I’ve lived in far more small spaces than large. In fact, until I moved into our current home 3.5 years ago, I only lived in small homes, apartments and in some cases, rooms that I rented. Therefore, I know all about having to buy small stuff.
Moreover, when on my own, it never made sense to have a massive coffee maker. Often a small coffee maker makes way more sense since it takes up less space. For example, my home office has a tiny counter area where it best accommodates a small single serve coffee maker (which is currently the Nespresso Vertuoline – see below).
As part of our massive “compact appliances” series, we’re including this list of what we consider the best compact coffee maker options.
How we chose coffee machines for this list?
We didn’t try every compact coffee machine available. We bought 11 of them and from there researched our list of compact coffee makers and based on our use, customer feedback and price, put together this list of the best compact coffee machines.
Our Full List of Compact Coffee Makers
Keurig K-Mini Plus Maker Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer
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Keurig has become a household name when it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Lake other K-products, this mini coffee maker has a lot to offer, especially considering its compact size. It’s only 5 inches wide, so even if you have a small kitchen or live in a closet-sized college dorm room, you can find space for this little gadget. It comes with a storage bin that holds up to 9 K-pods, so you can always have several at the ready.
You can brew 6-12 ounces of coffee at a time; just fill the water reservoir according to the amount you want. The reservoir is removable for convenient cleaning. You can set the machine to make an especially strong brew, too. The unit comes with an easy-to-clean drip tray in case of spills. Removing the drip pan gives you more room to place a cup up to 7 inches tall, which is great if you are filling a travel cup.
What people really like about this appliance is that it automatically switches off one and a half minutes after brewing.
Even though this coffee maker doesn’t take up much room, you may opt to store it somewhere out of the way when you’re not using it. If that’s the case, just tuck the cord neatly behind the unit, and it won’t become tangled.
Pros:
- Great for small servings
- Ultimate space-saver
- Includes pod-storage
- Easy-to-clean
Cons:
- Inefficient if you want multiple servings prepared right away.
BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, Black, CM0700BZ
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If you want a compact coffee maker and don’t mind that it doesn’t have anything in the way of bells and whistles, then the Black+Decker 5-cup will get the job done. Some small brewers only make single servings, but this one makes up to 5 cups if you need to sip on some joe throughout the day or make a pot for multiple people.
The only control this machine comes with is an on/off switch. The hot plate keeps brewed coffee warm indefinitely. Unlike many other models, this one does not have an automatic shut-off feature.
One helpful feature about this coffee maker is its ergonomic design. The carafe is easy to handle and made for drip-free pouring, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess. The lid is removable for convenient cleaning. Plus, the pot is equipped with a permanent filter, which is great if you don’t like buying paper filters.
Pros:
- Makes up to 5 cups
- Ergonomic design
- Permanent filter
Cons:
- No “extra” features
- No automatic shut-off
Chefman Grind and Brew 4 Cup Coffee Maker and Grinder
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This brewer/grinder is a little less than a foot tall, allowing you to store it almost anywhere, whether in a cabinet or on a counter. Even with its compact size, it’s capable of brewing up to four cups of coffee. It has a permanent filter, so you don’t need to have a stock of paper filters around. The machine brews quickly, so you don’t have to wait long for your next cup.
One huge advantage of this model is its versatility, as it’s also capable of grinding coffee beans. A more expensive coffee grinder usually features a higher quality grinding blade than what you’ll find with less expensive machines like this. But this one should still be up to the task.
Pros:
- Compact, easy to store
- Brews up to 4 cups
- Grinds beans
- Permanent filter
Cons:
- Blade quality may not be as consistent as with high-end grinders
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker, 17 Ounce
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With its elegant design, this pour-over coffee maker looks especially classy. It’s user-friendly and takes up very little space. And it has a permanent filter.
This little coffee maker holds a maximum of 17 ounces, slightly more than two 8-ounce cups. Thankfully, Bodum makes two larger versions of this one, with capacities of 34 ounces and 51 ounces, respectively.
The tiny pour-over gets top reviews because it’s affordable and low-maintenance when it comes to cleaning. Just remove the cork/rubber band and place it in the dishwasher. A few customers raised some concerns about quality (chipping or breaking) in their reviews. But a few complaints are to be expected with mass-manufactured items.
Pros:
- Classy appearance
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- Small capacity (unless you opt for one of the larger models)
Zojirushi EC-DAC50 Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffeemaker
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If you don’t like shelling out a lot of cash for coffee pods, try this slim 5 cup, coffee maker. You can use your favorite grounds in it, and make 5 cups of brewed goodness at a time. What I really like about this coffeepot is the removable water tank, which allows for easy filling. Spills are less likely when you don’t have to pour water into a small cavity in the machine. A scoop is provided for easier measuring.
A switch on the side turns the hot plate on and off, so you can keep fresh coffee warm as long as you want. Sometimes automatic shut-off features turn the makers off too soon, letting coffee get cold before you’ve had a chance to drink it.
Customer reviews regularly noted this machine’s consistent coffee brewing performance. While there were a few complaints about water tanks breaking, this was not the norm.
Pros:
- Brews up to 5 cups
- Removable water tank
- Hot plate keeps coffee warm as needed
Cons:
- The water tank may be somewhat prone to breaking.
Ninja CE251 Programmable Brewer, with 12-cup Glass Carafe
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Twelve-cup brewers don’t often make the list for “best small coffeemakers.” But this one is relatively compact considering its many capabilities, not the least of which is accommodating 60 ounces of liquid.
This model comes with multiple settings for brewing coffee. Proprietary thermal extraction draws the best possible flavor out of the grounds while minimizing that bitter taste that so often occurs as a result of the brewing process. A permanent filter prevents the waste generated with the paper variety.
If you just have to have that first cup before all the water has passed through the filter, you can halt the brewing process to stop the drip, so you can pour without a mess. You can make as little as one cup at one time. And if you like to plan ahead, you can set up your next brew a day in advance.
You can adjust the warming plate, too, keeping joe warm for up to four hours without scorching it. Otherwise, the machine automatically turns off after two hours.
Pros:
- Brews coffee for a crowd (12 cups)
- Lots of settings including advanced brewing
- Automatic shut-off
Cons:
- While this product isn’t for everyone, we really couldn’t find any major drawbacks.
Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Milk Frother by De’Longhi
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Admittedly, this is more of an espresso machine than a regular coffee maker. Nonetheless, it ranks among the “best of” in the coffee maker category because it’s a go-to for making specialty beverages (cappuccinos, lattes). And if you’re looking for something small, it’s too compact to pass up.
You can buy this as a bundle with the Aeroccino milk frother, or get the two pieces separately. The latter option usually makes for more convenient storage.
You can brew two different portion sizes: — a 1.35-ounce espresso shot or a 5-ounce large espresso. While the water tank is small, it completes the brewing process in an impressive 30 seconds. Overall, this machine is reliable and easy to use.
Pros:
- Brews quickly
- 2 different cup sizes
- Good for specialty drinks
Cons:
- Small water tank (not necessarily a drawback depending on your preference)
- Only takes Original Nespresso capsules
Cuisinart SS-5P1 Single Serve Brewer Coffemaker, 40 oz
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The Cuisinart saves space in your kitchen and takes K-cups. Since it’s only a single-serve, it is highly-compact and brews remarkably fast. You can choose from 6, 8, or 10-ounce serving sizes. But the water reservoir holds 40 ounces, so you don’t have to refill it every time you want to brew a cup.
Some customers were concerned about how much waste comes with using pods. If you’re like-minded in this regard, consider reusable K-cups. Additionally, there were some reports about breakage at the base of the coffee maker, but certainly, this was not reported by the majority of customers.
Pros:
- 3 serving sizes
- The water tank holds 40 ounces
- K-cup compatible
Cons:
- The base may be somewhat prone to breaking
- K-cups are expensive and produce a lot of waste unless you get the reusable kind.
KRUPS Simply Brew Compact Filter Drip Coffee Maker, 5-Cup
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This coffee maker’s sleek modern design works well in just about any home or office kitchen. You can make up to 5 cups at once, and the glass pot is equipped with a no-drip spout to eliminate messes when pouring. You can even pour your first cup while brewing is in progress. The “keep warm” function automatically keeps coffee hot once brewing is complete.
The machine comes with a permanent filter and a scoop for measuring. Those items and the glass pot, are easy to clean.
Pros:
- 5-cup capacity
- Keep warm feature
- Pause brewing while pouring feature
Cons:
- No auto shut-off
Mr. Coffee 2129512 ® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker
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With this compact model, you can brew 25 ounces of joe at a time, which is great if you don’t need to make a lot at once. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to handle. Ounce markings allow for easy, guesswork-free measuring. An auto-pause feature lets you pour that first cup of wake-up juice before brewing is complete.
One thing that’s especially helpful with this coffeepot is the light that reminds you when it’s on. That way you can verify at a glance whether it’s been turned off.
The water window allows you to easily see just how much you’ve filled the reservoir, preventing overflows. The permanent filter basket cuts down on waste and saves you money. Plus, it’s relatively easy to clean.
Pros:
- On/off light
- Ergonomic design
- Compact size
Cons:
- Difficult to clean the inside of the machine
Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker with Stainless-Steel Carafe
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This compact coffee maker saves counter space while allowing you to brew multiple cups at a time. Plus, it’s easy to store when not in use. You can pause the brewing cycle to pour a cup without a mess. The drip-less pour spout and knuckle guard make this brewer incredibly easy to use. The unit shuts off automatically after 30 minutes, and a light indicates when it’s still on.
Most customers were satisfied with this percolator. However, there were some complaints that the lid was difficult to remove and put back on. The good news is, this wasn’t reported by the majority of customers.
Pros:
- Saves space
- Easy to use
- Automatic shut-off
Cons:
- The lid may not be the best fit
BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker, Black, CM618
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This little coffeemaker is great for brewing into a travel mug, and a 16-ounce dishwasher-safe mug is included with the appliance. What people really like about this coffee pot is the mesh filter that cuts down on waste, is easy to clean, and works well with regular grounds and soft pods. One-touch operation makes this machine super easy to use.
The brewer is designed to heat water to the ideal temperature to extract the best possible flavor from your coffee grounds.
The coffee maker automatically shuts off as soon as brewing is complete, so you don’t have to worry about it being left on for long periods of forgetting to turn it off.
There were some complaints about the quality of the parts (especially that there is a lot of plastic in the machine’s design). But that doesn’t seem to take away too much from its overall quality. There were also some observations about coffee continuing to drip a bit after brewing had ended or because the pour spout doesn’t prevent it.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Easy to clean
- Non-stick carafe plate
- One-touch operation
- Auto shut-off (although this can also be a con if you prefer the pot to stay on to keep your coffee warm).
Cons:
- It may not be a good fit for some cups and mugs
- No brew-pause feature
Capresso 5-Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker, Black and Stainless Steel
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This coffee maker is incredibly lightweight and compact. The glass carafe holds up to 5 cups, so it’s great for serving one or two people. The reusable filter saves you money and relieves you of the hassle involved in keeping an inventory of paper filters on hand.
A lot of customers really like this coffeepot because it’s programmable, giving them the flexibility to effortlessly set the brewing time that works best for them. A multi-nozzle system thoroughly and evenly saturates the grounds to bring out the best of their flavor.
You can stop the drip during brewing to pour your first cup, too. The pour spout is also drip-free to prevent spills.
And keeping the brew warm is simple and stress-free. The pot stays on for two hours to keep coffee hot, then turns off automatically.
Pros:
- Programmable
- Pause-brewing feature
- Two-hour stay warm feature
Cons:
- A few complaints that the quality wasn’t as high as expected
BLACK+DECKER Coffeemaker, 1, Black/Stainless Steel
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Like other Black+Decker single-serve coffeemakers, this one is compact and easy to use. You can brew joe directly into the 15-ounce travel mug that’s included in the box. The coffeepot comes with a permanent filter basket, so you don’t have to keep up with the paper variety. The pot and filter are compatible with most soft pods or standard coffee grounds. The lid of the cup, along with the filter and brew basket, are dishwasher safe.
One feature that’s especially convenient about this model is the automatic shut-off. If you have a tendency to forget to turn things off, you’ll be happy to know that this pot shuts itself off as soon as brewing is finished.
Like other single-serves, this one is a space saver, making it a good fit for dorms, small kitchens, and RVs.
Pros
- Comes with a travel mug
- Compact design
- Automatic shut-off (which can also be a con if you’d rather have the machine stay on and keep coffee hot for a while)
Cons:
- Doesn’t keep coffee warm after brewing
Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker (49981A)
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This machine is ideal for brewing a quick cup of hot coffee just the way you like it. You can use the automatic drip setting or, for a more pronounced flavor, the bold setting. The scoop mesh filter makes it easy to measure the right amount of grounds. (You should load grounds to the lowest line on the filter to make sure it doesn’t overflow).
If you’re a dedicated coffee drinker and don’t want to wait around for a cup of joe, you’ll be pleased to know that this machine brews fast. You can have an 8-ounce cup ready in less than a minute and a half. You can prepare a 14-ounce cup in about two and a half minutes.
This compact coffee maker comes with helpful features, such as automatic shut-off, a built-in mug stand, and a drip tray to contain small spills. Also, this unit refuses to brew without water, so no worries if you inadvertently switch it on before filling the reservoir. Plus, you can adjust the machine for cup size to place the lip of the cup as close to the dispensing nozzle as possible.
Interestingly, in 2012, this little coffee pot received the Good Housekeeping Very Innovative Products award from the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Pros:
- Fast brewing
- Automatic shut-off
- Regular and bold flavor settings
Cons:
- Doesn’t do as well with especially fine grounds, as this can contribute to overflows
Holstein Housewares HH-0914701E 5-Cup Coffee Maker, Teal
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This 5-cup brewer is easy to operate and adds a splash of color to your kitchen or office. It comes with a measuring spoon and permanent cone filter, making it easier to start brewing — no guesswork in measuring or paper filters to contend with.
One-touch operation allows for seamless coffee-making. And if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for all the water to filter through the grounds, you can pause the process and pour a cup without a mess.
Pros:
- Pause-brew feature
- Compact size
Cons:
- A few complaints about the overall quality
- Some customers weren’t happy with the filter included with the unit, so they used their own, but found the shape of the basket doesn’t easily accommodate them.
Single Serve Coffee Maker, Single Cup Coffee Maker for Most Capsule Pod Ground Coffee
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This model allows you to quickly brew a cup of coffee and is compatible with most K-cups. But the permanent filter makes it easy to use coffee grounds too. The water reservoir holds six to fourteen ounces. Once you’ve filled the tank and loaded the coffee filter, all you have to do is press a button to begin brewing. The machine will prepare your cup quickly, and automatically shut off when done.
This unit comes with a removable drip tray that’s easy to clean. Usually, all that’s needed is a thorough rinse under running water.
Although the machine is modest in size, it should accommodate most cups and mugs.
This little device is great for taking on the go. Pack it for your next camping trip or keep it in your RV. It’s well-suited to just about any kitchen space, too.
Pros:
- Easy one-touch operation
- Fast brewing
- Automatic shut-off
Cons:
- Doesn’t stay on to keep coffee warm after brewing
Casara Single Serve Coffee Maker- with Programmable timer and LCD display
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This compact programmable coffee maker is a popular choice because it’s small and lightweight, and it brews fairly quickly. It can make an excellent addition to any home kitchen, office, or break room. Its reusable mesh filter reduces waste and doesn’t limit you to relying on a coffee pod.
The LCD display allows you to program the machine to brew whenever you want, up to 24 hours in advance. The water tank holds 14 ounces, and the appliance comes with a travel mug of the same capacity.
Pros:
- Great for an on-the-go lifestyle
- Easy to use
- Programmable for brewing when you want
Cons:
- As might be expected, not all customers were satisfied with this product, but the reviews don’t reveal any consistent reports of serious shortcomings.
Sboly Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer for K-Cup Pod & Ground Coffee Thermal Drip Instant Coffee Machine with Self Cleaning Function, Brew Strength Control
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This compact coffee pot fits well in tight spaces and quickly yields a good brew. It’s considered a 2-in-1 because it accepts both regular grounds and pods. (The side button allows you to select the desired style of brewing). A water adjustment feature gives you the flexibility to choose how much coffee the machine brews at any given time.
The coffee maker shuts off automatically when brewing is complete.
Probably the best feature of this appliance is the self-cleaning function. At the touch of two buttons, the coffeepot cleans itself. That’s about as low-maintenance as you can get. Cleaning is recommended after every 200 cups of coffee or every 2 months. You can use cleaning agents inside the machine. Use caution and only apply food-safe products such as vinegar.
Pros:
- Automatic shut-off
- Compatible with pods or standard grounds
- Self-cleaning feature
Cons:
- No major problems were found with this coffeemaker, according to customer reviews
Brentwood Coffee Maker, 4-Cup, Black
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This small coffee maker allows you to quickly brew a few cups of coffee. The mesh filter saves you the hassle of using paper filters. The reusable scoop makes measuring the grounds and choosing the strength of the brew simple and straightforward.
With the built-in water window, you never how to guess how much liquid is inside. One-touch operation makes it possible to start brewing without delay. The warming plate keeps your coffee hot after brewing. The device is BPA-free.
Pros:
- A reusable filter allows for seamless clean-up
- Easy to use
- Coffee stays warm after brewing
Cons:
- There were a few complaints about quality and that the unit gave off a plastic smell as it was warming.
FAQs
Can you make iced coffee with a regular coffee maker?
Yes. To make a cold brew, just make a full part of coffee as usual and let it cool completely. Then, store it in a pitcher in the fridge and use it as needed or put it on ice to get the real “iced coffee” effect. Make sure the pitcher is covered so it doesn’t absorb the odors of the fridge.
What’s a burr grinder?
Most of us are familiar with the traditional blade grinders that spin coffee beans round and round until they are reduced to a powder. A burr grinder is a vintage version. It consists of two abrasive surfaces that spin in order to grind the beans between them. Burr grinders can grind only a few beans at a time. You can adjust the distance between those two surfaces to make the beans finer or coarser.
What is a French press?
By now, you’ve probably heard people rave about French press coffee. The press uses a brewing method in which a plunger (not the same one you use for clogged sinks and toilets) presses ground beans to extract flavonoids and oils. French presses go beyond what ordinary coffee makers can do.
With this kind of coffee machine, it’s recommended that you use coarse coffee grounds. (They should have about the same texture as the salt you use for cooking). Fine grounds tend to sneak past the plunger into the brew or give the coffee an overly-bitter flavor because of over-extraction.
With most French presses, the average brewing time is somewhere around four minutes. Cold brews take much longer, often up to several hours. There are several types of presses. In addition to making coffee, they can also be used to brew tea or strain broth.
What is a thermal carafe?
This is a double-walled carafe, often, but not always, constructed of stainless steel. A vacuum between the walls reduces heat transfer in all its forms (conduction and convection) to keep beverages warmer, longer. Some coffee makers have these types of carafes. Some travel mugs are made this way too.
They’ll keep your drinks hot for hours. In coffee pots, thermal carafes eliminate the need for a hot plate to keep your brew piping hot. Just as they trap heat, these heavy-duty carafes also lock in the flavor of your beverages, preserving freshness. Plus, they’re shatter-resistant, much to the relief of those who share their households with small children or pets.
There is a slight downside to these stainless steel wonders. They’re heavier than other materials and may not make as good a visual impression when serving drinks at formal gatherings.
Related:16 Types of Coffee Makers Explained (Illustrated Guide) | 13 Best Large Coffee Maker Options (for Each Category) | The 6 Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers (Manually Tested) | Keurig vs. Tassimo Single Serve Coffee Makers – What’s Better? | Mr. Coffee Single Serve Coffee Maker (BVMC-KG2) Review | My Keurig K-Elite Review (K-Cup Single-Serve Coffee Maker)
Our Previous List of Favorite Small Coffee Makers (Outdated)
1. Cappresso 5-Cup Mini Drip
Five cups of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. That’s what you get from the Cappresso 5-cup mini drip. All you need to do is pour in the water, set the timer and go about your morning routine. By the time you’re ready to sit down to breakfast, your pot will be done.
What do most people want from small coffee makers? A warming plate, automatic brewing, a drip-stop feature, and a timer is always nice. Cappresso gave their mini drip machine all that and more. You don’t even have to worry about paper filters since you can use a permanent one.
You can fit this device in any kitchen. No, seriously, try to find a counter-top that doesn’t have room for a small coffee maker that’s 6.25 inches in width, 8 inches in length and 10–inches in height. This little machine from Cappresso can fit inside a hobbit’s home.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Compact and requires minimal space
- Reusable filter
Cons
- Feels a little flimsy
2. DeLonghi Compact 12-Cup Brewer
The DeLonghi compact brewer can brew 12 cups of coffee. We include it in our list because we wanted to include a compact 12-cup design. In fact, this is a really cool looking machine coming in at just 10-inches wide and 13-inches tall
It features front access for refilling water and ground coffee. As far as small coffee makers go, you can hardly ask for more.
Maybe you want your coffee already waiting for you in the morning. By using the 24-hour digital timer, it can do that. You can also program the machine to enhance the flavor of smaller batches by using the Aroma feature.
This coffee maker only weighs 6.35 lbs. which makes it easy to move around the kitchen. Although considering its dimensions, it’s hard to think you’ll need to rearrange the décor to fit it in.
Pros
- Sleek and compact; requires minimal counter space
- Programmable timer which you can set and have your coffee ready when you wake up
- Auto-shut off feature switches the heater off after two hours
Cons
- Front access panel is fragile
3. Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Drip Brewer (Programmable)
Our third drip brewer is an inexpensive 4-cup brewer by Mr. Coffee. This miniature coffee maker is compact, yet comes with some nice features such as scheduled brewing (i.e. set it to brew the next morning), drip pause (so you can pour a cup before it’s done brewing without it dripping all over the hot plate) and the ability to view water level from the front to avoid over-filling the water reservoir.
This machine has racked up a lot of sales and has thousands of mostly positive customer reviews.
Best off all, this machine is also compact in price.
We end our list with a high-end 5-cup compact brewer by Bonavita.
This machine has some incredible features. First, as you’d expect for a coffee maker in this price range, it’s programmable. But it doesn’t end there.
If you’re particular about coffee temperature, this is good option for you as it heats water to 195°F to 205°F for best brewing temperature.
As you can see from the photo, the carafe is stainless steel, which looks great and in this case, is a thermal carafe to retain heat.
Compact Single Serve Coffee Makers
The thing with single serve coffee makers is there are many options including regular small filters (for single brew), K-cup brewers, T-disc brewers (Tassimo) and Senseo pod brewers (see our article comparing K-cups and T-discs). While Nespresso technically is a single serve espresso maker, I include it here because they have a tiny little brewer and it’s single serve and if you brew two espressos, you have a full cup of very potent coffee.
We organize this section by different types of single cup brewers. We include quite a few models because these machines are about as compact as you get.
Regular Grinds
5. Black & Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go
Type: Regular coffee grinds
If your spouse doesn’t wake you up before they leave and you’re in a hurry, there’s no need to panic. Your personal coffee maker, Brew ‘n Go can brew a cup of coffee to go. It takes this machine minutes to fill up a 15-ounce cup of joe.
Why rush before work to stand in line at a Starbucks when you can bring your mug from home? Yes, the Brew ‘n Go comes with a stainless-steel travel mug that will fit in almost any car cup holder. You don’t even have to drink it while driving. The stainless-steel travel cup will keep your coffee warm.
Why is this one of the coolest small coffee makers? You only have to press one button, you don’t have to change filters, and the machine turns off automatically. Even if your kitchen is packed, the Brew ‘n Go’s 7 by 10.2 by 6.9-inches design can find a place.
Pros
- Ideal for a quick cup of coffee
- Durable and lasts for more than 10 years!
- Perfect if you have limited space or live in a small apartment
Cons
- The check valve on the water tank tends to pop out
6. Hamilton Beach 49981A
Type: Regular coffee grinds
If you enjoy pretending to be a barista and keep showing up late for work, you may need to reevaluate your morning priorities. Or, you can use the Hamilton Beach 49981A and brew an 8-ounce cup of fresh coffee in a little over a minute.
You get to keep the hands-on experience of scooping your own coffee, adjusting your tray for height and pouring in the water. As a bonus, you don’t have to worry about spills because the coffee maker comes with a wide drip tray. You don’t even have to bother turning it off once it’s done brewing. It does that automatically.
The 13.5-inches in height may seem large, but it still falls under the small coffee makers category. The machine is 9.8-inches in width and 7.8-inches in length, making it easy to place. The extra height offers you control over what cup size you can fill. This is especially beneficial when making espressos.
FYI, there’s an adjustable tray on which the coffee cup sits so you can move it up to brew a regular coffee cup and move it down for taller travel mugs.
Pros
- Cheaper alternative to expensive pods
- Compact which makes it easy to clean
Cons
- Coffee not as hot as many would prefer
7. Brentwood Single Cup Coffee Maker
Type: Regular coffee grinds
The Brentwood Single Cup Coffeemaker looks like something right out of StarTrek. The curved futuristic design is impressive in black and red. The water tank opens at the top but considering the machine is only 7-inches tall, that’s not an issue for most kitchens.
You don’t need an engineering degree to make it work since the machine comes fully assembled. The on/off button on the side is all you have to operate.
Because of its space-saving design, the access point for the water tank and the filters is at the top. As long as you have a couple inches of room above the coffeemaker, you’re good to go. The drip tray can also be lifted for cleaning.
Pros
- Ideal for single people
- Convenient space saver
Cons
- Difficult to fit a standard sized coffee mug under it
K-Cups
8. Mixpresso K4GRY00 Single Cup Coffee Maker
Type: K-Cups
Single-serve coffee makers are famous for brewing one perfect cup at a time. Of course, sometimes you might prefer giving up more counter space for a machine that can brew for an entire family. With the Mixpresso Single Cup, you don’t have to do that.
While it does brew one cup at a time, it has a 45-ounce water reservoir. You don’t have to open and refill in between servings. You can pour a large serving just for yourself considering the design can fit three mug sizes.
The Mixpresso Single Cup has a removable drip tray which makes it easy to clean. The window on the water tank lets you know exactly how much water is left and the machine turns itself off once it’s done brewing. Talk about a low-maintenance and space-saving kitchen appliance.
Finally, you can brew 3 different sized coffees, which is really great flexibility for a single serve brewer (especially a compact machine).
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Narrow and requires little counter space
Cons
- Cup holder is small
9. Keurig K15 Mini Plus
Type: K-Cups
I had the K10 Mini Plus and really liked it. Since the K10 is discontinued and has since been replaced by the K15, I’m including it because the K10 was a great machine.
This is a very simple machine, but does the job. The name of the game is compact, which it is compared compared to other Keurig machines.
In fact, I really like this design compared to other Keurig machines. I used the K10 in my office for some time; it worked great.
A good reason to get a coffee maker that accommodates K-cups is there are so many coffee brands that are sold in K-cups – more so than T-discs (see below) and Senseo pods.
The downside for this machine is price. It’s fairly expensive for a machine with only the very basic coffee brewing functions.
T-Disc Single Cup Machines
10. Tassimo T12
Type: T-discs
My favorite single serve coffee maker is the Tassimo T55, which is what we use in our home as our main coffee maker. I’ve also had the T20, which is a bit smaller.
The smallest Tassimo machine is the T12. It uses T-discs and as you can see it’s quite compact with a contemporary design.
The reason I love Tassimo machines is they are built durable (they’re heavy solid machines) and they brew the barcode controlled T-discs.
These coffee pods have a barcode on them that the machine reads so it brews at precise temperature for that beverage and the precise amount of water. It’s super convenient and the coffee is fantastic (we like the Gevalia brand the most).
Nespresso Capsules
11. Nespresso Pixie by DeLonghi
Type: Nespresso capsules
Okay, the Nespresso Pixie is technically an espresso maker, but for me it’s a cross between a regular single serve coffee maker and espresso machine. I have this machine currently and use it quite a bit (buying the capsules is a bit of a hassle because they aren’t available in our grocery store).
It doesn’t brew super strong espresso. In fact, it’s more like strong coffee as far as I’m concerned. I do two brews into a regular cup and really enjoy it as a cup of coffee.
The flavor is good. The texture is amazing. I love the slight rich crema layer it produces; that’s what gets me using this machine as often as I do.
As for the machine, it looks great, is very small and easy to use. You can brew two sizes, but don’t let that fool you that the large size is a regular 6 to 8 ounce cup of coffee because it’s not. The large size is a large espresso. If you want a full cup of coffee, you need to brew it twice (using two capsules in the process).
This is a costly machine, but if you like strong coffee it’s worth it. Actually, when it comes to coffee machines, the cost of the machine is not all that important. It’s the cost of the coffee that’s a concern… speaking of which Nespresso capsules are more expensive that K-cups and T-discs.
Senseo Pods
12. Senseo Single Serve Pod Coffee Maker (HD7819/65)
I’m very familiar with Senseo since it’s the single cup maker my parents have. They have the larger version (brews two cups at a time which is cool). Since I’m focusing on smaller coffee machines, this list includes the single brew machine.
Senseo uses pods, which are like tightly packed tea bags but packed with coffee grinds. The coffee is rich (almost as rich as that which the Nespresso produces) resulting in a wonderful crema layer on top.
As you can see, the machine is very small. The reason my wife and I didn’t opt for this type of single cup coffee maker is because we liked the broader coffee options available with T-discs.
As with any single serve coffee maker, ensure you can buy the coffee pods or discs or k-cups easily and conveniently, otherwise it’ll just sit there until you get around to buying them. You also want to compare prices of each type of coffee since the coffee cost adds up quickly.
Compact FrenchPress Coffee Makers
Most French Press coffee makers aren’t all that big. However, they do vary in size and so I want to include some small French Press coffee makers.
Here they are…
13. Brillante BR-CP1-350
The Brillante French press makes other small coffee makers seem big. The glass beaker is only 3.25 by 4.8 by 6.75-inches making it just slightly bigger than a tall cup. Its capacity is around 12-ounces.
While you might enjoy the glass beaker the stainless-steel plunger is what you should get excited about. That’s the part that makes this coffee maker long-lasting. The ultra-fine mesh at the pouring spout filters out all the grounds but still allows the oils to mix in with the water to give it a robust taste.
Granted that using a French press coffee maker is a hands-on experience, it does make it more enjoyable. There’s nothing to turn on or off, and there isn’t any grinding noise to wake up to.
Pros
- Small enough to travel with
- Dissembles for easy cleaning
Cons
- Glass is fragile
14. Bodum French Press
This dishwasher safe French Press is fairly small with a 12 ounce capacity.
Bodum is a very popular French Press coffee maker company; in fact so popular people refer to French Presses with the term “Bodum” just as Kleenex is now synonymous with tissue.
Materials include glass and plastic. Several colors to choose from (I like this yellow-green color).
One nice aspect about French Press coffee is there’s no waste other than compostable grinds.
There’s no filter, pod packaging… only grinds and whatever packaging your coffee grinds came in. In this day-in-age of single serve pods filling up landfills, you really have to seriously consider using a French Press.
One final big benefit is you have full control over the temperature of the water, which should be just below boiling. A lot of coffee makers don’t get water this hot.
Percolators
Electric
15. Faberware Stainless Steel 4 Cup Percolator
The thing with percolators is that many of them are huge with 40 to 100 cup capacity. They’re great coffee makers for large gatherings.
However, some people prefer percolated coffee over drip brew and so you can buy small percolators.
The normal small is 12 cups.
The really small is 4 cups.
This Faberware model has a 4 cup capacity, making it one of the smallest percolators you can buy.
With a brew speed of 1 cup per minute, it doesn’t take long to enjoy your cup of coffee. Despite the hot contents, the handles stays cool.
Finally, this is one very popular unit and has very decent overall customer feedback.
Small Stovetop/Campfire Percolator
16. Tops 3 Cup Capacity Fast Brew Percolator
If you prefer brewing percolated coffee on the stove and need a small one, this is your bet. It’s a 3-cup capacity stove-top percolator made of heavy gauge stainless steel.
This can also be used camping on a propane fuelled camping stove.
Look closely and you’ll see it has a glass covering knob and wooden handle.
While it’s not some slick design, it’s durable and will serve you well.
This helps you pack light while travelling and/or camping yet enjoy coffee wherever you go.
Conclusion
Shopping for small coffee makers can be exhausting if you don’t know what you’re looking for. There are so many choices, and each come with their own unique features. Some brew faster and some brew slower but is that really the only thing that’s important?
You should think long and hard if you’re the type of person that just needs your fix in the morning. If that’s the case, then there are many electric compact designs that can fill a cup in seconds or even have the coffee ready by the time you wake up.
If you enjoy the ritual of brewing coffee but still don’t want a large machine occupying space in the kitchen, then small coffee makers that use a French press will be more your speed. Glass percolators may not be a bad idea either.