Why Avoid the Hotel’s Coffee and How to Do It
If you do a lot of traveling, it might seem like the simplest option is to use the in-room coffee maker to brew a cup of flavorful coffee in the morning. But, is that the case?
We’re here to tell you that hotel coffee might not be the best option. Sure, you want a cup of caffeine to get you energized and ready for the day ahead, but the in-room coffee machine might not be the best option.
Those who have had hotel coffee in the past might be wondering why it’s not recommended. After all, maybe you’ve never had a bad experience with coffee when traveling. You fill up the coffee maker, add water, hit a button, and get a cup of coffee to enjoy before you leave your room for the day.
This article will delve into the safety of hotel coffee so you know what you’re about to drink before heading to work. We’ll also share some tips on how to enjoy safe and tasty coffee in a hotel room so you don’t have to worry about what you might be drinking.
Why Avoid Typical Hotel Coffee?
When we talk about hotel coffee and safety, some people assume that since boiling water moves through the coffee machine, there are no dangers. It makes sense that super-hot water would eliminate bacteria or other particles in the coffee machine, right? It turns out that isn’t the case.
In the case of single-serve coffee makers, the machine does not boil the water. Water needs to reach 212 degrees Fahrenheit to boil and the most common single-serve coffee maker on the market only brings the water temperature up to 192 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is optimal for brewing coffee but not high enough to reach the point of boiling.
On the other hand, boiling isn’t the only thing to consider. According to Business Insider, boiling water doesn’t need to be present to kill off harmful germs and other items.
The problem is that there is another downside when talking about hotel coffee. High temperatures (but not boiling) do need to be present to kill off germs and bacteria. In addition, the temperature needs to stay at a high level for an extended period. Many coffee machines simply do not do that.
The main reason to avoid hotel coffee machines is due to them being the ideal environment for germs and bacteria to grow. The reservoirs of the machine are moist and dark, which is exactly what mold needs to grow. In many cases, the coffee machines are tucked away in a cabinet or drawer which makes things worse.
Based on a 2011 NSF International Household Germ Study, coffee makers are a major source of germs. The study shows that these little machines to make caffeinated beverages have more germs than the faucet handles in the bathroom or even toilet seats. Once that sinks in, you can see why hotel coffee is not recommended.
What kind of germs are found in coffee machines? Mold, yeast, coliform, and staph are all apt to be present. Out of those, keep in mind that 50% of the coffee makers had yeast inside of them. This study was done with coffee makers used in homes where most people are also cleaning their coffee machines regularly.
Are hotel room coffee machines cleaner or dirtier than the ones you might find at home? The sad reality is that these machines that make hotel coffee are often dirtier than the ones at home. Housekeepers have little time for deep cleaning these machines. The mugs may not even always be clean, which is a compelling reason to bring disposable ones.
What About Continental Breakfast Coffee?
The coffee machine in the continental breakfast area may be more thoroughly cleaned than the one that is located in the hotel room. However, you should still be wary about using this coffee maker while you fill up on eggs and Belgian waffles. Make sure to wipe down the handle of the pot before using it.
Coffee pot handles are excellent breeding areas for viruses. Be careful if you plan to use one while you’re in a hotel grabbing breakfast. It’s possible you could end up sick simply by touching the handle to pour some of that hot brown liquid. It’s best to avoid it unless you have no other options.
What’s an Alternative to Traditional Hotel Coffee?
Nobody wants to come in contact with viruses, germs, and bacteria. If you’ve sworn off the hotel coffee available to you, you might be wondering what options you have. Many people hate to leave the hotel without a cup of coffee, so finding a coffee shop nearby might not be the best option.
So what’s the best option? Why not make your own hotel instant coffee? All you have to do is pack some of Waka’s instant coffee in your luggage. When you wake up in the morning, add the coffee to a disposable cup, add water, stir it all up, and enjoy the caffeination you’ve been hoping for. You can ask for hot water at the lobby or bring a small portable kettle with you.
When you choose instant coffee, you’ll make less waste than using pods or packets of coffee, and you’re sure to enjoy the flavor. The instant coffee of today comes in a variety of blends so you can choose the one that hits the spot for you.
The great thing is that you can use Waka at home, on work trips, at school, in an RV, or wherever else life takes you. There’s no need to lug along a coffee maker or find a shop to get your caffeine every day.
Final Thoughts
Instead of trusting the hotel coffeemaker in your room, consider making your own hotel instant coffee. This ensures that you know exactly what you’re about to drink. You’ll run into no safety issues and you can be revved up and ready to go for whatever the day has in store for you.
Ready to invest in hotel instant coffee you’ll love?
