The Best Small Coffee Maker
You can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without the need for a big machine using the top small coffee maker. These compact machines are available in a variety of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn might be ideal for cafes or restaurants however, it's not the best choice for those who want to brew a cup for themselves. A single-serve brewer is quick easy and ideal for one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you're in a tight space and are looking to invest in a machine that will deliver an authentic cafe experience This is the machine for you. It's user-friendly and reliable, and produces delicious coffee every time. It has some flaws however they're small enough that you will be able to accept them.
The defining feature is the VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine utilizes the barcodes that are on each Nespresso capsule to determine the type of beverage is being produced, and then adjusts the extraction speed and temperature. 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 helps keep your inventory in order. Plus, when you're done, the container is ejected automatically and placed in a separate bin for disposal.
This small appliance is made to last. best commercial coffee machine has a sturdy plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact design makes it easy to place on the counter and features a low-profile so you can still make room for your cup. It's 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep so if you're limited on countertop space, consider something smaller such as the Essenza Mini instead.
The only drawback is that you're committed to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't encourage recycling (and can cost much more than generic pods). However, if you're willing buy in to the brand and invest in a good system for your capsules that are used this is the top choice on our list. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino fother that makes creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour-over French press is a manual coffee maker designed to give you total control over the final product. The carafe, which is made of heat-resistant glass and free of BPA, comes with a stainless-steel filter to ensure reusability. This can help you save money on a disposable paper filter and also reduce the carbon footprint.
The reusable filter will also help you preserve the natural flavors and oils in your coffee to provide a better flavor. This is a great option for those just starting out or prefer a less expensive machine. It's not the best choice for those looking to make more than 2 cups at once.
The double-walled coffee maker keeps your brew warm longer than models with a single-wall. The handle is cool-touch, which makes it easy to hold and also preventing your hands from getting burned. Its insulated design is ideal for camping or other adventures that require you to keep your coffee warm.
When we tried this model it produced a clean cup with minimal sediment. It was comparable to other well-insulated French presses made of steel such as the Secura or Poliviar. However, it was not as clean as other French presses for camping, which use a ceramic filter.
Another nice characteristic of this coffee maker is that it has a built-in measuring spoon and silicone funnel to make it easier to add your ground coffee. This will save you a bit of time in the morning rush. If you are not satisfied with the purchase, the company 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 accessories that are designed with ergonomic ease of use in mind. Their grips are strong soft and comfortable, and will not slide during use. Their handles are shaped to be oval rather than round, which makes them fit into the hand's palm and stay secure when held under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA free and stack easily. The lids are also simple to open and close even if your hands are damp. Some of the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples like pasta, flour and sugar, or dry snacks like chips and pretzels.
Sam Farber, the nephew of Simon Farber, who founded the Farberware company in 1900, introduced OXO Good Grips in 1990. His first product was a peeler with an oval, wide handle that was easy to hold and control, regardless of the size or strength of their hand.
He introduced a nonstick cookware set made from dishwasher-safe hard anodized aluminium for superior heat conductivity. The PFOA-free, three-layer coating lets food out easily and is durable enough for everyday use. The pans also have a flat bottom, which makes them ideal for stovetop and oven cooking.
OXO also offers a non-slip, soft-handled can opener with large, comfortable handles. The knob is oversized to alleviate stress on fingers. They are also suitable for people suffering from arthritis or other conditions that limit their grip strength due to the company's Universal Design philosophy.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips tools on their own or in sets to suit your specific needs. The six-piece Prep & Serve Set, for instance, is easily moved from stove to table and includes the slotted spoons, spatulas and spoons that every cook needs. For a more sophisticated collection, add in specialty tools like an asparagus peeler, corn peeler and a variety of citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
It's the tiniest and most compact Nespresso machine which is a pod-based machine that brews Espresso and Lungo recipes with the touch of the button. It's not as advanced as some of the more expensive models however its simplicity makes it a great option for a variety of homes.
The Essenza Mini is available in a muted gray, white, and black finishes that go well with most kitchen decor. It's also extremely light at just 5 pounds, meaning it's easy to move. It's also one of the fastest machines we've tested in terms of heating and begin working in a time of about 28 seconds between pushing the on button and having the coffee ready to pour.
The Essenza Mini is extremely simple to use, since it has only 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 shuts off automatically after 9 minutes of inactivity, and it has a detachable, 20.3-ounce water tank.
Another major distinction between the Essenza Mini and other Nespresso machines is that it produces a richer crema than the Vertuo line, and has an even layer of tiny microbubbles, as opposed to a thin, aerated cap of bubbles (the latter is often mistaken for the term "froth"). The only drawback is that it does not have a secondary drip tray so you'll have to place your mug directly on the counter, which is problematic for tall mugs.
Another thing to be aware of is that the Mini does not come with a refillable capsule container or an app, so you'll have to stock up on pre-programmed Nespresso capsules or buy an additional milk frother. Fortunately, both options are reasonably priced and readily available on the internet.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is a small collection of kitchen equipment that is ideal for gift wrapping and stockings. It's also great for traveling. The set includes four smaller cups that feature attractive and easy-to-read measurement marks. Also included is the mini angled cup that is perfect for measuring liquids. They all fit together to create an efficient storage unit. They are also dishwasher-safe.
The Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup's patent-pending angle allows you to read the measurement markings, without tilting or strain like traditional cups. This prevents spills. The Tritan plastic is BPA free and has standard and metric measurement markings including a 1/4 cup and 6ml.
It's a great present for recent graduates, mixologist friends, and avid bakers, and can easily fit into your kitchen, as well as theirs. The non-slip handle, balancing loop, and sturdy double rod made of stainless steel make it a reliable kitchen tool.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate and Slicing Set includes a coarse and medium grater surface for preparing crudite plates, salads or homemade potato chips. A non-slip base and a lid that locks closed make the set a great option for kitchen drawers or counters for cafes. The transparent SAN plastic bin allows you to see contents and the white lid is a great match with the kitchen or bakery decor.