Best small coffee makers: 10 tiny but mighty machines, from $35

Sniffing out the best small coffee makers for your kitchen or home office? If you're currently working with an appetite for caffeine, a tiny cook space, and a minimal amount of countertop space, then say no more. You need a petite machine that will allow you to get your daily caffeine without resorting to a renovation.

We've found and tested ten machines that really are impressive. And they're packaged to be small enough to slide and sit in a corner. So whether you want something easy to use, affordable to buy, or a pod machine for less mess, scroll on to see which petite appliances we appreciate. 

We've reviewed all of the machines featured for a set period, or better still, they've gone on to live in our homes forever. We've even included two portable beverage makers so you can enjoy your favorite blend on the go. After all, a great coffee maker is hard to come by, especially if you have a bunch of must-have specifications. 

Small coffee makers: Quick list

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Good days start with one of the best small coffee makers

Best pod small coffee maker

This sophisticated machine from a Singaporean start-up surpasses all other pod coffee machines we've tested before. As the world's first specialty capsule coffee maker, you can calibrate everything from water temperature, weight, pressure, coffee flow rate, infusion time, and blooming cycles. This smart and sturdy appliance also comes with its own app to record your own recipes and get referred roaster recommendations.

This show-off machine not only looks the part but is for those who take coffee seriously. As long as you use the older Nespresso-style pod shapes, you can use any capsule you want. Switch up the volume, pressure, water temperature, coffee flow rate, infusion time, and blooming cycles. 

Out of all of the pod machines out there, this is one serious bit of machinery. There is a huge menu of compatible pods and the founders really care about the most subtle nuances in coffee profiles. This isn't your cookie-cutter machine. While testing, I could spend hours making tweaks to the water temperature and playing with the Bloom & Brew feature to optimize the extraction of my coffee. And let's not look over how incredibly chic that OLED screen looks. 

It's a good small coffee maker, albeit expensive, and for the money you could probably invest in a good bean-to-cup machine, but it all depends on what you prioritize. 

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Best small bean-to-cup coffee maker

Bet you the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of a bean-to-cup coffee maker is something clunky with lots of bells and whistles, knobs, and a milk frother that you practically need a science degree for? Well, that's not the case with the Cuisinart DGB-2 Grind & Brew Coffee Maker.

The ability to switch between roasted cherries, pre-blitzed beans, or capsules is a game-changer and means that you can chop and change your coffee whenever you want. So much choice!

Naturally, grinding coffee is a noisy job, but it's expected with this appliance. And, if you use the eco-friendly reusable cup, it is a little hot (but so are disposable filter papers). Lastly, there isn't a warming plate, but the coffee dispensed is hot and delicious, so I can't imagine you'll need this feature, anyway. Personally, I just pre-fill my cup with boiling water from my faucet or kettle.

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Best mini Keurig coffee maker

You'll no doubt recognize Keurig as one of the most famous coffee machine brands out there. But if you're after the best Keurig appliance for personal use (perhaps in a home office), this is the perfect pick.

"For those after fuss-free [hot] coffee with a dose of iced coffee when the mood strikes, we can find no fault with the K-Slim+ Iced. Its slim design is also great for small spaces, coffee stations, dorm rooms, and the like, with an amply-sized water reservoir that won't leave you scrambling to refill after every brew," says Jaclyn Turner, one of our previous ecommerce editors.

Keurig pods are some of the most versatile out there as the brand works with coffeehouses like Starbucks and Dunkin' to bring out new flavors so that your tastebuds will never get bored. As well as making conventional hot coffees, you can also switch things up in summer with a chilled drink.

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Best Mr. Coffee small coffee maker

The white colorway and touch LED control panel will elevate your kitchen instantly (especially if you like whites and neutral shades in your cook space). But the fact that you don't have to have a separate automatic milk frother or know how to froth milk is a lifesaver (especially when a picky coffee drinker comes around). 

Note that the milk compartment is a little tricky to clean at first, but like with everything — practice makes perfect! The Easy Clean feature actually uses steam to clean the reservoir if you don't manage to get every last drop out. 

At just under $350 — it's spendy. But I've done the math, and it's basically the same as 69 Venti lattes from Starbucks. So, essentially you could have your own machine for going cold turkey on Starbs for around two months. Oh and don't forget, come fall/winter time, this machine also transforms into a hot cocoa maker. 

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Best coffee maker for your office

Sick and tired of plastic pod coffee makers (that no doubt come with pods that are questionably hard to recycle)? Then you need this metal model from Grind. In London, Grind bars make a mean Espresso Martini which is based on their own coffee blend which you can buy direct, from Selfridges, or via Amazon. If you do decide to recreate happy hour at home, just know that their caps are compostable.

While we found the functionality rather basic, if you're looking to buy a simple machine that uses organic, ethically sourced coffee that's delivered with a carbon-positive footprint, this machine ticks all the boxes.

You'll definitely want to get your hands on a few microfiber towels and perhaps an antibacterial cleaning spray as this metal machine does mark easily. If you like milk-based drinks, this machine is probably not for you. That is unless you are OK with pouring cold milk into your drink or investing in a milk frother alongside your small coffee maker. I could see this one being used in your home office. It's compact, comes with all the eco-cred, and, if you do want a splash of milk... it's a great excuse to invest in a stylish mini fridge to sit underneath your desk. You can choose to dispense either a short or long shot of coffee — this is adjustable if you want it extra long. However, if you do want to top up a bulky mug you'll struggle to get it under the dispenser.

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Best small coffee maker by Nespresso

The Vertuo Next is a fuss-free pod coffee maker that’s sleek, stylish, and perfectly practical in every single-serve way. Its one-button operation makes premium coffee easily, and truthfully we're struggling to find a reason why you shouldn't buy it. As far as Nespresso coffee makers go, it's a money-saving machine that's simple to use, looks amazing on your counter, and produces delicious coffee.

Capable of brewing coffee and espresso beverages, this small coffee maker provides the best of both worlds when it comes to making long and short drinks with differing strengths. But what makes this machine so special is that each Vertuo capsule has a barcode that is quickly read. The coffee maker then does its magic in bringing you the best cup of Joe based on the strength and length desired.

Our previous ecommerce editor, Louise Oliphant claims this machine helped her scrap her $100-a-month coffee shop subscription. 

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Best cheap small coffee maker

Compatible with coffee pods, this stylish, high-pressured machine produces both single and double espressos with a smooth, rich crema. The stop-and-go backlit button allows you to create just the right quantity of coffee so you're not drinking a full cup just for the sake of it. Use compatible milk pods alongside its range of preset coffee settings to create your own drink, whether it’s a cappuccino or a latte. 

There's also none of that "did I turn it off?" panic, as this dreamy machine turns off after nine minutes after use. What's more, this machine ejects used capsules automatically, dumping 4-5 coffee capsules into the waste bin before reminding you to dispose of them.

While it does only have a 0.6 liter capacity removable tank, it’s perfect for individual usage, or if you live with roommates, especially as it's a whisper-quiet 44 Db. Do make sure you like the Lavazza coffee range before you invest as you are tied to the brand's own caps once you've bought the machine.  

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Best small coffee pot maker

The Ninja Programmable XL 14-Cup Coffee Maker PRO has a small footprint on the kitchen counter and an intuitive design. From the integrated coffee scoop (you won’t have to worry about misplacing it!) to the 14-cup carafe, which has a lid that screws on for no leaks and removes completely for easy cleaning, every detail of this simple coffee maker has been thought through carefully. 

In review, its biggest draw is that it brewed piping hot coffee and retained heat for up to four hours. We know everyone has dreams of leisurely sipping on their morning cuppa while it’s fresh, but somehow reality (dogs, bosses, roommates) always seems to creep in and interrupt the caffeinated magic.

Just so you know, this machine will use all of the available water in the reservoir, so if you only want to make a cup or two, you won't be doing yourself any favors by thinking that you're forward-planning your next coffee-making experience. You'll just be making a super weak carafe.

Best small three in one coffee maker

One of the best portable coffee makers, AeroPress uses manual pressure to infuse the coffee flavor into the water. It’s easy to use, doesn’t take up any countertop space, and people rave about the coffee that it produces. So much so, that our editor-in-chief named it one of the most useful kitchen gadgets she owns. Whether you’re planning a coffee-tasting trip to Colombia or heading on the express train to work, you can experience coffee wherever you are.

This 3-in-1 small coffee maker is capable of making cold brew, espresso, and your reg Americano. It's simple to use — add coffee and water, stir the brew, and then press the coffee into the mug. And the best part is that everything fits neatly into your cup or travel coffee mug.

Since switching her French press for an Aeropress, our global editor-in-chief noticed a big increase in the taste quality over capsules and other presses. It also pumps out a single serving rather than three or four cups of coffee that often go cold before she gets to them. She prefers different coffee types and flavors compared to her husband and extended family, so this cuts out arguments over what grounds to use. See what else we found out when weighing up the Aeropress vs. French Press.

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Best travel coffee maker

If you are particularly picky about your coffee but you’re struggling to find a large enough space in your kitchen for a full-sized coffee machine, this clever little portable espresso maker can be tucked neatly in a drawer until you’re ready to use it.

Weighing just 0.7 lbs, simply fill the base up with 2 oz of hot water, use the scoop to pop your favorite blend of ground coffee in its container, put it together, and pump until the pressure (8 bars of it!) starts pushing the water through the coffee — et voila, a creamy, luxurious espresso.

If you’re camping, you could heat this on the stove, but otherwise, in many situations, you will need to bring a vessel of hot water with you. Buying so you can make a decent coffee at work or in hotel rooms? This won’t be an issue as you can fill it up with a good tea kettle.  

Before you commit to this purchase, be sure you like the Nespresso OriginalLine capsules (or at least coffee caps that are the same shape) as Vertuo pods are not compatible with this device. If you spend a lot of time outside of the house and rely on this as your main source of caffeine, consider investing in the Minipresso tank+ (a water tank to make longer drinks) and the Minipresso case (especially if it gets thrown about in your work or schoolbag). 

Or, as an alternative, if you're serious about sustainability and podless coffee has won the pod vs. ground coffee debate, you might want to look into the Minipresso GR which uses loose, ground coffee instead. It comes with a handy scoop so you can measure just the right amount.

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Compare these small coffee makers

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What type of small coffee maker do you need?

Before adding to your basket, it's a good idea to manage your expectations on the small coffee maker you'll be buying and using for months (or even years) to come. If you're stuck on choosing a type of coffee maker, let us help.

• Pod coffee makers are great for super quick cups of coffee and overall there are some great easy-to-use models on the market. There's no mess involved in grinding your own beans or decanting spend grounds into your compost bin, but the cost of capsules might tot up over time and true coffee aficionados say capped coffee is stale and doesn't produce the best end product. The jury's out!
• Single-serve coffee makers, generally speaking, give you the option to use pods or ground coffee. The settings on these are calibrated to offer a suitable-brewed individual cup, making espresso and Americano drinks (depending on how much water is dispensed, and how sophisticated the settings are). Premium coffee machines may come with a built-in milk frother, though these will typically be at the higher end of your budget. 
• Drip or filter coffee makers are for coffee fans that generally have more time (and patience) on their hands to wait for their reward. A paper cone is filled with dry coffee grounds, and hot water is used to saturate the ground coffee, which slowly drips into a small carafe or vessel. Some say that this slower process produces better-tasting coffee, and many brands (like Moccamaster) pride themselves on making a machine that adheres to the "Golden Ratio" of coffee-to-water (1.9 oz/L ± 10%) and temperature (200°F ± 5°).
• Bean-to-cup coffee makers are often considered an investment purchase but have all the bells and whistles you'd associate with a professional machine you'd find at your local coffee house. Be prepared for more maintenance when it comes to grinding beans, using equipment (like a group head), and keeping your beans fresh. Some will have a built-in milk frother which allows you to heat dairy and plant-based alternatives to make milk-based beverages like cappuccinos and lattes. 

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FAQs

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Where to buy a small coffee maker

Don't assume that going direct will get you the biggest discount! Here's where to shop for the best small coffee makers. We've organized these in alphabetical order, but generally speaking, home appliances do go on sale around Black Friday or right after December 25. 

• Shop small coffee makers at Amazon
• Shop small coffee makers at Bed, Bath & Beyond
• Shop small coffee makers at Best Buy
• Shop small coffee makers at Crate & Barrel
• Shop small coffee makers at Home Depot
• Shop small coffee makers at Kohl's
• Shop small coffee makers at Lowe's 
• Shop small coffee makers at Macy's
• Shop small coffee makers at Newegg
• Shop small coffee makers at QVC
• Shop small coffee makers at Sur La Table
• Shop small coffee makers at Target
• Shop small coffee makers at Walmart
• Shop small coffee makers at Williams-Sonoma

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How we reviewed these small coffee makers

Here at Real Homes, if we're not already sipping on a cup of coffee then you can bet we're messaging our colleagues to see when they're getting their fill of freshly brewed coffee. We've got a professional bean-to-cup machine in the office and several coffee shops to choose from around our London Paddington office.

However, when we're WFH, we need a machine for modest spaces. And so, often when we're testing these coffee makers, we won't just get the tape measure out. Nope, we'll take these appliances home to see if they can fit on the tiniest of countertops with shelves, cupboards, and alcoves added to the mix. 

When we're testing multiple machines side by side, we prefer to travel to our test kitchen in Reading, UK. We measure how noisy the machines are, analyze their brew times, and discover what coffee types are available. Because you don't want to be stuck with a loud device that makes a terrible drink, right? Here's what else we consider while reviewing coffee machines:

Size
Does the machine have a long cable to stretch to the few plug sockets we have? This is something we need to know. Can it sit flush or does it have to be displayed at an angle? Another query we think about while quaffing coffee.

Ease of cleaning
Let's not pretend that we like cleaning, so if the components can fit in our tiny dishwashers, then the small coffee maker will definitely earn some brownie points. However, if it's handwash only, we'll evaluate how easy it is to take apart and reassemble once clean.

Descaling process
Cleaning the plastic and stainless steel components is not the only maintenance needed for a small coffee maker. You'll also need to descale it every couple of months. So the team will run a cycle, keeping an eye on how lengthy it is, and how thoroughly the agent can get to work. This is where we like to keep hold of machines to really push the limits on whether they can tolerate hard water (especially in our city dwellings).

Coffee taste
People like different beverages, so we try and strip out subjectivity by commenting on coffee as part of a tasting panel. This might include other editors and writers across the Future Plc homes portfolio. After all, some of us like milk in our beverages while others prefer theirs black, and sometimes we'll add a splash of a plant-based milk alternative to keep up with the ever-changing options out there.

Meet our panel of small coffee maker testers below:

Christina Chrysostomou

Hey, I'm Christina, Real Homes' acting head of ecommerce. My day-to-day role involves testing and reviewing small kitchen appliances and accessories, including coffee makers, kettles, and even travel coffee mugs. In this guide, I reviewed the Drink Morning coffee maker, and have just got my hands on an AeroPress. When there's a sale, like Cyber Monday, you can bet I am constantly tracking deals and adding them to our guides, so watch this space.

Melissa Epifano

Real Homes’ former editor-in-chief, Melissa, loves coffee and has tested a wide range of manual and automatic coffee makers at home. She has been an Aeropress convert for two years now and refuses to go back to her digital machines or French press. The compact gadget also takes up little room in a suitcase, so she brings it on vacations and trips home to visit family, which means a good latte is always guaranteed.

Millie Fender

Real Homes' head of reviews Millie tested the Grind pod coffee machine in her South London kitchen. She thinks it's totally iconic and just as gorge in person as it looks online. She recalls that the shiny stainless steel does mark easily, but it also buffs clean with a microfiber cloth. Your options with this pod machine are limited, but what it does, it does well.

Reviewed the Nespresso Vertuo Next

Reviewed the Nespresso Vertuo Next

Louise Oliphant

Our former ecommerce editor Louise stays caffeinated with the Nespresso Vertuo Next. Thanks to this machine, she's canceled her coffee subscription and saved lots of money (and queue time) in the process.

Reviewed the Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse

Reviewed the Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse

Nishaa Sharma

Nishaa has the Breville One-Touch CoffeeHouse in her apartment, and it's been there since she moved in two years ago. She loves how easy it is to use, and it's saved her so much time and money on going out for a cup of coffee or a matcha latte.

Reviewed the Keurig K-Slim iced

Reviewed the Keurig K-Slim iced

Jaclyn Turner

During the warmer months of the year, cold coffee beverages are what fuel Jacyln throughout her day. Don't get her wrong, she'll happily drink a hot cup of java 12 months out of the year, too. So, the Keurig K-Slim + Iced Coffee is that happy medium with a convenient ability to brew iced and hot coffee — all in a compact footprint. 

Freelancers who reviewed coffee machines for us:

Sarah Warwick

Sarah Warwick, our freelance reviewer tested the Kitchenaid, Wacaco, and Lavazza branded coffee makers you see in this guide. She liked all of them for different reasons, but gave both the KitchenAid Artisan Nespresso 5KES0503 and Lavazza Jolie Plus four stars out of five.

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