The Best Small Coffee Maker
With the top small coffee makers you can enjoy great coffee without the need for a huge machine. These compact machines are available in different sizes and styles to meet your preferences.
A coffee urn may be ideal for cafes and restaurants however it's not ideal for those who just need to make one cup for themselves. A single-serve coffee maker is simple, quick and ideal for a single person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you have a small space and are looking to invest in a kitchen appliance that will deliver an authentic cafe experience, this is the one for you. It is simple to use, reliable and produces excellent coffee every time. There are a few quirks but they're not major and you can accept them.
The defining feature is the VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine uses the barcodes on every Nespresso capsule to determine the type of beverage is being made and then adjusts extraction speed and temperature. This ensures consistency across many cups and coffee types from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with a reusable capsule container that reduces waste and helps keep the track of your inventory. Furthermore, once you're done, the pod is automatically ejected and disposed in a separate bin for disposal.
This is a small piece of equipment that's built to last, using durable plastic throughout and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means it can be easily placed on a countertop, and it has a slim profile that makes enough space for your cup. If you don't have much space on your counter, the Essenza Mini is a good option. It measures 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches wide.
The only downside is that you're bound to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't encourage recycling (and can cost a lot more than generic pods). If you're willing to purchase the brand and purchase a good system to dispose of your old capsules this is the top choice on our list. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino fother that creates creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour over French press is a manual brewer designed to give you total control over the way your coffee is brewed. The carafe is made of BPA-free heat-resistant glass, and it has an stainless steel filter that encourages reusability. This can help you save money on paper filters and reduce the environmental footprint.
The filter that is reusable will help preserve the natural oils and flavors of your coffee to provide a better flavor. This coffee maker is a low-cost option for those who are just starting out or those who prefer a less expensive machine. It's not the best choice for those looking to make more than 2 cups at once.
This coffee maker has a double-walled design which helps keep your coffee warmer for longer than single wall models. It also comes with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to hold and keeps your hands from burning. Its insulated design is perfect for camping or other adventures that require you to keep your coffee warm.
This model made an unclean cup and had no contamination when we test it. It was comparable to other insulated metal French presses, like the Secura and Poliviar. However, it was not as clean as the best French presses for camping, which use a ceramic filter.
This coffee maker also has a measuring spoon as well as a silicone funnel that make it easy to add your coffee grounds. This will save you time during the morning rush. The manufacturer also provides one-year returns and replacements should you not be satisfied with the purchase.
3. OXO Good Grip
OXO Good Grips offers a range of high-end kitchen appliances and cook's tools that are designed ergonomically with the user in mind. Their grips are durable soft and comfortable, and will not slide while in use. Their handles are shaped to be oval rather than round, which makes to fit in the palm of your hand and keep them secure under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA free and stack easily. The lids are also easy to open and close even when your hands are wet. Some of the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples such as flour, pasta, sugar and flour, or dry snacks like pretzels and chips.
Sam Farber, the nephew of Simon Farber, who founded the Farberware company in 1900, launched OXO Good Grips in 1990. His first product called a peeler had an oval, wide handle that was simple for anyone to hold and control regardless of the size or strength of their hands.
Later, he introduced an all-purpose cookware set that is nonstick that's made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminium for better heat conduction. Its PFOA-free, 3-layer coating allows food to be released easily and is durable enough for everyday use. The pans are flat on the bottom, which makes them perfect for cooking on the stove or in the oven.
OXO also offers a soft-handled, non-slip opener that has large, comfortable handles. The knob is oversized to alleviate stress on fingers. They also are suitable for those with arthritis or other conditions that affect their grip strength due to the company's Universal Design philosophy.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips tools individually or in sets to suit your specific requirements. For example, the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can be moved from the stove to the table effortlessly and includes spoons, slotted spoons and spatulas that every chef in the home needs. Include tools that are specific to your needs, such as an asparagus peeler and a corn peeler to make a more advanced set.
4. Essenza Mini
It's the tiniest and tiniest Nespresso machine with a pod-based system that can make Espresso and Lungo recipes with the touch of a button. It's not as advanced as some of the more expensive machines however, its simplicity makes it an excellent option for a variety of homes.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray, white or black finish to complement the majority of kitchen decor. It's also super lightweight at just 5 pounds, which means it's easy to move. It's among the fastest machines to warm up and start working. The time between pressing the on button to a cup being ready to pour is around 28 seconds.
Contrary to other models unlike some other models, Essenza Mini only has two programmable buttons for Espresso and Lungo which makes it easy to use. It's also the only one in our top five that comes with an energy-saving mode that turns off automatically after 9 minutes. It also comes with a removable 20.3-ounce reservoir of water.
The Essenza Mini is different from other Nespresso machines in that it produces a thicker crema, with a layer of microbubbles, in contrast to the Vertuo's thinner, air-aerated bubbles. ( best ground coffee for espresso machine is often mistaken as froth). The only downside is that there's no drip tray, which means you'll need to put your mug directly on the countertop. This can be problematic for tall mugs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Mini does not come with a capsule that can be reused or an app. This means that you'll require preprogrammed Nespresso pods or an additional milk frother. Both of these options are easily available and fairly inexpensive online.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is a small collection of kitchen equipment that is ideal for gifts and stockings. It's also great for travel. The set includes a miniature angled measuring cup that will transform liquid measuring by removing spills, and four smaller-sized beakers that have bright and easy to read measurement markings. All of them can be stacked together to form a compact storage device. They are also dishwasher safe.
The patented angled surface of the Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup makes it easier to read measurements without having to strain or tilt like traditional cups, thereby avoiding spills. The Tritan plastic is BPA free and comes with measurements in metric and standard sizes including a 1/4 cup and 6ml.
This is a great gift for recent graduates, mixologists, and bakers. It can fit in your kitchen as well as yours. The non-slip handle, balancing loop, and durable double rod construction made of stainless steel make it a great kitchen workhorse.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate & Slicing set comes with a coarse and medium grater surface to prepare crudite plates, salads or potato chips made from scratch. A non-slip base and lid that locks shut make this set a great choice for kitchen drawers or counters for cafes. The transparent SAN plastic bin allows you to see the contents and the white lid is a great match with the decor of your bakery or kitchen.