How do you clean coffee makers?

“There is one Golden Rule for cleaning any coffee maker — never use soap,” Patterson says. “Soap can and will leave a residue (something you do not want to taste). Depending on water quality, some hard water can create scaling.” He cleans his with vinegar and rinses thoroughly.

How long do coffee makers last?

The average coffee maker should last you about five years. If choosing a model made of glass, you’ll want one made of borosilicate since it’s shatterproof. Plastic coffee makers, such as AeroPress, might not last as long as more thoughtfully designed machines like Nespresso. Patterson says that “even with the best quality and care, coffee makers can break.”

What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?

While the coffee’s strength is up to the drinker, there are some standards. “There are several factors for the perfect coffee-to-water ratio,” Patterson says. Coffee grind size: For example, cold brew uses a large grind and a longer exposure compared to espresso machines that require a fine grind and short exposure. Water temperature: Hot water will get a faster extraction, but too hot can bring out very bitter flavors. Brew method/time: The longer contact the coffee grinds have to water, the more extraction. For a French press, he says, “Use approximately one ounce of fresh ground semi-coarse coffee (a 10-second grind in a Bodum grinder) for a 32-ounce French press. After adding the hot water (not boiling), I give a quick stir and let set for four minutes before pressing and serving.”

The 7 Best Small Coffee Makers of 2023, According to Our Tests

krups simply brew on black granite counter with breakfast foods — Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

There are different reasons why you might be interested in a small coffee maker. If you’re single, live with someone who isn’t a coffee drinker, or simply don’t want to go overboard on caffeine, you may find yourself wasting half a pot of coffee, give or take, with every brew. If you have a small kitchen or limited counter or storage space, your current coffee maker might be more of a hassle than a convenience. No matter your situation, small coffee makers are an excellent way to prevent clutter and waste while still getting your daily cup. And luckily, there are compact models for nearly every method, from French press to drip coffee to espresso.

For expert insights on small coffee makers, we spoke with the President and Founder of Civilized Coffee, Matt Patterson, who tells us that there are a few factors to help you determine what coffee maker to get. Most notably, he says that you should consider “how much time and effort you want to spend on making your coffee,” as there is a difference between grinding your beans and popping a pod in a machine.

The best small coffee makers combine efficiency with size, so you can have the full experience of a fresh brew without worrying about waste. Below are the best small coffee makers for every type of coffee drinker.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Krups Simply Brew Drip Coffee Maker at Amazon ($25)

Jump to Review

Best Small Nespresso Machine:

Nespresso Pixie at Amazon ($157)

Jump to Review

Best Stovetop:

Bialetti Moka Express at Amazon ($31)

Jump to Review

Best Pour-Over:

Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker at Amazon ($49)

Jump to Review

Best French Press:

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker at Amazon ($30)

Jump to Review

Best Cold Brew Maker:

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker at Amazon ($52)

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

AeroPress Original Coffee & Espresso Maker at Amazon ($40)

Jump to Review

Amazon

View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $30 View On Office Depot $42

Pros

An efficient, functional coffee maker that won’t take up much space.

Cons

No option for pre-programming.

This simple coffee maker is easy to set up, easy to use, easy to clean — and it brews a nice cup of coffee. It may not yield the complex flavors and aromas of some fancier coffee makers, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly compact drip coffee maker that looks good and tucks into a small space, this one fits the bill. It comes with a grind holder and reusable filter basket that are easily rinsed after each use.

In addition to its diminutive size, the Krups Simply Brew is peacefully quiet. There are no beeps or chirps to signal that the coffee is ready (so keep an eye on it), but it won’t be a long wait anyway, thanks to the five-cup capacity, which can comfortably serve one to two people.

Dimensions: 5.71 x 8.07 x 10.08 inches
Capacity: 5 cups
Programmable: No

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Will Dickey
Food & Wine / Will Dickey
Food & Wine / Will Dickey

Amazon

View On Amazon $157 View On Walmart $166 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $229

Pros

It’s simple to use and a compact size for espresso fans.

Cons

It lacks the functionality scope of other Nespresso machines.

This mini Nespresso machine belies its impressive power, featuring 19 bars of pressure that produce espresso with ample crema. While it only makes a single shot of espresso at a time, it has a 24-ounce water tank that you don’t have to refill for each drink.

It’s our choice for a small espresso maker because it takes up minimal space yet gets the job done quickly, heating water in less than 30 seconds. Note that it is for espresso only and does not make drip coffee as some other machines from this manufacturer can. It will, of course, require its own Nespresso capsules or pods, too.

Dimensions: 4.4 x 9.3 x 12.8 inches
Capacity: Single serve
Programmable: No

Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker, 3-Cup

Amazon

View On Amazon $31 View On Target $30 View On Williams-Sonoma $40

Pros

This is a classic way to make strong coffee and only requires a stovetop — no outlet needed.

Cons

Aluminum can create an off taste for some people.

Whether you want espresso-like coffee without investing in a bulky, expensive machine or are craving Italian coffee, this Bialetti coffee maker is for you. The Italian company is known for its stovetop espresso makers that enable people without barista-level experience or equipment to enjoy espresso-like coffee in the comfort of their homes. The process is simple: Take apart the device, remove the filter, fill the base with water until it reaches the safety valve, add coffee to the filter, put the two parts back together, and place it on the stovetop on medium heat.

Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.94 x 6.69 inches
Capacity: 3 cups
Programmable: No

Amazon

View On Amazon $49 View On Williams-Sonoma $40 View On Sur La Table $50

Pros

Borosilicate glass adds no chemical flavors or smells, and if you have leftovers, you can store the carafe in the refrigerator.

Cons

The pour-over method can be time-consuming compared to others.

The Chemex Classic Series is a favorite among pour-over enthusiasts for its sleek design, generous brewing capacity, and excellent quality. This vessel performed well in our tests, yielding smooth, velvet cups of coffee with pleasant floral notes.

Though pour-over coffee can be tedious — Chemex recommends using their own single-sheet filters that must be folded in a certain way, and care must be taken while pouring hot water to stop the filter from collapsing — but the all-in-one setup is convenient and ultimately requires just a steady hand to achieve a great-tasting brew.

Dimensions: 9.8 x 4.9 x 0.9 inches
Capacity: 3 cups
Programmable: No

Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

Amazon

View On Amazon $30 View On Target $40 View On Walmart $36

Pros

It makes smooth coffee every time and is dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup.

Cons

You need to heat the water separately.

The Bodum Chambord is a classic. Our tests gave us no reason to doubt the enduring popularity of this French press — it delivered exactly what we would expect from this method of brewing. Our cups of coffee were smooth-drinking and nicely balanced between acidity and flavor.

There’s no added insulation with the Chambord, but it maintains the consistent quality we expect from a timeless brand.

Dimensions: 6.6 x 7.5 x 4.2 inches
Capacity: 4 cups
Programmable: No

OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Amazon

View On Amazon $52 View On Williams-Sonoma $52 View On Food52 $52

Pros

It’s easy to use, produces strong, smooth coffee, and disassembles into small parts for storage.

Cons

Cold brew requires 12 to 24 hours, so you’ll need to think ahead.

We enjoy using the OXO for our cold brewing needs thanks to its ease of use and ability to turn out smooth, potent coffee. The top of the brewing system is perforated, so pouring water over the grounds produces a rainfall-like effect, ensuring balanced saturation for optimal taste.

Though you’re encouraged to let the coffee sit for between 12 and 24 hours, and thus patience is required, we found the OXO to be fun to use and worth the wait. The machine comes with a pack of paper filters, one of which you’ll place on the bottle of the brewing container, then it’s as straightforward as using the stopper to measure out coffee grounds, putting on the perforated lid, and pouring water in a circular motion. From there, just let time do its thing.

Dimensions: 9.53 x 9.53 x 14.72 inches
Capacity: 32 ounces
Programmable: No

Amazon

View On Amazon $40 View On Target $40 View On Williams-Sonoma $40

Pros

The smallest of all our selections, it’s a highly portable coffee maker that removes sediment well.

Cons

It’s better for on-the-go use than as your everyday coffee maker.

The AeroPress is a popular choice for traveling because it’s extremely easy to pack and use. It’s similar to a French press, yet it’s smaller and works more quickly, so the brew is less bitter and acidic.

To use this device, add coffee grounds to the filter and pour hot water over them. Then, stir and press down the plunger with gentle pressure on top of a mug or travel cup. It enables you to make as strong or mild of a cup as you prefer, and you can even use it for up to three espresso shots instead. It’s lightning fast to rinse out, and you can easily store it in cabinets and drawers.

Dimensions: 4.75 x 4.75 x 11.75 inches
Capacity: 2 cups
Programmable: No

Our Favorite

The Krups 5-Cup Stainless Steel Drip Coffee Maker is easy to use, ideal for one or two people, and won’t take up much space. For fans of cold brew, the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker is an ideal choice to make coffee once and then keep it on hand as a concentrate in the fridge, enabling you to brew less often.

Factors to Consider

Type

Small coffee makers are available in all the same varieties as large ones, from French press to cold brew. You’ll want to go with the method you enjoy making most and that yields the type of coffee or espresso you prefer. Drip coffee makers are the most standard type of coffee maker.

Capacity

Small coffee makers intentionally have less capacity than larger ones, but they still vary. Espresso machines have the smallest capacity in terms of output, as they only produce one or two shots at a time. Compact pour-over and cold brew coffee makers usually produce two to eight cups of coffee at a time. Travel-friendly coffee makers, like the AeroPress, take up the least amount of storage or countertop space. Drip coffee machines tend to come in larger capacities (anywhere between 10 and 14 cups), but can come in compact sizes, like the Krups 5-Cup Stainless Steel Drip Coffee Maker.

Features

Unlike larger models, small coffee makers tend to be pared down. You’ll want to find a machine with the ones most important to you, whether that’s the ease of cleaning in the dishwasher or an auto-warming function. Generally, compact models won’t have the same bells and whistles as larger ones, but they still produce quality brews.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean coffee makers?

“There is one Golden Rule for cleaning any coffee maker — never use soap,” Patterson says. “Soap can and will leave a residue (something you do not want to taste). Depending on water quality, some hard water can create scaling.” He cleans his with vinegar and rinses thoroughly.
How long do coffee makers last?

The average coffee maker should last you about five years. If choosing a model made of glass, you’ll want one made of borosilicate since it’s shatterproof. Plastic coffee makers, such as AeroPress, might not last as long as more thoughtfully designed machines like Nespresso. Patterson says that “even with the best quality and care, coffee makers can break.”
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?

While the coffee’s strength is up to the drinker, there are some standards. “There are several factors for the perfect coffee-to-water ratio,” Patterson says.

Coffee grind size: For example, cold brew uses a large grind and a longer exposure compared to espresso machines that require a fine grind and short exposure.

Water temperature: Hot water will get a faster extraction, but too hot can bring out very bitter flavors.

Brew method/time: The longer contact the coffee grinds have to water, the more extraction.

For a French press, he says, “Use approximately one ounce of fresh ground semi-coarse coffee (a 10-second grind in a Bodum grinder) for a 32-ounce French press. After adding the hot water (not boiling), I give a quick stir and let set for four minutes before pressing and serving.”

Our Expertise

Contributor Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, bestselling author, and lover of coffee. For this piece, she consulted with the President and Founder of Civilized Coffee, Matt Patterson. Summer Rylander is a food and travel journalist who has written about food, beverage, and cooking products for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, and The Kitchn. She updated this piece using Food & Wine’s own testing insights to make these recommendations.