The Best Small Coffee Maker
You can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without a large machine using the top small coffee maker. These compact machines are available in various sizes and styles to suit your needs.
A coffee urn may be ideal for cafes and restaurants however, it's not the best choice for people who just want to brew a cup for themselves. A single-serve coffee maker is quick, easy and ideal for a single person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
This is the device for you if you have limited space and would like to invest in a machine that will give you an authentic cafe experience. It's user-friendly and reliable, and produces excellent tasting coffee every time. There are some flaws however, they're small enough that you will learn to live with them.
Centrifusion is the VertuoPlus brewing system that sets it apart. The machine reads the barcodes on each Nespresso pod to determine the type of beverage it's making, then adjusts its extraction speed and temperature according to. This ensures consistency across many types of coffee and cups from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with a reusable capsule container that is great for reducing waste and makes it easier to keep the track of your inventory. Plus, when you're finished, the pod is automatically ejected and put in an additional bin for disposal.
This is a small piece of equipment that is built to last, using durable plastic throughout and stainless steel accents. Its compact design makes it easy to place on a counter. It also has a low-profile so you can still fit in your cup. It's 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep so if you're limited on countertop space, you might want to consider smaller options like the Essenza Mini instead.
The only drawback is that you're bound to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't encourage recycling (and will cost you a lot more than generic pods). If you're ready and able to commit to the brand then this is your best option. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino frother that creates creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour over French press is a manual brewer designed to give you total control over the way your coffee is brewed. Its carafe is constructed of BPA-free, heat-resistant glass. Additionally, it comes with an stainless steel filter which promotes reuse. This will save you money on a disposable paper filter and also reduce the carbon footprint.
The filter that is reusable will help preserve the natural flavors and oils of your coffee for a richer taste. This is a great option for those just beginning their journey or want to use a less expensive machine. It's not the best option for those who want to make more than 2 cups at once.
This coffee maker is a double-walled model which helps keep your coffee warmer for longer than single wall models. The handle is cool-touch, which makes it easy to hold and preventing your hands from getting burned. Its insulated design is perfect for camping trips or other activities that require you to keep your coffee warm.
When we tested this model, it produced a clean cup with minimal sediment. It was similar to other insulated metal French presses, like the Secura and Poli via r. However, it was not as clean as the top French presses for camping that use a ceramic filter.
Another nice characteristic of this coffee maker is that it comes with a built-in measuring spoon and funnel made of silicone to make it easier to add your ground coffee. This will help you save time in the morning rush. The manufacturer also provides one-year returns and replacements in the event that you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
3. OXO Good Grips
OXO Good Grips offers a range of high-end kitchen appliances and cooks' tools designed ergonomically with the user in mind. Their grips are comfortable, durable and won't slip when you use them. Their handles are shaped to be oval rather than round, which makes them fit into the palm of your hand and keep them secure under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA-free and easy to stack. 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 flour, pasta, sugar and flour, or dry snacks like pretzels and chips.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, founded the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. The first product he introduced, a peeler, had an oval-shaped handle that was simple for anyone to hold and control regardless of the size or strength of their hands.
He launched a nonstick cooking set made from dishwasher-safe hard-anodized aluminium for superior heat conductivity. The PFOA-free, three-layer coating allows food to be released easily and is durable enough for daily use. The pans also have a flat bottom, which makes them ideal for stovetop to oven cooking.
OXO also offers a soft-handled, non-slip can opener with large comfortable handles. The knob is oversized to alleviate stress on fingers. They also are 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 individually or in sets to suit your specific requirements. The six-piece Prep & Serve Set, for instance, is easily transferred from stove to table and includes the slotted spoons, spatulas and spoons that every home cook needs. To get a more comprehensive set, add in specialty tools such as an asparagus peeler corn peeler and different citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smallest and tiniest Nespresso machine, a pod-based system that brews Espresso and Lungo recipes at the press of a button. It's not as sophisticated as some of the more expensive models, but its simplicity makes it a good option for a lot of households.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray or black finish to complement the majority of kitchen designs. It's also extremely light at just 5 pounds, which means it's easy to move around. It's also one of the fastest machines we've tested to heat up and start working, with a total time of about 28 seconds between pressing the on button and having a cup ready to pour.
Unlike some other models, the Essenza Mini only has two buttons that can be programmed for Espresso and Lungo which makes it simple to use. It's the only model in our top five that comes with an energy-saving mode that turns off automatically after 9 minutes. It also has an easily accessible 20.3-ounce water reservoir.
Another major distinction among the Essenza Mini and other Nespresso machines is that it creates a richer crema than the Vertuo line, and has an even layer of tiny microbubbles as opposed to the thin, aerated cap of bubbles (the latter is often mistaken for froth). The only downside is that there's no secondary drip tray, so you'll need to put your cup directly on the countertop. This could be a problem for tall mugs.
One thing to note is that the Mini does not come with a capsule that can be reused or app. This means that you'll need to purchase preprogrammed Nespresso pods or an additional milk frother. Both options are readily accessible and reasonably priced online.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grips Mini is a collection of small kitchen tools that are perfect for gifts, stockings and travel. The set includes a small measuring cup that is angled to revolutionize measuring liquids by removing spills, and four smaller sized beakers with bright and easy to read measurement markings. They all fit together to make a compact storage space and are dishwasher safe.
The Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup's patented angled surface makes it easier to read the measurement markings, without tilting or strain like traditional cups. This helps prevent spills. The transparent Tritan plastic is BPA-free and features measurements in metric and standard sizes, including a 1/4 cup 6ml, 4 TBSP and 6ml.
It's a great gift for recent grads or mixologist friends who are enthusiastic bakers. It can easily fit in your kitchen, as well as theirs. The comfortable non-slip handle and balancing loop make it an essential piece of equipment in any kitchen, and the durable double rod made of stainless steel stands up to everyday use.
The compact OXO GoodGrip Mini Grate & Slicing Set features a medium and coarse grater surface to prepare crudite plates, salads or potato chips made from scratch. The set is perfect for kitchen drawers and counter tops for cafes as it includes a non-slip base, as well as a lid that locks. The transparent SAN plastic bin allows you to see contents and the white lid matches the kitchen or bakery decor.