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10 Best Small Espresso Machines 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers, Professional 20 Bar Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Expresso Coffee Machines for Home, Compact Cappuccino Machine, Great Gift

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,384
Size and Portability
Pressure
Ease of Use

Most important from
2852 reviews

Size and Portability
Its compact, sleek design fits nicely on kitchen counters without taking up much space, accommodating standard coffee mugs easily.
Pressure
The built-in pressure gauge and pre-infusion system contribute to extracting maximum flavor from the coffee grounds.
Ease of Use
The instruction manual is clear and easy to follow, guiding users step-by-step through all functions, including frothing techniques.
Milk Frothing Capability
The frothing system consistently produces perfect, thick milk foam with small bubbles, making cappuccinos and lattes exceptional every time.
Additional Features
The machine delivers rich, café-quality espresso and offers several customizable features that enhance the brewing experience.

The Gevi Commercial Espresso Machine is a compact and stylish option for anyone looking to make café-quality espresso drinks at home. It boasts a strong 20-bar pump that ensures good pressure for optimal coffee extraction, which helps produce rich flavors from your ground coffee. The machine has a removable water tank, making refills and cleaning easier. Its stainless steel build offers durability and a modern look, and at just over 8 pounds with a footprint of about 12 by 5 inches, it fits well on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space.

Operating the machine is straightforward through intuitive buttons and a semi-automatic system, so even beginners can craft espresso, Americano, cappuccino, and other drinks with minimal hassle. The included steam wand is powerful and creates smooth milk foam quickly, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos, and it’s easy to clean thanks to a removable frothing nozzle. Additional thoughtful features include a built-in pressure gauge, pre-infusion to enhance flavor, adjustable shot volume, a cup warmer, and a hot water function useful for tea or warming cups.

As a semi-automatic machine, it requires some manual steps, which might not suit those wanting a fully automatic experience. The machine also comes with a 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support, providing added peace of mind. This espresso maker is well suited for home users who value quality espresso and milk drinks in a durable, compact machine without the complexity of commercial equipment.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,384
Size and Portability
Pressure
Ease of Use

Most important from
2852 reviews

Size and Portability
Its compact, sleek design fits nicely on kitchen counters without taking up much space, accommodating standard coffee mugs easily.
Pressure
The built-in pressure gauge and pre-infusion system contribute to extracting maximum flavor from the coffee grounds.
Ease of Use
The instruction manual is clear and easy to follow, guiding users step-by-step through all functions, including frothing techniques.
Milk Frothing Capability
The frothing system consistently produces perfect, thick milk foam with small bubbles, making cappuccinos and lattes exceptional every time.
Additional Features
The machine delivers rich, café-quality espresso and offers several customizable features that enhance the brewing experience.
#2

Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel

Rating
9.4
Size and Portability
Water Tank Capacity
Pressure

Most important from
2874 reviews

Size and Portability
Its compact design fits perfectly in small kitchens, without taking up much space.
Water Tank Capacity
The small drip tray fills up quickly, requiring frequent emptying.
Pressure
It delivers consistently balanced and flavorful espresso shots, thanks to precise temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion.
Ease of Use
Setting up the machine is straightforward, thanks to the 3D interactive guide via the Tilt app.
Milk Frothing Capability
The steam wand creates velvety microfoam, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.
Build Quality and Durability
Some parts feel less sturdy, like the plastic tamper, but they perform well overall.
Additional Features
The Breville Bambino heats up in just 3 seconds, making it perfect for busy mornings.

The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine is compact and portable, making it ideal for home use, especially in small kitchens. With its 13.7 x 6.3 x 12 inches dimensions, it doesn’t take up much counter space. The machine is designed for ease of use, featuring an automatic steam wand and control panel with settings for 1 or 2 cups and steam, which allows for easy customization of your coffee and milk texture.

The automatic microfoam milk texturing feature is a standout, enabling users to create barista-quality foam for lattes and cappuccinos without much effort. The rapid heat-up time of three seconds ensures you can enjoy your coffee without a long wait, which is a significant advantage for busy mornings. The low-pressure pre-infusion and precise temperature control contribute to consistently balanced and flavorful espresso shots.

The build quality appears solid with brushed stainless steel, suggesting durability. The one-year limited warranty provides some assurance against potential defects. Potential downsides include the manual nature of some features, which might not suit those looking for a fully automatic experience. The milk frothing capability, while automatic, may require some trial and error to perfect. Yet, for its size, performance, and ease of use, the Breville Bambino is a strong contender for anyone seeking a reliable, high-quality espresso machine for home use.

Rating
9.4
Size and Portability
Water Tank Capacity
Pressure

Most important from
2874 reviews

Size and Portability
Its compact design fits perfectly in small kitchens, without taking up much space.
Water Tank Capacity
The small drip tray fills up quickly, requiring frequent emptying.
Pressure
It delivers consistently balanced and flavorful espresso shots, thanks to precise temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion.
Ease of Use
Setting up the machine is straightforward, thanks to the 3D interactive guide via the Tilt app.
Milk Frothing Capability
The steam wand creates velvety microfoam, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.
Build Quality and Durability
Some parts feel less sturdy, like the plastic tamper, but they perform well overall.
Additional Features
The Breville Bambino heats up in just 3 seconds, making it perfect for busy mornings.
#3

Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip Coffee and Cold Brew Machine | Integrated Coffee Grinder, Milk Frother, Assisted Tamper & Built-In Espresso Accessory Storage | Stainless Steel | ES601

Rating
9.4
Build Quality and Durability
Additional Features
Milk Frothing Capability

Most important from
1825 reviews

Build Quality and Durability
Exceptional build quality and durability shine through even after months of frequent use, with parts holding up well and minimal maintenance needed.
Additional Features
Automatic cleaning and self-programming simplify upkeep, and included accessories and recipe guides enhance the overall coffee-making experience.
Milk Frothing Capability
The dual frother excels at creating smooth microfoam and cold foam, with manual mode available but rarely needed thanks to reliable automatic settings.

The Ninja Luxe Café ES601 is a versatile 3-in-1 machine that combines espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew capabilities, making it a great choice if you want one device for multiple coffee styles. Its size is quite compact for what it offers (about 13"x13"x15"), which fits well on most kitchen counters but it weighs over 30 pounds, so it's not very portable. The water tank size isn’t specified but considering the range of brewing sizes (6 to 18 oz.), it likely supports several drinks before needing a refill. Pressure and temperature are automatically adjusted with smart technology to deliver balanced espresso shots, which is helpful for beginners who want café-quality coffee without guesswork.

The built-in burr grinder with 25 settings and weight-based dosing ensures fresh and precise grinding tailored to your drink choice, adding convenience and flavor consistency. Milk frothing is a highlight here; the dual froth system creates smooth microfoam automatically with four presets for different milk styles and temperatures, so manual frothing trial-and-error is removed. Build quality feels solid with stainless steel construction and useful extras like assisted tamper and built-in accessory storage, which keep things organized and support proper espresso preparation. Dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleaning, and the machine includes helpful items like cleaning tools and a water hardness test kit.

The machine is on the heavier side, so it is not ideal if you want to move it often. While the smart features guide you well, it may feel a bit complex if you prefer a straightforward one-button operation. The integrated grinder and advanced frothing add to the price compared to simpler espresso makers. This Ninja model suits those looking for an all-in-one espresso and coffee solution with smart features and quality milk frothing, perfect for small kitchens and coffee lovers who enjoy variety and precision without professional barista skills.

Rating
9.4
Build Quality and Durability
Additional Features
Milk Frothing Capability

Most important from
1825 reviews

Build Quality and Durability
Exceptional build quality and durability shine through even after months of frequent use, with parts holding up well and minimal maintenance needed.
Additional Features
Automatic cleaning and self-programming simplify upkeep, and included accessories and recipe guides enhance the overall coffee-making experience.
Milk Frothing Capability
The dual frother excels at creating smooth microfoam and cold foam, with manual mode available but rarely needed thanks to reliable automatic settings.

Buying Guide for the Best Small Espresso Machines

Choosing the right small espresso machine can greatly enhance your coffee experience at home. When selecting a machine, it's important to consider your personal preferences, the space available in your kitchen, and how much effort you're willing to put into making your coffee. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking the best small espresso machine for you.
Size and PortabilityThe size of the espresso machine is crucial, especially if you have limited counter space. Small espresso machines are designed to be compact and portable, making them ideal for small kitchens or for taking on the go. When evaluating size, consider the dimensions of the machine and ensure it will fit comfortably in your designated space. If you plan to move it frequently, look for a lightweight model that is easy to carry.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how many cups of espresso you can make before needing to refill the tank. This is important for convenience and efficiency. Small espresso machines typically have smaller water tanks, ranging from 0.5 to 1 liter. If you only make one or two cups a day, a smaller tank will suffice. However, if you entertain guests or drink multiple cups, opt for a machine with a larger tank to reduce the frequency of refills.
PressurePressure is measured in bars and is essential for extracting the perfect espresso shot. Most small espresso machines operate at 9 to 15 bars of pressure. Higher pressure generally means better extraction and richer flavor. For casual coffee drinkers, a machine with 9 bars of pressure will be adequate. If you are a coffee enthusiast looking for a more robust flavor, consider a machine with 15 bars of pressure.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses the machine's interface, the process of making espresso, and cleaning. Some machines have simple, one-touch buttons, while others require more manual operation. If you prefer convenience, look for a machine with straightforward controls and automatic features. For those who enjoy the art of making espresso, a manual or semi-automatic machine might be more satisfying. Additionally, consider how easy the machine is to clean, as regular maintenance is key to longevity and performance.
Milk Frothing CapabilityIf you enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, or other milk-based drinks, the machine's milk frothing capability is important. Some small espresso machines come with built-in steam wands or automatic frothers. A steam wand allows for more control and customization, but requires some skill to use. Automatic frothers are more convenient and easier for beginners. Decide based on your preference for milk-based drinks and your willingness to learn frothing techniques.
Build Quality and DurabilityThe build quality and durability of the machine affect its longevity and performance. Look for machines made with high-quality materials such as stainless steel or durable plastic. A well-built machine will withstand daily use and last longer. Read reviews and consider brands known for their reliability. If you plan to use the machine frequently, investing in a durable model will save you money in the long run.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance your espresso-making experience. These may include programmable settings, cup warmers, or built-in grinders. Programmable settings allow you to customize your coffee preferences, while cup warmers keep your espresso at the perfect temperature. Built-in grinders ensure freshly ground coffee for each shot. Consider which features are important to you and will add value to your daily coffee routine.

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