Delter Coffee Press: Review and Guide to Brew & Clean
After years of loving the Delter Coffee Press, here’s my honest review. Learn how to use, clean, and take it on your next outdoor adventure!
I may earn a small commission from some of the links on this page if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and already have or would purchase myself.
Intro: Years of Use and Still Enjoying It
I got the Delter Coffee Press as a Christmas gift from my husband in 2020, and it completely upgraded our camping coffee setup.
When we took it on our first trip, we were blown away by how easy it was to use and how smooth the coffee tasted - so much better than instant or French press! Especially being black coffee drinkers, a balanced and less bitter flavor is ideal.
Since then, it’s been a go-to on multiple camping trips across Canada and the U.S. and still works like a charm. We love it so much we’ve never needed to try anything else.
In this article, I’ll get into the nitty-gritty details of what it is, how it compares to other portable coffee makers, its pros and cons, how to use and clean it, my tips, and some FAQs.
For more campfire cooking tool recommendations, check out my article on the top 10 campfire cooking tools I can't live without!
Delter Coffee Press Review
First, what is the Delter Coffee Press?
The Delter Coffee Press is a portable coffee maker that uses a unique injection extraction method developed by Delter.
It allows you to manually press hot water through coffee grounds and a filter directly into a cup.
The coffee grounds are sealed in a separate compartment, minimizing agitation for a cleaner brew.
It’s fast, simple to use, easy to clean, and makes up to 2 cups of coffee at a time.
How is it different from AeroPress?
The AeroPress uses immersion brewing, meaning coffee and water steep together before pressing, similar to a French press.
Coffee brewed this way tends to be richer and more full-bodied, but it requires careful attention to steeping time and pressure to avoid bitterness.
It offers customization with various grind sizes for controlling flavor and strength, plus an option for cold brew.
The original AeroPress makes 1 cup at a time, while the XL version can brew up to 2 cups.
What about other portable coffee makers?
Pour-over style - pour-over coffee makers are the lightest and most compact option, making them perfect for travel. However, they require precision and patience, as you’ll need to pour slowly and evenly, which isn’t always convenient outdoors.
French press style - French presses brew a rich, full-bodied cup, but they tend to leave coffee grounds in your drink, making cleanup messier and the last few sips a bit gritty.
Percolators - percolators can make large batches, which is great for groups. However, they’re bulky and prone to over-extracting coffee, often leaving you with a bitter and overly strong brew.
Pros of the Delter Coffee Press
Portability - it’s made up of four lightweight parts (250g total) that fit together into one slim package - perfect for camping, traveling, using at the office, or home!
Clean taste - coffee brewed in the Delter is bright and smooth, thanks to the “Jet Seal” design that keeps the grounds separate from the water, preventing over-extraction.
Ease of use - just boil water, add coffee and a filter, and plunge! Handy measurement markings ensure the right amount of water, and the included doser helps measure the coffee.
No stirring - thanks to its “Injection Brewing” method, there’s no need to stir the coffee like with an AeroPress or French press. One less step, and one less thing to clean and store.
Easy to clean - after brewing, simply dump out the grounds and give it a quick wash by hand.
Customization - brew up to 2 cups of regular-strength coffee or opt for a more concentrated brew with a higher coffee-to-water ratio for lattes or iced coffee.
Cons of the Delter Coffee Press
Not dishwasher safe - it’s not recommended to wash in the dishwasher, but only takes a couple minutes to wash by hand.
Not for cold brew - the original Delter Coffee Press requires hot water, but Delter offers the Delter Cold Drip Coffee Maker for cold brew enthusiasts.
Manual pressure control - you’ll need to gently press the water through manually, which can take up to 3 minutes to brew - maybe a downside for those seeking a hands-off experience.
Can be tricky to balance - the filter cap has 3 wings that sit on top of a cup, but if the cup is too small or too large, the Delter might not sit securely.
Not great for groups - the Delter can only make 2 cups at a time, so it’s not ideal for larger families or groups, as you'll need to dump and reload for more coffee.
My Thoughts
Great value - at around US$33 on Amazon, it’s more affordable than many other portable coffee makers. Plus, it brews 2 cups at once, making it a better deal compared to the AeroPress XL (about US$70 on Amazon).
Great taste - we love the clean, bright flavor of coffee from the Delter. It makes our camping coffee something to look forward to!
So easy - after a few tries, the measuring and plunging routine becomes second nature. With just 4 parts, it’s straightforward, and cleanup is quick - just rinse and wipe with a paper towel on the go, then do a deeper clean at home.
Blend when making 2 cups - if brewing two cups, use one large container for even consistency or plunge directly into two cups. Just keep in mind the first cup will be stronger, so I mix the coffee between cups to balance it out (more on this in step 4 of the step-by-step brew guide below).
How to Brew Coffee in the Delter Coffee Press
What you’ll need
Coffee: the standard ratio is 6g ground coffee per 100ml water - I’m using about 28g to make 2 cups with 500ml water.
Grind size: ideally, finer than French press but coarser than espresso - I used store-bought medium-ground coffee, and it still turned out great.
Water: heat filtered water to 94°C for best results - water just off the boil works too.
Filter: 1 Delter micro filter (pack of 100 comes with purchase).
Step 1
Rinse the filter.
Place a filter into the filter cap and pour a little water over it to give it a quick rinse. This helps it stick and gets it primed for brewing.
The water temperature isn’t crucial for this step. When camping, I often just use water straight from the bottle since I prep this part while my water is boiling. Then, set aside.
Step 2
Add coffee.
Insert the plunger all the way into the brew chamber, flip it over, and add ground coffee to the coffee chamber on the other end.
There’s a 6g doser included for measuring, but since I always make 2 cups, I just fill it to the top (about 28g) which is perfect with 500ml of water (conveniently one bottle of water).
Screw the filter cap onto the coffee chamber until tight.
Tip: Don’t add coffee to the filter cap like I did the first time - it won’t screw on that way!
Step 3
Brew coffee.
Flip the Delter upright, place it on a cup, and pour hot water to the 200ml line. Cover with the doser as a lid.
Lift the plunger, allowing water to trickle through until it reaches the 50ml line, then press gently all the way down. This first press blooms the coffee grounds, so stick to just 50ml to start.
Repeat, raising the plunger to the 100ml mark and pressing again, ensuring you don’t rush. Raise it one last time to let in the remaining water and press through. Aim for a brew time of about 2-3 minutes.
If making one cup, your coffee is ready. Press air through to get any remaining coffee from the grounds.
Step 4
Brew second cup.
If using a decanter or large container, keep the Delter in place. Otherwise, place Delter on a second cup.
With the plunger fully down, pour in another 200ml of hot water, replace the doser lid, then raise the plunger to the 100ml mark and press gently. Repeat until all the water is pressed through.
Since I use 500ml of water, I usually have a little extra, so I pour that in and press it through as well. Then press air through to extract any remaining coffee from the grounds.
If you're using a decanter or container, your coffee is ready to pour into cups.
If using two cups, the first will be stronger. I even them out by pouring the coffee back and forth between the cups until both look the same.
Tip: Don’t press more than 150ml of water at a time; it makes it harder to keep everything stable and press without toppling over.
How to Clean the Delter Coffee Press
Step 1
Dump out the grounds.
Unscrew the filter cap and tap or plunge the grounds out of the coffee chamber. They should pop out easily.
I usually dump mine right into the fire for easy cleanup.
Step 2
Rinse and wipe.
Rinse the coffee chamber and filter cap with regular or leftover hot water. Then, wipe everything down with a paper towel.
For a deeper clean, wash with warm, soapy water - something I prefer to do at home after a few uses at the campsite.
Note: The Delter Coffee Press isn’t dishwasher safe.
Step 3
Let it dry.
Air dry the Delter Coffee Press completely before reassembling and storing it.
My Tips
Use the right tools - hand-protective gloves and a high-quality kettle or pot that can withstand high temperatures are essential when boiling water over a campfire.
I personally use a little pot similar to this stainless steel pot from Amazon, which doubles as a cooking pot. It features a clear see-through lid, comes in various sizes, and can withstand temperatures up to 500°F.
I also recommend these Pitt Mitts from Amazon. Just keep in mind they come individually, so you’ll need to buy two for a pair.
For more recommendations, check out my article on the top 10 campfire cooking tools I can't live without.
Use the right cups - when pressing coffee, make sure to use sturdy cups, especially if using disposables. I prefer slightly thicker paper cups because they can withstand the pressure and can be tossed in the fire for easy cleanup.
Avoid pressing more than 150ml of water at once to maintain stability.
Don’t press too fast - use just the weight of your hand and minimal pressure to press the plunger. If you press too hard, the hot water won’t have enough time to interact with the coffee grounds, resulting in a thinner and less flavorful brew.
Use freshly ground coffee - for the best flavor, grind your beans fresh. You can grind enough at home and take it with you for short trips or invest in a little hand grinder to grind fresh coffee every day.
While pre-ground store-bought coffee is fine and what I use often, freshly ground coffee will provide a more nuanced and delicious cup.
Where to Buy the Delter Coffee Press
Delter Coffee Press - Clear
This is the same model I have, and it comes with a 100-pack of biodegradable paper filters along with all four components mentioned above.
It has over 200 ratings on Amazon with an average 4-star rating. Most customers love it, like I do, but there are a few mentions of leakage (possibly due to the cap not being tightened enough) and some struggles with using it, although I find it super simple personally.
In my opinion, the Delter seems more geared toward true coffee “nerds” and might not be as much of a mainstream crowd-pleaser.
Delter Coffee Press - Grey
This model is the same as the one above, but it comes in a smoked grey color with a reusable stainless steel filter and is only a couple of dollars more.
A great feature, as brewing with a reusable stainless steel filter is not only easier but also allows coffee oils to pass through into the cup for a fuller-bodied coffee.
This model has only a handful of reviews on Amazon, possibly because their competition is doing a better job with marketing. If I were to buy a new Delter, I’d probably choose this one for the reusable filter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What coffee grind size is best for the Delter Coffee Press?
A medium-fine grind is ideal, but slightly coarser grounds (medium) also work and is what I usually use.
Too fine a grind may result in clogging, while too coarse can lead to under-extracted coffee.
If you find it really difficult to press the water through, your grind may be too fine. Conversely, if you barely need to apply any pressure and your coffee is weak, then the grind is too coarse.
What are the best Delter coffee ratios?
The basic coffee-to-water ratio is 6g of coffee per 100ml of water (12g for 200ml, 18g for 300ml, and 24g for 400ml).
For 2 Cups Regular-Strength Black Coffee My Way: Fill the coffee chamber to the max with medium-grind coffee (about 28g) and use 500ml of water.
For 1 Cup Flat White / Latte: Use a higher dose of medium-fine ground coffee (18-22g) with less brewing water (100ml). This creates a concentrated brew that pairs perfectly with hot or steamed milk.
For 1 Cup Iced Coffee: Use 18g of medium-fine ground coffee and substitute half of the brewing water with the equivalent weight in ice (e.g., 100ml of brew water over 100g of ice in your cup) for a delicious flash iced brew.
Experiment: Feel free to explore other recipes, adjusting the grind size and coffee-to-water ratio to control the strength of your coffee to suit your taste!
Is the Delter compatible with AeroPress filters?
Yes, AeroPress filters are 2mm wider in diameter than Delter filters, so they can fit if you have some leftover from your AeroPress. However, the reverse does not work; Delter filters are too small for the AeroPress, causing coffee grounds to leak through.
I should mention that the 100-pack of filters that comes with the Delter lasts a long time. Since I got my Delter in 2020, I still haven’t finished my pack, but I primarily use it while camping and not at home.
Is the Delter Coffee Press good for travel?
Yes, the Delter is lightweight and compact, weighing in at 250g, making it a great option for travel. It’s designed for portability and ease of use in various settings.
Does the Delter Coffee Press make espresso?
The Delter does not make true espresso, as it doesn't use the high pressure required. However, it can brew a strong, concentrated coffee if you use a higher coffee-to-water ratio.
How much coffee can the Delter Coffee Press brew?
The Delter can hold up to 28 grams of coffee, which is enough for about 500ml of water, making a regular-strength double serving of coffee.
How durable is the Delter Coffee Press?
Made from food-grade silicone (seals and doser), BPA-free shatterproof Tritan copolyester (brew chamber), and polypropylene (filter cap), the Delter is quite durable for regular use and travel.
However, care should be taken to wash it by hand (it’s not dishwasher safe) and to avoid damaging the seals, as they are key to the injection brewing process.
Conclusion: Delicious Coffee on the Road
After years of using the Delter Coffee Press, it’s still one of our favorites! It reliably delivers an uncomplicated and consistently delicious cup of coffee, no matter where we are.
We even took it on a month-long road trip across the US, making coffee everywhere, from hotel rooms to campgrounds. In South Dakota, we picked up some freshly ground local coffee, and we still remember how incredibly flavorful it was!
I’d definitely buy this product again and highly recommend it.
What’s your go-to coffee brewing method while traveling? Let me know in the comments!
