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 offered in a variety of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn might be ideal for restaurants or cafes, but it's not convenient for those who want to brew an espresso for themselves. A single-serve coffee brewer is simple, quick and perfect for just one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you're living in a tiny space and are looking to invest in a machine that can provide a genuine cafe experience it's the right one for you. It's easy to use, reliable, and makes excellent tasting coffee every time. There are some quirks however, they're small enough that you will accept them as part of your daily routine.
The main feature is VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine utilizes the barcodes on every Nespresso capsule to determine what kind of beverage is being made and then adjusts extraction speed and temperature. That ensures consistency across multiple cups and coffee types, from espresso to lungo and everything in between.
It also comes with a capsule that can be reused that is great to reduce waste and helps to keep your inventory in order. Furthermore, when the capsule is empty, it's ejected and placed in an additional container to be disposed of.
This small appliance is made to last. It has a sturdy plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means that it fits easily on a countertop and features an elongated profile to make space for your beverage. If you don't have a lot of space on your countertop and you want to make it a smaller size, the Essenza Mini is a good choice. It measures 12.8 inches high and 12.7 inches wide.
The only drawback is that you're committing to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't encourage recycling (and can cost a lot more than generic pods). If you're willing and able to be a Nespresso customer then this is your best option. You can pair it with a Nespresso Aeroccino Frother to make luscious cappuccinos or lattes.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour over French press is a manual brewer designed to give you complete control of how your coffee turns out. The carafe is made of BPA-free heat-resistant glass, and it is equipped with stainless steel filter which promotes reusability. This will help you reduce the cost of disposable paper filters, and also reduce the environmental footprint.
The reusable filter also aids in preserving the flavors and oils to give it more flavor. This coffee maker is a budget option for those who are just starting out or those who prefer a less expensive machine. However, it's not ideal for anyone who wants to make more than two cups at one time.
The double-walled coffee maker keeps your coffee warmer longer than models with a single-wall. It also features an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to grip and stops your hands from burning. The design is insulated, making it a good choice for camping trips as well as other activities where you'll require keeping your coffee hot.
This model produced cups that were clean and had no contamination when we test it. It was similar to other well-insulated French presses made from metal like the Secura or Poliviar. It was not as clean as other French presses that use ceramic filters.
The coffee maker also comes with a measuring spoon as well as a silicone funnel that make it easy to add grounds of coffee. This will save you time during the morning rush. The manufacturer also provides an 1 year return or replacement policy should you not be satisfied with your purchase.
3. OXO Good Grip
OXO Good Grips offers a line of high-end kitchen tools and cook's tools that are ergonomically created with the user in mind. Their grips are comfortable and durable, and will not slip while in use. The handles are oval rather than round, which helps them fit the palm of your hand and remain secure when held under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA free and stack easily. The lids are also easy to open and shut even if your hands are damp. Some of the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples such as sugar, flour, pasta and flour or dry snacks such as 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 was a peeler that had large oval handles that anyone could grip and control no matter their size or strength.
Then, he launched a nonstick pro cookware set made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminium for superior heat conduction. Its PFOA free, three-layer coating is robust and easy to clean. The pans also have a flat bottom, which makes them ideal for stovetop or oven cooking.
Other OXO products include a soft-handled can opener with large, comfortable handles that are not slippery even in wet conditions and feature an extra-large knob that relieves stress on your fingers. They also are suitable for those with arthritis or other conditions that limit their grip strength, thanks to the company's Universal Design philosophy.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips products individually or in sets that fit your requirements. For example the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can transfer from table to stove with ease and includes the spoons spatulas, slotted spoons, and slotted spoons that every home cook requires. Add specialty tools such as an asparagus peeler or a corn peeler to make a more advanced set.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the most compact Nespresso machine. It's a pod-based machine that can make Espresso or Lungo at the push of one button. It's not as full-featured as some of the more expensive models, however its simplicity makes it a good choice for many households.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray, white or black finish to match most kitchen decors. It is also lightweight and weighs just 5 pounds. It's also one of the fastest machines we've tested in terms of heating and start working, with a total time of just 28 seconds between pressing the button to turn on and having the coffee ready to pour.
The Essenza Mini is a breeze to use, as it only has two programmable buttons, one for Espresso and the other for Lungo. It's the only one in our top five with an energy-saving mode that shuts off after 9 minutes. It also comes with a removable 20.3-ounce water reservoir.
The Essenza Mini is different from other Nespresso machines in that it produces a thicker 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 doesn't have an additional drip tray, so you'll need to place your cup directly on the counter, which can be problematic for tall mugs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Mini does not come with a reusable capsule or app. This means you will have to purchase pre-programmed Nespresso pods or an additional milk frother. Fortunately, both options are reasonably priced and easily accessible online.
5. OXO best coffee espresso machine is a set of small kitchen tools that are ideal for stockings, gifts and travel. The set comes with four smaller beakers that have vibrant and easy-to-read measurement markings. It also includes the mini angled cup that is perfect for liquid measuring. They all fit together to create a compact storage unit. They are also dishwasher safe.
The Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup's patented angle makes it easier to see the measurement markings without tilting or strain like traditional cups. This eliminates spills. The transparent Tritan plastic is BPA-free, and has standard and metric measurement markings such as a 1/4 cup, 6ml and 4 Tbsp.
It's a great gift for recent graduates mixingologists, friends from the mixology field, and baking enthusiasts, and will easily fit into your kitchen and theirs. The comfortable non-slip handle and balancing loop make it a reliable choice in any kitchen. The sturdy double rod of stainless steel stands up to everyday use.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate and Slice Set has a medium and coarse grater surfaces that can be used to prepare salads, crudite platters or homemade potato chips. A non-slip base as well as the lid that locks make the set a great choice for kitchen drawers or cafe counter tops. The transparent SAN bin allows you to see the contents, and the lid is white, which will complement any kitchen or bakery decor.