Most of us don’t live in mansions with sixteen bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and three kitchens. If we did, we might hire our own barista and enjoy lattes and cappuccinos every morning. However, if you’re like most of us, you probably don’t have the space—or the money—for such extravagance. But just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a great cup of coffee.
With the right machine, you can brew restaurant-quality coffee in the comfort of your home—even if that home is a studio apartment or tiny house. Small coffee makers are compact and easy to use, but the good ones also pack a punch in flavor.
From single-serve machines to French presses, there’s something for everyone when trying to find the best small coffee makers. Now, let’s take a look at some of the most popular models.
Types of small coffee makers
There are numerous styles of small coffee makers available to fit your specific needs. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular types:
Single-serve coffee maker
Single-serve machines are great for busy people on the go or those who don’t need to brew an entire pot every morning. These machines work with pre-measured capsules that you can buy from your favorite coffee shop or online. Pop in the capsule, press a button, and you’ll have a steaming cup of joe in seconds.
French Press coffee makers
Coffee aficionados love French presses for their ability to brew robust, rich flavors. The process is simple but requires some finesse—you put hot water over coarsely ground beans and let it steep for 3-4 minutes. Then, use the plunger to press down the coffee grounds before pouring it into your cup. The great thing about French presses is that they don’t need electricity and are easy to clean. I always find that French press coffee is more full-bodied and has a creamier mouthfeel.
Drip coffee makers
An automatic drip coffee maker is the classic appliance for small kitchens—they come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits neatly on your counter. Plus, they’re easy to use—fill the reservoir with water, put in your grounds, and turn it on.
Pour over coffee makers
Pour over coffee makers are an increasingly popular way to brew coffee (and my favorite). They’re straightforward—pour hot water over the grounds in a circular motion within the filter, and let it seep through the grounds for a few minutes. I find that being able to have complete control of the brewing process really allows me to feel more connected with the coffee experience instead of just consuming it for the energy-boosting benefits before staring the day.
Cold brew coffee makers
Cold brew coffee makers are perfect for those who prefer chilled coffee all year long. Rather than use hot water, cold brew makers steep the grounds in room-temperature or cold water for 12-24 hours. The result is a smooth, naturally sweet flavor that’s not possible with a traditional drip machine.
The best small coffee makers
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of small coffee makers, let’s take a look at some of the top models on the market.
1. Keurig K Mini Plus
Benefits
- Compact and easy to use
- Fast brew time
- Removable drip tray to fit travel mugs
- Energy-efficient auto-shutoff feature
- Storage compartment for K-cup pods
This tiny beast of a machine will fit in even the smallest kitchens. It brews a 6-oz. cup in under two minutes and still delivers on flavor. It’s compatible with a vast assortment of K-cup pods. Alternatively, you can brew your favorite hot coffee blend using the K-cup universal reusable coffee filter (sold separately).
The energy-efficient auto-off feature means you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off. It also has a removable drip tray that accommodates travel mugs up to 7.0 inches tall, making it perfect for those on the go.
And to keep things compact and tidy, it comes with a storage compartment for 9 K-cup pods so you can keep your coffee close and ready to go.
2. KRUPS Simply Brew Compact Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Easy-pour spout
- Pause and brew feature
- Reusable coffee filter
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Stainless steel finish
If you’re into traditional drip coffee, then this KRUPS model is the one for you. It comes with a carafe that can hold up to 5 cups of coffee and an easy-pour spout that ensures no drips when pouring.
Plus, it has a pause & brew feature, so you can pour yourself a cup before brewing without waiting for the entire pot to finish. The black and stainless steel finish is also classic and modern, making it perfect for any kitchen.
Maintenance is a breeze, too—the carafe, filter, and measuring spoon are all dishwasher-safe. Finally, the reusable filter means you don’t have to find a place to store paper coffee filters – saving you time, money, and effort.
3. Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Create hand-crafted artisan brews
- Reusable stainless steel mesh filter
- Cork or silicone band to keep hands cool
- Multiple sizes available
Bodum is well known for its quality products, and this pour-over brewer is no exception. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more artisanal approach to making coffee. While this means you won’t have a simple push-button solution to your morning brew, you will end up with a cup of delicious, hand-crafted coffee in which you can take pride.
The mesh filter ensures that all flavor compounds are extracted into the cup. Plus, it has a cork or silicone band, so your hands will stay cool while pouring. Finally, there’s no need for paper filters—the stainless steel permanent filter is dishwasher-safe and reusable.
Multiple size options mean you can make as much (or as little) coffee as you need—perfect for those mornings when you need to get up and go.
4. Coffee Gator Espresso Machine
Benefits
- Pressurized portafilter for easy use
- Use ESE espresso pods or ground coffee beans
- Included milk frothing wand
- Super compact design
- Easy to clean with auto-purge function
Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy luxury! The Coffee Gator Espresso Machine is the perfect choice for those who want professional-grade espresso drinks at home.
This semi-automatic machine has a pressurized portafilter, giving you total control over your coffee’s richness and flavor. It also takes ESE espresso pods and ground beans so that you can customize your brew.
Plus, you can use the included milk frother to make any coffee drink of your choice—whether it’s a latte, cappuccino, macchiato, or more.
The best part? It’s super compact and has an easy-to-clean design. The removable drip tray easily removes any excess liquid, while the auto-purge function on the steam wand helps make cleaning a breeze.
So if you’re looking for an espresso machine that only takes up a little counter space but still offers top performance, check out Coffee Gator!
5. BYKA French Press Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Stylish user friendly design
- Made of durable heat-resistant borosilicate glass and stainless steel
- Four levels of mesh filtration
- Easy to clean with detachable parts
Every coffee lover should own at least one French press! The BYKA French Press Coffee Maker is an easy-to-use and efficient way to make delicious coffee in just minutes. Not only does the press look great with its stylish design, but it’s also made of durable materials like heat-resistant borosilicate glass and stainless steel.
Unlike other models, the BYKA has four levels of mesh filtration for smooth, no-grounds coffee. Plus, it’s easy to clean with fully detachable parts that let you easily get rid of small particles from between the filter layers.
Brewing with a French press is easy and fast! All you need to do is add your desired amount of fine-ground coffee, pour in hot water, and let it steep for four minutes. Then press the plunger down slowly to get evenly extracted and smooth coffee.
The BYKA French Press Coffee Maker is perfect for making fantastic coffee without wasting a lot of space or spending a fortune. With its user-friendly design, durable material, and efficient filtration system, you’ll have deliciously robust coffee in no time!
6. Takeya Delux Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Sleek design fits in the refrigerator door
- Airtight lid and non-slip silicone handle
- Makes four servings of cold-brew coffee
- Durable Tritan BPA-free plastic
- Fine mesh filter for grounds-free coffee
Cold brew coffee is a staple at our house. It’s easy to make and lasts for days. The Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the perfect product for this. It fits in our refrigerator door and has an airtight lid and a non-slip silicone handle. Plus, it produces four servings of smooth and tasty cold brew every time.
With its durable Tritan BPA-free plastic that withstands hot temperatures and a fine-mesh coffee filter to keep grounds out of your brew, this cold brew coffee maker is perfect for any coffee lover looking to save time, space, and money.
Its sleek design looks great on the kitchen counter while it brews! With its non-slip handle and tight silicone lid, you won’t spill a drop, and your coffee will stay cold and fresh for days.
Takeya has over 55 years of design experience, and its products are perfect for an active, on-the-go lifestyle. So if you’re looking to make delicious cold-brew coffee with ease, then the Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is definitely worth considering!
7. Mr. Coffee 5 Cup Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Five-cup capacity
- Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause feature
- Easy pouring and handling carafe
- Two-hour auto-shutoff
- Delay brew
- Easy to view water window
I had to put the five-cup Mr. Coffee coffee maker on this list! It’s great for small spaces and allows you to brew quickly and efficiently. With the Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause feature, you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee before it’s finished brewing.
The carafe is designed for easy pouring and handling. Plus, it has a two-hour auto shutoff feature for those mornings when you forget to turn it off.
Do you love waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee? If so, take advantage of a delay brew feature for an unparalleled experience! The easy-to-view water window lets you see the exact water level instead of leaning over your machine’s top.
If you’re looking for a compact and reliable auto-drip coffee maker, consider the Mr. Coffee 5 Cup electric coffee maker! It’s sure to make your mornings a lot brighter.
8. AeroPress Go Portable Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Portable and compact size
- Immersion and pressure brewing for a delicious cup of coffee
- Quick and easy brewing time
- Recipe possibilities are endless!
- Great for traveling, camping trips, or office breaks
If you haven’t added an AeroPress to your coffee arsenal yet, what are you waiting for? It’s time to experience the delicious taste of an AeroPress-made cup of coffee! The AeroPress Go is perfect for enjoying on-the-go espresso-style coffee and cold brew.
AeroPress is best known for its small size and sweet-tasting brews. The combination of immersion brewing and pressure brewing together makes for a delicious cup of coffee. Plus, it’s easy to take with you wherever you go, making it an excellent option for camping trips or office breaks.
With its easy portability, quick brewing times, and endless recipe possibilities — you’ll never have a boring cup of coffee again.
9. Presto Percolator Coffee Maker
Benefits
- Drip-free spout for graceful serving
- Makes 2 to 6 cups of coffee per brew
- Detachable cord and stay-cool bottom
- Cool-touch knob and handle
- Ready-to-serve indicator light
- Great for office, traveling, camping, boating, and more!
This isn’t your grandmother’s percolator! The Presto Percolator Coffee Maker is made with modern technology and an old-school design. Its 500-watt heating element means that it can make 2 to 6 cups of coffee per brew, while its stainless steel body makes the Presto look sleek and stylish on any countertop.
The Presto Percolator uses a unique method of percolating to create a full-bodied cup of coffee. Its detachable cord and stay-cool bottom make it easy to use and serve, while its cool-touch knob and handle keep you safe from burns.
Finally, Presto’s ready-to-serve indicator light lets you know when your coffee is ready, and its drip-free spout ensures a graceful serving. The Presto Percolator Coffee Maker is the perfect way to make coffee for the office, traveling, camping, boating, and more.
10. WACACO Pipamoka Portable Coffee Maker Mug
Benefits
- Brews French press-style coffee in just two minutes
- Reusable stainless steel micro-filter
- Fine mesh filter for a medium to medium-fine grind
- Brew ratio of 1:15
- Compact and easy to use on the go
If you’ve ever wanted to brew French press style, but don’t have time to wait before plunging, then the WACACO Pipamoka Portable Coffee Maker is for you. This all-in-one coffee maker uses a patented construction and an innovative twisting mechanism to generate vacuum pressure, which quickly draws hot water downwards through the coffee grounds in just two minutes.
Its stainless steel micro-filter is reusable, meaning there is no waste from using paper filters, and its fine mesh filter is perfect for a medium to medium-fine grind. The WACACO doesn’t heat your water, so you must do that before you begin brewing coffee manually. But with a brew ratio of 1:15 (1 g of coffee ground for 15 mL of water), you can enjoy a hot cup of joe almost anywhere.
If you’re looking for an easy, quick, and compact way to make French press-style coffee on the go, the Pipamoka Coffee Maker is your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best small coffee maker?
The best small coffee maker depends on your individual preferences and needs. The AeroPress Go is an excellent choice for on-the-go espresso-style coffee and cold brew, while the Presto Percolator Coffee Maker is great for making 2 to 6 cups of coffee in one brew. And if you’re looking for a quick way to make French press-style coffee, the WACACO Pipamoka Portable Coffee Maker is just right. There are many other great small coffee makers out there, so it’s best to do some research and find the one that works best for you!
Can I make espresso with a small coffee maker?
Yes, you can make espresso with a small coffee machine! The AeroPress Go is an excellent choice for on-the-go espresso, as it uses its unique immersion and pressure brewing method to create a delicious cup of espresso. You can also use a moka pot or stovetop espresso maker if you have access to a heat source.
How can I clean my small coffee maker?
Cleaning your small coffee maker is easy! For most machines, you should be able to remove the parts and wash them in warm, soapy water. Some machines may require using a special brush for cleaning. Always make sure to read the instructions for your machine before cleaning it.
What is the best type of coffee to use in a small coffee maker?
The best type of coffee to use in a small coffee maker will depend on the type of machine you have. For espresso makers like the AeroPress Go, you should use finely ground espresso beans for optimal results. For percolators and French press-style machines, medium to medium-fine grind is usually best. For optimal flavor, always make sure to use freshly ground coffee beans.
No matter what type of small coffee maker you’re using, be sure to experiment with different types and varieties of coffee beans to find the perfect brew for your tastes. Enjoy!
