7 Best Compact Espresso Machines for Small Spaces
They say homemade is always better, which is a valid sentiment. Home espresso machines in particular not only save you the time and effort of going to your local (and often overpriced) coffee shop but are also a good way to enjoy high-quality coffee at home or in the office.
If you’re planning to purchase an espresso maker – especially for a small space like a kitchenette or an office – but don’t know which one to choose, let this article be your guide. Here are 7 of the best small espresso machines you can buy today:
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine with Auto Milk Frother
If you’re looking to make professional-quality coffee in the comfort of your home without shelling out thousands, the Breville Bambino is an excellent choice.
- Don’t compromise on third wave specialty coffee. Achieve barista quality performance using a 54mm portafilter with 19 grams for full flavor and an automatic steam wand for milk texturing, delivering handsfree microfoam at the right temperature
- Automatic Microfoam Milk Texturing: The automatic steam wand allows you to adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste. Delivering Barista quality microfoam that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art.
Compact yet powerful, this machine delivers rich, flavorful shots with its 9-bar pressure pump. It comes with an automatic steam wand that lets you adjust the milk’s temperature and texture, perfect for when you want to switch up from velvety, flat white to foamy cappuccino.
The only feature that would make this machine better is if it included a built-in grinder, but that feature is pretty rare on compact espresso machines.
Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Maker
The Gevi Espresso Machine is one of the highest-rated espresso machines for under $150—and for good reason.
For one, it’s packed with high-end features: NTC temperature control, pressure gauge, steam wand, and a cup warmer. It also comes with pre-infusion technology, evenly saturating the grounds before full extraction for that smoother, more refined taste.
- 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Equipped with a 20-bar pump, NTC temperature control, pre-infusion feature, and a pressure gauge, the Gevi stainless steel espresso coffee machines with a milk frother allows you to craft a range of café-quality beverages. From Mocha to Macchiato, Espresso to Americano, this expresso machine is not only ideal for home or office use but also makes a perfect gift for father, friends, and loved ones.
- 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 – The espresso coffee maker with frother features a powerful steam wand that quickly turns milk into silky smooth microfoam. The removable froth nozzle makes the cleaning easily.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 – This cappuccino machine features a full stainless steel housing that is both stylish and durable, with a modern aesthetic that complements a variety of kitchen decors. Furthermore, its compact design makes it perfectly suited for countertops and kitchens of any size.
- 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐬𝐞 – The intuitive controls and semi-automatic brewing process of expressions machine make it simple for anyone to create barista-quality coffee with minimal effort.
- 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Use for Americano, hot drinks such as tea, instant soups and to warm cups prior to making espresso.
The adjustable steam pressure lets you customize milk texture, great for practicing latte art at home. The machine heats up in under 30 seconds, and you can use the cup warmer to preheat your cup while you wait.
Casabrews Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother
The Casabrews Compact Espresso Maker is an excellent pick for those looking for a sleek and user-friendly espresso machine that makes great-tasting coffee.
It features a 20-bar pressure pump, a stainless steel wand for frothing milk, and single and double cup settings. The water tank holds about 34 ounces of water, which allows you to brew up to 4 cups of regular coffee or 8 cups of espresso.
- Make Your Favorite Espresso Coffee At Home: The CASABREWS coffee machine with milk frother allows you to prepare all your favorite espresso-based coffees. You can enjoy a barista-brewed latte, cappuccino or macchiato at home. Stainless steel appearance, stylish and durable, ideal for any size kitchen. This compact espresso coffee maker is perfect for home or office use
Although it does lack advanced features—PID temperature control or customizable brew settings would’ve been nice—its simplicity and affordability make it a good option for casual espresso lovers.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by Breville
Available in three colors—gray, red, and navy—the Nespresso Vertuo is well loved for its consistency, ease of use, and sleek design. Its matte finish and subtle metallic accents give it a premium feel, blending seamlessly in a modern kitchen.
- SINGLE SERVE COFFEE & ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. Innovative programs and features such as 25 sec heat up & energy saving automatic shut off.
- COFFEE FOR EVERY OCCASION: Brew better coffee at home with Nespresso’s coffee espresso machine! Drink your coffee bold, mild hot, or iced.
- VERSATILE COFFEE MAKER: Brew 4 different cup sizes at the touch of a button (5oz & 8oz coffee, single & double espresso). Pour over ice to create your favorite blend of iced coffee and lattes.
As the name suggests, this machine uses Vertuo capsules. To use, simply insert a capsule, press the power button, allow the machine to heat up for about 30 seconds, and then press the brew button. And that’s it! Once the coffee is dispensed, the capsule is automatically ejected into the used capsule container.
The machine features four different cup sizes, including 5 ounces, 8 ounces, and single/double espresso. It also comes with an aeroccino milk frother so you can enjoy cappuccinos and lattes at the press of a button.
Lertin Espresso Machine Compact Stainless Espresso Maker
The Lertin Espresso Machine allows you to make espresso, Americano, cappuccino, and rapid cold brew in one machine.
- Become Your Own Barista: Professional semi-automatic 2-in-1 espresso machine with milk frother and 1200W powerful boiler. The compact stainless steel design is stylish, durable and takes up less space. You can share this surprise with your family and friends at any time, whether you are at home or outdoor camping. Experience the warmth and pleasure of a cup of coffee with them
It features a respectable 1.7-liter water tank that lets you brew multiple cups of coffee at once and a 198°F thermostat system to prevent under-extraction (which results in weather coffee) or over-extraction (which can make it bitter).
The machine heats up in under 20 seconds, making it a great option for busy mornings when you need coffee, stat.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
If you’re looking for an espresso machine that easily fits a camper, the Nespresso Mini won’t disappoint. It’s the most compact model of the Nespresso range. It’s easy to use, with little to no set-up necessary, and weighs almost nothing (5 pounds).
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- Quality: 19 bar high pressure pump creates a barista-like Coffee every time with 2 programmable buttons for the best single serve Espresso and Lungo beverages. The input power is 1150 watts
- Ease of use: intuitive, Ultra light and compact Espresso and Coffee maker with 20.3 oz water tank.
- Efficiency: Essensa mini single serve Espresso maker heats up in under 30 seconds with a single touch and powers off after 9 minutes. Reduced Energy consumption after 3 minutes.
- Complimentary gift: each Espresso machine includes a Nespresso Original capsule welcome kit with a range of capsules with unique aroma profiles.
The only downside of this machine is that you can’t use freshly ground coffee as it only accepts Nespresso Pods. However, it means you can skip the hassle of grinding, scooping, tamping, and inserting the grounds, making the brewing process much more convenient.
The machine only has two buttons: one for espresso and another for lungo. At the back, you’ll find a 20-ounce water container with a clear, plastic design. Once switched on, it heats up and is ready to use in under 30 seconds.
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Budget-friendly espresso makers are a bit of a hit-and-miss. Some exceed expectations, while others fall short in either build quality or coffee extraction. Unfortunately, many fall into the latter category.
That sentiment doesn’t extend to the Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker, though. It’s one of the few budget-friendly machines I’ve found that actually deliver on their promises. It features a variable steam control for frothing milk to create cappuccinos, macchiatos, and lattes, along with a 15-bar pump that extracts espresso with a rich crema and bold flavor.
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- STEAM BREWING: Powerful steam-brewing process makes dark, rich espresso, great for making Cuban coffee;MEASURING SCOOP: Measuring scoop for easy coffee scooping and leveling
- SAINLESS STEEL FROTHING PITCHER: Stainless steel frothing pitcher for steaming and frothing milk
- WATER PITCHER: Water pitcher features measurement markings for consistent brewing and steaming
The machine looks premium enough to fit a modern kitchen, but do note that it’s primarily plastic with some metal components, so it doesn’t feel as durable as higher-end models. For under $70, though, it makes for a great entry-level option for those who want to drink espresso without the hassle of complicated setups or manual adjustments.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Compact Espresso Machine
With countless espresso machines on the market, choosing the right one for your small space can be challenging. Here are some factors that can help you decide which espresso machine to buy:
Pressure
A good espresso machine relies on high pressure to extract rich flavors and a proper layer of crema. Most quality machines operate at 9 to 15 bars of pressure, though some models offer up to 20 bars for enhanced extraction.
Heating System and Speed
High-quality compact espresso machines feature a thermoblock heating system, which allows them to heat up in less than 30 seconds.
Models equipped with a boiler system provide better heat stability but take longer to warm up, making them a less desirable choice for those who need a quick cup in the morning.
Ease of Use
Though manual brewing has its perks, sometimes you just want great coffee with minimal effort. Look for simple controls, one-touch brewing, and automatic milk frothing to streamline the espresso-making process.
Cleaning shouldn’t take up too much of your day, either. To further reduce the effort involved, choose a model with removable water tanks and drip trays or an automatic cleaning system.
Build Quality
Build quality usually goes hand in hand with price. The higher the price, the better the materials and components used. So if you’re looking for an espresso machine that lasts over half a decade with regular use, it’s a good idea to spend several extra dollars for a premium model.
Ideally, you want an espresso machine with stainless steel construction as it’s not only more durable but also retains heat better than plastic.
Function
Unless you exclusively drink espresso, I’d look for a machine with a steam wand or automatic frothing system to make cappuccinos and lattes. A dual-purpose machine that brews espresso and steamed milk opens more brewing options and lets you serve guests with their preferred cup of coffee.
FAQs
Is higher pressure better for an espresso machine?
Not necessarily. While many machines advertise 15 to 20 bars of pressure, espresso only needs 9 bars for proper extraction.
Machines with higher pressure ratings often include regulators to ensure the actual brewing pressure remains around this ideal level.
In other words, high-pressure espresso machines simply start with more pressure to help push water through the coffee quickly.
What are the best grounds for an espresso machine?
When brewing espresso, you want your grinds to have a medium-fine to fine texture.
Fine grind has just the right amount of resistance for water to pass through, ensuring proper extraction.
If the grind is too coarse, the water flows through too quickly and creates under-extracted espresso—not what you want.
How long are espresso machines good for?
High-quality espresso machines last between three to six years, although a few can last for well over a decade with proper care.
When should I clean my espresso machine?
Regular maintenance keeps your machine in top shape. Rinse the portafilter, wipe the steam wand, and empty the drip tray daily, backflush and clean the group head weekly, and descale the machine monthly.
