A great cup of coffee can get the day off to a good start. But not everyone wants to brew up a giant pot every day. For those who only need a cup of coffee occasionally, or want a freshly brewed one every time, a compact, smaller coffee maker is definitely the way to go. They’re also ideal for people who have limited counter space.
But small pots don’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. While you may not find all of the fancy features that giant machines have (add-ons, frothers, and specific brewing temperatures), if top-notch java in a small package is what you’re after, we have you covered.
Choosing the right coffee maker is as personal as the way you take your coffee. Keep the following in mind and you’ll find something that hits the spot:
Style: Drip-style coffee makers still dominate the market, but we share a few fantastic pour-over, K-pod, and multifunctional machines.
Size:Small is in the mind of the maker. We have plenty of coffee makers that are one-and-done and also several that will make a fairly substantial pot.
Features: Many small coffee makers have fewer bells and whistles than large-scale makers, but we have several that froth milk, program ahead, grind your beans, and more.
This Instagram-primed Chemex is ready for its close-up and makes fantastic coffee to boot. The simple, elegant design has quickly become timeless because it is as practical as it is beautiful.
Plus, the dishwasher-safe, non-porous borosilicate glass doesn’t absorb odors or chemical residues. The patented pour-over system also allows coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating, without sacrificing flavor as time passes.
Coffee aficionados love how intense and flavorful pour-over coffee is when compared with drip-brew. About 85% of reviewers on Amazon gave this pour-over 5 stars. This Chemex requires Chemex Half Circle Filters, which are sold separately.
If you want the customizability and versatility of a café with the convenience of not having to change out of your PJs for a coffee run, this Mr. Coffee is your dream machine.
It features 3-in-1 functionality brewing up hot and iced coffee and frappes, thanks to the built-in blender. The magic of the versatility is the carefully calibrated measuring system.
Mr. Coffee sends a simple and easy-to-follow formula for water + coffee + ice for each drink, ensuring the results will always be bold and flavorful. The machine takes 4 minutes to brew, and you can set it to brew 6-16 ounces of hot coffee and up to 22 ounces of iced coffee.
It requires a single-serve reusable filter and comes with two reusable tumblers, lids, straws, a reusable coffee filter, and a dual-sided coffee scoop.
This high-tech maker comes with a lot of bells and whistles while occupying just a small corner of your counter. Its four-cup carafe allows you to brew up a batch of espressos or cappuccinos.
Even though the machine is miniature, you’ll still find the same intense flavor and it’s easy enough for a beginner to use. You can also adjust the machine to your desired taste.
The steamer/boiler warms up in 2 minutes and the machine produces cappuccinos and lattes in under 5. Also included in the package is a milk frother with adjustable steam output for perfectly foamed milk.
This coffeemaker is pretty much what you’d expect in a large-scale basic drip but in a micro-unit. This 4-cup drip Cuisinart is available in stainless steel, which means the coffee will stay warm long after the warmer plate shuts off after 30 minutes.
This automatic coffeemaker comes with an On indicator light, instruction book, and a removable drip tray. This is a perfect coffee maker for java-heads in small spaces like RVs and dorms. The Cuisinart is also pod-compatible and is PTFE- and PFOA-free.
This eco-friendly ADIRchef maker comes with a permanent filter, which allows you to both cut waste and save money. This single-serve coffeemaker is the perfect size for on-the-road brewing and comes with an insulated travel mug that fits standard cup holders and drink vessels.
The BPA-free, leak-proof mug is equipped with a nonslip comfort band, is well-insulated, and is dishwasher-safe. Just brew a cup directly into the 15-ounce stainless steel travel mug and hit the road to run errands, head to work, or take the kids to the bus stop. Once full, the maker automatically shuts off to save power.
If you have your heart set on cold brew, this OXO makes an excellent cup. The perforated rainmaker is designed to evenly distribute water over coffee grounds for a more complex blend.
The one-button control kicks the party off, with smooth low-acid concentrate emerging. The machine comes with an ultra-fine, stainless steel reusable mesh filter and occupies a tiny sliver of counter space.
The carafe is made of borosilicate glass with easy-to-follow measurement lines and a stopper, so you can stow the unconsumed coffee in the fridge. The carafe is durable, dishwasher-safe, and earns 5-star ratings from 80% of its reviewers on Amazon.
This patented AeroPress does things a little differently. The AeroPress was designed to quickly brew and release coffee, eliminating the bitterness some find with the classic French press.
This one used a paper microfilter, which also nixes the grit that sometimes comes through the metal mesh strainer of a French press. You can brew up between 1-3 cups of coffee in about a minute, and the tiny size means you can store it in a drawer.
You can also make a classic coffee, espresso, or cold brew with this press. The AeroPress is phthalate- and BPA-free and is made in the U.S.A.
This small, simple Mr. Coffee offers the convenience of a larger machine while taking up much less space, making it perfect for java fiends with tight quarters.
The ergonomic carafe is designed to show measurements with a fully programmable Brew Now or Later option, so you can look forward to waking up to freshly brewed coffee.
The Grab-a-Cup auto-pause also allows you to halt brewing and grab a cup before completing the cycle. It also automatically shuts off after two hours. The machine is quite wallet-friendly, but it does require Mr. Coffee 5-Cup reusable coffee filters, which are sold separately.
If you want a fresh cup every time, this Cuisinart is worth a gander. The push-button control allows you to brew up 6-, 8-, or 10-ounce cups of coffee with K-cups or ground coffee.
If you opt for ground, you’ll need a coffee filter, which must be purchased separately. Included in the set is a charcoal water filter, which will help create the tastiest coffee you can brew up.
The 40-ounce water reservoir is removable, making this one of the most user-friendly options on our list. While this machine is on the pricier side, its ease of use, modern design, and small size make it a great option for both homes and offices.
While this is the largest machine on our list, we stand behind it because it does so many things and still has a relatively wee footprint.
This Cuisinart has an automatic grind function, with a powerful blade that grinds the beans to perfection right before it’s time to brew.
You can program the machine ahead as it turns off automatically, plus you can pause the brew to grab a cup when you’re in a rush.
While the machine is capable of doing quite a bit, it’s easy to use and always delivers full-bodied flavor. This Cuisinart has a thermal carafe and comes with a reusable Gold Tone filter.
Kathleen WillcoxKathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine.
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