The Best Small Coffee Maker
With the top small coffee makers you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee even without a big machine. These small machines are available in a range of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn may be ideal for restaurants or cafes, but it's not convenient for those who just want to brew one cup for themselves. A single-serve brewer can be fast and simple, and is ideal for one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you're in a tight space and are looking to invest in a kitchen appliance that can provide a genuine cafe experience This is the machine for you. It's simple to use, reliable and makes excellent coffee every time. There are a few quirks but they are minor and you can accept them.
The most distinctive feature is VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine utilizes the barcodes on every Nespresso capsule to determine what kind of beverage is being produced and then adjusts extraction speed and temperature. That ensures consistency across multiple cups and coffee types from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with an reusable capsule container that helps to reduce waste and also helps you keep track of your inventory. Additionally, when you're done, the container is automatically ejected and disposed 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 design makes it easy to place on a counter and has an elongated profile so you still make room for your cup. It's 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep so if you're limited on counter space, think about something smaller such as the Essenza Mini instead.
The only downside 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 ready and able 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 luscious cappuccinos or lattes.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour over French press is a manual brewer that's designed to give you total control over how your coffee will be brewed. Its carafe is made from BPA-free, heat-resistant glass. Additionally, it has an stainless steel filter that promotes reuse. This will save you money on disposable paper filter and reduce your carbon footprint.
The reusable filter also helps preserve the coffee's natural oils and flavors for more flavor. This is a great option for those just beginning their journey or prefer a cheaper machine. It's not the best choice for those who want to make more than 2 cups at a time.
This double-walled coffee maker keeps your brew warmer for longer than models with a single-wall. The handle is cool-touch, which makes it easy to hold and preventing 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 test this model it produced a clean cup with minimal sediment. It was similar to other well-insulated French presses made from metal like the Secura or Poliviar. However, it was not as clean as the top French presses for camping that use ceramic filters.
Another great feature of this coffee maker is that it comes with an integrated measuring spoon and silicone funnel to make it easier to add your ground coffee. This can help you save some time in the morning rush. If you aren't satisfied with your purchase, the seller offers a one-year replacement or return policy.
3. OXO coffeee is a high-end line of cooks ' tools and kitchen accessories that are designed ergonomically with comfort in mind. Their grips are strong soft and will not slide while in use. Their handles are oval rather than round. This helps them be a perfect fit for your palm and remain safe 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 the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples such as pasta, flour and sugar or dry snacks such as chips and pretzels.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, launched the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. His first product called a peeler had an oval-shaped handle that was easy for anyone to hold and control regardless of the size or strength of their hands.
Then, he launched an all-purpose cookware set that is nonstick that's made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminium for superior heat conduction. Its PFOA free, three-layer coating is sturdy and easy to clean. The pans have a flat bottom, which makes them perfect for cooking on the stovetop or in the oven.
OXO also offers a soft-handled, non-slip can opener with large comfortable handles. The knob is large enough to ease the stress on fingers. OXO's Universal Design philosophy makes them suitable for people with arthritis or other conditions that interfere with their grip strength.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips products on their own or in sets that meet your requirements. 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 home chef needs. Include special tools like an asparagus peeler or corn peeler to make a more advanced set.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smallest Nespresso machine. It's a pod-based system that makes Espresso or Lungo at the push of a button. It's not as full-featured as some of the more expensive models, however 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 the majority of 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. The time between pressing the on button to a cup being ready to pour is about 28 seconds.
The Essenza Mini is a breeze to use since it has just two buttons that can be programmed, one for Espresso and the other one for Lungo. It's the only one of our top picks to have an energy saving mode that automatically shuts off after 9 minutes of inactivity and it comes with a reversible, 20.3-ounce water tank.
Another key distinction between the Essenza Mini and other Nespresso machines is that it produces more of a richer crema than Vertuo line, with an even layer of tiny microbubbles as opposed to the thin, aerated cap of bubbles (the latter is often mistaken for froth). The only drawback 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 include a reusable capsule or an app. This means that you'll require preprogrammed Nespresso pods or an additional milk frother. Both of these options are readily available and relatively inexpensive online.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grips Mini is a collection of small kitchen tools that are ideal for stockings, gifts and travel. The set includes a miniature measuring cup that is angled to transform liquid measuring by removing spills, and four smaller-sized beakers that have bright 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 Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup's patent-pending angle makes it easier to see the measurement markings without having to tilt or strain like traditional cups. This eliminates spills. The Tritan plastic is BPA free and features measurements in metric and standard sizes including a 1/4 cup and 6ml.
This is a fantastic present for recent graduates, mixologists and bakers. It will fit in your own kitchen and theirs. The comfortable non-slip handle and balancing loop make it a workhorse in any kitchen and the robust stainless steel double rod construction can withstand daily use.
The compact OXO Good Grrip Mini Grate and Slicing Set features a medium and coarse grater surface to prepare crudite plates, salads, or potato chips made from scratch. A non-slip base and a lid that locks closed make this set an ideal option for kitchen drawers or counters for cafes. The transparent SAN bin allows you to view the contents and the lid in white is a perfect match for any kitchen or bakery decor.