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 compact machines are offered in a range of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn might be ideal for restaurants or cafes however, it's not the best choice for people who just want to brew an espresso for themselves. A single-serve brewer is fast, easy, and perfect for a single person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you have a small space and are ready to invest in a machine that can provide a genuine cafe experience, this is the one for you. It's simple to use, reliable, and makes excellent tasting coffee every time. It does have some quirks however, they're small enough to accept them as part of your daily routine.
The defining feature is the VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine scans a barcode on each Nespresso pod to determine the kind of beverage it's producing, then adjusts its extraction speed and temperature according to. This ensures consistency across different coffee types and cups, ranging from lungo to espresso.
It also comes with a reusable capsule container that helps reduce waste and also helps you keep track of your inventory. Furthermore, once you're finished, the pod is ejected automatically and placed in a separate bin for disposal.
This is a small piece of equipment that's built to last, with sturdy plastic throughout and stainless steel accents. Its compact design makes it easy to fit on a counter and has a low-profile so you can still fit in your beverage. If you don't have much space on your counter then the Essenza Mini is a good choice. It measures 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches wide.
The only drawback is that you're bound to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't exactly encourage recycling (and can cost much more than generic pods). If you're willing to invest in the brand and purchase an efficient system for your used capsules this is the best option on our list. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino Frother, which creates creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour 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 and free of BPA is equipped with a stainless steel filter to ensure reusability. This can help you save money on a disposable paper filter and help reduce your carbon footprint.
The reusable filter also helps preserve the coffee's natural oils and flavors for a fuller taste. This is a great choice for those who are just beginning their journey or prefer a cheaper machine. It's not the best choice for those looking to make more than two cups at a time.
This double-walled coffee maker keeps your brew warmer for longer than models with one wall. The handle is cool-touch, which makes it easy to grip and preventing your hands from getting burned. The insulated design makes it a good option for camping trips and other activities where you'll require keeping your coffee hot.
When we tried this model it produced a clean cup with no sediment. It was similar to other insulated metal French presses, including the Secura and Poliviar. However, coffee machines best was still not as clean as the best French presses for camping that utilize a ceramic filter.
The coffee maker also comes with a measuring spoon and silicone funnel built in to make it easy to add grounds of coffee. This can save you a bit of time in the morning rush. The manufacturer also provides one-year returns and replacements in case you're not 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 comfortable, and will not slide while in use. Their handles are oval rather than round. This makes them more comfortable to fit comfortably in your palm and keep them safe under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA free and stack easily. The lids are also simple 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 like pasta, flour, sugar, oats and beans.
Sam Farber, the nephew of Simon Farber, who founded the Farberware company in 1900, introduced OXO Good Grips 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.
Later, he released an all-purpose cookware set that is nonstick made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminium for better heat conduction. Its PFOA free, three-layer coating is sturdy and easy to clean. The pans also have a flat bottom, which makes them ideal for stovetop and oven cooking.
Other OXO products include an easy-handled can opener that has large, comfortable handles that are nonslip, even when wet and feature an extra-large knob that reduces stress on your 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 purchase OXO Good Grips tools by themselves or in sets to meet your needs. The six-piece Prep & Serve Set, for example, can be easily transferred from table to stove and comes with spatulas, slotted spoons and spoons that every home cook needs. Add specialty tools such as an asparagus peeler or a corn peeler to your collection for an even more sophisticated set.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smallest and most compact Nespresso machine which is a pod-based machine that can make Espresso and Lungo recipes with the touch of a button. It is not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive models, but it's simplicity makes it a good choice for many homes.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray or black finish to match most kitchen designs. It is also lightweight with a weight of just 5 pounds. It's also one of the fastest machines we've tested to warm up and begin working with a total time of around 28 seconds between pushing the button to turn on and having the cup ready to pour.
Contrary to other models the Essenza Mini only has two buttons that can be programmed for Espresso and Lungo which makes it user-friendly. It's also the only one in our top five with an energy-saving mode that turns off automatically after 9 minutes. It also comes with a removable 20.3-ounce reservoir of water.
The Essenza Mini is different from other Nespresso machines because it produces a thicker and more robust crema and has a layer of microbubbles, as opposed to the Vertuo's thinner, bubbles that are aerated. (The latter is often mistaken as foam). The only drawback is that it doesn't have an additional drip tray, so you'll need to place your mug directly on the counter, which is problematic for mugs with tall sides.
One thing to note is that the Mini does not come with a reusable capsule or app. This means that you'll require preprogrammed Nespresso pods or a separate milk frother. Both options are readily accessible and reasonably priced online.
5. OXO Good Grips Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is an assortment of kitchen equipment that is ideal for gifts and stockings. It's also great for travel. The set includes four smaller cups that feature attractive and easy-to-read measurement marks. It also includes the mini angled cup that is perfect for liquid measuring. All of them can be stacked together to form a compact storage unit. They are also dishwasher safe.
The Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring cup's patent-pending angled surface makes it easier to read the measurement markings without having to tilt or strain like traditional cups. This helps prevent spills. The Tritan plastic is BPA free and has standard and metric measurement markings including a 1/4 cup and 6ml.
This is a great gift to give to recent graduates, mixologists and bakers. It can fit in your own kitchen and theirs. The non-slip handle, balancing loop and durable double rod construction made of stainless steel make it a great kitchen workhorse.
The compact OXO Good Grrip Mini Grate and Slicing Set includes a coarse and medium grater surface to prepare crudite plates, salads or potato chips made from scratch. A non-slip base and lid that locks shut make this set an ideal option for kitchen drawers and cafe counter tops. The transparent SAN bin allows you to view the contents and the lid is white, which complements any bakery or kitchen decor.