The Best Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens
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In a small kitchen, width is only half the story. Depth matters on shallow counters, and height matters under wall cabinets.
These machines are the most compact in our comparison. Use the size table and the cabinet checker on our home page to see exactly which ones fit your space.
Our picks at a glance
- De'Longhi Dedica: Best slim design
- De'Longhi Dedica Arte: Slim machine for latte art
- Breville Bambino: Smallest real steam wand
- Breville Bambino Plus: Best for lattes
- Casabrews CM5418: Best budget with gauge
- Smeg ECF01: Retro design pick
The picks
Only about 15 cm (6 in) wide, so it fits where most machines will not.
Watch out: The basic frother is fine for foam, not for latte art.
The same slim body with a proper steam wand for textured milk.
Watch out: No grinder, and a small water tank.
Tiny footprint, a 54 mm portafilter and heat-up in seconds.
Watch out: Manual steam wand only.
Compact, with an automatic steam wand that makes milk drinks easy.
Watch out: No grinder.
Narrow and low-cost, with a pressure gauge.
Watch out: Less established brand, with fewer spare parts.
Slim, about 15 cm (6 in) wide, with a retro look.
Watch out: You pay extra for the design.
Side by side
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Milk | Price tier* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De'Longhi Dedica | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Manual frother | Budget |
| De'Longhi Dedica Arte | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Manual steam wand | Budget |
| Breville Bambino | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Manual steam wand | Budget |
| Breville Bambino Plus | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Automatic steam wand (set temp and texture) | Mid-range |
| Casabrews CM5418 | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Manual steam wand | Budget |
| Smeg ECF01 | Semi-automatic (no grinder) | No | Steam wand with cappuccino attachment | Mid-range |
*Price tier is a rough guide. Click through for today's price on Amazon.
Tips before you buy
Measure three ways
Measure the width you can spare, the depth of the counter and the free height under the cabinets. Leave room above the machine to refill the water tank.
Think about the grinder
A separate grinder also needs space. A compact grinder or freshly ground coffee in small bags can be the better fit for a tiny kitchen.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, design features and patterns in published owner feedback. We do not accept payment from brands for placement. More about how we work.
FAQ
What is the slimmest espresso machine?
The slimmest machines we compare are about 15 cm (6 in) wide. The size table on our home page lists the width of every model.
Can a compact machine make good espresso?
Yes. Size has little to do with shot quality. Fresh coffee and a good grind matter far more.
More buying guides
- Best Espresso Machines for Beginners
- Best Espresso Machines with a Built-In Grinder
- Best Budget Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Lattes and Cappuccinos
- Best Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Latte Art
- Best Espresso Machines for Enthusiasts
- Espresso Machines That Fit Under Kitchen Cabinets
- Best Espresso Machines for Families and Busy Households
- Best Premium Espresso Machines
- Best Mid-Range Espresso Machines
- Espresso Machines That Heat Up in Seconds
- Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
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- Breville Bambino vs Breville Bambino Plus