If you find yourself discarding half a pot of coffee because you’re single, live with a non-coffee drinker, or simply prefer moderate caffeine intake, a small coffee maker could be ideal. Moreover, if your kitchen space is limited, your current coffee machine might be more trouble than it’s worth. Small coffee makers offer a solution to minimize clutter and waste while still ensuring you get your daily cup. Fortunately, there are compact models available for every brewing preference, whether it’s French press, drip coffee, or espresso.
To gain insights into choosing the right small coffee maker, we consulted Matt Patterson, President and Founder of Civilized Coffee. According to him, the key factors to consider include the time and effort you’re willing to invest in brewing your coffee. There’s a notable difference between grinding beans and using coffee pods.
The best small coffee makers blend efficiency with compactness, allowing you to enjoy a freshly brewed cup without any unnecessary waste. Below, we highlight top picks tailored to every coffee enthusiast’s needs.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Krups Simply Brew Drip Coffee Maker
Pros:
Compact and efficient design that saves space.
Cons:
No option for pre-programming.
The Krups Simply Brew Drip Coffee Maker is straightforward to set up, operate, and clean, delivering a satisfying cup of coffee. While it may not offer the intricate flavors of more advanced models, it’s an affordable choice for compact kitchens, featuring a grind holder and reusable filter basket that are easy to rinse after use. It operates quietly without beeps, brewing up to five cups per batch, ideal for one to two people.
Dimensions: 5.71 x 8.07 x 10.08 inches | Capacity: 5 cups | Programmable: No
Best Small Nespresso Machine
Nespresso Pixie
Pros:
Compact and easy to use for espresso enthusiasts.
Cons:
Limited functionality compared to other Nespresso models.
The Nespresso Pixie packs a punch with 19 bars of pressure, producing espresso with a rich crema. Its 24-ounce water tank eliminates the need for frequent refills, heating water in under 30 seconds. This model excels in space efficiency, though it’s designed exclusively for espresso and requires Nespresso capsules.
Dimensions: 4.4 x 9.3 x 12.8 inches | Capacity: Single serve | Programmable: No
Best Stovetop
Bialetti Moka Express
Pros:
Classic stovetop design for strong coffee without electricity.
Cons:
Some may detect a metallic taste due to its aluminum build.
The Bialetti Moka Express offers a traditional method to brew espresso-like coffee directly on your stovetop. This Italian-made stovetop coffee maker simplifies the process: fill the base with water, add coffee to the filter, assemble, and heat on medium until brewed. It’s a compact option for those seeking authentic Italian coffee flavors at home.
Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.94 x 6.69 inches | Capacity: 3 cups | Programmable: No
Best Pour-Over
Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker
Pros:
Elegant design with high-quality borosilicate glass for pure coffee flavors.
Cons:
Requires careful pouring and specific filters, which can be time-consuming.
The Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker is favored among pour-over enthusiasts for its aesthetic appeal and smooth coffee results. This all-in-one system brews up to three cups, ensuring a clean extraction process that enhances coffee’s floral notes. While it demands precision in brewing, the Chemex delivers a rewarding coffee experience.
Dimensions: 9.8 x 4.9 x 0.9 inches | Capacity: 3 cups | Programmable: No
Best French Press
Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Pros:
Consistently produces smooth, balanced coffee and is dishwasher-safe.
Cons:
Requires separate heating of water.
The Bodum Chambord French Press is renowned for its reliable performance in brewing rich, flavorful coffee. This classic press method retains coffee’s natural oils for a robust taste profile. While lacking insulation, the Bodum Chambord ensures consistent brewing quality batch after batch.
Dimensions: 6.5 x 9.5 inches | Capacity: 4 cups | Programmable: No
Best Cold Brew Maker
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Pros:
User-friendly design for making strong, smooth cold brew coffee.
Cons:
Requires patience due to the 12 to 24-hour brewing time.
The OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker simplifies the cold brewing process with its innovative design. Featuring a perforated top for even water distribution over grounds, it ensures optimal extraction for a refreshing cold brew. Despite the longer brewing duration, it’s a versatile option for cold coffee enthusiasts.
Dimensions: 9.53 x 9.53 x 14.72 inches | Capacity: 32 ounces | Programmable: No
Best for Travel
AeroPress Original Coffee Maker
Pros:
Highly portable design ideal for travel; produces clean coffee.
Cons:
Primarily suited for on-the-go use rather than everyday brewing.
The AeroPress Original Coffee Maker is a compact and efficient solution for travelers. It combines the ease of a French press with rapid operation, yielding less acidic brews. With its straightforward operation and easy cleanup, the AeroPress is perfect for quick coffee fixes on the road.
Dimensions: 4.75 x 4.75 x 11.75 inches | Capacity: 2 cups | Programmable: No
Our Favorite Small Coffee Maker
Our top pick, the Krups 5-Cup Stainless Steel Drip Coffee Maker, stands out for its user-friendly design, perfect for individuals or couples seeking a compact option that saves counter space. Meanwhile, for cold brew enthusiasts, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker offers a convenient solution. Once brewed, it can be stored in the fridge as a concentrated coffee, reducing the need for frequent brewing sessions.
Factors to Consider
Type of Coffee Maker
Small coffee makers offer the same variety as their larger counterparts, including French press and cold brew options. Choose the method that suits your preferences for brewing coffee or espresso.
Brew Capacity and Output
Small coffee makers are designed with reduced capacity compared to larger models, but their outputs vary. Espresso machines produce one or two shots per cycle, while compact pour-over and cold brew makers typically yield between two to eight cups. Travel-friendly options like the AeroPress require minimal storage space. Drip coffee machines, while often larger in capacity (ranging from 10 to 14 cups), are available in compact versions such as the Krups 5-Cup Stainless Steel Drip Coffee Maker.
Additional Features
While smaller coffee makers are streamlined compared to larger models, they offer more features than single-serve machines. Look for features that matter most to you, whether it’s easy cleaning in the dishwasher or an automatic warming function. Compact models may not have as many advanced features as larger ones but can still deliver high-quality coffee.
How We Tested Small Coffee Makers
Coffee Maker Testing
In our in-house lab and real-world tests, we evaluated over a hundred coffee makers of varying sizes, including French presses, pour-overs, drip machines, and espresso makers. Regardless of type, we assess our favorites based on design, user-friendliness, ease of maintenance, and the consistency of their brew quality.
Selection of Small Coffee Makers
To identify our preferred small coffee makers from our top performers, we focused on compactness and ease of portability or storage. After reviewing our testing data, we highlighted the most compact models that excelled in each category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning Coffee Makers
“When it comes to cleaning any coffee maker, there’s a Golden Rule: avoid using soap,” advises Patterson. “Soap residues can affect taste. Depending on water quality, hard water can cause scaling.” His preferred method involves cleaning with vinegar and thorough rinsing.
Lifespan of Coffee Makers
The typical lifespan of a coffee maker is around five years. Models made from borosilicate glass are recommended for durability, as they are shatterproof. Plastic coffee makers, like the AeroPress, may not last as long as more robustly engineered machines such as Nespresso. Patterson notes, “Even with good quality and care, coffee makers can eventually break.”
Best Coffee-to-Water Ratio
Determining the ideal coffee-to-water ratio involves several factors. “The strength of coffee is a personal preference,” explains Patterson. Here are some considerations:
- Coffee grind size: For instance, cold brew uses coarse grind with longer brewing times, while espresso requires fine grind and quick brewing.
- Water temperature: Optimal extraction occurs with hot water, but too high temperatures can lead to bitter flavors.
- Brew method and time: Longer contact between coffee and water results in more extraction.
For a French press, Patterson suggests, “Use about one ounce of freshly ground semi-coarse coffee (a 10-second grind in a Bodum grinder) per 32-ounce French press. After adding hot (not boiling) water, give a quick stir and let it steep for four minutes before pressing and serving.”
