The Best Small Coffee Maker
You can enjoy delicious coffee without the need for a big machine by using the most compact coffee maker. These compact machines are available in various sizes and styles that will meet your preferences.
A coffee urn is ideal for cafes and restaurants but not for those who are looking to make the coffee for themselves. A single-serve brewer is quick and simple, and is ideal for one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
This is the device for you if you're in a tight space and are looking to invest in a machine that gives you an authentic cafe experience. It is simple to use, reliable and produces great coffee every time. There are some quirks however they're minor enough that you can be able to accept them.
Centrifusion is the VertuoPlus brewing system that differentiates it from other systems. The machine scans the barcodes on each Nespresso pod to determine the type of beverage it's making and adjusts the speed of extraction and temperature accordingly. This ensures consistency across a variety of cups and types of coffee from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with an reusable capsule container that reduces waste and also helps you keep your inventory in order. Additionally, when you're done, the container is ejected automatically and placed in a separate bin for disposal.
This small appliance is built to last. It features a durable plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means it can be easily placed on a countertop and has a slim profile that makes enough space for your cup. 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 high and 12.7 inches wide.
The only downside to this is that you're committed to the Nespresso pod-system that does not encourage recycling and can be more expensive than generic pods. But if you're willing to invest in the brand and invest in an efficient system for your used capsules, this is the most suitable option on our list. You can pair it with a Nespresso aeroccino frother to make creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour-over French press is a manual coffee maker designed to give you complete control over the final product. The carafe, which is made of heat-resistant glass and free of BPA is equipped with a stainless-steel filter that is designed to promote reusability. This will save you money on a disposable paper filter and reduce your carbon footprint.
The filter is reusable and will aid in preserving the natural oils and flavors of your coffee for a richer taste. This is a great choice for those just beginning their journey or prefer a less expensive machine. However, it's not the best choice for anyone looking to make more than two cups at one time.
This coffee maker has a double-walled design, which keeps your brew hotter for longer than single-wall models. It also comes with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to grip and prevents your hands from burning. The insulated design is ideal for camping trips and other activities 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 from metal like the Secura or Poliviar. However, it was still not as clean as the top French presses for camping that utilize a ceramic filter.
This coffee maker also has an measuring spoon and a silicone funnel built in to make it easy to add your grounds of coffee. This can save you some time during the morning rush. The manufacturer also provides an 1 year return or replacement policy in the event that you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
3. OXO Good Grip
OXO Good Grips is a high-end line of cooks tools and kitchen accessories that are designed with ergonomic comfort in mind. The grips are durable, soft and won't slide during use. Their handles are oval rather than round. This allows them to fit comfortably in your palm and remain safe under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe and BPA-free. They are also easy to stack. The lids are also easy to open and shut even if your hands are wet. Some of the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples such as flour, pasta, sugar and flour, or dry snacks like chips and pretzels.
Sam Farber, the nephew of Simon Farber, who founded the Farberware company in 1900, launched OXO Good Grips in 1990. His first product, 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.
Later, he introduced a nonstick pro cookware set that's made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminium for better heat conduction. Its PFOA-free, 3-layer coating releases food easily and is durable enough for everyday use. The pans are flat on the bottom, which makes them perfect for cooking on the stove or in the oven.
OXO also has a soft-handled, non-slip can opener that has large, comfortable handles. The knob is large enough to ease the stress on fingers. The company's Universal Design philosophy makes them suitable for people with arthritis and other ailments that impact their grip strength.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips tools by themselves or in sets to suit your specific requirements. For example, the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can be moved from the stove to the table effortlessly and includes spoons, slotted spoons and spatulas that every home cook requires. To get a more comprehensive set, add in specialty tools like an asparagus peeler, corn peeler and a variety of 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 press of a button. It's not as full-featured as some of the more expensive models, however its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for many households.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray or black finish to complement the majority of kitchen decor. It's also very light at just 5 pounds, so it's easy to move around. It's among the fastest machines to warm up and start working. The time between pressing the on button and a cup being ready to pour is approximately 28 seconds.
The Essenza Mini is very easy to use, as 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 with an energy-saving mode that shuts down automatically after 9 minutes of inactivity, and it has a detachable, 20.3-ounce water tank.
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, in contrast to the Vertuo's thin aerated bubbles. (The latter is often mistaken for foam). The only downside is that there's no drip tray, so you'll have to place your mug directly on the counter. This could be an issue for tall mugs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Mini does not come with a reusable capsule or an app. This means that you'll have to purchase pre-programmed Nespresso pods or an additional milk frother. Fortunately, both of these options are reasonably priced and easily available on the internet.
5. OXO Good Grips Mini 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 a miniature angled measuring cup that will revolutionize measuring liquids by removing spills, and four smaller-sized beakers that have colorful and easy to read measurement markings. They can all be stacked together for compact storage and are dishwasher safe.
The Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup's patented angle makes it easier to read the measurement markings, without the need to tilt or strain like traditional cups. This prevents spills. The Tritan plastic is BPA free and has measurements in metric and standard sizes including a 1/4 cup and 6ml.
This is a wonderful present to give to recent graduates, mixologists, and bakers. It will fit in your own kitchen and yours. The non-slip handle, balancing loop, and sturdy double rod construction made of stainless steel make it a kitchen workhorse.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate & Slicing set comes with a coarse and medium grated surface that can be used to prepare salads, crudite plates or homemade potato chips. A non-slip base as well as the lid that locks make this set a great choice for kitchen drawers or cafe counter tops. best cappuccino machine allows you to see contents and the white lid matches the decor of your bakery or kitchen.