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 various sizes and styles to suit your preferences.
A coffee urn might be ideal for cafes and restaurants however it's not ideal for those who want to brew a cup for themselves. A single-serve coffee maker is simple, quick and perfect for just one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you're living in a tiny space and are willing to invest in a machine that will give you a true cafe experience, this is the one for you. It's simple to use, reliable, and produces great coffee every time. There are some quirks but they're minor and you can live with them.
Centrifusion is the VertuoPlus brewing system that makes it stand out. The machine makes use of the barcodes that are on each Nespresso capsule to determine what type of beverage is being brewed and then adjusts the extraction speed and temperature. This ensures consistency among different coffee types and cups, ranging from lungo to espresso.
It also comes with an reusable capsule container that helps reduce waste and also helps you keep track of your inventory. Additionally, when you're done, the pod is automatically ejected and disposed in the bin to be disposed of in a separate container.
This is a small piece of equipment that is built to last, featuring sturdy plastic throughout and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means it can easily be placed on a countertop and features a slim profile that makes enough space for your cup. It's 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep, so if you're short on countertop space, you might want to consider something smaller such as the Essenza Mini instead.
The only drawback to this is that you're committing to a Nespresso pod-system, which doesn't encourage recycling and can be more expensive than generic pods. If you're ready and able to be a part of the brand then this is your best option. You can pair it with a Nespresso Aeroccino Frother, which creates creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour-over French press is a manual brewer for coffee designed to give you complete control over the final product. The carafe is made of BPA-free, heat-resistant glass. Additionally, it is equipped with stainless steel filter that encourages reuse. This will save you money on disposable paper filter and also reduce the carbon footprint.
The reusable filter also helps preserve the flavors and oils for an enhanced flavor. This coffee maker is a low-cost alternative that is ideal for novices or those who prefer a less expensive machine. However, it's not ideal for anyone who wants to make more than two cups at a time.
The double-walled coffee maker keeps your brew warmer for longer than models that have a single-wall. It also comes with a cool-touch handle that makes it easy to hold and prevents your hands from burning. The design is insulated, making it an ideal option for camping trips and other occasions where you'll require keeping your coffee hot.
This model produced a cup that was clean and had no contamination when we tested it. It was comparable to other insulated metal French presses, including the Secura and Poliviar. However, it was still not as clean as other French presses for camping that utilize a ceramic filter.
Another good characteristic 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 will help you save 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 Grips
OXO Good Grips offers a collection of premium kitchen tools and cook's tools designed ergonomically with comfort in mind. Their grips are comfortable, durable and won't slip while in use. Their handles are oval and not round. This helps them fit comfortably in your palm and keep them safe 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 damp. Some of their containers are airtight which is ideal for storing dry snacks (such as chips and pretzels) or pantry staples such as pasta, sugar, flour, oats and beans.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, founded the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. His first product, a peeler, had an oval, wide handle that was easy to hold and control regardless of the size or strength of their hand.
He has introduced a nonstick cookware set made from dishwasher-safe hard anodized aluminum for better heat conductivity. Its PFOA-free, 3-layer coating releases food easily and is durable enough for everyday use. The pans also have a flat bottom that makes them ideal for stovetop and oven cooking.
OXO also has a soft-handled, non-slip can opener that has large, comfortable handles. The knob is larger to ease the stress on fingers. They are also suitable for those 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 by themselves or in sets that meet your requirements. The six-piece Prep & Serve Set, for instance, can be easily transferred from stove to table and includes the spatulas, slotted spoons and spoons that every home cook needs. To get a more comprehensive set add specialty tools like an asparagus peeler, corn peeler and different citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smallest and tiniest Nespresso machine which is a pod-based machine that makes Espresso and Lungo recipes at the touch of the button. It's not as full-featured as some of the more expensive models, however its simplicity makes it a good option for many households.
The Essenza Mini is available in a muted gray, white, and black finishes that go well with most kitchen decor. It's also very light at just 5 pounds, meaning it's easy to move around. It's also one of the fastest machines we've tested in terms of heating and get going in a time of about 28 seconds between pressing the button to turn on and having the cup ready to pour.
The Essenza Mini is a breeze to use since it has only two programmable buttons, 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 turns off automatically 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 crema, with a layer of microbubbles, in contrast to the Vertuo's thin, air-aerated bubbles. (The latter is often mistaken for foam). The only downside is that it doesn't come with a secondary drip tray so you'll need to put your cup directly on the counter, which can be problematic for tall mugs.
Another thing to be aware of is that the Mini does not come with a refillable capsule container or application, so you'll have to stock up on preprogrammed Nespresso capsules or buy a separate milk frother. Fortunately, both of these options are relatively inexpensive and readily available online.
5. OXO Good Grips Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is an assortment of kitchen tools that are perfect for gift wrapping and stockings. It's also ideal for travel. The set includes a miniature measuring cup with an angled design that will revolutionize measuring liquids by removing spills, and four smaller beakers with bright and easy to read measurement markings. They can all be stacked together to create a compact storage area and are dishwasher safe.
The patented angled surface 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 features measurements in metric and standard sizes including a 1/4 cup, 6ml and 4 Tbsp.
It's a great gift for recent graduates or mixologist friends who are baking enthusiasts, and will easily fit in your kitchen and theirs. The non-slip handle is comfortable and the balancing loop make it a reliable choice in any kitchen. The robust stainless steel double rod construction stands up to everyday use.
The compact OXO Good Grrip Mini Grate and Slicing Set features a medium and coarse grated surface that can be used to prepare salads, crudite plates or homemade potato chips. related web site and a lid that locks closed make this set an ideal option for kitchen drawers and counters for cafes. The transparent SAN bin allows you to look inside the bin, and the lid is white, which will complement any bakery or kitchen decor.