The Best Small Coffee Maker
You can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without the need for a big machine with the best small coffee maker. These compact machines are offered in a variety of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn is ideal for cafes or restaurants, but it's not convenient for those who just need to make a cup for themselves. A single-serve brewer is fast and simple, and is ideal for a single user.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you're in a tight space and are willing to invest in a kitchen appliance that will give you a true cafe experience, this is the one for you. It is simple to use, reliable, and produces great coffee every time. There are a few niggles but they are minor and you can accept them.
The main feature is VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine utilizes the barcodes on every Nespresso capsule to determine the kind of beverage is being made and then adjusts the extraction speed and temperature. This ensures consistency between different coffee types and cups, from lungo to espresso.
It also comes with a capsule that can be reused that is great for reducing waste and making it easier to keep track of your inventory. 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 built to last. It has a sturdy plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact design allows it to be easily placed on a counter. It also has an elongated profile so you still fit in your beverage. If you don't have much space on your counter then the Essenza Mini is a good option. It measures 12.8 inches high and 12.7 inches wide.
The only downside is that you're committed to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't exactly encourage recycling (and will cost you a lot more than generic pods). If you're willing to purchase the brand and invest in a good system to dispose of your old capsules, this is the best option on our list. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino Frother to make luscious cappuccinos or lattes.
2. best latte machine over French press is a manual brewer designed to give you full control over the way your coffee is brewed. The carafe, which is made of heat-resistant glass that's free from BPA, comes with a stainless-steel filter to ensure reusability. This can save you money on disposable paper filter and reduce your carbon footprint.
The filter is reusable and will help you preserve the natural flavors and oils of your coffee to provide a better taste. This coffee maker is an affordable alternative that is ideal for novices or those who prefer a less expensive machine. However, it's not the best choice for anyone who wants to make more than two cups at a time.
This coffee maker has a double-walled design, which keeps your brew more hot for longer than single-wall models. The handle is cool-touch, making it comfortable to hold and also preventing your hands from burning. The design is insulated, making it an ideal option for camping trips and other activities where you'll need to keep your coffee hot.
This model produced cups that were clean and had minimal dirt when we tested it. It was similar to other insulated metal French presses, including the Secura and Poliviar. However, it was not as clean as other French presses for camping that utilize a ceramic filter.
Another great feature of this coffee maker is that it comes with an integrated measuring spoon and funnel made of silicone to make it easier to add your ground coffee. This will help you save time during 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 offers a line of high-end kitchen tools and cooks' tools that are designed ergonomically with comfort in mind. Their grips are comfortable sturdy and durable. They won't slip when you use them. Their handles are shaped to be oval rather than round, which makes them fit the palm of your hand and keep them secure under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA free and stack easily. They also have lids with push-down handles that are easy to open and close even when your hands are wet. Some of their containers are airtight which is ideal for storing dry snacks (such as chips and pretzels) or pantry staples like pasta, sugar, flour, oats and beans.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, established the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. His first product was a peeler that had a wide oval handle that anyone could grip and control regardless of their size or strength.
He has introduced a nonstick cookware set made from dishwasher-safe hard anodized aluminum to provide superior heat conductivity. Its PFOA free, three-layer coating is robust and easy to clean. The pans are flat on the bottom, making them ideal for cooking on the stovetop or in the oven.
OXO also has a soft-handled, non-slip can opener that has large and comfortable handles. The knob is large enough to ease the stress on fingers. They also are suitable for people with arthritis or other conditions that limit their grip strength due to the company's Universal Design philosophy.
You can buy OXO Good Grips products individually or in sets that fit your needs. 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 chef requires. Include tools that are specific to your needs, such as an asparagus peeler or corn peeler to your collection for a more advanced set.
4. Essenza Mini
It's the tiniest and most compact Nespresso machine, a pod-based system that can make Espresso and Lungo recipes with the touch of a button. It's not as advanced as some of the more expensive models however, its simplicity makes it a good option for homes with a lot of space.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray or black finish to match most kitchen decor. It's also extremely light at just 5 pounds, so it's easy to move around. It's also one of the fastest machines we've tested to warm up and get going, with a total time of about 28 seconds between pushing the on button and having a cup ready to pour.
Get More Information is very easy to use, as 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 down 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, which has an even layer of tiny microbubbles, as opposed to an air-conditioned cap of bubbles (the latter is often confused with the term "froth"). The only drawback is that there's not a secondary drip tray, meaning you'll have to place your mug directly on the countertop. This could be a problem for tall mugs.
The other aspect to take into account is that the Mini does not come with a reusable capsule container or an application, so you'll have to stock up on preprogrammed Nespresso capsules or buy a separate milk frother. Both options are readily available and fairly inexpensive online.
5. OXO Good Grips Mini Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is an assortment of kitchen tools perfect for stockings and gifts. It's also great for traveling. The set comes with four smaller beakers that have vibrant and easy-to-read measurement markings. Also included is the mini angled cup that is perfect for liquid measuring. All nest together to make a compact storage device. They are also dishwasher safe.
The patented angle of the Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup makes it easier to read measurement markings without having tilt and strain like traditional cups, eliminating spills. The Tritan plastic is BPA free and comes with measurements in metric and standard sizes including a 1/4 cup and 6ml.
It's a great present for recent graduates, mixologist friends, and enthusiastic bakers. It can easily fit into your kitchen, as well as theirs. The non-slip handle, balancing loop and sturdy double rod construction made of stainless steel make it a great kitchen workhorse.
The compact OXO Good Grips Mini Grate and Slice Set has a medium grater as well as coarse grater surfaces for prepping salads, crudite platters and homemade potato chips. A non-slip base as well as the lid that locks make this set an ideal choice for kitchen drawers or cafe counter tops. The transparent SAN bin allows you to look inside the bin, and the lid in white complements any kitchen or bakery decor.