The Best Small Coffee Maker
You can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without the expense of a larger machine by using the most compact coffee maker. These small machines are available in a range of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn is ideal for cafes or restaurants however, it's not the best choice for people who just need to make an espresso for themselves. A single-serve coffee brewer is quick, easy and perfect for just one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you have a small space and are looking to invest in a kitchen appliance that will give you a true cafe experience This is the machine for you. It is easy to use, reliable and produces excellent coffee every time. There are some quirks but they are minor and you can 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 kind of beverage it's making, then adjusts the speed of extraction and temperature according to. That ensures consistency across multiple cups and coffee types, from espresso to lungo and everything in between.
It also comes with an reusable capsule container that reduces waste and also helps you keep the track of your inventory. Additionally, when best budget espresso machine done, the pod is ejected automatically and placed in the bin to be disposed of in a separate container.
This small appliance is made to last. It features a durable plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact design makes it easy to place on a counter and has an elongated profile so you still have room for your cup. If you don't have a lot of 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 downside is that you're committing to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't encourage recycling (and will cost you a lot more than generic pods). If you're willing and able to be a part of the brand then this is your best option. 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 coffee brewer designed to give you total control over the final product. The carafe is made of BPA-free heat-resistant glass. In addition, it is equipped with a stainless steel filter that promotes reuse. This will help you reduce the cost of disposable paper filters and help reduce your carbon footprint.
The reusable filter also helps preserve the flavors and oils for an enhanced flavor. This is a great option for those who are just beginning their journey or prefer a less expensive machine. However, it's not ideal for anyone who wants to make more than two cups at the same time.
The double-walled coffee maker keeps your coffee warmer longer than models with one wall. The handle is cool-touch, which makes it easy to grip and also preventing your hands from burning. The insulated design makes it a good choice for camping trips as well as other occasions where you'll need to keep your coffee hot.
When we test this model it produced a clean cup with minimal sediment. It was comparable to other well-insulated French presses made of metal such as the Secura or Poliviar. It was not as clean as other French presses using ceramic filters.
Another good characteristic of this coffee maker is that it has an integrated measuring spoon and funnel made of silicone that makes it easier to add your ground coffee. This will save you a bit of time in the morning rush. The manufacturer also provides an 1 year return or replacement policy should you not be satisfied with the purchase.
3. OXO Good Grip
OXO Good Grips offers a line of high-end kitchen tools and cooks' tools that are ergonomically created with comfort in mind. Their grips are durable, soft and won't slide when in use. Their handles are shaped oval rather than round, which helps them fit the palm of your hand and remain secure when held under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe, BPA free and stack easily. They also have lids with push-down handles that are easy to open and close even when your hands are damp. Some of their containers are airtight, which is ideal to store dry snacks (such as chips and pretzels) or pantry staples such as pasta, sugar, flour, oats and beans.
Sam Farber, the nephew of Simon Farber, who founded the Farberware company in 1900, introduced OXO Good Grips in 1990. His first product called a peeler had a wide, oval handle that was easy to hold and control regardless of the size or strength of their hands.
He introduced a nonstick cookware set made from dishwasher-safe hard-anodized aluminum to provide superior heat conductivity. Its PFOA free, three-layer coating is durable and easy to clean. The pans have a flat bottom, making them ideal for cooking on the stovetop or in the oven.
OXO also offers a soft-handled, non-slip can opener that has large comfortable handles. The knob is large enough to alleviate stress on fingers. OXO's Universal Design philosophy makes them suitable for those suffering from arthritis and other ailments that affect their grip strength.
You can buy OXO Good Grips products individually or in sets that suit your requirements. For instance the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can move from stove to table easily and comes with the spoons, slotted spoons and spatulas that every home cook needs. Include tools that are specific to your needs, such as an asparagus peeler or a corn peeler to make an additional set of tools.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smallest and tiniest Nespresso machine with a pod-based system that makes Espresso and Lungo recipes with the touch of the button. It is not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive machines, but it's simplicity makes it a good 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 is also lightweight and weighs just 5 pounds. It's among the fastest machines to heat up and begin working. The time between pressing the on button and a cup being ready to serve is around 28 seconds.
In contrast to other models, unlike other models, the Essenza Mini only has two buttons that are programmable for Espresso and Lungo which makes it simple to use. It's the only one in our top five that comes 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 because it produces a thicker and more robust crema, with a layer of microbubbles, as opposed to the Vertuo's thin, air-aerated bubbles. (The latter is often mistaken as foam). The only downside is that it doesn't have an additional drip tray, so you'll have to place your cup directly on the counter, which can be difficult for mugs with tall sides.
One thing to note is that the Mini does not come with a capsule that can be reused or an app. This means you will require preprogrammed Nespresso pods or a separate milk frother. Both of these options are readily accessible and reasonably priced on the internet.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grips Mini is a set of kitchen tools that are perfect for stockings, gifts or travel. The set includes a mini measuring cup that is angled to transform liquid measuring by removing spills, and four smaller-sized beakers that have vibrant 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 patent-pending angle allows you to see the measurement markings without the need to tilt or strain like traditional cups. This prevents spills. The transparent Tritan plastic is BPA-free and features standard and metric measurement markings including a 1/4 cup, 6ml and 4 Tbsp.
This is a wonderful present to give to recent graduates, mixologists and bakers. It can fit in your own kitchen and yours. The non-slip handle, balancing loop, and robust double rod construction made of stainless steel make it a kitchen workhorse.
The compact OXO Good Grips Mini Grate and Slice Set has a medium and coarse grater surfaces for prepping crudite platters, salads or homemade potato chips. A nonslip base and lid that locks shut make this set an ideal option for kitchen drawers or counters for cafes. The transparent SAN bin lets you see the contents, and the lid in white is a perfect match for any bakery or kitchen decor.