The Best Small Coffee Maker
You can enjoy delicious coffee without a large machine with the best small coffee maker. These small machines are available in a range of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn is great for cafes and restaurants however, it is not suitable for those who are looking to make the coffee for themselves. A single-serve brewer can be fast easy and ideal for a single person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you're living in a tiny space and are ready to invest in an appliance that can provide a genuine cafe experience, this is the one for you. It is simple to use, reliable and produces excellent coffee every time. There are some flaws however, they're small enough to be able to accept them.
The most distinctive feature is VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine reads the barcodes on every Nespresso pod to determine the type of beverage it's making and then adjusts its extraction speed and temperature in line with. 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 helps to reduce waste and also helps you keep track of your inventory. Additionally, when you're finished, the pod is ejected automatically and placed in a separate bin for disposal.
This is a small piece of equipment made to last, using durable plastic throughout and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means it can be easily placed on a countertop and features a low profile to make space for your beverage. If you don't have much 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 tall and 12.7 inches wide.
The only drawback 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 commit to the brand and its products, then this is the best option. It can be paired with a Nespresso aeroccino frother to make creamy cappuccinos and 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. Its carafe is constructed of BPA-free heat-resistant glass. In addition, it is equipped with stainless steel filter that promotes reuse. This will save you money on disposable paper filter and help reduce your carbon footprint.
The filter that is reusable also aids in preserving the coffee's natural flavors and oils to give it an enhanced flavor. This is a great option for those just starting out or want to use a less expensive machine. However, it's not ideal for anyone looking to make more than two cups at one time.
The double-walled coffee maker keeps your brew warm for longer than models with one wall. It also has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to hold and stops your hands from burning. Its insulated design is ideal for camping trips or other activities that require you to keep your coffee warm.
When we tested this model, it produced a clean cup with no sediment. It was comparable to other insulated metal French presses, such as the Secura and Poliviar. It was not as clean as other French presses using ceramic filters.
Another great aspect of this coffee maker is that it has an integrated measuring spoon and silicone funnel to make it easier to add your ground coffee. This can save you some 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 is a premium line of cook tools and kitchen tools that are designed ergonomically with the user's comfort in mind. Their grips are durable soft and will not slide while in use. Their handles are shaped oval rather than round, which helps them fit the hand's palm and remain secure when held under pressure.
They are dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and easy to stack. They also have lids with push-down handles that are easy to close and open even when your hands are damp. Some of their containers are airtight, which is useful to store dry snacks (such as chips and pretzels) or pantry staples such as pasta, sugar, flour, oatmeal, and beans.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, established the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. The first product he introduced was a peeler with an oval-shaped handle that was easy 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 is dishwasher safe and hard-anodized aluminum for better heat conduction. Its PFOA-free, 3-layer coating releases food easily and is durable enough for daily use. The pans are flat on the bottom, which makes them perfect for cooking on the stove or in the oven.
Other OXO products include an easy-handled can opener that has large comfortable handles that aren't slippery, even when wet and come with an oversized knob that relieves stress on your fingers. OXO's Universal Design philosophy makes them suitable for people with arthritis and other ailments that impact their grip strength.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips tools individually or in sets to meet your specific requirements. For example the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can be moved from the stove to the table effortlessly and includes spoons spatulas, slotted spoons and slotted spoons that every chef in the home needs. To get a more comprehensive set include tools that are specific to your needs like an asparagus peeler, corn peeler, and various citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smaller Nespresso machine. It's a pod-based device, which brews Espresso or Lungo at the press of one button. It's not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive models however, its simplicity makes it a good choice for many homes.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray black, white, or matte gray to match most kitchen designs. It's also very light at just 5 pounds, which means it's easy to move around. It's also one of the fastest machines we've tested to warm up and get going in a time of about 28 seconds between pushing the on button and having a cup ready to pour.
The Essenza Mini is extremely simple to use, as it has just two buttons that can be programmed. One for Espresso and the other for Lungo. It's also the only one among our top picks to have an energy-saving mode that shuts down automatically after 9 minutes of inactivity, and it has a detachable, 20.3-ounce water tank.
The Essenza Mini is different from other Nespresso machines because it produces a thicker crema, with a layer of microbubbles, as opposed to the Vertuo's thin, aerated bubbles. (The latter is often mistaken for froth). The only downside is that it doesn't have an additional drip tray, so you'll need to put your cup directly on the counter, which is difficult for tall mugs.
It is important to know that the Mini does not include a reusable capsule or an app. This means that you'll have to purchase pre-programmed Nespresso pods or an additional milk frother. Both of these options are easily accessible and reasonably priced online.
5. OXO Good Grips Mini
The OXO Good Grips Mini is a set of kitchen appliances that are perfect for stockings, gifts or travel. The set includes a miniature angled measuring cup that will revolutionize measuring liquids by removing spills, as well as four smaller-sized beakers that have bright and easy to read measurement markings. They can all be stacked together to make a compact storage space and are dishwasher safe.
coffee machines best of the Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup makes it easier to read measurement markings without having strain or tilt like traditional cups, which eliminates spills. The transparent Tritan plastic is BPA-free, and has standard and metric measurement markings including a 1/4 cup, 6ml and 4 Tbsp.
It's a wonderful present for recent graduates mixingologists, friends from the mixology field, and enthusiastic bakers. It can easily fit in your kitchen, as well as theirs. The non-slip, comfortable handle and balancing loop make it an essential piece of equipment in any kitchen, and the sturdy double rod of stainless steel can withstand daily use.
The small OXO Good Grips Mini Grate and Slice Set has a medium and coarse grater surfaces for prepping salads, crudite platters and homemade potato chips. The set is perfect for kitchen drawers as well as counter tops for cafes as it has a non-slip base with the lid that is locked. The transparent SAN bin allows you to view the contents and the lid in white will complement any kitchen or bakery decor.