7 Best Small Espresso Machines of 2021
Are you dreaming of owning your own espresso machine that will fit perfectly on your countertop among your other appliances? You need a small espresso machine.
How do you pick the best small espresso machine?
In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the best small espresso machine based on design, extraction pressure, programmability, descaling indicator, dimensions, water reservoir, steam wand, warming plate, drip tray, auto shut off, wattage, warranty, body material, color, brand, boiler design, filter basket, tamper, automatic and manual settings, and more.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links for which I receive a small commission at no cost to you. These are the products I recommend when it comes to small espresso machines. You can read my full affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy.
What is the Best Small Espresso Machine?
Here are my top picks for the best small espresso machines:
- Breville Bambino
- Breville Bambino Plus
- De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe
- De’Longhi Stilosa
- Solis Barista Perfetta
- Smeg
- Capresso
- Hamilton Beach
- Michelangelo
1. Breville Bambino
The Best Small Espresso Machine for Beginners
Breville Bambino is my #1 pick for many reasons.
Breville is a kitchen appliance brand that has been in business since 1932 and delivers kitchen products to more than 70 countries around the world. Plus, they make a wide variety of espresso machines.
Key Features:
Breville Bambino is built to fit to a low budget – and offers easy espresso in a small form factor.
The Bambino begins with a minimal 2-button control scheme. You can also enjoy the unique Thermojet heating system—promising piping warm shots seconds after start-up.
These simple features are super helpful in learning how to use a small espresso machine better than most other machines on this list.
The Bambino’s slim footprint lets it tuck under cabinets right next to your other appliances.
The Breville Bambino make it super easy to steam milk with a classic one-hole steam wand for repeatable milk texturing exactly as you like it. Simply hit the steam wand button and you can quickly steam your milk. A dedicated hot water button pulls from the steam wand for tea or Americanos.
Another benefit is that you can easily set and save your ideal single and double shot times. This feature allows for easy early morning espresso making without extra programming or confusion while wiping the sleep out of your eyes. The Bambino doesn’t have the Bambino Plus’ temperature adjustments and auto-steam wand, but it the set and save feature is great.
Specifications
Width – 7.75 inches
Depth – 12.75 inches
Height – 12.5 inches
Product Weight (lbs.) – 18.0000
Watts – 1560 W
Volts – 120 V
Programmability – Shot Time
Case Material – Plastic/Metal
Boiler Material – Stainless Steel
Cup Clearance – 4 inches
Reservoir Size – 48 ounces
Solenoid Valve – Yes
Cup Tray – Yes
Portafilter Size – 54mm
Available Portafilters – Pressurized
Warm Up: Brew Time – 6 seconds
Boiler Design – Thermocoil
Water Sources – Reservoir/Internal Tank
Auto Shut Off – Yes
Material – Metal and Plastic
Price:
Manufacturers’ Price $299.95 click here
Ultimately, with its combination of size, simplicity, and efficiency Breville Bambino is my #1 choice.
2. Breville Bambino Plus
The Best Small Espresso Machine for Advanced Beginners
Breville Bambino Plus is the most comprehensive small espresso machine. From newbies just getting started to experienced baristas making several drinks at home through the day, the Breville Bambino Plus has what you need for a smooth espresso making process without too much work.
The Breville Bambino Plus’ control panel comes with 1 cup, 2 cup and steam buttons with preset shot durations or programmable durations and volumes. It also has milk temperature settings so you can select from warm, ideal and hot. The milk foam settings allow you to select from low, medium and high.
Key Features:
- Small Espresso Machine – Cafe quality coffee in a compact machine
- Automatic Hands Free Milk Texturing – Automatically textures milk to the selected temperature and style from silky smooth latté to creamy cappuccino. Automatic purge removes residual milk from the steam wand when returned to the downward position.
- Thermojet™ Technology – Innovative heating system achieves ideal extraction temperature in 3 seconds
- PID Temperature Control – Electronic PID temperature control for increased temperature stability
- Low Pressure Pre-Infusion – Applies low water pressure at the start of the extraction to gently expand grinds for an even extraction
- Volumetric Control – Preset 1 & 2 cup volumes, manual over-ride or programmable shot volumes
- The Razor™ Dose Trimming Tool – Patented twist blade trims down the puck to the right level for precision dosing and a consistent extraction
Specifications
Width – 7.7 inches
Depth – 12.6 inches
Height – 11.8 inches
Product Weight (lbs.) – 12.0000
Watts –1560W
Volts – 120V
Programmability – Temperature, Shot Time, Milk Foam
Case Material – Stainless Steel/Plastic
Boiler Material – Stainless Steel-lined Aluminum
Cup Clearance – 5 inches
Reservoir Size – 64 oz
Solenoid Valve – Yes
Cup Tray – Yes
Portafilter Size – 54mm
Available Portafilters – Pressurized
Warm Up: Brew Time – 16 seconds
Boiler Design – Thermocoil
Water Sources – Reservoir/Internal Tank
Auto Shut Off – Yes
Pre-Infusion/Aroma – Yes
Material – Stainless Steel and Plastic
Price:
Manufacturers’ Price $499.95 click here
As a bonus, some retailers provide a 2 Year Repair, Replace or Refund Guarantee like Sage Appliances®.
3. De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe
The Best Small Espresso Machine for Budding Baristas
The DeLonghi Dedica Deluxe brings a new set of updates to its slim classic semi-automatic. A slim, under 6 inch case helps the Dedica Deluxe fit in small spaces and crowded kitchen counters.
This model includes the option to brew into larger 5-inch tall cups and mugs thanks to a removable 2-stage drip tray
Key Features:
- Slim Case – An ultra-slim layout lets the Dedica Deluxe squeak between other kitchen appliances with ease
- Programmable Shot Times – Set extraction times for both single and double shots
- Adjustable Milk Texture – A sliding adjustable nozzle on the panarello steam wand lets you dial in milk texture easily
- Adjustable Cup Clearance – Remove the lower cup tray for an extra 2 inches of clearance
- Pressurized Portafilter – The Dedica Deluxe’s pressurized portafilter gives you more coffee flexibility than non-pressurized options.
DeLonghi also brings updated milk steaming prowess to the Dedica Deluxe with an adjustable panarello that lets you switch between straight steaming and auto-frothing with the quick slide of a sleeve.
The 15 bar pressure creates an espresso with a rich aroma and a nut coloured cream on top.
Specifications
Width – 5.9 inches
Depth – 13 inches
Height – 12 inches
Watts – 1300W
Volts – 120V
Cup Clearance – Adjustable; 3.25” to 5”
Reservoir Size – 1L
Cup Tray – Yes
Portafilter Size – 51mm
Warm Up: Brew Time – 1:08
Pod Friendly – Yes, without adaptation
Boiler Design – Thermoblock
Water Sources – Reservoir/Internal Tank
Auto Shut Off – Yes
Pre-Infusion/Aroma – Yes
Material – Metal and Plastic
This small espresso machine comes with automatic shot buttons; a pressurized portafilter with single, double and ESE pods; an automatic power saving mode; and a demitasse-size cup warming tray.
Price:
Williams Sonoma $319.95 click here
This DeLonghi Dedica Small Espresso Machine is easily accessible and an easy to find model.
4. De’Longhi Stilosa
Another Perfect Beginner’s Small Espresso Machine
The DeLonghi Stilosa comes with everything you need to pull a good shot out of the gate. Offering single or double-shot pressurized baskets with flexibility for fresh ground, pre-ground, or ESE pod options.
This DeLonghi new and improved model includes a panarello-style steam wand makes texturing and heating milk for lattes a breeze.
The Stilosa still carries its predecessor’s stainless steel boiler and all-manual controls. Still packing in a stainless steel boiler mounted right into/above the group. This means shots are hotter than the competition.
Key Features:
- Pressurized Portafilter – The 51mm portafilter comes with both single and double pressurized baskets
- Stainless Steel Boiler – A tiny but mighty steel boiler comes to brew or steam temp quickly
- Compact Case – The Stilosa’s kitchen-friendly 8×10 footprint fits almost anywhere.
- Assisted Steaming – The Stilosa comes equipped with a panarello-style steam wand for easy milk texturing
- Water Level – Keeping an eye on your water level is easy thanks to the Stilosa’s water level view; and refills are simple with a top-loading removable reservoir
DeLonghi has added a spring to hold their portafilter baskets in! A small change that makes for much-improved usability.
Specifications
Width – 8 inches
Depth – 10 inches; 13 inches w/ portafilter
Height – 11.5 inches
Product Weight (lbs.) – 12.0000
Volts – 120V
Case Material – Plastic with Metal Finish
Boiler Material – Stainless Steel
Cup Clearance – Max 4.25 inches
Reservoir Size – 34 oz
Cup Tray – Yes
Size – 51mm
Available Portafilters – Pressurized
Warm Up: Brew Time – 6:13
Pod Friendly – Yes, without adaptation
Boiler Design – Single Boiler
Water Sources – Reservoir/Internal Tank
Material – Metal and Plastic
All in a fresh-designed, cabinet-friendly layout that makes for a great introduction into home espresso.
Price
Best Buy $99.95 click here
Whichever type of machine is more your style, DeLonghi has a brewer for you.
5. Smeg
Buy This Italian Designed Small Espresso Machine in Any Color
SMEG is an Italian home appliance manufacturer. Vittorio Bertazzoni, Sr. Founded SMEG in 1948. In 2014 SMEG launched a small domestic appliance line. Inspired by Italy’s passion for espresso, the SMEG espresso maker delivers authentic espresso in iconic Italian style.
Taking up little space on your counter, this slim machine brews a rich shot of espresso and steams milk for making a velvety cappuccino.
Key Features:
- Manual espresso machine brews single or double espresso.
- Adjustable cappuccino system with frother prepares thick milk foam for making cappuccinos and caffè lattes.
- Easy controls with three backlit buttons that select your drink and adjust preferred settings.
- Removable stainless-steel cup tray accommodates tall glasses or mugs.
- Works with ground coffee and paper pods.
- Includes three filters (1 cup, 2 cups, paper pods) and a measuring scoop/tamper.
- Thermoblock heating system for fast heat-up.
- Auto shut-off for energy savings.
- Flow-stop function to customize your coffee length.
- Anti-slip feet provide stability during use.
- Choose from a selection of colors that match other SMEG appliances for a coordinated collection.
Specifications
6″ x 13″ x 12″ high
1-qt. cap. water tank with optional water filter
11 lb.
1300W
15 bars of pump pressure
Metal wrap and plastic housing with chrome-plated base
Stainless-steel cup holder and passive cup warmer
Removable rear water tank with large opening for easy refilling
Stainless-steel porta filter and frame
Chrome Zama steam lever
Adjustable coffee temperature
Adjustable water hardness
Hot-water dispensing
Decalcification system alert tells you when it’s time to decalcify machine
Price:
Williams Sonoma $514.95 click here
6. Capresso
The Best Small Espresso Machine for Cappuccinos
This powerful Capresso small espresso machine comes with commercial styling. An amazing 15 bars of pressure with two sieves to pump one or two cups of rich, thick crema espresso.
Sleek brushed stainless machine with black accents features a self-locking filter holder with thumb guard and heavy-duty removable stainless cup warming platform.
This machine has a milk frother with unlimited steam output with two settings to prepare milk for cappuccinos or lattes.
Key Features:
- Stainless steel and heavy-duty plastic
- 15 bars of pressure
- Stainless steel lined ThermoBlock heating system
- BPA-free
- 46-oz. removable water container
- Indicator lights for “On/Off” and “Coffee/Steam”
- Frother has unlimited steam output and two milk settings
- May be used with pre-ground coffee or ESE pods
- Easy to clean removable stainless drip tray
- Clean with a damp cloth (hand wash removable parts)
- Imported
DeLonghi also brings updated milk steaming prowess to the Deluxe with an adjustable panarello that lets you switch between straight steaming and auto-frothing with the quick slide of a sleeve.
The 15 bar pressure creates an Espresso with a rich aroma and a nut coloured cream on top.
Specifications
Width – 8.25 inches
Depth – 10.25 inches
Height – 11.75 inches
Price:
Crate&Barrel $129.95 click here
7. Hamilton Beach
The Best Small Espresso Machine for Café Quality Results
The Hamilton Beach small espresso machine has very easy setup. No fiddling with brew heads in hard-to-access areas – just slide the patented Slide & Lock portafilter into place from the front of the machine and lock it on the side.
This model includes the cozy cup warmer feature to keep your cups nice and toasty
Key Features:
- 15 bar Italian pressure pump for excellent extraction and rich crema
- Patented Slide & Lock™ filter holder makes setup easy
- Removable water reservoir and drip tray
- Swiveling steam wand for steaming and frothing milk
- Works with espresso pods or ground espresso
- Selector dial for espresso and steam functions
- Cup warmer
- Indicator lights
DeLonghi also brings updated milk steaming prowess to the Deluxe with an adjustable panarello that lets you switch between straight steaming and auto-frothing with the quick slide of a sleeve.
The 15 bar pressure creates an Espresso with a rich aroma and a nut coloured cream on top.
Specifications
Width – 9.6 inches
Depth – 12 inches
Height – 11.6 inches
Price:
Williams Sonoma 139.95 click here
That’s a Wrap.
There you have it – my list of the best small espresso machines to try this year.
