TL;DR: Some of the best small espresso machines and coffee makers take up less than a cubic foot of space on any kitchen countertop. However, the best compact machine for your lifestyle will depend on your experience with espresso. Some manual coffee makers, like an AeroPress or a pour-over kit, will take up less space compared to an automatic espresso machine. But these compact machines can come with a steeper learning curve despite their smaller dimensions!

For just shy of two years, I made my daily espresso in a 19-foot-long travel trailer. Given the fact that my RV kitchen countertop was the same size as the average office desk, prioritizing a compact coffee maker was of utmost importance to me during this time of my life.

But I also wasn’t about to sacrifice quality coffee given my previous barista experience and familiarity with espresso, which is just one reason why you should trust me to help you find a compact coffee maker that doesn’t give up important features simply to save space.

Even though I’ve upgraded to a larger home and espresso machine these days, I’m here to help you wade through the waters of small espresso machines and coffee makers. Not only will I go over everything you should consider before finding your perfect fit, but I’ll also provide you with a list of viable coffee brewers and espresso makers ideal for any compact kitchen.

And, if none of these options suits your home, another Curated Espresso and Coffee Expert can certainly help you identify the right machine for your needs if you choose to reach out to them. With all of this in mind, let’s get started!

Why Opt for a Small Espresso Machine or Coffee Maker?

You likely have plenty of reasons to choose an espresso machine or coffee maker that's on the smaller side, but here are some additional reasons you may not have thought of yet.

Your Kitchen Countertop Space Is Limited

Chances are high that your kitchen is a bit larger than the one I had in my travel trailer. But prioritizing compact features in your espresso machine should still matter to you, regardless of your kitchen size. Counter space is always at a premium, especially during hectic morning routines that involve you getting caffeinated.

If you know you only have so much dedicated countertop space for your new coffee maker or espresso machine, paying attention to the dimensions of every item on this list is a must. While most of the coffee makers listed here today have smaller-than-average dimensions, you should still ensure that it's a good fit for your kitchen.

You Want an Appliance That’s Easy to Clean

While this isn't always the case, a compact espresso machine or coffee maker may prove easier to clean than the average-sized machine. Choosing a smaller kitchen appliance tends to give you more flexibility when it comes time to deep clean it or otherwise maintain it, which is just another reason why you may prefer a coffee maker with a smaller footprint.

Thankfully, regardless of size, most major espresso machine or coffee maker brands think about ease of cleaning when they design their products. Nearly all of the options on this list afford their users the option to dishwash the included accessories, drip tray, basket, or carafe, something that will help keep your compact kitchen organized in the long run.

You’re Interested in Traveling With Your Coffee Maker

You may not want to live full-time in a travel trailer like I did, but if bringing your coffee maker along for the ride is important to you, then some options on this list will satisfy your goals. While I opted for a moka pot in my RV, as it allowed me to use it over open flames or gas stovetops, you may want a compact coffee maker that doesn’t require an outlet or heat source.

Certain coffee makers or espresso makers utilize precise brewing technology in a compact and portable package. These options are ideal for those of you hoping to camp, travel, or otherwise bring your espresso machine with you wherever you choose to go.

You Want an All-in-One Machine

Coffee or espresso machine accessories can get out of hand, and quickly. This may be especially true for those of you new to coffee or quality espresso. I’ll be the first to tell you that it can be difficult to determine what type of setup you want for your own home, regardless of your experience level. There are simply so many options out there (another reason why reaching out to a Curated Espresso and Coffee Expert may be a good idea)!

However, opting for a machine that has everything within it to make your favorite coffee drink may be a good idea. This will vary depending on your needs. If you know you want to save space in your kitchen, choosing a semi-automatic or super-automatic machine with an included grinder and milk steamer may be your best bet.

While all of the espresso machines and coffee makers on this list are on the smaller side, most of these options don't include the necessary accessories or tools you need to complete your perfect cup. This is something to keep in mind as you shop, as most home baristas need additional tools to complete this integral aspect of their daily routines!

You’re Not Always Making Coffee for Multiple People

If you know you only plan on making coffee for yourself and one other person rather than an entire family, a compact coffee maker may suit your lifestyle perfectly. However, if your mornings are full of people clamoring for their caffeine, some of these small espresso machines may get overwhelmed by your needs.

This isn't to say that all of the options on this list can't handle multiple drinks for multiple people. But some of the smaller coffee makers discussed today can't brew more than a single drink at a time. This is something to keep in mind as you peruse your options, especially if you plan on making coffee for more than two people at once.

8 of the Best Small Espresso Machines and Coffee Makers

It’s okay to think small sometimes, especially when it comes to coffee. Here are eight of the smallest, most comprehensive coffee makers and espresso machines to consider for your home.

1. Smallest Espresso Machine: Breville Bambino Plus

Just over a foot in both height and depth and roughly eight inches wide, the Bambino Plus by Breville is the best espresso machine on this list when we consider every experience level and price point. One of the lower-priced options on this list, compact, and available in multiple colors, the Bambino Plus is ideal for beginners and experienced baristas alike.

Breville’s ThermoJet heating system ensures that your machine is ready to go within three seconds once you press the start button. This espresso machine has an integrated steam wand with a hands-free, automatic process, making it easy for budding baristas to foam their milk.

While you’ll need to buy pre-ground coffee beans or a coffee grinder, the Bambino Plus is a lower-priced choice, so you’ll likely have enough left over to purchase any additional accessories. However, you may not need to given that the Bambino Plus has filter baskets, a tamper, a milk pitcher, and multiple cleaning tools included.

2. Smallest Coffee Maker: De'Longhi Dual Master Brewer

At 13 inches tall and capable of making coffee in three distinct ways, the DeLonghi Dual Master Brewer is a great fit for any compact kitchen. Not only can this coffee maker produce quality drip coffee using its accessible water tank, but it is also outfitted with pour-over technology so that you can experience the difference between drip and pour-over without needing to purchase an additional brewer.

De’Longhi has also included their proprietary over-ice brew function, a style of coffee making that ensures your morning cup isn’t watered down should you want it made to your preferences. While it’s more expensive than the average drip coffee maker, it’s a good compromise if you know you want to experience iced drinks or pour-over without the hassle involved with purchasing other coffee makers.

3. Best for Traveling: AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

If you have yet to try AeroPress coffee, now may be the ideal time to do so with the AeroPress Go Travel model. This compact kit is the smallest coffee maker on this list and is excellent for camping, hotel stays, and any event where you may want quality coffee quickly. Plus, everything that comes with this coffee maker is included in the price tag, making it budget friendly.

While it can’t brew more than two to three cups at a time, the AeroPress Go Travel makes cold brew, espresso-style drinks, and drip coffee with less acidity and debris than the average maker. The kit comes with a travel mug, stirrer, 100 filter baskets, a convenient scoop, and, of course, the AeroPress maker itself. It’s worth checking out, especially if you’re a camping enthusiast or outdoors often.

4. All-in-One: De'Longhi Dinamica

Taller than most of the other choices on this list, you may want to make sure the De’Longhi Dinamica fits under your kitchen cabinets before falling in love, because it is incredibly easy to love this high-quality machine. Capable of producing 18 different specialty coffee beverages with a simple touch, the Dinamica makes a superb all-in-one coffee maker for any home barista seeking convenience.

With a built-in grinder, an intuitive milk frother, and the option to program the machine with your own espresso drink, the Dinamica can do it all — and simultaneously. You can achieve your ideal grind size, froth milk, and make a cappuccino full of flavor all at the same time, making it ideal for beginners or anyone seeking coffee shop beverages every single day.

5. Budget-Friendly Coffee Maker: Zwilling Enfinigy

If you’re seeking a stylish and sleek coffee maker on a budget, the Zwilling Enfinigy may be your ideal fit. While more than the average Mr. Coffee machine, the Enfinigy makes any kitchen look upscale and well-appointed. Plus, the tech Zwilling incorporates into this model ensures every pot turns out smooth, flavorful, and less acidic than lower-priced machines.

The Enfinigy is outfitted with a stainless steel boiler, a material that won’t alter the taste of your grounds as they brew. And the showerhead is specially designed to help your coffee bloom, moistening the grounds evenly to ensure less acidity overall. With a 12-cup capacity, the Enfinigy makes morning routines simpler for bustling households.

6. Budget-Friendly Espresso Machine: De'Longhi Stilosa

With 15 bars of pressure for consistency in crema and extraction, the De’Longhi Stilosa is priced at just over $100. This is a fantastic price for any espresso machine, but especially for one as compact as the Stilosa. While it’s a manual machine, beginners often find the interface easy to parse and utilize with just a bit of practice.

There’s an included milk frothing steam wand with this machine, as well as a tamper, measuring scoop, two sizes of filters depending on whether you want a single or double shot of espresso, and a portafilter. While simple, the Stilosa is affordable enough for just about any coffee consumer. It’s an ideal machine to get your feet wet when it comes to learning the ins and outs of flavorful espresso.

7. For the Aesthetically Inclined: Ascaso Dream Home

While it won’t be the right fit for everyone’s budget, the Dream Home espresso machine from Ascaso is a stunner atop all kitchen counters. Not only is this machine available in eight distinct colors, but it is also only 10 inches wide by 13.5 inches tall and deep. A coffee maker this compact and attractive may be worth the extra cost, especially if you’re looking for an appliance that makes a statement.

Complete with volumetric controls, professional portafilter sizes, and other manual features, the Dream Home is ideal for the experienced home barista or anyone seeking a manual machine. At this price, it may make the novice espresso enthusiast hesitate given its steep learning curve, but the Dream Home is elegant and durable enough to take a chance on.

8. Made for Beginners: De'Longhi Dedica Arte

Just under six inches wide and a foot tall, the Dedica Arte is another De’Longhi machine worth considering given its small footprint. Not only is it modestly priced, but it is also user-friendly. This makes the Dedica Arte ideal for both experienced baristas on a budget as well as entry-level espresso enthusiasts.

While it seems intimidating at first glance, this espresso maker is intuitive to use given its dedicated buttons and ability to customize your own espresso shots. You may need to purchase a coffee grinder, but this machine comes with a milk frother so that you can practice latte art as often as you like.

Find the Best Small Espresso Machine or Coffee Maker for You

If none of these coffee makers or espresso machines fits the bill (or your small kitchen!), reach out to one of our Curated Espresso and Coffee Experts today. They can help you find the petite coffee maker you’re seeking as well as answer any questions you might have.