The Best Small Coffee Maker
With the best small coffee makers you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee even without a large machine. These compact machines are available in different sizes and styles that will meet your preferences.
A coffee urn is perfect for cafes and restaurants but not for those who would like to make a cup of coffee for themselves. A single-serve coffee brewer is quick, simple and perfect for just one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
This is the device for you if you're in a tight space and are looking to invest in a gadget that will give you an authentic experience in a cafe. It's easy to use and reliable, as well as making great-tasting coffee every time. There are a few quirks but they are minor and you can accept them.
The main feature is VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine reads a barcode on every Nespresso pod to determine the type of beverage it's producing and adjusts the speed of extraction and temperature in line with. That ensures consistency across multiple types of coffee and cups from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with an reusable capsule container that reduces waste and keeps track of your inventory. Plus, when you're done, the pod is ejected automatically and placed in a separate bin for disposal.
This is a small appliance made to last, featuring sturdy plastic throughout and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means it can be easily placed on a countertop and has a low profile to make room for your cup. It's 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep If you're tight on counter space, think about smaller options like the Essenza Mini instead.
The only downside is that you're committing to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't exactly encourage recycling (and can cost a lot more than generic pods). If you're willing to be a Nespresso customer and its products, then this is the best option. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino Frother, which creates creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour-over French press is a manual coffee maker designed to give you total control over the final product. Its carafe is made from BPA-free heat-resistant glass. In addition, it is equipped with stainless steel filter that promotes reusability. This will help you save money on disposable paper filters and help reduce your environmental footprint.
The filter that is reusable also aids in preserving the coffee's natural flavors and oils for a fuller taste. This coffee maker is a low-cost option that's great for beginners or those who prefer a less expensive machine. It's not the best option for those looking to make more than two cups at a time.
This coffee maker has a double-walled design, which keeps your brew hotter for longer than single-wall models. The handle is cool-touch, making it easy to hold and preventing your hands from burning. Its insulated design is ideal for camping trips or other adventures that require you to keep your coffee warm.
When we test this model it produced a clean cup with no sediment. It was comparable to other well-insulated French presses made of steel, such as the Secura or Poliviar. It was not as clean as other French presses using ceramic filters.
The coffee maker also comes with an measuring spoon and a silicone funnel that make it easy to add grounds of coffee. This will save you some time during the morning rush. The manufacturer also offers an 1 year return or replacement policy should you not be satisfied with your purchase.
3. OXO Good Grips
OXO Good Grips offers a range of high-end kitchen appliances and cooks' tools that are ergonomically created with comfort in mind. Their grips are supple sturdy and durable. They won't slip when you use them. Their handles are oval rather than round. This makes them more comfortable to fit comfortably in your palm and keep them secure even under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA free and stack easily. The lids are also simple to open and close even when your hands are damp. Some of their containers are airtight which is ideal to store dry snacks (such as pretzels and chips) or pantry staples such as pasta, sugar, flour, oats and beans.
Sam Farber, the nephew of Simon Farber, who founded the Farberware company in 1900, introduced OXO Good Grips in 1990. His first product called a peeler had a wide, oval handle that was easy for anyone to hold and control regardless of the size or strength of their hand.
Later, he released an all-purpose cookware set that is nonstick that's made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminum to ensure better heat conduction. Its PFOA free, 3-layer coating is sturdy and easy to clean. The pans also have a flat bottom that makes them ideal for stovetop or oven cooking.
Other OXO products include a soft-handled opener for cans with large, comfortable handles that are not slippery even in wet conditions and come with an oversized knob that eases the strain on your fingers. They also are suitable for people suffering from arthritis or other conditions that affect their grip strength, due to the company's Universal Design philosophy.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips tools by themselves 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 easily and comes with the spoons spatulas, slotted spoons and slotted spoons that every home chef needs. To get a more comprehensive set, add in specialty tools such as an asparagus peeler corn peeler and a variety of citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the most compact Nespresso machine. It's a pod-based device that can make Espresso or Lungo at the touch of a button. It's not as advanced as some of the more expensive models, but its simplicity makes it a great option for many households.
The Essenza Mini is available in a muted gray, white and black finishes that go well with most kitchen decors. It's also super lightweight at just 5 pounds, so it's easy to move. It's one of the fastest machines to warm up and start working. best coffee machine bean to cup between pressing the on button and the cup being ready to serve is around 28 seconds.
Contrary to other models unlike some other models, Essenza Mini only has two programmable buttons for Espresso and Lungo It's also very user-friendly. It's also the only one in our top five that comes with an energy-saving mode that turns off after 9 minutes. It also has an easily accessible 20.3-ounce water reservoir.
The Essenza Mini is different from other Nespresso machines in that it produces a thicker and more robust crema, with a layer of microbubbles, as opposed to the Vertuo's thin, bubbles that are aerated. (The latter is often mistaken for foam). The only downside is that it does not have a secondary drip tray so you'll need to put your mug directly on the counter, which is problematic for mugs with tall sides.
It is important to know that the Mini does not come with a capsule that can be reused or an app. This means you will need to purchase preprogrammed Nespresso pods or a separate milk frother. Fortunately, both alternatives are fairly inexpensive and easily available online.
5. OXO Good Grips Mini Mini
The OXO Good Grips Mini is a selection of small kitchen tools that are ideal for stockings, gifts and travel. The set comes with four smaller beakers with colorful and easy-to-read measurement markings. The set also comes with a mini angled cup for liquid measuring. They all nest together to make a compact storage space and are dishwasher safe.
The Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup's patent-pending angle makes it easier to read the measurement markings without tilting or strain like traditional cups. This eliminates spills. The Tritan plastic is BPA free and comes with standard and metric measurement markings including a 1/4 cup and 6ml.
It's a great present for recent grads mixingologists, friends from the mixology field, and avid bakers, and can easily fit in your kitchen, as well as theirs. The comfortable non-slip handle and balancing loop make it a workhorse in any kitchen, and the robust double rod made of stainless steel can withstand daily use.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate & Slicing Set features a medium and coarse grated surface that can be used to prepare salads, crudite plates or potato chips made from scratch. A non-slip base and lid that locks shut make this set an ideal choice for kitchen drawers or cafe counter tops. The transparent SAN bin lets you view the contents, and the lid, in white complements any bakery or kitchen decor.