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We tested 4 of the best coffee makers for dorm life
College students and caffeine are among the most iconic duos. There’s nothing better than having a fresh cup of coffee before your 7 a.m. class after sleeping for no more than five hours the night before. But which coffee maker is the best for your dorm room? We tested four of the best coffee makers for dorm rooms, looking at size, quality, cost, and of course, which one makes the best cup of coffee.
In this article: Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker, Bodium Brazil French Press and Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker
How to choose the best coffee maker, according to our Testing Lab
The best coffee maker for your dorm room is the one that best suits your needs. Are you looking to make a simple cup of coffee without having to worry about any mess? A Keurig might be the best option for you. Are you looking to make multiple cups of coffee for when your friends come over for a late-night study sesh? You may want to choose the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini. Or are you looking for something with more bells and whistles? Perhaps the ability to make a latte from the comfort of your XL twin bed? Then the VertuoPlus would be a great option.
In general, dorm rooms are known for being small and cramped, so choosing a compact coffee maker is your best bet. But make sure to check with your university’s guidelines to ensure that the coffee maker you choose is allowed. Some universities don’t allow for elements like hot plates, so that could restrict your options too.
The best coffee makers for dorm rooms
Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Mini features an extremely compact design, perfect for those already-cramped dorm rooms. It comes in six different colors, including a stunning evergreen and a soft dusty rose.
Our tester loves how simple this machine was to use. Add a single cup’s worth of water (6 to 12 ounces) to the reservoir, place the K-Cup in the slot and press the button to have a hot cup of coffee in minutes. Plus, it’s travel mug-friendly, so you can easily take that fresh cup to your first class.
A French press is a great option for dorm rooms, especially if you’re looking to upgrade the quality of your coffee. Our Testing Lab tested more than 10 French presses to find the best one, and we love the quality and consistency of the Bodium Brazil French Press.
All you’ll need to make the best coffee in your dorm room is this French Press and an electric kettle. However, some dorm rooms don’t allow for electric kettles, so make sure you check with your university’s guidelines. Otherwise, you may have to bring your French press to the community kitchen to make your morning cup of coffee.
Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker
If your university allows for small appliances, the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini coffee maker is one of the best options on the market. Unlike other options on this list, the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup has the ability to “brew later,” meaning you can set up the coffee maker before bed and wake up to fresh, hot coffee. Nothing like a piping hot cup of coffee to go with your alarm clock, right?
Our tester says the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini is ”super cheap and easy to use, takes up very little space, and the brew later function is perfect.” If you’re looking for a coffee maker for your dorm room with a little extra functionality, this is definitely a great choice. It combines features and affordability with a space-conscious design.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
The Nespresso VertuoPlus is a compact coffee and espresso machine, making it super easy to create cafe-style drinks from the comfort of your dorm room. If you’re looking to skip the coffee shop but not the latte, The VertuoPlus could be the best option for you. With this coffee maker, you can craft virtually any coffee drink from brewed coffee to espresso and barista-style milk beverages like lattes and cappuccinos.
Our tester loves the versatility of this coffee maker. In regards to taste, they say, “Everything I tested was remarkably good, better than any other single serve I’ve used or tested.” They also mention just how easy the machine is to use, and how little space it takes up on the counter. With all of these factors combined, we think it’s the perfect coffee and espresso machine for college students.
For those long study sessions, you’ll need something to keep your coffee warm. Unlike other mug warmers, the Ember Smart Mug is wireless. Once fully charged, the mug can stay warm (between 120 and 145 degrees) for up to 80 minutes. That means you won’t have to stay connected to your desk to enjoy a warm cup of coffee. But if you’re looking to keep your drink warm for more than 80 minutes, you can always use the charging pad and coaster.
This mug also comes with an integrated smartphone app, allowing you to change the temperature with ease. Our Testing Lab loves the build quality and appearance of these mugs, as well as the ease of use. With its auto-on feature, the Ember Smart Mug will start warming up as soon as you pour a hot liquid into it.
Once you’ve found the best coffee maker for your dorm room, you’ll need the best travel mug. The Fellow Carter Move Mug is not only super stylish, it’ll keep your coffee hot for up to 12 hours. This mug comes in three different sizes and multiple colors, including an on-trend smoke green and a poppy red.
This mug was also made with coffee drinkers in mind. The wide mouth allows you to smell the full aroma of your blend, while the tapered thin lip allows for easy drinkability. The ceramic interior also prevents your coffee from tasting like anything other than coffee. It also has a leak-proof seal, so you can toss it in your bag without having to worry about it spilling all over those expensive textbooks.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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