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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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). 

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.

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.