The Best Small Coffee Maker
You can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without the expense of a larger machine using the top small coffee maker. These small machines are available in various sizes and styles to suit your needs.
A coffee urn is ideal for cafes and restaurants however, it's not the best choice for those who need to make an espresso for themselves. A single-serve coffee maker is quick, easy and perfect for just one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
This is the right appliance for you if you're in a tight space and are looking to invest in a device that will give you an authentic cafe experience. which coffee machines are best is easy to use, reliable and makes amazing coffee every time. There are a few quirks but they are minor and you can accept them.
Centrifusion is the VertuoPlus brewing system that makes it stand out. additional hints uses the barcodes on every 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 espresso to lungo and everything in between.
It also comes with a reusable capsule, which is nice to reduce waste and helps to keep track of your inventory. Plus, when you're done, the pod is automatically ejected and disposed in the bin to be disposed of in a separate container.
This small appliance is built to last. It features a durable plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact design allows it to be easily placed on a counter and has a low profile, so you still have room for your beverage. It's 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep, so if you're short on countertop space, consider smaller options like the Essenza Mini instead.
The only drawback is that you're committed to the Nespresso pod-system, which doesn't encourage recycling and can be more expensive 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 to make creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour over French press is a manual brewer that's designed to give you total control of how your coffee turns out. Its carafe is made from BPA-free heat-resistant glass, and it has a stainless steel filter that encourages reusability. This will help you save money on paper filters and reduce the environmental footprint.
The reusable filter also helps preserve your 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 ideal choice for those looking to make more than two cups at a time.
This coffee maker has a double-walled design that keeps your coffee warmer for longer than single wall models. It also features 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 adventures that require you to keep your coffee warm.
This model made a cup that was clean and had minimal dirt when we tested it. It was similar to other insulated metal French presses, including the Secura and Poliviar. However, it was not as clean as the top French presses for camping that use a ceramic filter.
Another good 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 can save you a bit of time during the morning rush. The manufacturer also provides a 1-year return/replacement policy in case you're not satisfied with your purchase.
3. OXO Good Grips
OXO Good Grips offers a line of high-end kitchen tools and cook's tools that are designed ergonomically with the user in mind. Their grips are durable soft and will not slide when in use. The handles are oval rather than round, which helps them fit into the palm of your hand and stay secure when held under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA free and stack easily. The lids are also easy to open and shut even when your hands are damp. Some of the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples such as sugar, flour, pasta and flour or dry snacks such as chips and pretzels.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, established the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. The first product he introduced called a peeler had an oval-shaped handle that was simple for anyone to hold and control regardless of the size or strength of their hand.
Later, he released an all-purpose cookware set that is nonstick that's made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminium for superior heat transfer. Its PFOA free, 3-layer coating is durable and easy to clean. The pans are flat on the bottom, making them ideal for cooking on the stove or in the oven.
Other OXO products include an easy-handled can opener that has large comfortable handles that are not slippery, even when wet and come with an oversized knob that reduces stress on your 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 products by themselves or in sets that meet your requirements. For example, the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can be moved from the stove to the table easily and comes with the spoons spatulas, slotted spoons and slotted spoons that every home chef needs. For a more advanced collection include tools that are specific to your needs like an asparagus peeler, corn peeler and a variety of citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
It's the tiniest and most compact Nespresso machine with a pod-based system that makes Espresso and Lungo recipes with the touch of one button. It's not as advanced as some of the more expensive models, but its simplicity makes it an excellent option for many households.
The Essenza Mini is available in a muted white, gray, and black finishes that go well with the majority of kitchen decors. It's also very light at just 5 pounds, which means it's easy to move. It's also among the fastest machines we've tested to heat up and start working, with a total time of around 28 seconds between pushing the button to turn on and having the coffee ready to pour.
The Essenza Mini is extremely simple to use, as it only has two buttons that can be programmed. One for Espresso and the other one for Lungo. It's the only model in our top five 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 more dense crema and has a layer of microbubbles as opposed to the Vertuo's thin bubbles that are aerated. (The latter is often mistaken for foam). The only drawback is that there's no drip tray, so you'll need to put your cup directly on the counter. This can be problematic 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 need to purchase preprogrammed Nespresso pods or an individual milk frother. Both of these options are easily available and relatively inexpensive on the internet.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is an assortment of kitchen tools that are perfect for gift wrapping and stockings. It's also great for traveling. The set includes a miniature measuring cup with an angled design that will revolutionize measuring liquids by removing spills, as well as four smaller sized beakers with bright and easy to read measurement markings. They all nest together to make a compact storage space and are dishwasher safe.
The Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring cup's patent-pending angled surface makes it easier to see the measurement markings without tilting or strain like traditional cups. This prevents 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 a 1/4 cup.
It's a great present for recent grads, mixologist friends, and avid bakers, and can easily fit into your own kitchen as well as theirs. The non-slip, comfortable handle and balancing loop make it an essential piece of equipment in any kitchen and the durable stainless steel double rod construction stands up to everyday use.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate and Slicing Set features a medium and coarse grated surface that can be used to prepare crudite plates, salads, or potato chips made from scratch. This set is ideal for kitchen drawers and cafe counter tops because it includes a non-slip base, as well as lid that locks. The transparent SAN plastic bin lets you to see contents and the white lid is a great match with the decor of your bakery or kitchen.