Maximize your counter space without sacrificing espresso quality. Finding a great compact espresso machine used to mean choosing between size and a decent shot. But that’s changing fast. You want that rich crema and full flavor, right? Without a giant appliance taking over your tiny kitchen.
We tested the latest models to see which ones truly deliver. The goal was simple: find machines that make you a fantastic espresso quickly, then tuck neatly away. Because your morning ritual shouldn’t require a major footprint. Let’s see which compact champs earned there spot.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Compact Espresso Machine
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker…
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9.6 |
Read Review |
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CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk…
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8.6 |
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XIXUBX Espresso Machine, 20 BAR Pump Temperature Control, Compact…
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8.5 |
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XIXUBX Coffee Machine, 3.5 Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine…
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8.3 |
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CASABREWS 5418 PRO Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Upgraded Espresso…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Compact Espresso Machine
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men, Silver
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is a compact, 20-bar system designed to bring genuine cafe-style espresso into your daily routine. It’s built for anyone who appreciates a rich, aromatic shot or a creamy milk-based drink without needing a massive machine on their counter. With its stainless steel finish and practical size, it fits neatly into most kitchens or office spaces, offering both style and functionallity.
At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure pump, a feature common in higher-end machines. This pressure is key for proper extraction, pulling the full, fragrant flavor and natural oils from your coffee grounds to produce a shot with a beautiful crema layer. The built-in pressure gauge is a helpful tool, letting you monitor the process and make small adjustments to suit your personal taste.
Whether you prefer a single intense espresso or a double shot for a larger drink, the included filters have you covered. The integrated steam wand is what turns this espresso maker into a complete coffee station. It delivers powerful, dry steam to froth and texture milk, allowing you to create the microfoam necessary for lattes and cappuccinos. This opens the door to crafting your favorite drinks—from a simple latte to a more intricate cappuccino with some basic foam art.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel Cappuccino & Latte Machine with Steam Frother for Home, 43.9oz Water Tank, Coffee Gift for Women & Men, Silver
The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine is designed to bring the authentic cafe experience right to your kitchen counter. This stainless steel machine combines professional performance with a compact, user-friendly design, making it a practical choice for daily use.
At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure system. This high pressure is key for proper extraction, ensuring your espresso has a rich aroma and that classic layer of crema on top.
It works with a powerful 1350W motor to consistently produce a great shot, forming the perfect base for any milk-based drink you prefer.
Speaking of milk drinks, the integrated steam wand is your tool for crafting them. It produces a dry steam that textures milk, creating a creamy microfoam ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. This texture not only enhances flavor but also allows you to practice latte art, adding a personal touch to your morning routine.
The wand is simple to use, letting you control the frothing process.
We appreciate the thoughtful design elements that make this machine easy to live with. Its compact footprint means it won’t dominate your kitchen, fitting comfortably in smaller spaces. The 43.9 ounce water tank is removable for easy filling and is large enough to make several drinks before needing a refill. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to a removable drip tray.
atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure Espresso Maker, with 44OZ Removable Tank, Compact Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Home, Office, Latte, Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men
The atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is designed for anyone who wants genuine cafe-style coffee at home. It’s a compact, stainless steel machine that combines professional features with straightforward operation, letting you focus on the quality of your drink.
Its core is a professional 20-bar pressure pump system. This is what professional machines use to force hot water through compacted coffee grounds.
It consistently delivers the optimal 9-10 bars of pressure needed for a proper extraction. This means your espresso will have a rich, complex flavor and that signature layer of golden crema on top, the mark of a well-pulled shot.
Temperature consistency is another key factor, and this machine adresses it with an NTC precision control system. It heats up in about 30 seconds and locks in the ideal brewing temperature between 90-96°C.
This stable heat ensures that whether you’re using a light or dark roast, the true flavor profile of your beans comes through clearly in every cup, without the bitterness from under-extraction or the sourness from under-extraction.
You have flexible control over the brewing process. Choose the automatic mode for convenience: a 28-second cycle for a single shot or 42 seconds for a double. For more personalization, use the manual mode.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel, is designed for those who want a genuine cafe-quality experience at home without the complexity. It’s built on the principle that great espresso shouldn’t require a long wait or guesswork. At it’s core, the innovative Thermajet heating system gets the machine to the perfect extraction temperature in just three seconds. You can go from off to brewing almost instantly, which is perfect for a morning routine.
Precision is key for flavor. This machine uses digital temperature control (PID) to deliver water at the exact right temperature for optimal extraction every single time. It also employs a low pressure pre-infusion. This technique gradually increases pressure at the start of the brew, gently soaking the coffee puck to help ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly. The result is a balanced, full-tasting cup of espresso without harshness.
The machine comes with a 54mm portafilter, sized for a 19-gram dose, which is standard for many specialty coffee shops. This larger size allows for a more even extraction and fuller flavor, letting you truly appreciate the nuances of third-wave specialty coffee beans. Speaking of beans, when you purchase and register this machine, Breville includes two free bags of specialty coffee to get you started (terms and conditions apply).
KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Preheating Function, 4 Cup Espresso Maker for Cappuccino or Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover
The KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed to bring the core espresso experience into your home kitchen. It’s a straightforward machine that focuses on the essentials: brewing espresso and frothing milk, without taking up to much counter space. Operating this machine is built to be simple, making it a good fit for beginners. A single control knob with an indicator light guides you through the process.
A helpful pause function lets you stop the brew if needed, and there’s a clear reminder to turn the knob to “OFF” to release pressure before opening anything. It uses fast heating technology to get the water to the right temperature quickly. With 3.5 bars of pressure, it can brew up to four cups (240ml total) of espresso in about two minutes. The included glass carafe has clear markings so you can easily see how much you’re making.
Just remember not to exceed the 240ml water max, or you might get some leakage. For milk-based drinks, the powerful 800W steam wand is key. It heats up to provide steam for frothing in roughly 40 seconds, allowing you to create microfoam for cappuccinos and lattes. The wand has a protective silicon sleeve to help prevent burns, and the machine offers accurate temperature control for consistency. It’s important to clean the steam wand promptly after each use to prevent clogs from milk residue.
KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Preheating Function, 4 Cup Espresso Maker for Cappuccino or Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover
The KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a compact and user-friendly coffee maker designed to bring core espresso and milk-based drinks into your home kitchen without taking up to much space. This machine operates with a simple single-switch knob and an indicator light, making the process straightforward. You can make both hot and iced coffee, and a helpful pause function lets you stop the brew if needed, which is great for beginners.
It uses a fast brewing technology that heats water quickly, aiming to deliver 1 to 4 cups (up to 240ml total) of espresso in about two minutes. The included glass carafe has clear markings to help you measure. A key note is to not exceed the 240ml water mark to prevent leaking. A standout feature is the powerful 800W steam wand. It’s designed to heat up and produce steam for frothing milk in roughly 40 seconds, allowing you to create the microfoam needed for cappuccinos and lattes.
The wand includes a silicone sleeve to help prevent burns, and accurate temperature control aims for the best taste. Remember to clean the steam wand promptly after each use to prevent clogs from milk residue, and allow the machine to cool before adding more water. Its compact size is a major plus. At 13.1″ high, 7.7″ wide, and 10″ deep, and weighing under 5 pounds, it fits easily on countertops.
XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Cappuccino&Latte, 42oz Water Tank, Visible Pressure Gauge, Home&Office, Silver
The XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine is a compact, silver stainless steel coffee maker built for home or office use. It combines professional-grade pressure with a user-friendly design to help you create authentic espresso-based drinks consistently. At its core is a professional 20BAR pressure pump. This system is engineered for full extraction, which is key for pulling a shot of rich, aromatic espresso with that signature layer of lasting crema.
For the best results, its important to prime the machine properly and use the correct coffee grind size and tamping pressure. The visible pressure gauge lets you monitor this process, giving you feedback and confidence with each brew. Temperature stability is crucial, and this machine adresses that with a fast, stable heating system. It quickly reaches and maintains the ideal temperatures for both brewing and steaming.
To ensure your coffee is as hot as possible, a quick 60-second preheat cycle and warming your cups beforehand is recommended. The enhanced steam wand is a standout feature. Its 360-degree adjustable and detachable nozzle gives you precise control for creating dense, velvety microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. Remember to always purge the wand before use and clean it immediatly after steaming to keep it performing reliably and prevent any clogging.
XIXUBX Espresso Machine, 20 BAR Pump Temperature Control, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Professional Coffee Makers for Home, Cappuccino, Latte, Gifts for Coffee Lover, Black
The XIXUBX Espresso Machine is a compact, professional-grade coffee maker designed for home use. It brings core cafe features into your kitchen without taking up to much counter space. At its heart is a 20-bar pump system. This high pressure is key for extracting the full, rich flavor from your coffee grounds and creating that signature layer of crema on top of your espresso. For the best results, you’ll want to use finely ground espresso beans and firmly tamp them with the included tool.
A quick tip: always make sure the portafilter and water tank are securely locked in place before you start—this is a common step that’s easy to miss if the machine doesn’t begin brewing right away.
Consistency is where this machine really shines, thanks to its PID temperature control. This technology actively manages the water heat, ensuring it stays stable for a balanced and repeatable shot every single time.
To get it ready, just preheat for about 60 seconds until the indicator light becomes solid. Running a quick hot water cycle through the empty portafilter first is a great practice—it warms up the components and helps avoid any startup hiccups. In roughly 22 seconds, you’ll have a professional-quality espresso.
Moving beyond espresso, the integrated steam wand lets you create silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. It gives you full control to texture milk just how you like it.
XIXUBX Coffee Machine, 3.5 Bar Espresso & Cappuccino Machine with Steam Wand, Compact Design Coffee Maker for Latte, Safety Lock & Tritan Cups, 800w, Black
The XIXUBX Coffee Machine is a compact espresso maker designed for simplicity and speed. It uses 3.5 bar pressure and an 800W system to brew a fresh espresso in about two minutes, which is ideal for a fast morning routine. Just remember to let it cool a bit between back-to-back shots for the best temperature consistency.
Its small footprint is a major advantage.
Measuring just 8.3 inches deep and 11.8 inches high, it tucks neatly into tight kitchen corners or office counters without dominating the space. The whole unit is surprisingly light, making it easy to move if you need to.
For milk-based drinks, the adjustable steam wand helps you texture milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The wand has a heat-resistant sleeve and includes a red cleaning pin to clear the tip if needed.
A note: if the wand feels stiff when attaching it, a gentle twist usually helps. It might not be the easiest for someone with very limited grip strength.
Operation is straightforward with a single control knob. You turn it one way to brew coffee and the other to activate the steam wand. The portafilter has a locking clip for secure fit and easy disposal of grounds. Always press and hold the ‘Lock’ button before you remove the portafilter to avoid any mess.
CASABREWS 5418 PRO Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Upgraded Espresso Maker with Powerful Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with Fast Heating System for Cappuccino, Latte, Silver
The CASABREWS 5418 PRO Espresso Machine is designed for coffee lovers who want professional quality and speed at home. It’s built around a core idea: getting from bean to cup should be fast, consistent, and simple, without sacrificing the quality you’d expect from a cafe.
At its heart is the Flashheat Technology system. This innovative heating system brings the machine to the perfect brewing temperature in under five seconds.
It uses a combination of stainless steel and thermal-ceramics for even heat distribution and precise control. This means your espresso starts extracting at the right temp from the very first second, which is crucial for flavor. It also makes the machine more energy-efficient, as it isn’t constantly heating a large boiler.
Where this machine truly shines is in its versatility for milk-based drinks. The 3-Second Rapid Steam Switching is a game-changer.
Traditional machines can take 30 seconds or more to switch between brewing and steaming modes. The 5418 PRO leaps to steam mode in just three seconds for frothing milk, and then switches back to brew mode just as fast. There’s no waiting around, so you can make a latte or cappuccino in one fluid, uninterrupted process.
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with Milk Frother and Touchscreen, Expresso Coffee Machines with Adjustable Temperature,for Cappuccino, Latte
The SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar is a semi-automatic machine designed to bring professional coffee making into your kitchen. It combines a powerful pressure system with intuitive controls, letting you craft a wide range of coffeehouse-style drinks without the complexity of commercial machines.
At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure pump, powered by a 1350W motor.
This system is key for extracting the full, rich flavor and aroma from your coffee grounds, creating that signature espresso crema. Whether you prefer a straight shot, an americano, or a milk-based drink, this pressure ensures a consistent and quality base everytime.
Operation is streamlined through a one-touch touchscreen. The LED display gives you clear options for brewing a single or double shot.
A manual mode allows you to customize the coffee strength to your exact preference, letting you control the brew time. You can also adjust the water temperature with three precise settings, which is great for different coffee roasts. The screen manages one-touch descaling and steam functions, and the machine includes an auto shutoff feature for safety and energy saving.
For milk-based favorites, the professional steam wand is integrated right in.
Compact Espresso Machine Buying Guide
A compact espresso machine maximizes counter space without sacrificing essential features. But with so many small models available, how do you pick teh right one for your kitchen? This guide will help you focus on the key factors that matter most for your daily brew.
Pressure and Boiler Type
For authentic espresso, you need proper pressure—aim for at least 9 bars. Many compact machines use a thermoblock heating system, which heats water quickly and is great for back-to-back shots. Others have a single boiler, which can be slower but may offer more stable temperature. Consider your routine: do you need speed, or is precision more important for your favorite beans?
Built-in Grinder vs. Separate
Some all-in-one units include a grinder, which is super convenient and saves even more space. However, the grind quality on these can sometimes be inconsistent. A separate burr grinder gives you more control over the grind size, which is a huge factor in flavor. It’s a trade-off between ultimate convenience and the potential for a better-tasting shot.
Milk Frothing Capability
Do you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos? Check the milk system. A Panarello steam wand is user-friendly and good for beginners. A traditional, single-hole steam wand offers more power and control for microfoam but has a steeper learning curve. Some very basic models might only have a simple frother attachment, which works but won’t give you that cafe-quality texture.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Let’s be honest: if it’s a hassle to clean, you won’t use it as often. Look for machines with removable water tanks and drip trays. Check if the portafilter and brew group are easy to access. Does it have a descaling alert or program? A machine that’s simple to maintain will stay in your routine for years to come, making your morning ritual a joy instead of a chore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Compact Espresso Machine
What exactly is a compact espresso machine?
It’s a small-footprint machine designed for home use. It makes real espresso, but it saves valuable counter space in your kitchen.
How is it different from a regular coffee maker?
Espresso machines use pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee. This creates a concentrated, rich shot. A regular drip maker just lets water flow through grounds.
Can I make a regular cup of coffee with it?
You can make an Americano! Just add hot water to a shot of espresso. It won’t make a full pot of drip coffee, but it gives you a strong, flavorful cup.
Do I need a separate grinder?
For teh best results, yes. Pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly. A burr grinder lets you get the fine, consistent grind that espresso needs. Some compact models have a grinder built-in, which is super convenient.
Are they difficult to clean and maintain?
They require a bit more care than a drip pot. You’ll need to rinse the portafilter and steam wand after each use. Backflushing with water and descaling every few months is also important to keep it running well.
What about milk frothing?
Many compact machines include a steam wand or a automatic frother. A steam wand gives you more control for latte art, but it takes a little practice to get the hang of it.
Is the espresso quality good compared to cafe?
You can get very close! The quality depends on your machine, the fresh beans you use, and your technique. It might not match a commercial machine, but it makes excellent coffee for your home.
What should I look for when buying one?
Consider the pressure (9 bars is standard), water tank size, and if it has a milk system. Think about how much counter space you have and how many drinks you make at once. Reading reviews from other users helps alot too.
Conclusion
Do not let limited space limit your coffee quality. A great morning ritual is possible, even on a small counter. You can enjoy a proper espresso without a big, complicated machine. It’s about finding a tool that fits your life and makes what you love simple.
Choosing the right compact espresso machine means claiming that corner of your kitchen for yourself. It’s a smart investment in your daily routine. You get to start your day with a coffee that’s truly yours, without compromise. So go ahead, make that space work for you and your perfect cup.