Small Coffee Machine Buying Guide & Tips

There are several types of small coffee machines to choose from, each with their own unique features and benefits.

Espresso machines are a popular choice for those who enjoy a strong, concentrated cup of coffee. They work by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee at high pressure.

Benefits: Espresso machines produce a rich, flavourful cup of coffee with a velvety crema.
Drawbacks: They can be more expensive and require more maintenance than other types of coffee machines. They need more care because they use high pressure and heat to make strong coffee. This means they need to be cleaned more often and have their parts replaced more frequently.

French presses are a manual brewing method that produces a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee. They work by steeping coffee grounds in hot water and then pressing down a plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.

Benefits: French presses are easy to use and produce a flavourful cup of coffee.
Drawbacks: They require a bit more manual labour than other types of coffee machines.

There are several types of small coffee machines to choose from, each with their own unique features and benefits.

Coffee pod machines are a convenient option that uses pre-filled coffee pods to brew a cup of coffee. They are available in a variety of flavours.

Benefits: Easy to use and offer a wide range of coffee options.
Drawbacks: Though coffee pods can appear to be expensive and less environmentally-friendly, NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® offers a recycling service for their pods known as the Podback Recycling Scheme, ​the first service of its kind in the UK, aiming to make recycling used coffee pods almost as it easy as it is to make your coffee.

Check out the NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® Mini-Me automatic coffee machine and start making the perfect cup of coffee today.

When choosing a small coffee machine, there are several factors to consider:

While it's always a treat to grab a coffee from your favourite shop, owning a small coffee machine can be a great way to save money and enjoy your favourite brew whenever you want. Consider how often you find yourself reaching for your wallet at the coffee shop counter and think about the potential savings you could make by brewing your own at home.

When selecting a small coffee machine, consider the available space in your home, student room, or office, especially the kitchen. Some machines are more compact than others, so make sure to measure your space carefully before making a purchase.

Consider the features that are important to you, such as the ability to make multiple cups at once, a programmable timer, or a built-in grinder. Really do your research to find the best option for you.

If you're not a coffee connoisseur, you may want to choose a machine that is easy to use and requires minimal maintenance.

All coffee machines require regular cleaning and descaling to ensure optimal performance. Consider how much time and effort you're willing to put into cleaning and maintaining your machine. This will determine the machine’s longevity and quality of coffee. Neglecting to clean your machine can lead to buildup and residue, which can affect the flavour of your coffee and potentially damage the machine over time.

Organisation: Keep your coffee supplies and accessories organised in a small space using shelves, drawers, or a coffee station.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean your coffee machine regularly to prevent buildup and ensure it produces delicious coffee each time.
Noise Reduction: Some coffee machines can be noisy, especially espresso machines. Consider placing your machine in a less-used area of your kitchen.