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 those who are looking to make an espresso for themselves. A single-serve coffee maker is simple, quick and perfect for just one person.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
This is the right appliance for you if you have limited space and are looking to invest in a gadget that will give you the authentic experience of a cafe. It's user-friendly and reliable, and produces great-tasting coffee every time. There are a few quirks however they're minor enough that you can learn to live with them.
The defining feature is the VertuoPlus's Centrifusion brewing system. The machine utilizes the barcodes on each Nespresso capsule to determine the type of beverage is being brewed and then adjusts extraction speed and temperature. This ensures consistency among different types of coffee and cups, ranging from lungo to espresso.
It also comes with a reusable capsule container which is useful for reducing waste and makes it easier to keep track of your inventory. Furthermore, once you're done, the container is automatically ejected and disposed in a separate bin for disposal.
This is a small appliance that's built to last, with sturdy plastic throughout and stainless steel accents. Its compact size means that it can easily be placed on a countertop and features an elongated profile to make room for your cup. It's 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep so if you're limited on counter space, think about something smaller like the Essenza Mini instead.
The only drawback is that you are taking on the Nespresso pod-system that does not encourage recycling and can be more expensive than generic pods. If you're willing and able to be a Nespresso customer then this is your 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 brewer for coffee designed to give you total control over the final product. The carafe, made of heat-resistant glass and free of BPA and BPA, comes with a stainless steel filter to ensure reusability. This will help you reduce the cost of disposable paper filters and reduce your carbon footprint.
The filter is reusable and will help preserve the natural oils and flavors of your coffee for a richer flavor. This is a great choice for those just starting out or prefer a cheaper machine. It's not the best option for those who want to make more than two cups at once.
This double-walled coffee maker keeps your brew warmer for longer than models that have one wall. The handle is cool-touch, which makes it easy to grip and also preventing your hands from getting burned. Its insulated design is ideal for camping trips and other activities that require you to keep your coffee warm.
The model produced a cup that was clean and had minimal sediment when we test it. It was comparable to other insulation French presses made from metal such as the Secura or Poliviar. It was not as clean as other French presses using ceramic filters.
The coffee maker also comes with a measuring spoon and silicone funnel that make it easy to add your grounds of coffee. This can save you a bit of time during the morning rush. The manufacturer also offers one-year returns and replacements should you not be satisfied with the purchase.
3. OXO Good Grips
OXO Good Grips is a high-end line of cooks tools and kitchen accessories that are ergonomically designed with the user's comfort in mind. Their grips are durable soft and will not slide when in use. Their handles are oval, not round. This makes them more comfortable to be a perfect fit for your palm and keep them safe under pressure.
They are dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. They are also easy to stack. The lids are also easy to open and close even when your hands are wet. Some of the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples such as sugar, flour, pasta and flour, or dry snacks like chips and pretzels.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, launched the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. His first product was a peeler with an oval-shaped handle that was easy 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 superior 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 are flat on the bottom, which makes them perfect for cooking on the stove or in the oven.
Other OXO products include an easy-handled can opener that has large, comfortable handles that aren't slippery even in wet conditions and feature an extra-large knob that eases the strain on your fingers. OXO's Universal Design philosophy makes them ideal for people suffering from arthritis or other conditions that affect their grip strength.
You can buy OXO Good Grips products on their own or in sets that meet your needs. The six-piece Prep & Serve Set, for instance, can be easily transferred from stove to table and comes with spatulas, slotted spoons, and spoons that every cook needs. Include tools that are specific to your needs, such as an asparagus peeler and a corn peeler to make an even more sophisticated set.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smallest and tiniest Nespresso machine, a pod-based system that can make Espresso and Lungo recipes at the press of a button. It's not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive machines however its simplicity makes it a good choice for many homes.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray, white or black finish to go with the majority of kitchen decor. It's also very light at just 5 pounds, so it's easy to move around. It's one of the fastest machines to warm up and start working. Recommended Webpage between pressing the on button and a cup being ready to serve is about 28 seconds.
Unlike some other models, unlike some other models, Essenza Mini only has two buttons that are programmable for Espresso and Lungo, so it's very easy to use. It's also the only one in our top five with an energy-saving mode that shuts off automatically after 9 minutes. It also has a removable 20.3-ounce water reservoir.
Another important distinction that separates the Essenza Mini and other Nespresso machines is that it produces a richer crema than the Vertuo line, and has an even layer of tiny microbubbles as opposed to a thin, aerated cap of bubbles (the latter is often mistaken for froth). The only drawback is that it doesn't have a secondary drip tray so you'll need to put your cup directly on the counter, which is difficult for tall mugs.
One thing to note is that the Mini does not come with a reusable capsule or app. This means you will need to purchase preprogrammed Nespresso pods or an individual milk frother. Fortunately, both of these options are relatively inexpensive and readily available online.
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 small angled measuring cup that will revolutionize liquid measuring by eliminating spills, as well as four smaller sized beakers with colorful and easy to read measurement markings. They can all be stacked together to make a compact storage space and are dishwasher safe.
The unique angle of the Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup makes it easier to read measurements without having to tilt and strain like traditional cups, eliminating spills. The transparent Tritan plastic is BPA-free and comes with standard and metric measurement markings such as a 1/4 cup 6ml, 4 Tbsp and a 1/4 cup.
This is a fantastic present for recent graduates, mixologists and bakers. It is a great addition to your own kitchen and yours. The non-slip, comfortable handle and balancing loop make it a workhorse in any kitchen and the durable double rod of stainless steel can withstand daily use.
The small OXO Good Grips Mini Grate and Slice Set features a medium grater and coarse grater surfaces to prepare salads, crudite platters or homemade potato chips. The set is perfect for kitchen drawers as well as counter tops for cafes as it features a non-slip base and the lid that is locked. The transparent SAN plastic bin allows you to view the contents, and the white lid is a great match with the decor of your bakery or kitchen.