The Best Small Coffee Maker
You can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without the need for a big machine by using the most compact coffee maker. These compact machines are available in different sizes and styles to suit your requirements.
A coffee urn may be ideal for cafes or restaurants however, it's not the best choice for those who just need to make a cup for themselves. A single-serve brewer is quick, easy, and perfect for a single user.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
This is the appliance for those with limited space and are looking to invest in a gadget that can provide you with an authentic cafe experience. It's user-friendly, reliable, and makes excellent tasting coffee every time. It does have a few quirks however, they're minor enough that you can be able to accept them.
Centrifusion is the VertuoPlus brewing system that sets it apart. The machine scans a barcode on every Nespresso pod to determine the type of beverage it's brewing and then adjusts the speed of extraction and temperature accordingly. That ensures consistency across multiple cups and coffee types from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with a capsule that can be reused which is useful for reducing waste and helps to keep your inventory in order. Plus, when you're done, the pod is automatically ejected and put in the bin to be disposed of in a separate container.
This small appliance is made to last. It features a durable plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means it fits easily on a countertop, and it has a slim profile that makes space for your beverage. If you don't have a lot of space on your countertop, 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 exactly encourage recycling (and can cost a lot more than generic pods). But if you're willing to purchase the brand and purchase a good system to dispose of your old capsules, this is the most suitable option on our list. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino fother, which creates creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour over French press is a manual brewer that's designed to give you full control of how your coffee turns out. The carafe is made of BPA-free, heat-resistant glass. Additionally, it is equipped with a stainless steel filter which promotes reusability. This will help you reduce the cost of disposable paper filters, and also reduce your carbon footprint.
The filter that is reusable will help preserve the natural flavors and oils in your coffee to give it a more smoky flavor. This coffee maker is a budget option that's great for beginners or those who prefer a less expensive machine. However, it's not ideal for anyone who wants to make more than two cups at a time.
This coffee maker has a double-walled design that keeps your coffee warmer for longer than single wall models. It also comes with a cool-touch handle that makes it easy to hold and stops your hands from burning. The design is insulated, making it a good option for camping trips and other occasions where you'll need to keep your coffee hot.
When we tested this model it produced a clean cup with minimal sediment. It was similar to other insulated metal French presses, such as the Secura and Poliviar. However, it was still not as clean as other French presses for camping that use a ceramic filter.
Another great feature of this coffee maker is that it comes with a built-in measuring spoon as well as a funnel made of silicone that makes it easier to add your ground coffee. This will help you save time in the morning rush. If you're not happy with your purchase, the manufacturer offers a one-year replacement or return policy.
3. OXO Good Grip
OXO Good Grips is a high-end line of cooks tools and kitchen equipment that are designed with ergonomic comfort in mind. Their grips are strong soft and will not slide during use. Their handles are shaped oval rather than round, which helps them fit into the hand's palm and keep them secure under pressure.
They are dishwasher-safe they are BPA-free and easy to stack. The lids are also simple to open and close even if your hands are wet. Some of the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples such as sugar, flour, pasta and flour, or dry snacks like chips and pretzels.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, established the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. His first product called a peeler had an oval, wide handle that was easy to hold and control regardless of the size or strength of their hands.
Later, he released an all-purpose cookware set that is nonstick that's made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminum for better heat conduction. The PFOA-free, three-layer coating allows food to be released easily and is durable enough for everyday use. The pans have a flat bottom, making them ideal for cooking on the stovetop or in the oven.
Other OXO products include a soft-handled opener for cans with large, comfortable handles that are nonslip even when wet, and come with an oversized knob that reduces stress on your fingers. The company's Universal Design philosophy makes them suitable for those suffering from arthritis or other conditions that impact their grip strength.
You can buy OXO Good Grips products individually or in sets that meet your needs. For example the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can transfer from table to stove easily and comes with the spoons spatulas, slotted spoons, and slotted spoons that every chef in the home requires. For a more sophisticated collection add specialty tools like an asparagus peeler, corn peeler and a variety of citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smallest Nespresso machine. It's a pod-based system, which brews Espresso or Lungo at the touch of the button. It is not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive machines however its simplicity makes it a good option for a variety of homes.
The Essenza Mini is available in a muted gray, white, and black finish that blends in with the majority of kitchen designs. It is also lightweight, weighing only 5 pounds. It's also among the fastest machines we've tested to heat up and get going with a total time of around 28 seconds between pressing the button to turn on and having the coffee 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 the only model in our top five with an energy-saving mode that turns off after 9 minutes. It also has a removable 20.3-ounce reservoir of water.
Another important difference among the Essenza Mini and other Nespresso machines is that it creates more of a richer crema than Vertuo line, which has an even layer of tiny microbubbles, as opposed to an air-conditioned cap of bubbles (the latter is often confused with froth). The only drawback is that there's no secondary drip tray, so you'll need to place your mug directly on the counter. This could be an issue for tall mugs.
Another thing to consider is that the Mini does not come with a reusable capsule container or app, which means you'll have to buy preprogrammed Nespresso capsules or purchase a separate milk frother. Both of these options are easily accessible and reasonably priced on the internet.
5. OXO Good Grips Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is an assortment of kitchen tools perfect for stockings and gifts. It's also ideal for travel. The set comes with four smaller beakers that have colorful and easy-to-read measurement markings. best compact coffee machine includes a mini angled cup to measure liquids. All nest together to make a compact storage device. They are also dishwasher-safe.
The unique angled surface of the Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup makes it easier to read measurements without having to tilt and strain like traditional cups, thereby avoiding spills. The clear Tritan plastic is BPA-free, and has standard and metric measurement markings, including a 1/4 cup 6ml, 4 Tbsp and a 1/4 cup.
This is a great gift for recent graduates, mixologists, and bakers. It will fit in your kitchen as well as yours. The non-slip, comfortable handle and balancing loop make it a workhorse in any kitchen, and the robust stainless steel double rod construction is built to withstand the rigors of daily use.
The compact OXO Good Grips Mini Grate and Slice Set comes with a medium grater and coarse grater surfaces that can be used to prepare salads, crudite platters or homemade potato chips. A non-slip base and a lid that locks closed make this set an ideal option for kitchen drawers and counters for cafes. The transparent SAN bin lets you look inside the bin and the lid, in white is a perfect match for any bakery or kitchen decor.