The Best Small Coffee Maker
With the top small coffee makers, you can enjoy delicious coffee even without a big machine. These compact machines come in various sizes and styles to meet your needs.
A coffee urn may be ideal for cafes or restaurants however, it's not the best choice for people who just want to brew an espresso for themselves. A single-serve brewer is quick, easy, and perfect for one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
This is the right appliance for you if you're in a tight space and are looking to invest in a machine that gives you the authentic experience of a cafe. It's simple to use and reliable, and produces excellent tasting coffee every time. There are a few quirks but they're minor and you can accept them.
The defining feature is the VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine reads a barcode on every Nespresso pod to determine the kind of beverage it's making and adjusts the speed of extraction and temperature in line with. This ensures consistency across a variety of types of coffee and cups from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with a reusable capsule container that is great to reduce waste and makes it easier to keep the track of your inventory. Plus, when you're finished, the pod is automatically ejected and disposed in the bin to be disposed of in a separate container.
best nespresso machine is made to last. It has a sturdy plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact design makes it easy to fit on a counter and has a low-profile so you can still make room for your beverage. It's 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep so if you're limited on counter space, think about smaller options like the Essenza Mini instead.
The only drawback to this is that you're committing to the Nespresso pod-system that does not encourage recycling and is more expensive than generic pods. If you're willing to be a Nespresso customer, then this is your best option. You can pair it with a Nespresso Aeroccino frother that creates creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour over French press is a manual brewer designed to give you full control of the way your coffee is brewed. The carafe is made of BPA-free, heat-resistant glass. Additionally, it is equipped with stainless steel filter that promotes reusability. This will help you reduce the cost of disposable paper filters and reduce the environmental footprint.
The filter that is reusable will aid in preserving the natural flavors and oils in your coffee to provide a better taste. This coffee maker is an affordable alternative that is ideal for novices or those who prefer a cheaper machine. It's not ideal for anyone who wants to make more than two cups at one time.
The double-walled coffee maker keeps your brew warmer for longer than models with one wall. The handle is cool-touch, making it easy to grip and preventing your hands from burning. Its insulated design is perfect for camping trips or other adventures 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 metal insulated French presses, such as the Secura and Poliviar. However, it was still not as clean as the top French presses for camping that use ceramic filters.
This coffee maker also has an measuring spoon and a silicone funnel built in to make it easy to add your grounds of coffee. This can save you some time in the morning rush. If you're not happy with your purchase, the seller offers a 1-year replacement/return policy.
3. OXO Good Grip
OXO Good Grips offers a line of high-end kitchen tools and cooks' tools that are ergonomically created with the user in mind. Their grips are comfortable sturdy and durable. They won't slide when in use. Their handles are shaped 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 if 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, 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 launched was a peeler with a wide oval handle that anyone could hold and control no matter their size or strength.
He launched a nonstick cooking set made from dishwasher-safe hard anodized aluminum for better heat conductivity. The PFOA-free, three-layer coating allows food to be released easily and is durable enough for daily use. The pans have a flat bottom, making them ideal for cooking on the stove or in the oven.
Other OXO products include a soft-handled opener for cans with large, comfortable handles that aren't slippery, even when wet and come with an oversized knob that relieves stress on your fingers. The company's Universal Design philosophy makes them suitable for those suffering from arthritis and other conditions that interfere with their grip strength.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips products by themselves or in sets that meet your requirements. For instance the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can move from stove to table effortlessly and includes spoons spatulas, slotted spoons, and slotted spoons that every home cook requires. Include tools that are specific to your needs, such as an asparagus peeler or a corn peeler to your collection for an additional set of tools.
4. Essenza Mini
It's the tiniest and tiniest Nespresso machine, a pod-based system that makes Espresso and Lungo recipes with the touch of a button. It's not as full-featured as some of the more expensive models, but its simplicity makes it a great option for many households.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray black, white, or matte gray to go with the majority of kitchen decor. It is also lightweight and weighs just 5 pounds. It's also one of the fastest machines we've tested to heat up and start working in a time of just 28 seconds between pushing the on button and having a cup ready to pour.
Unlike some other models, unlike some other models, Essenza Mini only has two buttons that are programmable for Espresso and Lungo, so it's very simple to use. It's also the only one among our top picks to feature an energy-saving mode that shuts off automatically after 9 minutes of inactivity and it has a detachable, 20.3-ounce water tank.
Another major difference that separates the Essenza Mini and other Nespresso machines is that it creates a richer crema than the Vertuo line, with an even layer of tiny microbubbles, as opposed to the thin, aerated cap of bubbles (the latter is often confused with froth). The only downside is that it does not have a secondary drip tray so you'll need to place your mug directly on the counter, which can be difficult for mugs with tall sides.
One thing to note is that the Mini does not come with a capsule that can be reused or an app. This means you will have to purchase pre-programmed Nespresso pods or a separate milk frother. Fortunately, both of these options are relatively inexpensive and readily available online.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grips Mini is a collection of kitchen tools that are ideal for gifts, stockings and travel. The set includes a miniature measuring cup that is angled to transform liquid measuring by removing spills, as well as four smaller-sized beakers that have vibrant and easy-to-read measurement markings. All of them can be stacked together to form a compact storage unit. They are also dishwasher safe.
The unique angle of the Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup makes it easier to read measurement markings without having strain or tilt like traditional cups, eliminating spills. The clear Tritan plastic is BPA-free, and has measurements in metric and standard sizes, including a 1/4 cup 6ml, 4 TBSP and 6ml.
It's a great present for recent grads, mixologist friends, and avid bakers, and can easily fit in your kitchen and theirs. The non-slip handle, balancing loop and sturdy double rod construction made of stainless steel make it a kitchen workhorse.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate and Slice Set features a medium grater and coarse grater surfaces for prepping crudite platters, salads or homemade potato chips. A non-slip base and lid that locks shut make the set a great option for kitchen drawers and counters for cafes. The transparent SAN bin lets you see the contents, and the lid, in white will complement any bakery or kitchen decor.