Having a small coffee machine is essential for any coffee lover. The decision to buy the best small coffee maker is crucial as it can make or break any given person’s daily morning routine. It can adversely affect work performance and dictate the mood for that particular day or even the whole week.
There is a variety of coffee beans out there but and selecting the right coffee maker for them makes a huge difference. A good coffee maker can positively affect the aroma, texture and overall taste of the coffee.
Our family is very particular in terms of the preferred coffee maker. Whether it’s a compact coffee maker, small programmable coffee maker, or small single-serve coffee maker, the performance is of utmost importance. The machine doesn’t necessarily need to carry a particular brand as long as it functions properly and performs according to our needs.
Gone are the days when drinking coffee was only associated with breakfast.
With the fast-paced world that we are living in presently, drinking coffee is almost like therapy amidst the hustle and bustle. Some people may never understand, but for others drinking coffee can boost self-confidence, generate ideas, aid communication, and help build relationships.
All About the Small Coffee Maker
A small coffee maker is like a compact energy provider, immune system booster and mind sharpener all in one. It is every coffee bean’s best friend because a reliable small coffee machine will bring out their best and will also never put a great coffee bean to waste.
Cliché as it may seem, “Great things come in small packages”. Small does not necessarily mean mediocre, as has been proven time and time again with the continual introduction of smaller and more compact electronic devices and gadgets.
More and more people prefer kitchen appliances that are ideal for a single serving due to modern day standards and living preferences. Small coffee makers are ideal for small families, college students, and both office-based and nomadic professionals.
For years making coffee has always been simple, but as time and research, has gone on various processes have emerged for making this all-time favorite beverage.
There has been tons of innovation in the field of making coffee and people have adapted to these changes. Coffee still is and will always be the top choice when it comes to ensuring alertness and improving productivity and brain performance. A fun fact is that Small drip coffee makers are also known as dripolators and became popular during the latter part of the 20th century.
Having your very own small coffee maker gives you the freedom and convenience to formulate your own blend of coffee with the ingredients you prefer. That’s why the right kind of coffee maker can be considered a great investment, whether it’s a small drip coffee maker, small stainless- steel coffee maker, small electric coffee maker, small coffee pot or a small coffee maker with timer.
Even though these type of coffee makers are limited in terms of its size, they are very compact and offer a lot of advantages and benefits should you decide to acquire them.
It allows users to select the type of coffee that they want, anytime. Compared to regular sized coffee makers, you will have greater selection over the type of coffee you want to brew, and if somebody else wants a different blend you can do that too as soon as your own coffee is done brewing.
Convenience along with economical and health concerns may be the top reasons for preparing one’s own coffee rather than buying a cup of goodness from the trendy coffee shops out there.
For health junkies, what matters most is knowing the content of what they are drinking in order to monitor their product intake and consumption. Others prepare it themselves simply to save money. They may buy coffee beans that are similar to expensive brands to ensure that the quality is the same.
What is clear is that if you love coffee, being able to prepare it the way you want it any time and any day is a divine experience. Are you a passionate coffee drinker but still undecided and can’t find a reason to purchase your own coffee maker?
I’ll give you a rundown of the benefits of having your own coffee maker and product suggestions that may help you finally bite the bullet.
Having your own coffee maker at home can help you save money.
We all know how expensive store-bought handcrafted beverages are compared to making your own blend. You can also save on gas and energy as you no longer need to drop by the coffee shop. You will have the freedom to lessen the sugar according to your tastes and improve your health in the long run.
Sipping your favorite coffee in your favorite mug, wearing your favorite comfy clothes, and not caring at all if your hair looks good or not is as sweet as it gets. Let’s now take a closer look at the best small coffee makers to tempt you into a decision.
* OXO Good Grips Single Serve Pour Over Coffee Dripper
Every coffee lover is looking for a soulmate when it comes to producing the best tasting and most aromatic coffee. There can never be too many coffee makers in a household where lives become more satisfying with every sip of this energizing liquid.
I’ve tried a variety of coffee makers in my lifetime, from the bulky and more complicated ones to the sleek and subtle.
Since I’ve been staying at home and mostly spend time alone in the house these days, I prefer a more practical, space-saving and easy to use coffee maker that I can bring out any time of the day. Whenever I crave some earthy and nutty goodness or just need an energy boost in the middle of the day it’s nice to know I’m covered.
I discovered a new way to prepare my coffee without the hassle of set up, complicated clean-up and altogether wasting time. The OXO Good Grips Single Serve Pour over Coffee Dripper with Auto-Drip Water Tank makes coffee preparation all the more exciting rather than a daunting task.
I don’t need to budget my time if I feel like preparing a cup of coffee becausethis small coffee maker can sit on the countertop instead of inside the kitchen cabinet with the other coffee makers, and due to its size and I know that cleaning up afterwards will be a breeze.
This simple to use coffee maker brings out the best in your coffee beans and gives them the justice they deserve. No-fuss preparation, easy assembly and disassembly, minimal effort and less preparation time make this a no-brainer.
Gravity-drawn water is the process that extracts all that flavorful goodness out of ground coffee. The water passes from the coffee grounds to the beans, like more luxurious drip coffee machines, and completely extracts and preserves the taste, aroma, and natural flavors of the coffee.
Compared to a coffee machine, pour-overs are less convenient to use as you will be the one doing the pouring in a careful and slow manner to allow the water to seep into the coffee beans. It does require more time and commitment but provides inherent fulfillment that you would not get with regular coffee machines.
All you have to do is bring your water to a boil while ensuring that the amount of water you put in is a little more than what is actually needed for your cup. Then select the ground coffee type (I like (Arabica when I feel like relaxing and Robusta when I want to be more alert) and be ready with around two scoops.
Take a filter and fold it along the sides, then place it into your dripper. Now prime the coffee filter to allow it to stick to your dripper.
Leave it for around a minute. When you’re done priming the dripper, you may get your mug and get ready with the water. It’s time to now add the coffee to the filter.
Pour the water from your kettle to the coffee carefully over your ground coffee for about 2-3 minutes while the mug slowly fills. Watch as the liquid gold drips perfectly in your favorite coffee cup.
You may now enjoy your cup of coffee.
Aside from knowing about these product features and benefits, you also need to master the complicated-looking task that is brewing coffee. Though it may seem like a difficult task, practice makes perfect and soon you’ll find yourself looking forward to every coffee prep.
What I love most about this small single-serve coffee maker is that it maintains consistency when it comes to taste and texture. I no longer need to monitor the amount of water poured in the auto-drip tank because of the device’s precise control maintaining consistent water flow, all without affecting the ideal brew time.
The extraction of the flavor occurs in different stages. The first few drips are very potent and acidic, and as the ground coffee absorbs more water the better the taste becomes.
And since this method is purely manual, it doesn’t require electricity like the typical small coffee maker which connects you to the coffee brewing process a lot more. It can also be used with your favorite coffee mugs or tumblers as long as the drip area sits comfortably over the top of your container.
I must say that with this traditional pour-over method, even as a self-proclaimed coffee veteran, I have gained appreciation for the feeling of independence and control this coffee maker type provides.
Consistency in delivering me perfect tasting and smelling coffee every single time is so important. I love the fact that it always delivers exactly what is expected, especially when I badly need a pick-me-up.
Pros:
- Effortless and consistent coffee every time
- Precise hole patterns for even water distribution over the coffee grounds
- Auto-drip tank for precise water-flow
- Secure dripper rest
- Electricity saver
Cons:
- Has the tendency to tip over
- Uses plastic material
* Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 4-Cup Coffee Maker, Black
I remember a television commercial of a popular coffee brand with the tagline “It all starts with a coffee”. Thinking about it, that makes a lot of sense since coffee can either be enjoyed alone, with a couple of friends or a big group. It doesn’t matter what mood you’re in, you can enjoy rich-tasting coffee with this product from Mr. Coffee.
This Coffee Simple Brew 4-Cup Coffee Maker will serve your needs whether you are inviting friends over, having a catch-up session with your best friend, enjoying some alone time, pulling an all-nighter for school or work, or just contemplating life!
You can brew as much as 4 cups of coffee goodness or use it for a single serving. You may even pour yourself a cup while it’s still brewing. All you have to do is press the pause button and put the decanter back within 30 seconds to continue brewing.
No need to worry about overflowing water, this baby has a dual water window which allows you to take a peek and check the amount of water in the tank to ensure that there will not be an overflow. Clean up is not a cumbersome job at all because the filter basket can be easily removed. Simply lift the basket and clean.
The perfect temperature for your coffee is maintained as long as it sits on the warming plate. and sleek black design gives the impression that this appliance is expensive, even though it isn’t.
Did I mention that this coffee maker is really compact?
With dimensions of a height of 9 ½ inches, a width of 6 inches, and a depth of 8 inches, storage will not be a problem. It can even sit comfortably on your counter along with your other appliances.
The versatility of coffee is remarkable even though it is typically served during breakfast. It can be enjoyed while having a snack or eating your favorite dessert, or really any time to give your brain a boost of alertness and keep up in this fast-paced world.
Owning a coffee maker is no longer a luxury, but a necessity to make any household complete.
A variety of coffee makers have been introduced on the market suited to different types of people with different types of needs and different ideas about enjoying a cup of coffee. A great thing about this particular coffee maker is that it gives you the freedom to do other things while brewing your coffee. And when you are done you don’t have to worry whether you left the appliance on, due to its on/off power button.
It has a colored light that makes it easy to see if the coffee maker is still turned on or off, which serves as a security feature since it doesn’t have an automatic shut off.
Going back to the tagline, things do indeed start with coffee. Mornings are welcome, productivity and purpose are sometimes activated, and the most intimate discussions usually start over a fulfilling cup of coffee.
Many strong relationships are built alongside this simple drink as has been tried and true through time. It’s unbelievable to think so much meaning has been brought about by simply drinking a warm cup of creamy goodness extracted from the finest coffee beans.
That’s why it’s no longer surprising to find people with more than one coffee maker at home. It’s no wonder why some people purchase more than 1 coffee maker in each variety of style, model and build. But if you’re just looking to start out and are looking for consistency, great-tasting results, convenience, and flexibility, this small electric coffee maker is for you.
Pros:
- Can be used for single, dual or multiple coffee preparations
- Easy to clean removable basket filter
- Grab-a-cup pause option if you want to have a cup in the middle of brewing
- Warming-plate is easy to clean and stain-resistant
- On/ Off Power indicator
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Water sometimes backs up in the filter
* Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker, Single Serve, Silver
I’ve been switching from on-the-go to stay-at-home for the past couple years and this coffee maker has given me the option to enjoy a cup of coffee inside my home while doing household chores, tutoring the kids or finishing up paperwork from the office. And if I have to step out, I can still enjoy the same creamy goodness of the blend I prefer without any fuss in preparation. There’s no longer any need to change from one coffee maker to another.
I just love the thought that nothing can hinder me from enjoying my personal cup of coffee, as it brews 8 oz. cup of coffee in a minute and a half just the way I want it at just the moment I need, all without worrying if it will have the consistency in taste I prefer. Not to mention no clean up or storage concerns afterward.
Even with the rising popularity of both mainstream and unconventional Coffee Shops many coffee-loving people still prefer preparing their own coffee.
Aside from the fact that you can immediately enjoy a good cup in the convenience of your home, in the confines of your own room or in the serenity of your veranda wearing your jammies, you never have to worry about standing in a horrible line just to get your favorite cup of joe. Not to mention sharing a room with a thousand others while you try desperately to enjoy the coffee flavor you’ve been waiting for all day.
There’s a huge difference enjoying the peace of blending your own ingredients using your own coffee maker in your own space. It may seem petty, but for some these little moments are what it’s all about. Silence is golden when you need some time to think or get away from work or your responsibilities.
Everyone gets burnt out sometimes, especially if you’re an introvert, which makes that particular time when you can savor the stillness of the world around you all the more precious. The importance of having a small coffee maker is most apparent in these moments.
What I also appreciate about having a cup of coffee are the benefits that it brings to the body. You might have already heard that coffee has an anti-oxidant ingredient or two that are really beneficial to those who drink it in moderation. Just a warning though, this miracle drink can be addicting too.
Just see to it that you only consume a reasonable amount, and also watch the sugar you add plus the type of creamer you use to enhance the flavor.
The Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker, Single Serve is really an ideal and remarkable companion when it comes to having a personalized coffee serving.
You can brew your ground coffee using this small stainless- steel coffee maker, with customizable brewing to provide a better-tasting cup of coffee. Just choose regular or bold. Made of durable materials, this brewer will last you a long time.
You can adjust the amount of coffee you brew by either limiting or adding more water and ground coffee beans. You don’t need to wait that long for your favorite cup of coffee since it heats up fast and brews coffee in just a few minutes.
Personalize the blend to your own liking and taste. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, a teaspoon of coconut oil, or ginger powder for a kick. When the machine is done brewing, it automatically shuts off for safety.
Whatever blend you choose, always ensure that you also maintain your coffeemaker’s performance by cleaning up after every coffee preparation. Since cleaning is essential to always having fresh-tasting coffee, cleaning is made easy with this Hamilton Beach single serve coffee maker.
All you have to do is mix ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup of cold water and pour it into the reservoir. Then turn the machine on and turn it off after 30 seconds. Leave the mixture inside the reservoir before turning the unit on again to allow the brew cycle to finish and clean your machine thoroughly.
Rinse with water afterwards, wipe and keep dry. Make it a habit to inspect it from time to time to check for any damages.
Storage shouldn’t be an issue with the size of this product, it can be placed on the countertop for ease of access. After all, it’s a compact coffee maker.
Pros:
- Has a single-scoop filter
- Made of heavy-duty stainless- steel
- Durable
- Built-in stand for your coffee cup
- Can accommodate small or big cups
- No need for paper filters
- Compact and sturdy
- Easy clean-up
Cons:
- Reservoir is quite small
- Residue can be found at the bottom of your coffee cup
* Hamswan Single Serve Coffee Maker
I’m still fascinated with the various single serve coffee makers that are readily available these days. They take away the burden of coffee preparation while ensuring that every cup is filled with the same consistency, aroma and taste. They give the satisfaction of store-bought coffee less drain on the wallet.
In my quest for the coffeemaker that can match my passion for coffee, there’s one coffee maker that seems to have met the qualifications I’m looking for to prepare the best tasting coffee for my particular taste.
When I received this Hamswan K Cup coffee maker I just about flipped. It is not confined to brewing coffee but can also brew tea, whether loose leaf tea or K-cups as well. It comes in a very elegant package and a user manual. Altogether it has qualities that are very promising.
The most important one for me would have to be the option between using the metal mesh filter for a single serving of ground coffee beans or K-cup pods. Just click the button on the left side of the coffee maker. The upper button for the K-cup and the lower button for the ground coffee.
This very versatile coffee maker is a great value because it also has brew strength control that can be adjusted by selecting the amount of water you will put in. It also heats up very fast which is a great feature, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Fast brewing of around 3-minutes for a 10-ounce cup.
The reservoir can hold up to 14 oz. at a time. The brewer has the capacity for temperature control which is essential when brewing coffee. To ensure that you always get the best results for your particular coffee taste, water temperature also plays an important role.
This coffee maker takes that into consideration. With its temperature control and double wall, it will only start to brew when the water reaches the ideal temperature, ensuring that the ground coffee beans will be well immersed and the flavors are properly extracted.
The double walls are added for safety as well, to avoid instances of scalding when the water temperature rises to a boiling point. What’s also impressive about this small programmable coffee maker is that it has the option for self-cleaning. There’s also a removable drip tray to make cleaning easier.
Another safety feature of this product is the automatic shut off when there’s not enough water in the tank, which also helps in saving power.
This coffee maker is also very sleek in appearance, weighing in at 5.4 inches in width, 6.9 inches deep and a height of 11.6 inches which makes it an elegant addition to your kitchen. It is very handy and can be brought along if you are traveling and can’t live without your personal coffee blend.
If you’re going camping, staying at a hotel, or just spending time with your parents or other relatives, you can bring this along and share the amazing coffee blends you love best using this treasure.
Pros:
- Can brew ground coffee or K-cups
- Coffee strength can be controlled
- Heats up water fast and brews coffee in about 3 minutes
- Has a temperature control for better tasting coffee
- Double wall for protection against scalding
- Automatically brews with the press of a button
- Shuts off instantly when there’s no more water in the reservoir
- Compact and easy to store
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- A bit pricey compared to its counterparts
- Reservoir opening is small
Conclusion
So you’ve finally decided that you indeed will be purchasing a small coffee maker. But how do you decide on the actual product you will bring home?
First, you have to consider which features are of utmost importance to you. This may include the price range for your budget. Are you more concerned about how much you will be spending? If so, you may consider that and narrow your choices to those with more affordable prices.
Now for the actual product consideration, are you concerned about the temperature of the water? How long should it stay hot for you to consider it acceptable? How about the time you will actually spend in making your very own coffee?
Consider the speed, from the amount of time it will take for the water to boil up until the coffee has finally finished brewing. Clean up can also be considered part of the time factor since your coffee maker should always be kept clean to prevent it from weird scents that may affect the taste of your coffee.
Will it take you hours to finish cleaning up? In terms of convenience, your coffee maker should be something that you can use anytime you are craving or are just in dire need of coffee. This doesn’t mean that taste should be sacrificed, however.
I hope that with this article you will be able to find the best coffee maker to match the passion you have for coffee.