Best Compact Espresso Machines For Small Kitchens

Love espresso but short on space? Whether you live in a cozy apartment, a tiny home, or simply want to maximize your kitchen counter, a compact espresso machine can deliver café-quality coffee without taking over your workspace.

Finding the perfect balance between size, performance, and ease of use can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we compare the best compact espresso machines—from semi-automatic classics to high-tech pod systems—so you can enjoy rich, flavorful coffee at home without sacrificing space.

Let’s dive into the top five small but mighty espresso machines that pack a punch!

The Winners

De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685

This machine is noted for its slim profile (only 5.9 inches wide), making it ideal for tight spaces. It offers both ground coffee and ESE pod compatibility, along with a manual frother for creating cappuccinos and lattes. Users appreciate its affordability and ease of use, but note that it can be a bit tricky to fit two cups underneath the spout

Breville Bambino Plus

This compact machine excels at delivering high-quality espresso and features a fast heat-up time. It’s user-friendly, with an automatic steam wand that allows for microfoam creation. Its sleek design and excellent performance make it a favorite among espresso enthusiasts

Quick Recommendation

Be sure to check out our quick recommendation list, or scroll down for more in-depth product reviews.

• De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685 – Compact and Customizable
• Breville Bambino Plus – Professional Quality Coffee
• Gaggia Classic Pro – Italian – Made
• Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe – Barista-Quality Coffee
• Smeg BCC01 – Delivering barista-quality beverages

De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685

The De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685M is a top pick for anyone seeking a compact espresso machine with impressive brewing capabilities. Its innovative double drip tray accommodates taller glasses, providing the flexibility to enjoy a range of coffee-based beverages without compromising on flavor or temperature.

The 15-bar pump and Rapid Cappuccino System ensure quick and consistent results, making it an ideal choice for small kitchens where space is at a premium.

This deluxe automatic espresso machine stands out for its customizable features, allowing users to tailor their coffee experience through adjustable coffee length, foam levels, and steam settings. The practical design heats up in just 40 seconds and maintains the perfect temperature throughout multiple brews.

With its sleek metallic body and minimal footprint of less than 6 inches in width, the De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685M perfectly blends style with functionality, earning its well-deserved spot as our No. 1 recommendation in the category of compact espresso machines for small kitchens.

Highlights

• De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685M is a semi-automatic espresso machine designed for brewing espresso-based drinks at home.
• It has a compact and stylish metallic exterior finish, measuring 5.9″ in depth, 13″ in width, and 12″ in height.
• The machine operates on 120 volts and features a human interface input with buttons for easy operation.
• Its item weight is 8.8 pounds, making it lightweight and portable for countertop use.
• The espresso machine uses a reusable filter type to brew high – quality espresso beverages.
• The product model name is Dedica Deluxe EC685M by the reputable brand De’Longhi.

Breville Bambino Plus

The Breville Bambino Plus stands out as a top choice for espresso enthusiasts seeking cafe-quality drinks from the comfort of their homes. With its innovative design, this compact espresso machine swiftly heats up in seconds, ensuring you can savor your favorite brews without delay.

Its auto milk frother effortlessly creates creamy textures, perfect for crafting lattes and cappuccinos just the way you like them.

This exceptional coffee maker takes the second spot on our list due to its unparalleled combination of functionality and space-saving design. Ideal for small kitchens, the Breville Bambino Plus delivers high-performance features while requiring minimal countertop real estate.

Whether you’re a seasoned barista or new to home brewing, this espresso machine offers an impressive array of capabilities crafted with user satisfaction in mind.

Highlights

• Compact and stylish semi – automatic espresso machine
• Features a built – in milk frother for creating creamy lattes and cappuccinos
• Comes with a range of included accessories such as a stainless steel milk jug, precision dosing tool, and dual wall filter baskets
• Durable stainless steel exterior finish
• Designed for making espresso – based beverages at home
• Easy to use with buttons for human interface input

Gaggia Classic Pro

The Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine stands out with its commercial steam wand, enabling users to expertly texture milk for creamy microfoam, ideal for crafting professional-looking latte art at home. The solid stainless steel 58mm portafilter and 9-bar pressure extraction ensure a high-quality espresso experience, while the updated pump mounting and boiler design enhance durability and resist scale buildup.

This Italian-made powerhouse offers prosumer quality shots in a compact package – making it an excellent choice for small kitchens seeking top-tier coffee-making capabilities.

We selected the Gaggia Classic Pro as our No. 3 pick due to its impressive performance and thoughtful design features. Its commercial-grade steam wand, sturdy construction, and exceptional espresso extractions make it a standout choice among compact espresso machines.

For those seeking barista-worthy results without sacrificing space in their kitchen, the Gaggia Classic Pro delivers on both functionality and style. Whether you’re an aspiring home barista or simply love indulging in velvety espressos and lattes, this machine brings the cafe experience into your home effortlessly.

Highlights

• Made in Italy with commercial components
• Self – serviceable for easy maintenance
• 9 bar extractions for optimal flavor
• Cherry red classic – modern design
• Includes pressurized and commercial baskets
• Reusable filter for convenience

Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe

The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi offers a convenient brewing experience for coffee enthusiasts. With the ability to brew four different cup sizes at the touch of a button, this versatile machine provides options for enjoying hot or iced coffee and lattes.

The innovative Centrifusion extraction technology ensures consistent flavor with each use, making it an ideal choice for those seeking quality beverages in their home kitchen.

Featuring an extra-large 60-ounce water tank and quick heat-up time of only 15-20 seconds, this compact machine combines efficiency with high performance. Its automatic shut-off function also helps save energy when not in use, further enhancing its appeal as an environmentally friendly option among compact espresso machines.

The inclusion of a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules adds value to the purchase, allowing users to explore a range of flavors from the start.

In addition to its user-friendly design and practical features, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe’s ability to brew both coffee and espresso at the touch of a button makes it an excellent choice for individuals looking for convenience without compromising on taste or quality.

This machine presents itself as a standout option within the context of Best Compact Espresso Machines For Small Kitchens.

Highlights

• Fully automatic operation mode for easy use
• Allows brewing of both coffee and espresso
• Includes a reusable filter for convenience
• Compact design with black exterior finish
• Human interface input through buttons
• Manufactured in the USA by De’Longhi

Smeg BCC01

The Smeg BCC01BLUS Fully Automatic Coffee Machine is a stylish and compact addition to any kitchen, offering exceptional espresso at the touch of a button. Its high-performance 19 bar pump and precision dosing system ensure fast and precise bean-to-cup brewing, while the thermoblock heating system is ready to brew in seconds.

The LED-lit buttons provide simple operation, and its easily accessible brewing unit makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze.

This coffee machine’s retro design flaunts clean lines in premium materials, making it both functional and fashionable for small kitchens. With preprogrammed options for ristretto, espresso, full coffee, hot water, light ristretto, light espresso, long coffee, and Americano at your fingertips, this automatic brewer provides convenience without compromising on quality.

Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast or simply looking for a stylish solution for small spaces, the Smeg BCC01BLUS offers an impressive combination of style and performance.

Highlights

• Retro style espresso machine
• Fully automatic operation
• Integrated coffee grinder
• Includes reusable filter
• Removable water tank
• Offers various coffee brewing options

Comparison Table

Here’s a comparison table for the Best Compact Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens:

Feature	De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685	Breville Bambino Plus	Gaggia Classic Pro	Nespresso VertuoPlus	Smeg BCC01
Machine Type	Semi-Automatic	Semi-Automatic	Semi-Automatic	Pod-Based	Bean-to-Cup
Dimensions (W x D x H)	14.9 x 33 x 30.5 cm	19.5 x 32 x 31 cm	23 x 38 x 24 cm	14 x 32.5 x 42.3 cm	18 x 33.6 x 43.3 cm
Weight	4.2 kg	3.1 kg	7.3 kg	4.6 kg	7.7 kg
Pressure	15-bar	15-bar	15-bar	Centrifusion (up to 19-bar)	19-bar
Milk Frothing	Manual Steam Wand	Automatic Steam Wand	Manual Steam Wand	Aeroccino (Separate)	Automatic Frother
Heating Time	~40 seconds	~3 seconds	~60 seconds	~15 seconds	~35 seconds
Water Tank Capacity	1.1L	1.9L	2.1L	1.2L	1.4L
Coffee Type	Ground Coffee & ESE Pods	Ground Coffee	Ground Coffee	Nespresso Pods	Whole Beans
Ease of Use	Medium	Easy	Medium	Very Easy	Very Easy
Best For	Traditional espresso lovers with limited space	Quick, easy, and consistent espresso	Espresso purists who want full control	Convenience and variety with Nespresso pods	Bean-to-cup coffee without much effort
Price Range	Mid-Range	Mid-Range	Mid-High	Mid-Range	High-End

Benefits of Compact Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens

Compact espresso machines for small kitchens offer a space-saving design, making them perfect for tight spaces. They provide an affordable option and are ideal for small households.

Space-saving design

Space-saving design plays a vital role in compact espresso machines. They occupy minimal space, making them ideal for small kitchens and limited spaces like apartments. For instance, the Nespresso CitiZ stands out with its slim profile, measuring only 5.2 inches wide and 10.9 inches high.

This size allows owners to effortlessly fit their machine into tight spots without sacrificing quality.

Efficient use of space is crucial in today’s compact living environments.

This portability also extends to various settings outside the home such as dorm rooms and offices, showcasing how these machines adapt well to different environments despite their small footprint.

While some may offer fewer features like preinfusion due to their size, models like the Elektra Microcasa Semiautomatica prove that you can still enjoy excellent shot quality even with a compact design.

Their affordable price range further makes them accessible whether you are budget-conscious or seeking premium options for efficient use of space.

Perfect for small households

Compact espresso machines simplify life for small households. They fit marvelously in confined spaces and demand less upkeep. Variants like the Nespresso Essenza Mini quickly heat up, with some getting ready in a mere 3 seconds.

This ensures that you can relish your coffee without excessive delay. Moreover, compact coffee makers such as the Mini Vivaldi II provide exceptional microfoam for individuals who prefer their espresso drinks to be rich and creamy.

These handy espresso machines are also made for simplicity and user friendliness. Pod-based mechanisms cater specifically to the requirements of small households by doing away with the chaos of ground coffee and making the brewing process straightforward.

With features like single boiler systems found in compact models, they fulfill basic needs without taking up much room or requiring intricate procedures. For compact kitchens, these space-efficient espresso machines offer an effective solution that mixes quality and convenience adeptly.

Affordable option

Choosing a budget-friendly espresso machine doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. The Delonghi Stilosa stands out as an economical choice, with a price tag of around $100. This option makes it easy for those on a tight budget to enjoy rich and authentic espresso at home without breaking the bank.

Similarly, the Breville Bambino is recognized as one of the best budget espresso machines available. Its affordability paired with exceptional performance offers great value for small kitchen owners looking for an affordable coffee machine.

These affordable options prove that you can find a compact cappuccino maker or mini coffee maker that fits both your space and your wallet. Next, we’ll explore some of the top compact espresso machines perfect for small kitchens.

Wrapping Up

For those with small kitchens looking for the perfect espresso machine, both the De’Longhi Dedica Style EC685 and Breville Bambino Plus stand out. These machines save space without sacrificing quality, making them ideal for coffee lovers in tight spaces.

The De’Longhi model shines with its stylish design and easy operation, while the Breville impresses with its built-in milk frother for creamy beverages. Add one of these to your home and enjoy barista-level coffee every day.