These Editor-Approved Espresso Machines Are the Perfect Size for Your Tiny Kitchen

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Drinking espresso was once an occasional pleasure here in the U.S., usually enjoyed at an Italian restaurant after a meal. Obviously, that all changed when Starbucks entered the picture. The simple single or double shot became a drink more complicated than (and almost as expensive as) the average cocktail.

If you want to skip paying per cup, there are plenty of home espresso machines on the market that make excellent espresso, so you can create your favorite drinks in the comfort of your kitchen and save a buck or four while you’re at it. That includes small espresso machines, many of which perform as well as full-size models but are designed to take up minimal counter space.

Thing is, there’s a lot that differentiates a good espresso machine from a great one. As such, we called on our resident espresso machine expert, Stefan Vazharov of Best Products, to help guide our recommendations for the best small espresso machines worth considering.

Looking for more small appliance recommendations? Check out our stories on the best coffee makers, the best electric kettles, and the best coffee grinders.

The Best Small Espresso Machines

• Best Overall: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machines

• Most Value: De’Longhi Dedica Espresso Machine

• Best Budget: De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine

• Smallest Footprint: Breville Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine

• Best Portable: Wacaco Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine

What to Consider

These days, most small espresso machines are either automatic, used with easy-serve espresso (ESE) pods or semi-automatic for manual brewing with a portafilter (the spoon-like device with the handle that holds coffee grounds). Nearly all have an internal pump to generate pressure and force steam through coffee for extraction, which is measured in bars, or barometric pressure. The ideal level of pressure is between 7 and 11 bars, though some machines can reach up to 19 bars, which brews a more concentrated shot. Any small espresso machine capable of exerting 9 bars or more can make a quality beverage.

Many small espresso machines come with a water reservoir, which is usually removable, and others might also include milk frothing wands. You can use these to make foam for a latte or cappuccino, and they're typically manual for compact machines, though some models include milk temperature and foam texture settings. It’s very rare for small espresso machines to have a built-in grinder.

You already know you’re in the market for a machine with a small footprint—check. Figuring out which model is the best for you depends on budget (potentially plus the cost of capsules), whether you tend to drink plain espresso or lattes (or both), and whether you want some control over the brewing process versus pushing a button. Some people prefer the convenience of using capsules while others favor the flexibility of a machine that can use any ground coffee beans.

How We Selected

We considered small espresso machines from top brands only, including Breville and De’Longhi, with the goal of including automatic and manual options across a range of price points. We relied on expert advice from Stefan Vazharov, a senior technology editor at Best Products, who has tested and reviewed countless espresso and coffee machines and personally takes his espresso shots very seriously.

To compare machines, we looked at the overall design, prioritizing those with a small footprint and slim silhouette that didn’t exceed 35 linear inches in size. We also weighed the features of each, zeroing in on specific specs, such as bars of pressure, reservoir capacity, number of drink and operational settings, and milk frothers, plus value-added extras, like free starter capsules and a stainless steel pitcher for frothing milk.

Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

Breville’s Bambino Plus semi-automatic espresso machine may be expensive, but overall it offers the most well-rounded lineup of features for the price. It comes highly recommended from our expert, as does the entry-level Bambino, which costs $200 less.

The semi-automatic machine doesn't take capsules so it requires some basic barista know-how, but it's easy to get the hang of to it with some practice.

Beyond that, the Bambino Plus takes over, with digital temperature control for perfect extraction, plus there are three automatic foam settings for the steam wand. The machine is said to heat up in only three seconds, so that first sip is moments away, and the 64-ounce reservoir cuts down on refills.

Dedica Espresso Machine

Can’t decide between a small espresso machine that takes ESE pods or uses grounds? You don’t have to with De’Longhi’s Dedica, designed for both types of extraction, with three filter baskets—two for a manual single or double shot, and one that holds a pod.

The model also features a slim silhouette, with 15 bars of pressure, a manual frother, and a removable 34-ounce water tank, plus a drip tray that accommodates taller mugs.

Stilosa Espresso Machine

This semi-automatic small espresso machine is an excellent value, offering a solid lineup of features for a reasonable price. De’Longhi Stilosa’s portafilter comes with single- and double-shot espresso baskets, and there’s a manual milk frother to make lattes, flat whites, and other espresso drinks.

There’s also a two-level cup holder to accommodate taller mugs, plus an including measuring cup and tamper. Capacity is a decent 34 ounces, though there’s no removable water reservoir, which may be a dealbreaker for some.

Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine

The Nespresso Pixie is another much-loved small espresso machine, and with an apropos name. It’s tiny but mighty, with 19 bars of pressure, a 25-second warm-up, and it’s designed to brew for two cup sizes (1.35-ounce espresso, and 5-ounce lungo). It also features auto-shutoff after 9 minutes and a 24-ounce reservoir, which is smaller than most but in line with its size.

Minipresso Portable Espresso Machine

This brilliant portable espresso machine takes Nespresso capsules and cleans up easily when you're on the go.

Making espresso with the Minipresso is very straightforward: Drop the pod in top and fill the base with hot water, then twist off the cup, invert, and pull out the piston to extract. Also, at only 7.8 ounces, it won't weigh down your bag.

There are several accessories sold separately that may be worth the investment if you plan to use the Minispresso often, including a larger water tank and a carrying case.

Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

They say you can’t beat an original, and for many espresso drinkers, that holds true with Nespresso’s Essenza. The machine “paved the way” for the brand's future machines, according to their website. And, you'd be hard-pressed to find a small espresso machine that's more compact.

The mini automatic capsule espresso maker is roughly 4 inches wide at the base, 8 inches long, and just over a foot high, with a sleek, attractive design.

There are two programmable buttons for extraction (one for Longo drinks), and it features 19 bars of pressure, 30-second heat-up, and a 20-ounce reservoir, which is substantial for its size. It also comes with a sample pack of pods to get you started.

Nespresso Creatista Plus

Breville's splurgeworthy Nespresso Creatista Plus is perfect for the person who likes to mix up their espresso drink order—and is particular about how they're made.

The small espresso machine features eight drink recipes, 11 milk temperature settings, and eight froth textures, with a high-res digital panel that displays every step. There's also a stainless steel milk-foaming pitcher included with a narrow spout for creating latte art.

Other highlights include 19 bars of pressure and a 60-ounce removable reservoir, plus a free starter set of Nespresso capsules and a two-year warranty.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is ideal for those who like a full 8-ounce cup of coffee and the occasional espresso. Rather than using a pump to generate pressure, the machine rapidly spins the capsule and injects water (a process the brand calls “centrifusion”). The result is said to yield a rich, full-bodied crema.

The Vertuo Plus takes four different capsule sizes and automatically adjusts brew time, temperature, and pressure for each. Other highlights include an extra-large 60-ounce removable reservoir, an auto open-close top, and it comes with a stater pack of capsules.

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