Espresso machines are a great way to enjoy rich coffee right at home without visiting a café. They work by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee to make a small, strong shot called espresso. For people with limited space or who prefer a neat kitchen, compact espresso machines are a perfect fit.
A compact espresso machine offers the same quality espresso but takes up less room on your countertop. These machines often have simple designs and easy-to-use features, making them good for beginners and those who want quick coffee. They also usually weigh less and are easier to move or store.
When choosing a compact espresso machine, size is important, but so is the machine’s water capacity, pressure level, and ease of cleaning. You want a machine that fits your space without cutting corners on the coffee’s quality. I tested several machines to find the best compact espresso machines that balance size, performance, and convenience.
Best Compact Espresso Machines
I’ve put together a list of the best compact espresso machines that fit small spaces without losing quality. These machines are great for making strong coffee quickly and easily at home. Check out my picks to find one that suits your needs.
CASABREWS Espresso Machine
This compact espresso machine is a great choice if you want tasty coffee and easy milk frothing in a small space.
Pros
- Makes rich espresso with a nice crema
- Powerful steam wand for creamy milk froth
- Durable stainless steel that looks good and cleans easily
Cons
- Needs to cool down after frothing milk before brewing again
- Water tank could be bigger for heavy use
- Takes a little practice to get perfect shots each time
I’ve used the CASABREWS daily for about a year now. It fits perfectly on my small kitchen counter and adds a sleek look with its stainless steel finish. The espresso it makes has a great rich taste and nice crema, which makes every cup feel special.
The steam wand works well to create creamy microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. It took me a few tries to get the milk frothing just right, but once you do, you can create some nice foam art. Just make sure to let the machine cool down after steam use, or it will pause to protect itself.
Refilling the water tank is simple since it’s removable. I do wish it held a bit more water, especially when I’m making more than a couple of cups in a row. Overall, it’s a solid compact espresso maker for home or office, easy to use and clean.
Atatix Compact Espresso Machine
This espresso machine makes great coffee in a small space with easy controls and a strong milk frother.
Pros
- Strong 20-bar pressure for rich espresso
- Built-in milk frother creates creamy foam
- Compact size fits well on any counter
Cons
- Takes a bit of time to master manual settings
- The water tank could be larger for heavy use
- Stainless steel top gets hot during use
I use this Atatix espresso machine every morning and love its strong espresso shots. The 20-bar pump really pulls out rich flavors with great crema on top. The milk frother is powerful and smooth, perfect for lattes or cappuccinos.
It doesn’t take much space on my kitchen counter, and the metal finish looks sleek. Cleaning is simple since the water tank and drip tray come off easily. The machine heats up fast, so I get my coffee quickly.
Sometimes I like to adjust the manual extraction time to get just the taste I want. It takes a little practice but gives me control over the coffee strength. Overall, it feels like a quality machine that fits well into a busy home or office.
Philips Baristina Espresso Machine
This espresso machine is a solid pick if you want fresh, easy espresso without taking up much counter space.
Pros
- Grinds beans fresh with a simple swipe
- Compact but delivers strong espresso with good crema
*Easy to clean and energy-efficient
Cons
- Limited grind size options
- Can feel a bit noisy during grinding
- Some users report leaks after extended use
I found the Philips Baristina quick to use and really consistent. Just swiping the handle starts grinding, tamping, and brewing all in one go. It takes under a minute to get a fresh espresso shot, which is great when I want coffee fast.
The espresso tastes smooth and strong with a nice layer of crema on top. The machine stays neat on my counter since it’s pretty small, and I appreciate the natural white with the wood handle design—it looks modern without shouting “coffee machine.”
Cleaning was straightforward, and I liked that it uses energy efficiently, which is good for daily use. The downside is you can’t adjust the grind size, so it might not suit everyone’s taste. Also, I noticed the grinder can be loud and read some reports about leaking after a while, so it might not be perfect for heavy use long term.
Gevi Compact Espresso Machine
This compact espresso machine makes rich coffee with smooth milk froth, perfect for small kitchens and easy daily use.
Pros
- Powerful steam wand creates creamy froth fast
- Well-built with stainless steel design
- Simple controls that anyone can use
Cons
- Takes some time to clean the frother
- Water tank could be bigger
- Not the quietest machine during operation
I was impressed by how quickly this machine heated up and how strong the 20-bar pump worked. Pulling espresso shots felt like using a pro machine, but it didn’t take up much counter space.
The milk frother made silky foam easily, perfect for cappuccinos. It took a little time to get used to cleaning the frother nozzle, but the removable parts helped a lot.
Overall, the stainless steel look adds style to my kitchen. The controls were straightforward, so I could make coffee without headaches every morning. If you want solid espresso without a massive machine, this is a good pick.
XIXUBX Compact Espresso Machine
This espresso machine fits nicely in small spaces and makes great coffee quickly with easy milk frothing.
Pros
- Heats up instantly, no waiting between brewing and frothing
- Compact design fits tight kitchen counters
- Easy to control coffee volume and get rich crema
Cons
- Steam wand needs cleaning after every use to avoid clogging
- Portafilter parts aren’t dishwasher safe
- Pressure can sometimes run a bit high or off
I’ve been using this machine for a few weeks, and I really like how fast it makes espresso. The instant heating means I don’t have to pause between steaming milk and pulling shots, which saves time in the morning.
The 42oz water tank is a good size for making several cups without refilling. Plus, the clear pressure gauge takes guesswork out of the brew and helps get a better shot.
The steam wand creates nice, creamy foam for lattes, though you have to rinse it right after to keep it from clogging. It’s a well-built machine that feels solid despite its small size. If you want good espresso without taking up much room, this one works well.
CASABREWS 3700 Espresso Machine
This espresso machine is a solid choice if you want a compact, stylish device that brews strong coffee and makes good milk foam.
Pros
- Powerful 20-bar pump for rich espresso
- Easy to use steam wand for creamy froth
- Compact size fits well in small kitchens
Cons
- Steam wand can be tricky to clean
- Tall design may not fit under low cabinets
- Takes a few tries to get milk frothing just right
When I used the CASABREWS 3700, I noticed it brought out great flavor with its strong pump. The espresso came out smooth and had a nice aroma that made my morning better.
The milk frother is good for making latte art and creamy foam, but it did take me some time to learn how to get it just right. Cleaning the steam wand afterward is important, or it can clog.
I liked how small and sturdy it is. It didn’t take up much space on my counter, though the tall height meant I had to watch where I put it. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for home or office use if you want a solid espresso maker that doesn’t crowd your kitchen.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
If you want a small espresso machine that heats up fast and makes solid coffee, this one is a good pick.
Pros
- Heats up in just 3 seconds
- Creates smooth espresso with good crema
- Automatic steam wand makes milk frothing easy
Cons
- Portafilter can be a bit stiff to lock in place
- Takes some time to figure out grind size and shot timing
- Limited to ground coffee, no pods or capsules
I liked how quickly the machine was ready to use after turning it on. It was great not to wait long when I wanted a quick espresso. The coffee came out rich and had a nice crema, which felt like a barista made it.
The steam wand was also easy to use for frothing milk. I could adjust temperature and texture without much effort, so lattes and cappuccinos turned out well. Cleanup was simple, which is important after busy mornings.
On the downside, locking the portafilter requires some elbow grease. It felt stiff at first, but I got used to it after a few tries. Finding the right grind and dose took a little experimenting, but that’s normal with machines like this. Overall, it fits well in a small kitchen and offers good value.
Buying Guide
When I look for a compact espresso machine, size is very important. I need a machine that fits well in my small kitchen or office space without taking too much room.
I also pay attention to how easy it is to use. A simple control panel or buttons make my mornings quicker and less confusing.
Cleaning is another key factor. Machines with removable parts help me keep things tidy without much hassle.
Here are some features I think about before buying:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Size | Fits small spaces, easy to store |
| Pressure | Around 9 bars for good espresso taste |
| Water Tank | Larger tanks mean less refilling |
| Ease of Use | Simple controls save time |
| Cleaning | Removable parts make cleaning easier |
I also check if the machine heats up quickly. Waiting a long time can be annoying when I’m in a hurry.
Some machines come with built-in milk frothers. I like this if I want to make lattes or cappuccinos.
Lastly, I consider the power source. Some compact machines need to be plugged in all the time, while others might be more mobile with rechargeable batteries.
Conclusion
Choosing the best compact espresso machine depends on your space, budget, and how you like your coffee. I found that smaller machines can still make great espresso without taking much room.
When I picked my machine, I looked for ease of use and quick heating. A good compact machine should fit nicely on your kitchen counter and not make a mess.
Here are some quick tips to remember:
- Size: Make sure it fits your space.
- Features: Look for simple controls and easy cleaning.
- Price: Choose one that matches your budget.
Buying a compact espresso machine means you can enjoy fresh coffee every day without needing a lot of space or time. I like the convenience and taste from these machines, and I think you will too.
