Top 5 Coffee Makers for Small Spaces
You probably don’t know, but coffee makers for small spaces can be convenient in many ways. If you are a coffee lover living in a small apartment or dorm, have a one-person household, or in an RV, you can still enjoy freshly brewed coffee of café-quality.
Since delivering high-quality brews without taking up much counter space can be a challenge, now, fortunately, many manufacturers have designed the best coffee makers. These are compact enough to fit in small spaces easily without compromising taste and functionality.
Here, we have picked up the top five coffee makers for small spaces, ensuring a solution to your compact living.
So, let’s get started.
- Advantages of Coffee Makers for Small Spaces
- Disadvantages of Coffee Makers for Small Spaces
- 5 Coffee Makers for Small Spaces
- Buyer’s Guide
- FAQs
- The Verdict
Our Best Coffee Makers for Small Spaces
- Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker
- Nespresso Essenza Mini
- AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
- Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 49900 Single Serve Coffee Maker
- Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffee Maker
Advantages of Compact Coffee Makers
Space-Saving Design: The small size coffee makers are compact and are perfect for small kitchens, offices, or dorm rooms with limited counter space.
Energy Efficiency: Smaller coffee makers often consume less power, which is around 1000 W minimum, making them more energy-efficient.
Ease of Use: These models are generally simple and designed to be user friendly which allows them to operate with fewer complex settings.
Portability: Their lightweight design makes them easy to move or store when not in use.
Cost-Effective: The compact coffee makers tend to be more affordable than larger models. That is why, all the picks of our today’s guide are the best coffee makers under $100.
Disadvantages of Compact Coffee Makers
Limited Capacity: The small coffee makers often brew fewer cups at a time, which may not be ideal for larger households.
Fewer Features: Although they are compact, their designs may lack advanced features like programmable settings or built-in grinders.
Durability Concerns: Some smaller models may prioritize portability over durability, leading to shorter lifespans.
Single Serve Only: Many compact models are designed for single servings, limiting options for brewing larger quantities.
Maintenance: Due to their size, cleaning and maintaining compact coffee makers can sometimes be more challenging.
Our Top Picks
Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker
Best Small Space Coffee Maker
Features
- The design is slim less than 5 inches wide, perfect for small spaces.
- You can have different brew size options as it brews 6 to 12 ounces of coffee.
- The water reservoir is removable, offering easy-to-refill and cleaning options.
- It is energy-efficient and features an auto-off function after 90 seconds of inactivity.
- Pod Compatibility is its plus point as it works with Keurig K-Cup pods for a variety of coffee options.
Pros
- Ultra-slim design ideal for tight spaces
- Quick brewing time
- Removable drip tray for travel mugs
- Energy-efficient auto-off function
- Variety of coffee pod options
Cons
- Limited to single servings
- Dependence on coffee pods may increase costs
- Plastic build may feel less durable
The Keurig K-Mini Plus is a go-to choice for anyone seeking a sleek and efficient coffee maker for small spaces. Its ultra-slim design ensures it fits seamlessly on any counter, even in the tiniest kitchens.
Keurig K-Mini has the ability to brew between 6 and 12 ounces of coffee, allowing for versatility and catering to individual preferences.
Despite its compact size, the K-Mini Plus does not compromise on quality, delivering consistent and flavorful brews.
Its removable drip tray accommodates travel mugs, making it ideal for on-the-go lifestyles. However, the reliance on coffee pods may not suit those who prefer using ground coffee, and the plastic construction might not be as robust as other models.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee Maker
Best Small Nespresso Machine
Features
- It is Compact Design with dimensions of 4.3 x 8.1 x 12.8 inches.
- This offers a high-pressure Pump with a 19-bar pump for barista-quality espresso.
- It is capable of heating up quickly. It reaches brewing temperature in just 25 seconds.
- It ensures energy-saving mode with automatic shut-off after a period of inactivity.
- The capsule system is compatible with Nespresso Original Line capsules.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fast heat-up time
- Exceptional espresso quality
- Energy-saving features
- Easy-to-clean components
Cons
- Exclusively uses Nespresso capsules
- Smaller water reservoir (20.3 ounces)
- Limited to espresso and lungo sizes
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is the epitome of minimalist design and exceptional performance. This tiny powerhouse uses a high-pressure pump to deliver barista-quality espresso with a rich crema, making it a favorite among espresso enthusiasts.
Its quick heat-up time ensures minimal waiting, while the energy-saving mode adds an eco-friendly touch by requiring 1150 W only.
The Essenza Mini’s small footprint makes it a great addition to any compact kitchen, though its reliance on Nespresso capsules may limit versatility.
Additionally, the small water reservoir requires frequent refilling, which could be inconvenient for heavy coffee drinkers. Although it is a small coffee maker, it is comparatively more expensive than our other picks for today.
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
Best Portable Coffee Maker
Features
- AeroPress offers a portable design with a lightweight and easy-to-carry style.
- You have to brew manually as it offers customizable coffee-making options.
- It is constructed with BPA-Free material which ensures safe and durable usage.
- It offers fast brewing, which prepares coffee in under 1 minute.
- It is suitable for espresso, cold brew, and regular coffee.
Pros
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Easy to clean
- Customizable brewing options
- Durable and long-lasting materials
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Manual operation requires effort
- Small brewing capacity
- Learning curve for optimal brewing
The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker stands out for its portability and versatility.
It is perfect for small spaces and travel; this manual brewer allows coffee enthusiasts to experiment with different brewing methods, including espresso, cold brew, and regular coffee.
The lightweight and durable design makes it ideal for outdoor adventures or compact living. While it may require more effort and skill compared to electric coffee makers, AeroPress rewards users with unparalleled control over flavor and strength.
Its small brewing capacity is best suited for individuals or couples rather than larger households, as its capacity is only 10 oz.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 49900 Single Serve Coffee Maker
Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for Small Spaces
Features
- It offers a dual brewing option, which means it is compatible with both ground coffee and K-Cup pods.
- It has a capacity of 14 fluid oz.
- This small coffee maker accommodates standard and travel cup
- This drip coffee machine requires 1400 W
- It simplifies refilling and cleaning.
- One of the best budget-friendly without sacrificing functionality.
Pros
- Dual brewing options (pods and ground coffee)
- Compact and versatile
- Affordable pricing
- Removable components for easy cleaning
- Compatible with travel mugs
Cons
- Longer brewing time
- Limited capacity for larger households
- Plastic construction may feel less premium
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single Serve Coffee Maker offers the best of both worlds by accommodating both ground coffee and K-Cup pods.
Its compact size and versatile functionality make it a strong contender for small spaces. The adjustable cup rest allows users to brew directly into travel mugs, catering to busy lifestyles.
While its longer brewing time may not appeal to those in a rush, the FlexBrew’s affordability and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Its plastic build may lack a premium feel, but its performance compensates for this minor drawback.
Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffee Maker
Best Budget
Features
- It features permanent ground filters that work with pods and grounds
- It comes with a stainless steel mug and lid, which is travel-friendly
- You don’t need filter dues to be permanent ground filters
- It features auto shutoff that ensures energy efficiency and safety.
- This small coffee maker has a capacity of 15 oz, which is sufficient for 1 cup.
Pros
- Includes a travel mug
- Simple one-touch operation
- Permanent filter reduces waste
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- It has basic features with no customization
- Suitable for single servings only
- Plastic components may not be durable
The Black+Decker Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffee Maker is designed for individuals who need their coffee fix on the go. Its compact size and one-touch operation make it ideal for busy mornings.
The inclusion of a stainless steel travel mug is a thoughtful touch. It allows users to brew directly into their mug and take it on the road.
The permanent filter eliminates the need for paper filters, making it an eco-friendly choice. While it may lack advanced features, its simplicity and affordability make it a practical choice for solo coffee drinkers.
Buyer’s Guide
This part is important. Whenever you think that you need to get a coffee maker or anything else, you should be aware of a few features that can resonate with your requirements.
Hence, when choosing a coffee maker for small spaces, consider the following factors:
Size and Design
For that, you must be aware of its placement, i.e., you should know where you will place it and the dimensions of the area where it will be stored. This will ensure the coffee maker easily fits your available counter or storage space.
Brewing Capacity
This depends on your daily coffee consumption. If you are a person with a single cup a day, then a small coffee maker would be fine. However, if it takes 3 to 4 days, then choose a model that suits your daily coffee consumption in a compact size.
Ease of Use
Small coffee makers are comparatively easy to use due to the minimal and only important features they have. However, a few brands offer the latest features but with low capacity. That’s why you can pick any one of the coffee makers from the list.
Maintenance
If you are getting a small coffee maker, that does not mean it will be any less maintenance-intensive. You have to take care of them just like the other espresso machines. Thus, for your convenience, you can opt for models with removable and dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning.
Features
What features will make your coffee machine more handy is totally up to you. Although they are the best budget coffee makers, you must consider additional features like programmable settings, auto shut-off, or dual brewing options to ensure more convenience and efficiency.
FAQs
How long do coffee makers last?
The truth behind coffee makers’ lives is that they generally don’t last for long. Usually, a typical consumer-level coffee maker lasts for not more than 5 years. However, the life of a coffee maker also depends on its maintenance and usage. Hence, it is recommended to hand-wash the components instead of using a dishwasher.
What is the best ratio of coffee to water?
There is no best or worst ratio in it, as it depends on how you like your coffee. However, a few factors can give you the perfect blend, which includes
The water temperature: if you like flavor extraction quickly, you need hot water, but it can become bitter if it is too hot.
The grind-size cold brew relies on a coarse grind and an extended steeping process in water, while espresso machines use an excellent grind and a quick brewing method. A finer grind extracts flavor more rapidly, but if the coffee is ground too fine, it can lead to a gritty texture.
The brew time can also make a significant difference, as the longer the coffee ground, the more intense the taste will be, and an over-brewed coffee will taste bitter.
The Verdict
As portable homes are trending, companies are more into making their household products compact and less space-consuming. For instance, brands like Hamilton, Aeroplus, etc., design the best coffee makers for small spaces, compromising quality or functionality.
However, as per our research, we believe Keurig K-Mini Plus is an excellent choice for those who value convenience and variety. For Espresso lovers, we recommend Nespresso Essenza Mini’s exceptional brewing capabilities.
We hope that the Brewmakers team has helped you to meet your needs and get your desired coffee maker for home.
You can also read our Best Coffee Makers for Home Use guide.