check can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without the need for a big machine by using the most compact coffee maker. These small machines are available in a variety of sizes and styles to meet your requirements.
A coffee urn may be ideal for cafes and restaurants however, it's not the best choice for those who want to brew one cup for themselves. A single-serve brewer is fast and simple, and is ideal for a single user.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
If you're living in a tiny space and are willing to invest in an appliance that can provide a genuine cafe experience, this is the one for you. It is simple to use, reliable, and produces amazing coffee every time. There are some quirks but they are minor and you can live with them.
Centrifusion is the VertuoPlus brewing system that differentiates it from other systems. The machine reads a barcode on every Nespresso pod to determine the type of beverage it's making, then adjusts its extraction speed and temperature accordingly. This ensures consistency across a variety of cups and coffee types from lungo to espresso and everything in between.
It also comes with a capsule that can be reused which is useful to reduce waste and helps to keep your inventory in order. Plus, when the pod is empty, it's taken out and placed in a separate container to be disposed of.
This small appliance is built to last. It has a sturdy plastic body and stainless steel accents. Its compact design makes it easy to place on a counter and has a low profile, so you still fit in your cup. It's 12.8 inches tall and 12.7 inches deep, so if you're short on counter space, think about smaller options like the Essenza Mini instead.
The only downside is that you're committed to the Nespresso pod system, which doesn't encourage recycling (and will cost you a lot more than generic pods). If you're willing to invest in the brand and invest in an efficient system for your capsules that are used, this is the best option on our list. You can pair it with a Nespresso Aeroccino frother that creates creamy lattes and cappuccinos.
2. Coffee Gator
The Coffee Gator pour over French press is a manual brewer that's designed to give you complete control of the way your coffee is brewed. Its carafe is constructed of BPA-free, heat-resistant glass. Additionally, it has an stainless steel filter that promotes reusability. This will save you money on disposable paper filter and reduce your carbon footprint.
The filter that is reusable will help you preserve the natural flavors and oils of your coffee to give it a more smoky flavor. This is a great choice for those just beginning their journey or want to use a less expensive machine. However, it's not the best choice for those who want to make more than two cups at a time.
This double-walled coffee maker keeps your coffee warmer longer than models with a single-wall. It also features a cool-touch handle that makes it easy to grip and prevents your hands from burning. Its insulated design is perfect for camping trips and other activities that require you to keep your coffee warm.
When we tried this model it produced a clean cup with no sediment. It was similar to other insulated metal French presses, like the Secura and Poliviar. However, it was not as clean as the best French presses for camping that utilize ceramic filters.
Another good aspect of this coffee maker is that it has a built-in measuring spoon and funnel made of silicone that makes it easier to add your ground coffee. This will save you time during the morning rush. The manufacturer also offers an 1 year return or replacement policy in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
3. OXO Good Grip
OXO Good Grips offers a range of high-end kitchen appliances and cook's tools that are ergonomically created with the user in mind. Their grips are supple sturdy and durable. They won't slip while in use. Their handles are shaped to be oval rather than round, which helps to fit in the hand's palm and keep them secure under pressure.
They are dishwasher safe they are BPA-free and easy to stack. The lids are also simple to open and close even when your hands are wet. Some of the containers are airtight and can be used to store pantry staples like flour, pasta, sugar and flour or dry snacks such as pretzels and chips.
Sam Farber, nephew of Simon Farber who created the Farberware brand in 1900, launched the OXO Good Grips company in 1990. The first product he launched was a peeler that had a wide oval handle that anyone could grasp and control no matter their size or strength.
Then, he launched a nonstick pro cookware set that is dishwasher safe and hard-anodized aluminum to ensure better heat conduction. Its PFOA free, 3-layer coating is robust and easy to clean. The pans are flat on the bottom, which makes them perfect for cooking on the stovetop or in the oven.
Other OXO products include an easy-handled can opener that has large, comfortable handles that are nonslip even in wet conditions and have 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 tools by themselves or in sets to meet your specific requirements. For instance, the six-piece Prep & Serve Set can be moved from the stove to the table easily and comes with the spoons, slotted spoons and spatulas that every chef in the home requires. For a more sophisticated collection add specialty tools like an asparagus peeler, corn peeler, and various citrus zesters.
4. Essenza Mini
This is the smaller Nespresso machine. It's a pod-based machine that can make Espresso or Lungo at the touch of the button. It's not as sophisticated as some of the more expensive models, however its simplicity makes it an excellent option for a lot of households.
The Essenza Mini comes in a matte gray or black finish to complement the majority of kitchen decor. It's also very light at just 5 pounds, which means it's easy to move. It's also one of the fastest machines we've tested to warm up and start working with a total time of just 28 seconds between pressing the button to turn on and having a cup ready to pour.
Contrary to other models unlike other models, the Essenza Mini only has two buttons that can be programmed for Espresso and Lungo which makes it easy to use. It's the only model in our top five that has an energy-saving mode that turns 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 more dense crema, with a layer of microbubbles as opposed to the Vertuo's thin aerated bubbles. (The latter is often mistaken as froth). The only downside is that it doesn't have a separate drip tray, meaning that you'll need to place your mug directly on the counter, which is problematic for tall mugs.
It is important to know 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. Both of these options are readily available and fairly inexpensive on the internet.
5. OXO Good Grips Mini
The OXO Good Grip Mini is a small collection of kitchen tools perfect for gift wrapping and stockings. It's also great for traveling. The set comes with four smaller beakers with attractive and easy-to-read measurement marks. Also included is an angled mini cup to measure liquids. They all nest together to create a compact storage area and are dishwasher safe.
The Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup's patent-pending angle allows you to read the measurement markings without having to tilt or strain like traditional cups. This prevents spills. The Tritan plastic is BPA free and has measurements in metric and standard sizes including a 1/4 cup and 6ml.
It's a wonderful present for recent graduates mixingologists, friends from the mixology field, and enthusiastic bakers. It can easily fit in your kitchen and theirs. The comfortable non-slip handle and balancing loop make it a workhorse in any kitchen and the durable double rod made of stainless steel is built to withstand the rigors of daily use.
The compact OXO Good Grip Mini Grate & Slice Set comes with a medium grater and coarse grater surfaces to prepare crudite platters, salads or homemade potato chips. The set is perfect for kitchen drawers and counters for cafes since it features a non-slip base and a lid that locks. The transparent SAN bin lets you look inside the bin and the lid, in white is a perfect match for any kitchen or bakery decor.