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 variety of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn is ideal for cafes and restaurants, but not for people who would like to make a cup of coffee for themselves. A single-serve brewer is fast and simple, and is ideal for a single person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
This is the right appliance for you if you have limited space and want to invest in a machine that can provide you with the authentic experience of a cafe. It's simple to use, reliable and makes great coffee every time. It has some quirks, but those are minor enough that you can accept them as part of your daily routine.
Centrifusion is the VertuoPlus brewing system that sets it apart. The machine reads a barcode on each Nespresso pod to determine the type of beverage it's brewing and adjusts the speed of extraction and temperature accordingly. That ensures consistency across multiple types of coffee and cups from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with a reusable capsule container, which is nice for reducing waste and making it easier to keep the track of your inventory. Furthermore, when the capsule is empty, it's ejected and placed in a separate container to be disposed of.
This small appliance is made to last. It has a sturdy plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means that it can be easily placed on a countertop and has a slim profile that makes enough space for 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 something smaller like the Essenza Mini instead.
The only downside to this is that you are taking on a Nespresso pod-system, which doesn't encourage recycling and can be more expensive than generic pods. If you're willing to be a part of the brand and its products, then this is the best option. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino Frother to make creamy cappuccinos or 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. Its carafe is made from BPA-free heat-resistant glass. In addition, it has stainless steel filter that promotes reuse. This will save you money on a disposable paper filter and reduce your carbon footprint.
The filter is reusable and will help you preserve the natural flavors and oils of your coffee for a richer taste. This coffee maker is a low-cost alternative that is ideal for novices or those who prefer a less expensive machine. However, it's not ideal for those who want to make more than two cups at one time.
This coffee maker is a double-walled model that keeps your coffee warmer for longer than single wall models. It also has a cool-touch handle that makes it easy to hold and prevents your hands from burning. Its insulated design is perfect for camping trips or other activities that require you to keep your coffee warm.
This model made a cup that was clean and had minimal contamination when we examined it. It was similar to other insulated metal French presses, such as the Secura and Poliviar. It was not as clean as other French presses that utilize ceramic filters.
The coffee maker also comes with a measuring spoon and silicone funnel built in to make it easy to add coffee grounds. This will save you some time in the morning rush. If you're not happy with the purchase, the company offers a 1-year replacement/return policy.
3. OXO Good Grips
OXO Good Grips is a premium line of cook tools and kitchen equipment that are designed with ergonomic ease of use in mind. Their grips are durable soft and will not slide when in use. Their handles are oval and not round. This helps them fit comfortably in your palm and keep them secure even under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe and BPA-free. They are also easy to stack. The lids are also easy to open and shut even when your hands are wet. Some of their containers are airtight which is useful to store dry snacks (such as chips and pretzels) or pantry staples such as pasta flour, sugar, oats and beans.
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 launched was a peeler with an oval handle that anyone could grasp and control, regardless of size or strength.
Later, he introduced an all-purpose cookware set that is nonstick that is dishwasher safe and hard-anodized aluminum for better heat conduction. The 3-layer coating, which is PFOA-free allows food to be released easily and is durable enough for everyday use. 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 not slippery, even when wet and have an oversized knob that eases the strain on your fingers. They are also suitable for people suffering from arthritis or other conditions that limit their grip strength, thanks to the company's Universal Design philosophy.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips products by themselves or in sets that suit your requirements. For example, the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can move from stove to table effortlessly and includes spoons spatulas, slotted spoons, and slotted spoons that every chef in the home needs. Include tools that are specific to your needs, such as an asparagus peeler or corn peeler to make a more advanced set.
4. Essenza Mini
It's the tiniest and most compact Nespresso machine which is a pod-based machine that brews Espresso and Lungo recipes with the touch of one button. It is not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive machines, but it's simplicity makes it an excellent option for homes with a lot of space.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray black, white, or matte gray to match most kitchen designs. It's also extremely light at just 5 pounds, meaning 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 extremely simple to use since it has only two programmable buttons, one for Espresso and the other one for Lungo. It's the only one in our top five that comes with an energy-saving mode that shuts off after 9 minutes. It also has an easily accessible 20.3-ounce reservoir of water.
The Essenza Mini is different from other Nespresso machines because it produces a thicker crema that is topped with microbubbles, in contrast 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, meaning you'll need to put your mug directly on the counter. This could be a problem for tall mugs.
Another aspect to take into account is that the Mini does not come with a refillable capsule container or application, so you'll need to stock up on preprogrammed Nespresso capsules or buy a separate milk frother. Fortunately, both of these alternatives are fairly inexpensive and easily available on the internet.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is an assortment of kitchen tools that are perfect for gifts and stockings. It's also great for travel. The set includes four smaller beakers that have vibrant and easy-to-read measurement markings. The set also comes with an angled mini cup for liquid measuring. All nest together to make an efficient storage unit. They are also dishwasher-safe.
The Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup's patent-pending angle makes it easier to see the measurement markings without tilting or strain like traditional cups. This prevents spills. The Tritan plastic is BPA free and comes with measurements in metric and standard sizes including a 1/4 cup and 6ml.
It's a great gift for recent grads mixingologists, friends from the mixology field, and baking enthusiasts, and will easily fit in your kitchen, as well as theirs. The non-slip handle, balancing loop and robust stainless steel double rod construction make it a kitchen workhorse.
The compact OXO GoodGrip Mini Grate & Slicing set comes with a coarse and medium grater surface for preparing crudite plates, salads or potato chips made from scratch. A non-slip base and the lid that locks make this set a great option for kitchen drawers and counters for cafes. The transparent SAN bin lets you view the contents, and the lid is white, which is a perfect match for any kitchen or bakery decor.