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 small machines are available in a variety of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn is perfect for cafes and restaurants but not for those who want to make the coffee for themselves. A single-serve brewer is fast easy and ideal for one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
This is the appliance for you if you're in a tight space and are looking to invest in a device that can provide you with the authentic experience of a cafe. It is easy to use, reliable and produces great coffee every time. It does have some flaws, but those are small enough to accept them as part of your daily routine.
The defining feature is the VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine makes use of the barcodes that are on each Nespresso capsule to determine what kind of beverage is being brewed, and then adjusts the extraction speed and temperature. This ensures consistency across many cups and coffee types from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with a capsule that can be reused which is useful to reduce waste and making it easier to keep the track of your inventory. Plus, when the pod is empty, it's ejected and placed in an appropriate container for disposal.
This small appliance is built to last. It features a durable plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means that it fits easily on a countertop and has a low profile to make enough space for your cup. If you don't have much space on your countertop and you want to make it a smaller size, the Essenza Mini is a good choice. It measures 12.8 inches high and 12.7 inches wide.
The only drawback is that you're committed to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't exactly encourage recycling (and will cost you a lot more than generic pods). If you're willing to purchase the brand and get a good system for your capsules that are used, this is the best option on our list. It can be paired with a Nespresso aeroccino fother to make 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 is made of BPA-free heat-resistant glass, and it comes with an stainless steel filter that promotes reuse. This can help you save money on paper filters and help reduce your carbon footprint.
The filter is reusable, which aids in preserving the flavors and oils for more flavor. This coffee maker is a low-cost option for those who are just starting out 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.
This double-walled coffee maker keeps your coffee warmer for longer than models that have a single-wall. The handle is cool-touch, making it easy to hold and also preventing your hands from burning. Its insulated design is perfect for camping or other activities that require you to keep your coffee warm.
When we test this model it produced a clear cup with minimal sediment. It was similar to other well-insulated French presses made of steel, such as the Secura or Poliviar. It was not as clean as other French presses using ceramic filters.
Another good aspect 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. If you're not happy with the purchase, the company provides a one-year return or replacement policy.
3. OXO Good Grip
OXO Good Grips is a premium line of cook tools and kitchen equipment that are ergonomically designed with the user's comfort in mind. Their grips are durable soft and will not slide during use. Their handles are oval, not round. This makes them more comfortable to be a perfect fit for your palm and remain secure under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA free and stack easily. The lids are also easy to open and shut even if your hands are damp. Some of their containers are airtight which is great to store dry snacks (such as pretzels and chips) or pantry staples like 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-shaped handle that was easy to hold and control, regardless of the size or strength of their hands.
Later, he introduced an all-purpose cookware set that is nonstick that is dishwasher safe and hard-anodized aluminum for superior heat transfer. Its PFOA free, 3-layer coating is durable and easy to clean. best delonghi coffee machine have a flat bottom, making them ideal for cooking on the stovetop or in the oven.
Other OXO products include a soft-handled opener for cans with large comfortable handles that are not slippery even when wet, and come with an oversized knob that eases the strain on your fingers. The company's Universal Design philosophy makes them suitable for those suffering from arthritis and other conditions that interfere with their grip strength.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips products on their own or in sets that meet your needs. 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 cook needs. Include tools that are specific to your needs, such as an asparagus peeler or corn peeler to your collection for an even more sophisticated set.
4. Essenza Mini
It's the tiniest and tiniest Nespresso machine which is a pod-based machine that makes Espresso and Lungo recipes at the touch of a button. It's not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive models, but it's simplicity makes it an excellent choice for many homes.
The Essenza Mini is available in a muted gray, white and black finish that blends in with most kitchen decor. It's also very light at just 5 pounds, which means it's easy to move. 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 serve is about 28 seconds.
The Essenza Mini is very easy to use, as it only has two buttons that can be programmed, one for Espresso and the other for Lungo. It's also the only one among our top picks with an energy-saving mode that shuts down automatically after 9 minutes of inactivity, and it comes with a reversible, 20.3-ounce water tank.
Another major distinction that separates the Essenza Mini and other Nespresso machines is that it creates a richer crema than the Vertuo line, with an even layer of tiny microbubbles as opposed to a thin, aerated cap of bubbles (the latter is often mistaken for the term "froth"). The only drawback is that there's no drip tray, so you'll need to put your cup directly on the counter. This could be problematic for tall mugs.
It is important to know that the Mini does not come with a reusable capsule or app. This means that you'll require preprogrammed Nespresso pods or an additional milk frother. Fortunately, both options are reasonably priced and easily accessible on the internet.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grips Mini is a collection of kitchen tools that are ideal for stockings, gifts and travel. The set includes a small measuring cup that is angled to revolutionize liquid measuring by eliminating spills, as well as four smaller beakers with bright and easy to read measurement markings. All nest together to make 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 to tilt and strain like traditional cups, eliminating spills. The clear Tritan plastic is BPA-free, and has measurements in metric and standard sizes, including a 1/4 cup 6ml, 4 TBSP and 6ml.
This is a great gift to give to recent graduates, mixologists, and bakers. It will fit in your own kitchen and theirs. The non-slip handle is comfortable and the balancing loop make it a workhorse in any kitchen. The robust double rod made of stainless steel is built to withstand the rigors of daily use.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate & Slice Set has a medium and coarse grater surfaces to prepare salads, crudite platters or homemade potato chips. The set is perfect for kitchen drawers and counter tops for cafes as it features a non-slip base and the lid that is locked. The transparent SAN bin lets you see the contents, and the lid in white will complement any bakery or kitchen decor.