Space is a luxury that you don’t typically get in a smaller apartment, especially in the kitchen. Trying to make extra space for a coffee machine when there feels like none can be frustrating.
Most coffee makers on the market seem to be designed with people that have all the space in the world, but no worries! In this post, we’ll give you all the best options for the best coffee machines for small apartments.
And if you’re still figuring out where exactly to put your machine once you choose one, you should definitely check out this post, which is all about floating shelf coffee bar ideas for small spaces.
What Makes a Coffee Machine Good for a Small Apartment?
1. How much space it takes up
One of the most important things to think about when finding a coffee machine that’s perfect for a smaller apartment is size. When looking for smaller coffee machines, be sure to measure your space and compare it to the dimensions they have online. You would be surprised when a coffee machine is referred to as “compact” or “small”, and it’s not really.
2. No dedicated water line or major installation
Another important thing to keep in mind is that when you’re looking for a coffee machine for a small apartment, you don’t want anything that you need a major installation for. This should go without saying, but you never know.
3. Easy to move
If you currently live in a small apartment, you know how important it is to be able to move things around if needed. Not every apartment kitchen has room for a permanent coffee station, and having something you can quickly tuck into a cabinet or another area gives you way more flexibility.
4. Noise level
This is really dependent on where you live, especially if you have thin walls, roommates, or young kids you don’t want to wake up. Some espresso machines are so horrendously loud, and you want to be aware of that. We find that Reddit reviews on specific coffee machines are great to check this out.
5. Simplicity
This goes along with the ability to easily move, but for a smaller apartment, you’re going to want something that doesn’t need a ton of accessories to actually function well. The simpler the better when your storage space is limited.
The Best Small Coffee Machines for Apartments
1. Best for Feeling Fancy: Nespresso Vertuo or Essenza Mini
If you’re not a fan of “basic” drip coffee, a compact Nespresso machine is a great option. Both of the Vertuo and Essenza models give you quality coffee and espresso without needing a huge setup. It’s a combination of small and fancy.
2. Best Budget Option: Any Basic 4-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
If you’re not super picky about the type of coffee you want, and you’re really just looking for a cheap machine that will fit nicely in your smaller apartment, a basic 4-cup drip coffee maker is honestly all you need. We suggest this for if you’re just starting your “coffee bar journey” and don’t want to spend a lot. This is a machine that you can use in the meantime while you explore other options and possibly save up for one of them.
3. Best For Limited Counter Space: A Pour-Over or French Press
If you really have no counter space to spare, this would be a great option for you. A pour-over set or a French press doesn’t need electricity, can be stored in the smallest of places, and is honestly super cute and aesthetic. If you’re a minimalistic girly, this is also perfect for you.
4. Best Multi-Functional: A Combo Coffee and Espresso Maker
If you really want the flexibility of having both drip coffee and espresso-style drinks, but can really only fit one, this is your best option. You get the versatility without two different appliances taking up space that you really don’t have to spare. But a warning: these typically are more expensive than other machines.
5. Best Overall: Keurig K-Mini
After checking out a lot of the actual compact coffee machines, the Keurig K-Mini is the smallest with the least amount of thinking involved. It’s the best overall pick for apartment living. It’s actually the smallest Keurig ever made and can fit almost anywhere. It’s compact size also makes it super easy to move around or store away.
Where to Put Your Coffee Machine in a Small Apartment
1. Floating shelves
Using floating shelves for your coffee machine in a small apartment is honestly one of our favorite ideas. So much so that we wrote an entire blog post on it here, which is also linked at the top. This option completely skips using any counter space and goes right to trying to use the wall.
2. Bar cart
You don’t want to use just any bar cart, but a narrow one. A bar car that gives you the flexibility to move your whole setup wherever and whenever you need it, and you can also easily move it to a less utilized space in your apartment when you’re not.
3. Countertop corner
If you have the luxury of having a little bit of space to spare, this is sometimes the simplest solution. You can claim one corner of your countertop to put your coffee machine, while using a tray to keep everything nice and organized. The tray also keeps everything contained and also easy to clean.
4. Inside of your cabinet
Here’s an option if you truly have no counter space to spare but you might have an open cabinet. It works best with a pull-out shelf, but this is still a great alternative for storing your coffee machine in a small apartment.
5. On top of the fridge
This might seem a little silly, but when all else fails, use the top of that fridge. It’s often an overlooked area of storage that works just as well as any other space. Just ensure that you have a little stool or some way to easily access the top of your fridge.
Coffee Machines for Every Budget
Under $30
This price range is where you’re going to find most of your basic 4-drip coffee makers and French press options. They’re simple, affordable, and perfect for just starting for your home coffee bar.
$30-$75
When you get into this range, you will find the Keurig K-Mini, pour-over sets, and more budget-friendly cold brew makers. We think this is the happy middle range for people living in apartments that are looking for something reliable but not super expensive.
$75+
Finally, when we get into the more expensive price range, you’ll find the Nespresso machines, compact espresso machines, and the super aesthetic retro options. We like to label these as investment pieces. You can save up for these when you’re ready and completely sure you want to spend your money on one of these.
Your Small Apartment Coffee Bar Is Closer Than You Think
So let’s recap: just because you live in a small apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have your perfect coffee setup. The best advice for finding a coffee machine for a small apartment is that it’s not about buying the most expensive one on the market. It’s about finding the one that fits your space and your coffee habits. Make sure your coffee machine is perfect for you!
For our coffee setup, we started with a Keurig K-Mini for many years until we saved up enough money to buy a combination espresso machine when we had a little more space. It was truly one of our best investments!
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