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Best compact espresso machines for small kitchens

The smallest machines we compare by counter space, ranked by score. Good for apartments, dorms and tight kitchens.

Updated October 16, 2026 · Ranked by our 0 to 100 score · No paid placements

Top pick

Breville Bambino

Highest score of the 37 machines here.

61Semi-automatic · $$

Check price on Amazon

Breville Bambino Plus

Sells the most on Amazon of the machines here.

58Semi-automatic · $$

1

Breville Bambino
Semi-automatic Steam wand$$
Stands out for: PID temperature control, hot water outlet, pre-infusion, heats up faster (3 s vs. 25 s avg.)

61 Check price All specs
2

Breville Bambino Plus
Semi-automatic Auto steam wand$$
Stands out for: PID temperature control, pre-infusion, heats up faster (3 s vs. 25 s avg.)

58 Check price All specs
3

CASABREWS 5418 PRO
Semi-automatic Steam wand$
Stands out for: pressure gauge, PID temperature control, pre-infusion, heats up faster (5 s vs. 25 s avg.)

50 Check price All specs
4

Breville Bambino Plus with Baratza Encore ESP
Semi-automatic Auto steam wand$$$
Stands out for: pre-infusion, heats up faster (3 s vs. 25 s avg.), more grind settings (40 vs. 25 avg.)

50 Check price All specs
5

XIXUBX 201
Semi-automatic Steam wand$
Stands out for: PID temperature control, pre-infusion

47 Check price All specs
6

SECPOEDR RJK-6952 Espresso Machine
Semi-automatic Steam wand$
Lowest price in the last 12 months right now
Stands out for: PID temperature control, pre-infusion

47 Check price All specs
7

XIXUBX EM820
Semi-automatic Steam wand$
Stands out for: pressure gauge, hot water outlet, pre-infusion

46 Check price All specs
8

De'Longhi Dedica Duo
Semi-automatic Steam wand$$
Stands out for: pre-infusion

43 Check price All specs
9

Gaggia Classic E24
Semi-automatic Steam wand$$
Lowest price in the last 12 months right now
Stands out for: cup warmer, 58 mm portafilter, hot water outlet

43 Check price All specs
10

CHULUX C5010 Slim Espresso Machine
Semi-automatic Steam wand$
Stands out for: pressure gauge, pre-infusion

41 Check price All specs

Torn between the top two? Breville Bambino vs Breville Bambino Plus, every spec side by side.Compare them

What to look for

37 machines, average score 35 out of 100
6 of 37 with PID temperature control
20 of 37 with manual steam wand
3 of 37 with automatic milk frothing

Measure height, tooMany compact machines are tall. Leave a few inches above them to refill the water tank.
Where does the tank go?A tank at the back needs space behind the machine. Side or front tanks fit flush against the wall.
Small is not always cheapSome of the smallest machines are capsule machines. They save space but cost more per cup.

Questions

What is the best espresso machine for small kitchens?

The Breville Bambino. It scores 61 out of 100, the highest of the 37 machines for small kitchens we compare. Its biggest strength: pid temperature control, only 19% of the machines we compare have this.

Which machines come close?

The Breville Bambino Plus with 58 points and the CASABREWS 5418 PRO with 50. Compare any two of them side by side to see where they differ.

How do you score the machines?

From up to 17 specs that change taste and daily use, such as grinder, heating system, temperature control and milk frothing, plus how well the machine sells on Amazon. Specs come from the manufacturer first and the Amazon listing second. Commissions never change a score.

More guides

We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score or a ranking. Price classes: $ under $200, $$ under $500, $$$ under $1,000, $$$$ above.

Top pickBreville BambinoCheck price on Amazon