Want to marry your love of caffeine by bringing a coffee maker home but the little counter space stops you from living your dreams? Well, for those, who find coffee an artisan gourmet with subtleties of aroma and taste rather than something hot and wet to gulp on your busy days, the right home coffee-making facility is no less than a necessity. But modern space-saving induced living always does not permit one to install a biggie convenience coffee maker in the kitchen or living.
Here come the smallish companions to choose from! Be it saving space or the budget factor, small coffee makers turned out to be the ideal alternatives. Though these machines might not have some ‘convenience’ features, the way they help bring glamor to your countertops, living, or office spaces without taking much of your high-in-demand space – it’s justified!
With a simplistic design, easy operation, and delightful brewing, small coffee makers are not just meant to keep your kitchen/office clutter-free but to avail you of a satisfactory, budget-friendly, and enjoyable coffee experience.
Of course, it doesn’t matter if someone owns a high-end coffee maker until and unless they grab hold of avant-garde coffee beans; quality pouring to mugs ain’t possible. Assuming that you have already sorted out your favorite beans, here are a few things you should be considering before choosing a small coffee maker.
- Style – Pour-over, Keurig, stove-top, French Press. Which one do you want?
- Single-cup or multiple cups – How small do you need?
- Water temperature – Some brew at higher temperatures than others, while some allow you to control the temperatures.
Once you are clear with the aforementioned considerations, choosing a small coffee maker will be done in a jiffy. To make the job even easier, here’s our hand-picked list of the best small coffee makers. Here we go!
Best Small Coffee Maker Overall: Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Mini
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide...
- Compact design that fits nicely into small spaces
- Brew later feature allows you to set your coffeemaker ahead...
- Ergonomic carafe designed for easy pouring and handling with...
This compact coffee maker is a perfect blend of design and functionality. It can brew 25 oz coffee at a time, which is great. The markings on the pot in ounces give a clear idea about the number of cups. The water window in the reservoir prevents overflowing. Besides, the carafe is broader and sturdy as it is made of stainless steel partly. It brews hot coffee and keeps it hot.
One of its key features is the Auto-Pause mechanism. You can grab a cup of your morning dose even before the process is complete. The ‘Brew Later’ option is yet another advantage. Set the preferred time as per your need. The machine contains a filtration basket. There is a red tab on the disk frame. It will let you know the time for the change of the water filter.
The filter is reusable. Therefore, it cuts off the extra expense of purchasing them now and then. The maker shuts down automatically after 2 hours if left idle. This is much required for safety reasons and the proper maintenance of the machine. In addition, it gives a separate peace of mind. To summarize, with all its features and the size, the price is quite reasonable. It is indeed a good short coffee maker in all aspects.
Pros
- Programmable timer with auto-pause option
- Easy view water window
- Carafe made of stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe carafe and filter basket
- Ergonomic design for easy pouring
Cons
- Instructions not properly mentioned in the package
- Cleaning of the machine can be a bit messy
Who is this for?
Mr. Coffee’s programmable maker is especially for the ones who love drip coffee. Besides, as it is pocket-friendly and can be spaced even in the smallest space, everyone can afford to have one.
Also Read: Best 5-Cup Coffee Makers
Best Budget: BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker
- Duralife Glass Carafe - The reinforced Duralife carafe is...
- Space-Saving Compact Design - Perfect for apartments, RVs,...
- Coffee & Water Carafe Markings - Level markings and a sturdy...
- Removable Filter Basket - Cleanup is easy with the...
Whether it is a condominium, a one-room apartment, or your office table, the Black Decker piece is going to make its space. As it can brew 5 cups of beverage at a time, you can have it at intervals or share it with friends and family.
The beauty of the product is the Duralife Glass Carafe. It is elegant and very easy to handle. The drip-free pouring mechanism keeps the counter clean and tidy. Although it is made of glass, the carafe is sturdy with a removable lid. Due to this feature, you can easily clean it.
The operation is based on a single on/off switch. However, all other advanced features are absent. There is no pause mechanism or auto-shutdown format in the machine. The plate below keeps the coffee hot for about an hour after brewing. The carafe comes with an exact 5 cup mark. Even the reservoir comes with a see-through water window. Hence, there is no chance of spilling over or getting diluted coffee.
The filter basket is reusable. It is easily removable and dishwasher safe. Basket style filter papers are highly compatible with the machine. One more worth mentioning feature is the cord storage option. The cord wraps conveniently within the unit making it more space-saving.
Pros
- Presence of mess-free cord storage compartment
- Extremely affordable
- Compact and ergonomic design
Cons
- Made of plastic and it is not BPA-free
- Advanced mechanisms like auto-shutdown are absent
Who is this for?
The price of the product is the lowest on the list. Hence, it is best for people who do not want to spend much in the first place. Moreover, as it has the simplest technology, this is undoubtedly the best for beginners.
Best Versatile: Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or...
If you are in search of a versatile small-sized coffee maker, no one can replace Zutto. The built-in features of the coffee maker are technically perfect. To mention, the first one is the charcoal water filter. It ensures that the water used improves the quality of the beverage. Hence, without any second thought, you will get the best brew in your cup.
Every aspect of the machine is minutely designed so that it does not take up counter space. The sleek and stylish water reservoir is an example. The reservoir is concealed inside the machine and you can remove it to pour the necessary amount of water. It is slim and long rather than being broad. To get a perfect brew, you will have markings for both cold and hot coffee.
The filter is cone-shaped and placed within the glass carafe. This in turn saves a lot of space. Although brewing with pods is convenient, it is expensive and creates waste. Here, in this machine, you can use grounds and make your favorite beverage.
The simple mechanism is based on an on/off switch. There is no additional technology used. No automatic shutdown or delay features are present. However, you can keep the coffee automatically warm for hours using the side switch.
Pros
- Charcoal water filter
- Removable water tank
- Compact and sleek design
- Best flavor ensured
Cons
- No automatic shutdown mechanism
- No advanced programming available
- A bit expensive
Who is this for?
The small space saver coffee maker is best for the person who is too precise about flavors of drip coffee and price is secondary in that case. It is quite expensive because of the charcoal filter and it is worth it.
Best Large Capacity: Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer
- 2 BREW STYLES: Classic or Rich, each brew is flavorful and...
- 12-CUP GLASS CARAFE: Brew small or large batches of coffee...
- HOTTER BREWING TECHNOLOGY: Delivers even saturation and...
- SMALL BATCH FUNCTION: Ensure your coffee is never diluted...
When you are a coffee addict and your family members too, the amount of brew in the morning really matters. Although it is listed in the catalog of best small coffee makers due to its compact size, it can actually make 12 cups of coffee at a go! Shall we call it small?
Yes, we can. Because, the machine is thinner and longer, taking up lesser space on the counter. Besides, there are so many advanced features that the brand ‘Ninja’ seems perfect.
Whether it is variety in brew settings or the flavor, it excels in all fields.
The proprietary thermal extraction process is the reason that you get the best flavors without excess bitterness. Classic or rich, you will get one of your choices. The water reservoir is detachable. You can directly take it to the sink to fill adequate water.
Another additional feature that is worth mentioning is the mid-brew pause. Give the machine a break and pour your cup of refreshment. You can delay your brew up to a day in advance using delay brew. Even the warming plate keep your coffee hot for 4 long hours without burning it. If not in use, the machine will automatically turn off after 2 hours.
Pros
- Highly customized features than expected
- Modern technology incorporated within tiny space
- 24-hour delay option
- Small batches (4 cups) coffee making option available
- Auto turn off mechanism present
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- The body is made of plastic
- Lengthy setup process
Who is this for?
This machine is especially for those who love to use modern and updated technology rather than a single switch operation. Also, if anyone wants to experiment with the flavor, this one is definitely for them.
Best Single Cup: Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker
- FITS ANYWHERE: Less than 5 inches wide, perfect for small...
- YOUR PERFECT AMOUNT: Brew any cup size between 6-12oz with...
- ONE CUP RESERVOIR: Just add fresh water for each brew.
- FAST & FRESH BREWED: Coffee made in minutes.
When the brand is Keurig, something has to be special about it. Moreover, if you have tried any K-cup pods, you will be drawn towards this machine. The slimmest coffee maker from Keurig is the K-mini plus, which is even less than 5” in size. Put it anywhere, at any place, it will adjust itself there. Even if you are not using it, you can store it in the cabinet. Quite amazing, right!!
Speaking about the features, it makes one single cup at a time. However, the cup size can be smaller or a larger 7” travel cup. The water reservoir can hold 6 to 12 ounces of water. So, it completely depends on your buds, how you would like to have your brew. The reservoir is removable and is very easy to clean.
Although the machine is based on a single button operation, there is the ‘strong’ button. In case you wish to have a stronger brew, you can have that too. The pod storage bin can hold up to 9 K-pods. Put them and use them as and when required. There is no need of taking out K-pods from the shelf every time you drink your favorite beverage.
Most of us wish to have a machine that automatically shuts down. This is necessary especially for people who are always in a rush. This single-cup maker shuts down after one and half minutes (90 seconds) post-brewing.
The drip tray below prevents the mess around. There is no chance of overflow. Even then, the tray can hold the spills and it is removable. Bring it out and clean it without any hassle.
Pros
- The slimmest one can adjust anywhere
- Storage unit for 9 K-cups
- Great adaptability
- Less priced compared to other Keurigs
- Color variation available
Cons
- Only one cup of coffee at a time
- Water should be filled every time before brewing
Who is this for?
This single-serve machine is best for bachelors or a person who stays alone in rented apartments with a heavy workload. Making coffee in this is just a matter of few minutes. Further, as this is the slimmest, it will not be a burden in changing apartments.
Best 4-Cup: Cuisinart DCC-450BK
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide...
- 4-Cup Stainless-steel carafe with dripless pour spout, and...
- Brew-pause feature lets you enjoy a cup of coffee before...
- 30 minute automatic shutoff and convenient ON indicator...
This mini coffee maker can make 4 cups of beverage at a time. It takes less than 5 minutes in the brewing; no waiting for morning coffee and no wastage of time. Therefore, you can enjoy it all by yourself or can take a break with others. The main attraction of the product is the stainless steel carafe. It is easy to wash and most importantly, unbreakable. As it is thermal, it can keep the coffee hot for a longer period of time.
However, the knuckle guard is insulating, so that you do not burn your hands. The snout is also designed perfectly. Easy to pour and completely mess-free experience is what you get. The showerhead inside ensures perfect coffee in terms of flavors and quality.
Like others, it also comes with a brew-pause option. You can indulge in the morning coffee by taking a 30 seconds pause before the complete brewing process. The on/off light in this machine will help you to understand when it is running. The parts of the coffee maker are easy to clean.
The plate turns off automatically after 30 minutes. Hence, on one hand, it saves electricity and on the other, it prevents the burning of coffee. Cuisinart DCC 450 BK is well-built and resilient in terms of short coffee makers. The easy operating system delivers an impactful brew every time. This is true that it does not have super-advanced options like any others. But, with the required features it is quite economical to have.
Pros
- The stainless steel carafe keeps the coffee hot
- Very easy to operate
- Brew-pause option available
- Automatic shutdown ensures electricity saving
- Brand claims of using BPA free plastic
- Economical
Cons
- The carafe lid is not the best fit, it is difficult to remove
- Limited features
Who is this for?
This one is perfect for the upcoming generation of novice baristas because it is affordable. It is just the thing for a family with a fewer number of members; easy to handle and use for all.
Also read: Best Cuisinart Coffee Makers
Best for Office: Cuisinart SS-5P1 Single-Serve
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or...
- SUPERIOR FUNCTIONALITY: Our single-serve brewer has a 40oz...
- K-CUP COMPATIBILITY: Use any brand of single cup pod...
- AUTO-OFF FEATURE: 30-minute auto-off feature will save you...
The Cuisinart SS-5P1 is a single-serve maker, which means it can make a quick coffee compared to the drip one. The machine is compact and fits on a small counter easily. If you are in hurry it can make hassle-free coffee in minutes. The perk of the product is that it can produce 6, 8, or 10 ounces of coffee depending on the strength you need. The buttons are well arranged one after another for easy usage.
It is compatible with all K-cups. So, get a different flavor and mess-free surroundings every time you use it. You can also use the reusable K-cups in case you are not okay with the amount of wastage that comes with these coffee makers.
The water reservoir is on the backside. It is sleek and removable. You can fill water directly from the sink. One more thing is it holds 40 ounces of water. This means you do not have to refill it every time. When the water in the reservoir reaches below level, the ‘add water’ indicator lets you about it.
The K-cup holder is removable and is dishwasher safe. There is a drip tray below which is removable too. Without the drip tray, you can fill a travel mug with the beverage you want.
Pros
- It serves in 3 different sizes
- Compact and sturdy
- The water tank does not need to refill every time
- Low water level indicator present
- Automatic turn off mechanism present
- K-cups compatible
Cons
- May start leaking after a considerable amount of time
- The base may be prone to breakage
Who is this for?
Coffee in the office is a delicate matter. This machine is a great purchase for the office. Not everyone will like to have the same K-pods. Therefore, they can use the machine according to the flavors they love.
You might like: Best Single-Cup Coffee Makers
Best with Travel Mug: Sboly Single Serve with Thermal Mug
When it comes to space-saving coffee makers the best ones are those which are compact as well as lightweight. This one from Sboly is definitely one of them. It takes up very little space on the countertop, can be moved easily, and looks great with the thermal travel mug.
Getting a cup of hot freshness in a cup within 3 minutes is worth it. The water reservoir comes with measurement steps. Starting from the lower step, 6, 8, 10 and 14 ounces of water can be added. Therefore, you can control the brew strength, as you like to have.
The unique feature of the product is the 2-in-1 functionality. Sometimes, we run out of pods while at other times we do not have ground coffee. This machine has both brewing options. For the K-pods, there is a durable holder which is removable. Conversely, for the ground, it has a permanent filter basket with a lid. There is no need to buy separate filters for the machine. Two separate dedicated buttons are there for brewing.
However, the best thing about the machine is the self-cleaning function that you need to do once in two months. Press both the buttons together to start the auto-cleaning function.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Compatible with both pods and ground
- Self-cleaning feature
- Comes with a vacuum insulated travel mug
Cons
- Have to keep an eye on the water level, otherwise, the chance of spilling is there.
Who is this for?
This small machine is for those who do a lot of traveling. Whether it is work at the site or a long drive, the insulated cup keeps the beverage hot for 6 hours and cold for 12 hours.
You might like: Best Camping Coffee Makers for Travel Nerds
Best with Grinder: Secura Automatic
The built-in grinder is obviously the primary reason for buying this coffee maker. It has two separate spaces for ground and beans. So, whatever you have you can start brewing. The shape of the maker is also unique. It is steady, durable, and takes up less space.
The water reservoir has markings on it to ensure 2 US cups or 4 Euro cups, ie, 17 ounces maximum per brew. There is a programmable timer that allows setting the brew time in advance. The plate below keeps the beverage hot for 30 minutes. The auto turnoff function enables after half an hour. Besides, the brew-pause option is available. Hence, you can pause and take a cup before brewing the total.
The buttons have specific instructions for beans and ground. the glass carafe is elegant and easy to handle. With overall sturdiness and automatic features, this grinder-based coffee maker is an excellent buy.
Pros
- Grinder to grind fresh beans
- Both ground and beans can be used
- Automatic start feature
- Brew-pause feature present
- Automatic turnoff available
Cons
- The water reservoir is non-detachable
Who is this for?
If you are the one, who loves full-flavored beverages made of freshly ground beans, this machine is for you.
You might also like: Best Dual Coffee Makers
Best Non-Electric: Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or...
- Does not trap essential oils of your Coffee in a paper...
- Includes a Permanent stainless steel mesh filter; no paper...
- Mouth-blown borosilicate glass, dishwasher safe
Get the taste of authentic and traditional slow brew coffee with this small maker. Like other utensils, it easily fits into the kitchen chamber and countertop. The whole thing will remind you of the chemistry lab- a round-bottomed glass coffee maker with cork or rubber. However, due to the permanent stainless steel filter, you do not have to buy paper ones.
It can make roughly 2-3 cups of coffee, which is good as a small coffee maker. As this is pour-over, it has no direct contact with electricity. Pour hot water from above and your concoction will be ready.
The removable cuffs, which come in a number of colors prevent the heat from glass. Thus, it is easy to hold and pour. To mention, the borosilicate glass is safe to have as a carafe.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Excluding the cuffs, the product is dishwasher safe
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
Cons
- Coffee cools down quickly
- Glass is highly breakable
Who is this for?
Obviously, this one is for pour-over coffee lovers who love the rich taste and robust aroma of the slow brew. If you are seeking a non-electric coffee maker, this one gives an authentic taste for your work.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Small Coffee Maker
Budget
When you search for a small coffee maker the first thing that you keep in mind is the affordability of the product. If you stick to your range, it becomes easier to select the convenient one. You can go for the lowest one with fewer features or can negotiate a bit to get some advanced features. However, the decision is completely upon you.
Capacity
Just because you are buying a compact machine does not mean it has to be of less capacity. The small size is to adjust the countertop. Starting from a single cup to 14 cups, you have options. If you stay alone, the single-cup option is great. But, for social life, it is difficult. So, understand your family and social structure. Finally, select the most compatible one.
Features
Sometimes, we are bound to capacity and budget and sacrifice on the features. It is important to understand the choice of features. Almost all small coffee makers except a few have minimum advanced features that should be there. However, prioritize the features you need. For instance, if you think auto shut down is mandatory, you have to consider this and proceed.
Overall Verdict
With the growing time, technological advancement has reached new levels. It is amazing that a small coffee maker can have so many features that it can almost work like a regular one. Out of the huge lot, we have picked the excellent ones only for easy selection. Each one has different features, capacity, and pricing. The selection is not only for the expert baristas, there are options for novice ones also.
However, among all the products given, we found Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer the perfect one, in terms of capacity, pricing, and the advanced properties it has.