Finding enough space for all your kitchen countertop essentials could prove to be quite the challenge. Add the obligatory coffee machine and things become even more complicated. But, hey – that’s where the best small coffee makers come to save the day!
Not everyone lives in a mega mansion, in which struggling to find adequate space for your traditional drip coffee maker is virtually unheard of.
So unless you live in a 10,000-square-foot home, then you probably want something small and compact to keep you sufficiently caffeinated!
Keep reading to learn more about the top space-saving small coffee brewers are!
The Best Small Coffee Maker: Our Ranking Factors
Size
Bulky models have no place in this review, so logically we’ll put an emphasis on how compact each entry is.
Space-saving is a crucial aspect if you’re looking for a quality, yet small coffee machine and our top picks shouldn’t take a lot of space.
Features
Although smaller brewers tend to have fewer features than their bulkier counterparts, that still doesn’t mean that they’re devoid of any clever features.
There are small devices with fancy functions such as temperature control, an auto shut-off and even brew-strength settings.
Capacity
Even if a coffee maker is more compact, it can still offer loads of brewing capacity.
Although this is most likely not a deal-breaker for you (since you’re looking for a small coffee machine), it’s still a nice bonus for a device to have a larger capacity.
Construction
Some compact brewers rely on electricity (e.g. mini drip coffee machines), while others are fully non-electric (e.g. pour-over variants).
And while a French press or a pour-over brewer might be ideal for experimenting, they require a bit more expertise than simply pressing a button and waiting for your fresh coffee to “magically” appear in a couple of seconds.
Price
Price is and always will be a vital factor when buying anything, not just coffee makers.
Smaller brewers can be both cheap and expensive.
- Also read: Best coffee makers for home use
That’s why we take into consideration how much they cost, without completely neglecting overall quality.
The 12 Best Compact Coffee Makers
Below you’ll find our top recommended small coffee machines, based on the ranking factors we previously mentioned.
1. Top Overall Pick: Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker, Single Serve...
Dimensions: 11.3” x 4.5” x 12.1” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Extremely thin
- Space-saving pod storage
- Brew strength control feature
- 6 to 12 oz. brew sizes
Cons:
- A bit loud
- Tiny water reservoir
Keurig is known for making some of the best and most widespread brewers and their K-Mini Plus model is our overall top pick.
Yes, it’s not the cheapest as it carries a very Keurig-like price tag (although still less expensive than their other models) but this small buddy is not only incredibly thin and compact, but it also has lots of amazing features.
It comes with features such as an auto-off and 4 brew sizes indicated on the sides of the reservoir (6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.).
Even more astonishingly, there’s a huge pod storage compartment that can hold up to 9 pods!
Moreover, the K-Mini Plus utilizes Keurig’s popular K-Cup pods that come from more than 70 brands and a total of 400+ varieties.
This brewer is even compatible with ground coffee if you have the Keurig My K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter , which lets you put your favorite ground coffee inside.
Last but not least, this device comes with neat space-saving cord storage, while being travel mug-friendly as well.
2. Top Pour Over Pick: Bodum Pour Over Coffee Dripper Set With...
Dimensions: 5.13” x 5.13” x 7.37” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Saves space like no other coffee maker
- Permanent reusable filter
- Microwave-safe mug
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- Requires hot water
- Much slower than regular coffee machines
Can you imagine that you can brew coffee using a device that’s not much larger than your regular coffee mug?
Well, that’s exactly what the best small pour over coffee maker is all about.
The Bodum pour-over brewer definitely takes the term space-saving to a whole new level.
This tiny device includes a double-wall mug with a 12 oz-capacity that’s made of BPA-free plastic.
And this mug can be put in a microwave oven if you’d like to heat up your java.
It’s very simple to use this Bodrum brewer as you simply have to pour hot water over coarsely ground coffee that’s placed inside the permanent filter.
Then you let it brew for around 4 minutes and your cup of Joe will be ready.
Sure, it might not be as simple as pressing a button but if you’re really tight on space, then this might be your best bet!
3. Budget Pick: AdirChef Mini Travel Single Serve Coffee...
Dimensions: 6.7” x 5.1” x 10.1” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable
- Travel mug included
- Very lightweight
Cons:
- The travel mug is prone to leaks
- Not compatible with K-Cup pods or capsules
AdirChef’s personal coffee maker will be your go-to device if you’re on a tight budget but still want a compact coffee machine.
This slim model fits anywhere and it’s fitted with a permanent filter, meaning that you won’t have to worry about changing filters.
The small and lightweight design means that you can also transport this brewer without much hassle.
Additionally, it’s super easy to use and clean since the cup and the filter are both dishwasher-safe.
And apart from the hard-to-beat value for money that it offers, the AdirChef Grab N’ Go unit is also rather stylish, making it a neat addition to your kitchen.
Last but not least, this single-serve brewer also automatically shuts off when idle to help preserve power.
4. Espresso Pick: Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso...
Dimensions: 4.3” x 12.8” x 8.1” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable
- 2 programmable cup size options
- Up to 19 bars of pressure for an authentic espresso
Cons:
- Steep price tag
- Not compatible with ground coffee or K-Cup pods
Nespresso brewers are known for delivering barista-style espresso drinks and the Essenza Mini model is no exception.
This compact device is able to deliver up to 19 bars of pressure which translates into an authentic cup of espresso with delightful crema.
You’re also getting an auto-off function and a fast-heat-up system that reaches optimal brewing temperature within 30 seconds.
And it might not have many bells and whistles but that’s what makes it dead easy to use.
All that you have to do is place a capsule and select a cup size – you can choose between regular espresso (1.35 oz.) and Lungo (5 oz.), which is basically espresso made with much more water.
On top of that, when you purchase this brewer, you’ll also receive a free welcome kit that includes 16 Nespresso capsules with various aroma profiles.
5. Top With-Grinder Pick: KRUPS KM550D50 Personal Café Grind Drip...
Dimensions: 9.0” x 6.3” x 11.6” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Incredibly compact for this type of devices
- Super affordable for a coffee maker with a grinder
- Adjustable grinder and brew strength
- Grinds beans and pre-ground coffee
Cons:
- Very loud
- Not exactly easy to clean
Have you ever imagined that a coffee machine with a built-in grinder can be compact?
Well, the answer comes from German brand KRUPS with their brilliant KM550D50 device that can grind and brew your coffee while still saving you valuable space.
It lets you grind both whole bean and pre-ground coffee for consistent grinding, even if you’re using more exotic, oily beans or even flavored ones!
This stainless steel grinder also lets you choose between 2 grind settings – one for coarser and one for a finer grind to better suit your coffee preferences.
Now, cleaning by hand can be a bit of a hassle, although thankfully, all parts that are in contact with the coffee can be removed and placed in a dishwashing machine.
Lastly, the best small coffee maker with a grinder also sports an auto-off feature, a warmer plate for the glass carafe and a permanent filter for brewing java.
6. Top With Thermal Carafe Pick: Cuisinart 4 Cup w/Stainless-Steel Carafe...
Dimensions: 5.25” x 8.0” x 10.0” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Stainless steel thermal carafe with mess-free pour spout
- Brew-pause feature
- Very quiet for its price
Cons:
- No visible water level indicators
- Not compatible with K-Cup pods
This Cuisinart brewer is a classical, small coffee machine that’s meant to take up less of your counter space.
- Also read: Best Cuisinart coffee maker
But while other models rely on glass carafes, this 4-cup variant comes with a thermal stainless steel one.
Or in other words, this carafe is more durable and better at retaining heat so that your java is nice and warm longer.
Additionally, the thermal carafe also has a dripless pour spout and knuckle guard for extra protection, convenience and mess-free pouring.
You also benefit from the Brew Pause function that enables you to grab a cup even before the device has finished brewing.
Not only that, but there’s also an indicator light on the On/Off switch, as well as a 30-minute auto-shutoff.
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Dimensions: 7.3” x 5.4” x 11.6” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Self-cleaning technology
- Compatible with both K-Cups and ground coffee
- Comes with a vacuum insulated tumbler (thermal mug)
Cons:
- Water can spill out of the water reservoir during the brewing process
- Slow to warm up
Despite the fact that this coffee maker isn’t manufactured by one of the more popular brands, it still offers superb value for money.
For a very fair price, you’re getting a pretty slim brewer that works with both K-Cup pods and ground coffee.
However, the cherry on the cake of this Snoby device is the self-cleaning technology that’s enabled by pressing two buttons simultaneously and the machine does the rest.
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Apparently, this model also comes with an upgraded filter basket and lid that’s meant to prevent the coffee grounds from ending up in your cup.
There’s a neat vacuum thermal tumbler included as well that’s made of double-wall stainless steel for more optimal heat retention.
Lastly, this device also has the obligatory auto-off function and four water level markings on the water reservoir – 6 oz., 8 oz., 10 oz. and 14 oz.
8. Hamilton Beach 49974 FlexBrew Single-Serve...
Dimensions: 10.2” x 6.5” x 13.35” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Cup rest with storage area
- Regular and bold brew strength options
- Compatible with both K-Cup pods and ground coffee
Cons:
- The front lid requires quite a bit of effort to close
- Not compatible with ground coffee or K-Cup pods
Hamilton Beach is known for its affordable and quality large-capacity brewers, but they also offer compact models like this one.
- Also read: Best Hamilton Beach coffee maker
The FlexBrew 49974 will add style to your counter, without occupying much space, thanks to a smart design.
Apart from the obviously small dimensions, this device also comes with an adjustable cup rest that has an integrated storage area inside that can hold your pods or the brew basket.
There are 2 brew strength settings accessible via a switch on the top right end of the machine that you can choose from – regular and bold for a stronger brew.
It’s worth mentioning that the needle that pierces the pods is removable so that you can clean it if it clogs from regular use.
And there’s the much welcome auto-shutoff function as well for some extra energy-saving.
9. Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip...
Dimensions: 6.0” x 9.0” x 11.0” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Easy-view water window
- Comes with an ergonomic glass carafe
- Delivers consistent temperature and flavor
Cons:
- No auto-off feature
- Small capacity
Zojirushi is a company hailing from Japan and Japanese people know a thing or two about optimizing and saving space.
Perhaps the biggest trick up the sleeve of this coffee maker is the cone basket that’s integrated into the decanter of the glass carafe to keep things extra compact.
Moreover, to make your java tastier they’ve also added a long-lasting, built-in charcoal water filter to purify the water that you’re using.
A measuring scoop is included too, while the water reservoir is removable for easy filling and cleaning.
The water reservoir itself has a window so that you’ll always know exactly how much water’s left in the tank.
And there’s an auto keep warm button that keeps the carafe hot when enabled.
10. BLACK+DECKER CM0700B 5-Cup Coffee Maker,...
Dimensions: 8.2” x 7.25” x 10.75” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Very easy to clean
- Easy-view water window
- Comes with an ergonomic glass carafe
Cons:
- No auto-off feature
- Small capacity
Compact, super affordable and simply gets the job done – this is what this BLACK+DECKER brewer is all about.
It might not have any mind-blowing features but the emphasis here is on simplicity, ease of use and effortless cleaning.
Although it lacks an auto-shutoff function (unfortunately), you’re still getting a warming plate used to keep the carafe hot for longer.
The glass carafe is a nice addition, especially with its drip-free pouring and ergonomic handling.
Operating this brewer is dead simple thanks to the on/off switch that’s also illuminated when your device is working.
And it also incorporates an easy-to-view window on the water reservoir with clear markings for extra convenience.
11. Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker, Programmable Coffee...
Dimensions: 9.65” x 7.1” x 10.63” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Programmable brew function (up to 24 hours in advance)
- Includes a replaceable water filter
- The auto-pause feature that lets you grab a cup before brewing has finished
Cons:
- No heating plate for the carafe
- The water filter needs to be replaced
Mr. Coffee needs no introduction and their short 5-cup coffee machine is designed to fit into any tight space.
Despite the modest dimensions, this device can still deliver up to 25 oz. of java.
It comes with a reusable filter used for ground coffee and a replaceable water filter that’s designed to improve the taste of your java.
However, the real star here is the Brew Later feature that is basically a programmable delayed brew option.
You can set the exact hour and minute (up to 24 in advance) so that your hot coffee will be waiting for you in the morning.
There’s also a Grab-A-Cup auto-pause function, which can come in handy if you’d like to pour a cup before the brewing process ends.
12. Amazon Basics 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker with...
Dimensions: 7.87” x 7.48” x 10.47” (L x W x H)
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Stay-warm function
- Reusable filter
Cons:
- The carafe is not dishwasher safe
- Doesn’t work with pods or capsules
This small coffee machine sticks to the basics of brewing java at a bargain.
Don’t expect any fancy bells and whistles as the only “special” feature of this brewer is the stay-warm function for the carafe.
But you can still make up to 5 cups of Joe, while also being able to interrupt the brewing process to pour a cup mid-brew.
There’s a reusable filter, meaning you won’t have to buy paper filters all the time.
And while this compact Amazon Basics brewer is not compatible with the immensely popular K-Cups, it still works with ground coffee.
On top of that, you get to benefit from a limited 1-year warranty due to this being an official Amazon product.
Best Small Coffee Brewer Buying Guide
There are several key things to consider before buying your own small coffee machine, so here’s what to take into account:
Budget
Are you on a tight budget or can you afford to spend more on a premium brewer?
Your answer will narrow down your options since there are various compact machines with prices varying from around $20 all the way into the hundreds of dollars.
- Also read: Best single-serve coffee maker
And if you have to spend less in the long run, you can also take into account the energy consumption of the coffee maker (this is where having an auto-off function comes to play).
Capacity
Are you the only coffee drinker or is everyone at your home a caffeine addict?
Although the emphasis here is on compact and small, you might still be interested in a larger capacity depending on your daily caffeine needs:
- For a single coffee drinker – A pour over, a French press or a single-cup machine should suffice
- For multiple coffee drinkers – A larger capacity drip coffee machine would be a better idea
If it’s only you who will be enjoying the java then a tiny single-serve brewer will suffice.
But if you have to brew coffee for more people then you’ll most likely have to sacrifice some space for the extra convenience that a slightly larger machine offers.
Brew Speed
It’s always important for a coffee maker to deliver fresh coffee fast, no matter how big or small it is.
Ideally, your compact brewer should be able to brew a full pot of java in a couple of minutes.
A fast coffee flow rate will not only save you precious time, but it’ll also improve the taste of your cup.
The reason or that is simple – an insufficient flow rate (read slow) can give your java a more sour taste, which you probably don’t want.
Features
Generally, smaller coffee brewers tend to have fewer features than their bigger and more sophisticated counterparts.
But there are still plenty of compact models that still come with various special features and options.
That comes at a price though as they’re more expensive and they might even be a bit bulkier as well.
- Also read: Where should coffee maker go in the kitchen?
So if you’re all about convenience and want your small coffee machine to be packed with tech, then prepare to pay more.
Carafe
Some coffee machines also come with a carafe that can be made of different materials such as stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
Each has its own pros and cons, more specifically:
- Stainless steel – Great at retaining heat and very sturdy, but more expensive.
- Glass – Doesn’t leach flavors into the coffee and looks great, but it’s more fragile.
- Plastic – Much cheaper and more robust than glass, but still prone to leaching chemicals into your cup.
However, glass carafes are more widespread and they seem to be the perfect compromise between taste, style and durability.
FAQs
What is a small coffee maker?
A small coffee maker is a compact and efficient appliance designed to brew coffee for 1-4 cups at a time.
These coffee makers are perfect for small households, dorm rooms, apartments, and office spaces with limited counter space.
What are some popular brands of small coffee makers?
Some popular brands of small coffee makers include Keurig, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, Black + Decker, and Bonavita.
Can small coffee makers brew different types of coffee?
Yes, small coffee makers can brew different types of coffee, including drip coffee, espresso, and single-serve coffee.
What is the capacity of a small coffee maker?
Small coffee makers typically have a capacity of 4-5 cups of coffee, although some models may have a larger or smaller capacity.
What is the price range for small coffee makers?
The price range for small coffee makers can vary depending on the brand, features, and capacity. Generally, small coffee makers range in price from around $20 to $200.
Are small coffee makers easy to clean?
Yes, small coffee makers are generally easy to clean. Many models have removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher, and some models even have self-cleaning functions.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance to ensure the longevity of the coffee maker.
How do I choose the best small coffee maker for me?
To choose the best small coffee maker, consider factors such as your budget, brewing capacity, preferred brewing method (e.g., drip, espresso, French press), ease of use and cleaning, and additional features such as programmable timers or built-in grinders.
What are the benefits of using a small coffee maker?
Using a small coffee maker offers several benefits, such as saving counter space, being more affordable compared to larger models, providing fresher coffee with each brew, and being more energy-efficient as they use less water and electricity.
Can a small coffee maker make strong coffee?
Yes, small coffee makers can make strong coffee.
The strength of the coffee depends on the coffee-to-water ratio and the type of coffee grounds used. Some small coffee makers also offer adjustable strength settings to customize your brew.
Conclusion
Our overall top pick and #1 recommended small coffee maker is the brilliant that’s just as good as many bigger models, without taking so much space.
But if every inch on your countertop counts, then you can go for the slightly less convenient, non-electric Bodum Pour Over Coffee Dripper Set With... that will still let you brew quality coffee albeit via a different method.
Nonetheless, each of our top 12 entries is super compact so you won’t have to worry about finding a place for them on your kitchen countertop.
And whichever model you choose, just make sure that it fits your budget and coffee needs.
Now, what is the number one thing that you look for when considering a small coffee brewer?
Do you value sheer convenience over price?
Let us know by dropping a comment in the section below!
Did somebody say coffee? Two shots of espresso for me, thanks. Oh, nevermind – I’m Simon, nice to e-meet you, dear CoffeeLifior! I like to write, drink coffee and I believe in Jesus. Highly-caffeinated drinks are my thing, but you can occasionally see me sip on decaf (my wife never finishes her coffee). Speaking of which, I’m off to grab another cup of caffeinated goodness now, laters!
Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
