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 small machines are available in different sizes and styles that will meet your needs.
A coffee urn is great for cafes and restaurants however, it is not suitable for those who are looking to make a cup of coffee for themselves. A single-serve brewer can be fast easy and ideal for a single person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you have a small space and are willing to invest in a machine that will give you a true cafe experience This is the machine for you. It is easy to use, reliable and makes great coffee every time. It does have a few quirks however they're small enough that you will learn to live with them.
Centrifusion is the VertuoPlus brewing system that differentiates it from other systems. The machine uses the barcodes that are on each Nespresso capsule to determine what kind of beverage is being brewed and then adjusts extraction speed and temperature. This ensures consistency across a variety of cups and coffee types, from espresso to lungo and everything in between.
It also comes with a reusable capsule container which is useful for reducing waste and helps to keep track of your inventory. Plus, when you're done, the pod is ejected automatically and placed in the bin to be disposed of in a separate container.
This small appliance is built to last. It features a durable plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact design allows it to be easily placed on a counter and has an elongated profile so you still have room for your beverage. If you don't have a lot of space on your counter then the Essenza Mini is a good option. It measures 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches wide.
The only downside is that you're committed to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't encourage recycling (and can cost much more than generic pods). If you're ready and able to be a Nespresso customer then this is your best option. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino fother, which creates creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
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. Its carafe is constructed of BPA-free heat-resistant glass. In addition, it comes with a stainless steel filter which promotes reuse. This can save you money on paper filters and help reduce your carbon footprint.
The reusable filter will also aid in preserving 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 cheaper machine. However, it's not ideal for anyone who wants to make more than two cups at one time.
The double-walled coffee maker keeps your coffee warmer for longer than models that have a single-wall. It also comes with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to grip and keeps your hands from burning. Its insulated design is perfect for camping or other adventures that require you to keep your coffee warm.
When we tried this model it produced a clear cup with no sediment. It was similar to other insulated French presses made from metal such as the Secura or Poliviar. However, it was not as clean as the top French presses for camping that use a ceramic filter.
The coffee maker also comes with a measuring spoon as well as a silicone funnel built in to make it easy to add coffee grounds. This will help you save time in the morning rush. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, the seller offers a 1-year replacement/return policy.
3. OXO Good Grips
OXO Good Grips is a high-end line of cooks tools and kitchen equipment that are designed ergonomically with comfort in mind. The grips are durable soft and comfortable, and will not slide when in use. Their handles are oval rather than round. This helps them fit comfortably in your palm and stay secure under pressure.
They are dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and easy to stack. They also have lids with push-down handles that are easy to open and close even when 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, 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 an oval handle that anyone could grasp and control no matter their size or strength.
Later, he released a nonstick pro cookware set made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminum for superior heat conduction. Its PFOA free, three-layer coating is robust 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 has a non-slip, soft-handled can opener that has large and comfortable handles. The knob is larger to reduce stress on the fingers. OXO's Universal Design philosophy makes them ideal for people suffering from arthritis and other conditions that affect their grip strength.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips products on their own or in sets that fit your needs. The six-piece Prep & Serve Set, for instance, can be easily moved from stove to table and includes the slotted spoons, spatulas and spoons that every home cook requires. For a more advanced collection, add in specialty tools like an asparagus peeler corn peeler, and various citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smallest Nespresso machine. It's a pod-based machine, which brews Espresso or Lungo at the push of one button. It's not as sophisticated as some of the more expensive models, but its simplicity makes it a great option for a lot of households.
The Essenza Mini is available in a muted gray, white, and black that blends with the majority of kitchen decor. It's also extremely light at just 5 pounds, which means it's easy to move. It's also among the fastest machines we've tested to heat up and begin working in a time of just 28 seconds between pressing the on button and having a cup ready to pour.
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 also the only one in our top five that comes with an energy-saving mode that shuts off after 9 minutes. It also has a removable 20.3-ounce water reservoir.
The Essenza Mini is different from other Nespresso machines in that it produces a thicker and more robust crema and has a layer of microbubbles as opposed to the Vertuo's thin air-aerated bubbles. (The latter is often mistaken for froth). The only drawback is that it doesn't have a secondary drip tray so you'll need to place your mug directly on the counter, which is difficult for mugs with tall sides.
It is important to know that the Mini does not include a reusable capsule or an app. This means you will require preprogrammed Nespresso pods or a separate milk frother. Both options are readily available and fairly inexpensive on the internet.
5. OXO Good Grips Mini Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is a small set of kitchen tools perfect for gift wrapping and stockings. It's also great for traveling. The set includes a small measuring cup with an angled design that will transform liquid measuring by removing spills, as well as four smaller beakers with bright and easy to read measurement markings. They all fit together to create an efficient storage unit. 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, which eliminates spills. The transparent Tritan plastic is BPA-free and features standard and metric measurement markings, including a 1/4 cup 6ml, 4 TBSP and 6ml.
It's a great present for recent graduates or mixologist friends who are enthusiastic bakers. It can easily fit
