​​The Best Drip Coffee Makers for Small Spaces: Hands-On Reviews and Buyer’s Guide for 2024

Kitchen counter space is prime real estate. As someone who has spent time in small apartments and tiny houses, I know the struggle of trying to cram a million appliances onto a small stretch of counter while still having room left to prepare food. So when appliance shopping, I look for items with small footprints that still get the job done. This is especially true when it comes to my beloved coffee maker. I can deal with miniature appliances, but tiny, weak coffee? No, thank you.

After some trial and error, I what I think are the best drip coffee makers for small spaces that brew a proper cup without hogging all the counter space. And let me tell you, scoring a high-performing yet compact coffee maker brings me an inappropriate amount of joy every morning. Trust me, with one of these unassuming little machines, you’ll never have to sacrifice flavor or functionality for size again!

The Top 5 Best Drip Coffee Makers for Small Spaces

1. Bonavita 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine — Best Overall
2. Black + Decker CM0600B 5-Cup Coffee Maker — Most Affordable
3. Cuisinart 4-Cup Coffee Maker w/ Stainless Steel Carafe — Best Carafe
4. Hamilton Beach The Scoop Single-Serve Coffee Maker — Best Single-Serve Option
5. Black + Decker CM618 Single-Serve Coffee Maker — Smallest Footprint

1. Bonavita 5-Cup Coffee Maker - Best Overall

I adore this little machine. If I lived in a miniature home, it would absolutely be my go-to brewer. Yes, it’s pricey, but honestly? Worth every penny for delicious coffee day after day. Most tiny coffee makers mean compromising on quality, but not the Bonavita. I’m continually impressed by the robust, flavorful coffee this petite powerhouse produces.

First and foremost, it comes with a thermal steel carafe, not a cheap glass one. This means it keeps coffee hot sans external heating plate which would otherwise burn the brew (you know that acidic burnt taste that so often makes its way into drip coffee? Yea…that’s partially from the hot plate). No one likes bitter, scorched coffee! The Bonavita carafe means hot coffee for hours.

Additionally, it actually heats water to the optimal 200+ degree brewing temperature, allowing for maximum coffee flavor extraction. I’ve tested it, and the Bonavita consistently surpasses the 200-degree threshold. Combine this with the high-end shower head design, and you’ve got an unbeatable tiny coffee maker that rivals full-sized professional models.

If you want a personal, mighty machine that fits a small space but doesn’t compromise on quality, the Bonavita is for you. It’s certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, it makes a mean cup of delicious brew, and its size fits a cramped countertop. What more could you want? This is hands-down the best overall choice if you’re looking for a compact coffee maker.

2. Black + Decker 5-Cup Coffee Maker - Most Affordable

In contrast to the pricey Bonavita lies this no-frills model from Black + Decker—it’s the most affordable brewer on my list that I still feel comfortable recommending. Don’t expect bells, whistles, or even water that’s hot enough for stellar extraction. But if you’re looking for a straightforward, barebones coffee maker on a budget, this little guy delivers.

It brews 25-ish ounces, or 5 small cups, in just a few minutes. The short cycle means flavor suffers a bit, and the heating element doesn’t get water hot enough for superb extraction. It makes drinkable coffee, but don’t expect fantastic flavor.

There are some other drawbacks like the glass carafe and hot plate burning your brew. However, for the low price, compromises are expected.

This is about as basic as it gets, but that also means it will likely keep on chugging for years. And it includes a reusable filter for less waste and money savings over time, which is nice.

So while the Black + Decker won’t wow your tastebuds, if max flavor isn’t a concern and you need an affordable, no-fuss small appliance, this modest model is a great option.

3. Cuisinart 5-Cup Coffee Maker - Best Carafe

Imagine the previous budget-friendly Black + Decker model, but trade the warming plate and glass carafe for an insulated stainless steel version—there you have this offering from Cuisinart!

It has the same small size, short power cord, and underpowered heating element as others this size. So no, the Cuisinart won’t produce five-star gourmet coffee. But it does make a decent 32 ounces of drinkable brew thanks to the steel carafe which keeps things warm without scorching the flavor further like a hot plate does.

As a bonus, the machine itself has a clean, streamlined design that will class up even the most ragged, rundown countertop. So while this tiny Cuisinart won’t wow your palate, it will gift you with up to 5 mugs of passable coffee and add modern style to your small space.

4. Hamilton Beach The Scoop Coffee Maker - Best Single-Serve

Okay, how genius is this? A single-serve coffee maker that uses an included scoop with built-in mesh filter as its basket. I don’t know why, but I really dig the 2-in-1 scoop/filter combo here. One less thing to take care of during your drip coffee maker cleaning process!

Space-saving wise, this model is the tops with its slender design. However, unsurprisingly for a miniature machine, it doesn’t get water hot enough for superb flavor extraction. It makes decent, drinkable coffee, though, especially if you’re the only java lover in your home.

It offers “regular” and “bold” modes, although I honestly can’t tell the difference in the taste or the strength between them. I think “bold” just makes the machine louder, honestly! Customization is bare bones—you can choose between 8- and 14-ounce brew volumes only.

But if countertop space is at a super premium and you live alone, the Hamilton Beach lets you ditch the bulky brewer without sacrificing your daily dose of coffee. The single-scoop built-in filter is just pure fun, too. This thing isn’t going to win any awards, but it gets the job done nicely.

5. Black + Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker - Smallest Footprint

And here we come full circle back to Black + Decker. Just like their larger 5-cup model, this single-serve version keeps it stupid simple. It lacks any fancy shower heads, programming options, or optimal water temperatures.

But, it works. Reliably and consistently. Expect this barebones model to chug along happily for years before needing replacement. Now that’s some nice value!

True to its name, it brews one cup at a time directly into an included travel mug. The reusable mesh filter is another nice touch that saves money over time. Just note the small capacity—this is only for solo coffee drinkers!

Customization is non-existent as there are zero options to choose from. But if no-fuss simplicity is your thing, this basic model nails it with a tiny footprint, durable build, and agonizingly short power cord. Hey, they can’t all be perfect!

Buyer’s Guide - What To Look For In a Small Coffee Maker

Okay, so now you know my top 5 compact coffee maker recommendations! But say you want to continue your search outside my picks—here is what to keep in mind while shopping for tiny coffee machines.

Size/Footprint

The footprint and overall size of your coffee maker intended for a small space is going to be the most important factor. Duh, right?

But take a measuring tape to the space you plan to place your new coffee maker. Make sure your dream machine actually fits! While you’re measuring, don’t forget to note possible upper clearance issues too. Nothing like going to flip open the lid only to have it bang into the cabinet above.

Water Temperature

Flavor extraction relies heavily on heating water to between 195 and 210 degrees Fahrenheit. But so many small coffee makers cheap out on heating elements. While it hurts to shell out more cash, I really think it’s worth investing in a machine that properly heats water for optimal flavor. Continually drinking weak, sad coffee isn’t my idea of money well spent either.

Batch Size

Consider your household’s daily coffee consumption before buying. Single coffee drinkers can embrace single-serve machine, while larger households may want a small 4-5 cup machine. Just don’t overwork a tiny machine past its limits—not only will that lead to having to replace it sooner, but also…no one wants to be refilling their coffee maker 5 times at 7 AM before work!

Accessories

From built-in travel mugs to reusable filters, accessories can sway decisions between models. Handy ones to look for are reusable mesh filters for less waste, included mugs for portable coffee, or water filters for mineral-free coffee heaven. Think about which extras fit your lifestyle before deciding.

Price

Good coffee has immense value. So while cost comes into play, consider longevity and enjoyment too when pricing brewers. How long will it last? And will you smile eagerly anticipating the coffee it makes or cringe over every sad, bitter cup? Personally, I think delicious coffee you crave every morning is worth paying more for.

Wrapping Up: Choosing the Best Drip Coffee Maker for Small Spaces

For high performance and quality brews, the Bonavita 5-Cup Coffee Maker takes first place. If premium features matter less than affordability, the no-frills Black + Decker 5-Cup is a budget-saver. And don’t forget—look beyond my top recommendations using my handy buying considerations for your perfect tiny yet mighty coffee maker match.

The right machine makes all the difference, transforming weary mornings into joyful, coffee-scented celebrations. So pick the best petite coffee maker for your space and needs. Then get ready to fall hopelessly in love with coffee all over again!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a single-serve or multi-cup coffee maker for my small space?

Getting a single-serve coffee maker allows you to brew one cup at a time, which is great if you’re the only coffee drinker. However, they take longer to make multiple drinks. Multi-cup works well for multiple people, but single cup may be better for small countertops. Assess your space and coffee drinking habits before deciding. Personally, I think small batch coffee makers tend to make better coffee, so I’d avoid the single-serve machines.

Why does water temperature matter in coffee extraction?

Brewing coffee relies on hot water to extract its oils, sugars, and flavors properly. Water should be between 195 and 210°F to pull out sweet, desirable flavors. If it’s cooler, you’ll extract more sour, acidic compounds resulting in unbalanced, inferior coffee. For peak taste, make sure your coffee maker can heat water into the target temperature range.

How often do you need to descale a coffee maker?

Descaling your coffee maker every 2-3 months removes mineral buildup from water and maintains your machine’s health. If you start noticing slower brew times, unusual noises, or off flavors, it’s definitely time to descale. Without regular descaling, mineral deposits can corrode metals and clog tubes, shortening your coffee maker’s lifespan. Invest in a descaling solution, or use white vinegar and a whole lot of rinsing to clear out the machine.

Why are short power cords an issue with small coffee makers?

Since counter space is limited with tiny coffee machines, you’d assume engineers allow extra cord length for outlet flexibility. Unfortunately most brands skimp big time on cord length, assuming outlets live directly behind machines! This turns brewing into an outlet-hunting nightmare. Before buying a petite coffee maker, make sure it reaches your kitchen’s outlets or be prepared to shimmy it around daily.