires no ongoing consumables — no paper filters, pods or batteries — which is a plus for low-waste camping.
The Brew It Stick is simply packaged in a small cardboard box, and the instructions are straightforward.
HOW TO 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, fill it two-thirds with coarsely ground coffee, and screw it back together.
Place the brewer into a cup and boil your kettle. Let the water sit 20–30 seconds off the boil, then carefully pour it through the top mesh while turning the Brew It Stick to ensure all grounds are soaked.
When you have the desired water level in the cup, push the brewer under the surface and twist gently for about five seconds to expel air from the chamber. Release the handle—the brewer will float—and set a timer for four minutes. After four minutes, remove the brewer and place it in the holder while you enjoy your coffee.
HOW MANY CUPS DOES IT MAKE?
One cup per brew. It can also be used to steep loose-leaf tea.
WHAT COFFEE GROUNDS SHOULD YOU USE?
Use coarsely ground beans for the best extraction with the Brew It Stick. Grind beans just before brewing for maximum freshness and flavour. I often use a compact handheld burr grinder at home and when camping to keep beans fresh.
THINGS I LIKE ABOUT THE BREW IT STICK
I like the appearance and the playful reaction it gets from people. It’s lightweight, compact, simple to use, and has no ongoing consumable costs. The compact design and minimal waste packaging are big advantages for camping.
THINGS I DON’T LOVE ABOUT THE BREW IT STICK
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the coffee produced. After brewing, the coffee looks strong with good mouthfeel, but the flavour comes across very muted. Natural notes like bitterness, sweetness or nuttiness are largely absent, leaving a smooth yet flat and bland cup.
This may suit people who prefer a very mellow coffee, or for those introducing coffee to younger drinkers, but for someone who values flavour complexity, it’s a disappointment. I had hoped it might replace my Aeropress in the campervan, but it didn’t meet my expectations in terms of taste.
BREW IT STICK COFFEE MAKER 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, the Brew It Stick is attractive, compact and low-waste but falls short on brew quality for those who expect flavour depth from fresh coffee.
CAN YOU HELP ME FIND THE BEST CAMPING COFFEE MAKER?
What’s your preferred method for making coffee with real grounds outdoors? Share your favourite in the comments and I may review it in a future post.
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HOW I TEST & REVIEW CAMPING COFFEE MAKERS
The first time I use a coffee maker I follow the included instructions. I then spend seven days refining the brew, researching other reviews and experimenting with brewing techniques. Finally I compile what I’ve learned and assign a total score out of 100.
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Thanks to Owens Coffee, a 100% organic roaster in Ivybridge, Devon, for supplying beans used in this review. This review was not sponsored. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting hedgecombers.com.
Janie x