Best Small Coffee Machine: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
The Best Small Coffee Maker
With the top small coffee makers, you can enjoy delicious coffee even without a big machine. These small machines are available in a variety of sizes and styles.
A coffee urn is ideal for restaurants or cafes however, it's not the best choice for those who just want to brew one cup for themselves. A single-serve coffee maker is quick, simple and 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 device that can provide you with an authentic experience in a cafe. It is easy to use, reliable, and produces great coffee every time. It does have a few quirks however they're small enough to be able to accept them.
Centrifusion is the VertuoPlus brewing system that makes it stand out. The machine makes use of the barcodes that are on each Nespresso capsule to determine the type of beverage is being made, and then adjusts the extraction speed and temperature. This ensures consistency among different types of coffee and cups, from lungo to espresso.
It also comes with a capsule that can be reused, which is nice for reducing waste and makes it easier to keep your inventory in order. Furthermore, when the capsule is empty, it's taken out and placed in a separate container for disposal.
This small appliance is built to last. It features a durable plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact design makes it easy to place on the counter and features an elongated profile so you still fit in your beverage. If you don't have a lot of space on your counter, the Essenza Mini is a good choice. It measures 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches wide.
The only drawback is that you're bound 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 buy in to the brand and purchase a good system for your capsules that are used this is the most suitable option on our list. It can be paired with a Nespresso Aeroccino fother that makes creamy cappuccinos and lattes.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour-over French press is a manual coffee brewer designed to give you complete control over the final product. Its carafe is constructed of BPA-free heat-resistant glass, and it has a stainless steel filter that promotes reusability. This can help you save money on a disposable paper filter and reduce your carbon footprint.
The filter that is reusable also aids in preserving the flavors and oils to give it an enhanced flavor. This coffee maker is an affordable alternative that is ideal for novices or those who prefer a less costly machine. It's not the best choice for those who want to make more than two cups at a time.
This coffee maker has a double-walled design that keeps your coffee hotter for longer than single-wall models. It also has a cool-touch handle, which makes it easy to grasp and stops your hands from burning. Its insulated design is ideal for camping or other adventures that require you to keep your coffee warm.
When we tested this model, it produced a clean cup with no sediment. It was similar to other insulated metal French presses, including the Secura and Poliviar. However, it was still not as clean as the top French presses for camping, which use ceramic filters.
Another good feature of this coffee maker is that it has a built-in measuring spoon as well as a funnel made of silicone to make it easier to add your ground coffee. This will help you save time during the morning rush. If you aren't satisfied with your purchase, the manufacturer provides a one-year return or replacement policy.
3. OXO Good Grips
OXO Good Grips offers a collection of premium kitchen tools and cooks' tools designed ergonomically with comfort in mind. Their grips are soft, durable and won't slip when you use them. Their handles are oval rather than round. This helps them be a perfect fit for your palm and keep them 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 the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples like pasta, flour and sugar or dry snacks such as pretzels and chips.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, established the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. His first product was a peeler that had large oval handles that anyone could hold and control regardless of their size or strength.
Later, he released a nonstick pro cookware set that's made of dishwasher-safe and hard-anodized aluminum to ensure superior heat conduction. Its PFOA free, three-layer coating is robust and easy to clean. The pans have a flat 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 aren't slippery even in wet conditions and feature an extra-large knob that relieves stress on your fingers. OXO's Universal Design philosophy makes them suitable for people with arthritis and other ailments that affect their grip strength.
You can purchase OXO Good Grips products individually or in sets that fit your requirements. For instance, 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 chef in the home requires. To get a more comprehensive set, add in specialty tools like an asparagus peeler, corn peeler, and various citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smallest Nespresso machine. It's a pod-based machine that makes Espresso or Lungo at the press of a button. It is not as feature-rich as some of the more expensive machines however its simplicity makes it an excellent option for a variety of homes.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray black, white, or matte gray to complement the majority of kitchen decor. It's also very light at just 5 pounds, so it's easy to move around. 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 approximately 28 seconds.
The Essenza Mini is a breeze to use since it has just two buttons that can be programmed, one for Espresso and the other for Lungo. It's also the only one of our top picks to have an energy saving mode that shuts down automatically after 9 minutes of inactivity and it comes with a reversible, 20.3-ounce water tank.
The Essenza Mini is different from other Nespresso machines because it produces a thicker crema, with a layer of microbubbles, as opposed to the Vertuo's thin, bubbles that are aerated. (The latter is often mistaken as foam). best bean to cup coffee machine is that it doesn't come with a separate drip tray, meaning that you'll need to put your mug directly on the counter, which is problematic for mugs with tall sides.
Another thing to be aware of is that the Mini does not come with a reusable capsule container or app, so you'll have to stock up on pre-programmed Nespresso capsules or buy an additional milk frother. Fortunately, both alternatives are fairly inexpensive and readily available online.
5. OXO Good Grip Mini
The OXO Good Grips Mini is a selection of small kitchen tools that are ideal for stockings, gifts or travel. The set includes a mini angled measuring cup that will revolutionize measuring liquids by removing spills, and four smaller-sized beakers that have bright and easy to read measurement markings. They all fit 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 read the measurement markings, without the need to tilt or strain like traditional cups. This helps prevent spills. The clear Tritan plastic is BPA-free, and has standard and metric measurement markings, including a 1/4 cup, 6ml and 4 Tbsp.
This is a fantastic present for recent graduates, mixologists, and bakers. It is a great addition to your kitchen as well as yours. The non-slip handle, balancing loop, and sturdy stainless steel double rod construction make it a great kitchen workhorse.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate & Slicing Set features a medium and coarse grated surface that can be used to prepare crudite plates, salads or potato chips made from scratch. A non-slip base as well as the lid that locks make this set an ideal option for kitchen drawers and cafe counter tops. The transparent SAN bin allows you to see the contents and the lid, in white complements any bakery or kitchen decor.