10 Best Mini Espresso Machines: Free-Up Your Counterspace

We are often cluttered with too many kitchen appliances and free counter space in the kitchen has become something we all crave. For that reason, small espresso machines are very sought.

Apart from their convenient size and design, they are very user-friendly, easy to use, and most importantly, reliable. We found 10 top-rated models on the market and covered their features, functions, and performance. Read on to learn more!

The Rundown

Let Us Define “Small”

The “small” category generally involves all models that range from 6 to 15 inches in length, 5 to 12 inches in width, and 8 to 15 inches in height. These brewers take up a minimal amount of counter space and can work well both in large and somewhat smaller kitchens.

Standard Measurements

For a comparison, somewhat larger espresso models range around 14 inches in length, 17 inches in width, and 19 inches in height. The difference is apparent and truly makes a difference if you are in a need of a more space-saving model.

Is A Mini Espresso Machine A Good Fit For You?

In general, small machines are highly desirable and are suitable for everyone who:

• is in a need of a space-saving model with a small footprint
• wants the flexibility that the small appliances offer (they are easy to move around and even store)
• likes the idea of bringing an espresso machine on the road (they are suitable for use in campers and RVs)

However, they do have one downside and that is that they don’t have as high of a capacity as larger models do. So you need to refill the water (and milk) reservoir more often.

Features You Should Think About

Before you opt for an espresso machine, here are some features you need to think about:

Design Quality

The quality of the small brewers should never be diminished due to their size. You can easily find many stainless steel models that feature a high-grade design and exceptional durability against versatile exterior damages. This refers both to serious damages such as rust and corrosion and the more common ones such as scratches, spill stains, etc.

Power Rating

The power rating informs you about how much power the brewer uses while it is in use. From small models, you can expect a power rating anywhere from 800 to 1500 Watts. No need to say that the “the higher the better” rule applies as more powerful models can pull an espresso shot much more efficiently.

Ease Of Use

Always make sure that the espresso brewer you are buying meets your level of brewing expertise. Generally, all small models are automatic models except for a few semi-automatic ones that provide you with adjustable brewing features. They are all very easy to use and don’t require too many skills.

Brewing Capacity

These machines usually provide a single or a double espresso shot. You can find some that come equipped with small carafes for coffee, too. They are made to brew up to 4 cups (around a liter) at once which is also the average capacity of water reservoirs.

Adjustable Controls

As we mentioned, you won’t find many adjustable controls from these brewers. However, controls you can usually find are cup size adjustments, temperature control, brewing to frothing switch, and manual shot timing.

Frothing System

Now with the smaller models, you can’t expect automatic frothing mechanisms. However, every brewer comes equipped with a frothing wand you can control manually. This means that you get to adjust how much steam is used in the process and control the thickness of the froth.

Maintenance Level

As long as you buy a machine that features a removable water reservoir, drip tray, portafilter, filters, and steam nozzle, you won’t have any trouble keeping it clean. Some models even offer an auto purging system that takes care of the steaming system and keeps it bacteria-free.

Safety Features

While this is not the case for all models, many brewers do come with additional features that make them much safer for use. These include:

• overheat protection system that keeps the brewer from reaching dangerous temperatures.
• an automatic shut-off program that makes the machine much more energy-efficient and at the same time ensures you never have to worry whether you turned it off or not.
• light indicators that let you know when the water reservoir needs to be refilled.
• anti-leak systems that ensure that the water won’t leak out from the machine while it is in use or on standby.

10 Best Small Espresso Machines

Even though all listed models fit the “small” category, each one offers a different power rating, features, compatibility, etc. Read on to learn more about their differences.

De’Longhi Espresso Maker

With its high-grade stainless steel design and powerful 15 bar extraction pressure, this Italian brand machine works well both for domestic and professional use. Its 3in1 filter holder is compatible with both ground coffee and ESE pods. If you choose the former option, you can choose whether you want to make one or two cups at a time.

Its automatic flow-stop feature ensures that the machine dispenses the perfect amount of espresso and at the same time maintains the ideal temperature throughout the brewing process. Its frothing performance is manually controlled to ensure that you can easily achieve the desired froth thickness.

Buy On Amazon

Bonsenkitchen Espresso Maker

Not only is this brewer suitable for espresso, but it works perfectly for cappuccinos, lattes, and other espresso/milk-based beverages too. Its swiveling steam wand allows you to easily make silky milk foam as well as a thick froth.

The best thing about this brewer is that it comes with two separate temperature control systems, one for the brewing and one for the frothing system. For the optimal brewing results, keep the brewing temperature around 199 to 203°F. A 212°F temperature is the perfect setting for the steaming system.

Buy On Amazon

Gevi Espresso Machine

Even though it does not provide many programmable features and functions, this white brewer does allow you to choose whether you want to brew one or two espresso shots or control the amount of dispensed coffee manually. Its top plate works as a cup warming tray so you can easily dry up and heat your espresso cups.

Another thing worth mentioning is that you can control the amount of steam that is released through the wand during the frothing cycle. To do so, simply turn the small control knob on the side of the machine in the desired direction, depending on whether you want to lower or increase the pressure.

Buy On Amazon

Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Maker

The great thing about this German machine is that it comes equipped with an extra-large portafilter. As a result, it can brew up to 4 espresso shots at once. A convenient measuring scoop comes included in the package to ensure that you always add just the right amount of coffee into the filter.

Alongside the coffee scoop, you will also get a water pitcher. It features visible measurements that will help you add the perfect amount of water to the reservoir or milk into the frothing pitcher.

Buy On Amazon

Imusa 4 Cup Espresso Maker

As opposed to the previously reviewed models, this home model comes equipped with a 4 cup glass carafe. It features visible level measurements, a convenient pouring spout that prevents mess, and a cool grip handle that does not transmit the heat from the machine.

You won’t have any trouble keeping this brewer clean. The bottom drip tray, carafe, portafilter, and filter are completely removable from the machine. You can easily clean them up under some mild tap water.

Buy On Amazon

Sowtech Steam Espresso Machine

This is another personal model that comes with a carafe that can hold up to 4 espresso cups at once. The great thing is that it is made out of stainless steel material, and as a result, will preserve the brewed espresso at its optimal temperature for a bit longer time.

Note that this mini machine for espresso uses an extraction pressure of around 3.5 bars. Although it does not compare with the high 15 bar pressure, it can still provide good brewing results for home use.

Buy On Amazon

Gevi Professional Espresso Machine

You can use this model to brew espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, or even just to dispense a cup of hot water. This function comes in very handy when you want to brew a quick cup of tea, hot chocolate, or even make oatmeal for breakfast.

Note that it comes with a warning indicator that informs you when it is time to descale the machine. Also, in case you run out of water inside the reservoir during the brewing process, the machine will automatically stop brewing.

Buy On Amazon

Wirsh 15 Bar Espresso Maker

Its convenient 2in1 portafilter comes with 2 filter baskets, one for a single and one for a double espresso shot. The entire portafilter handle is coated to ensure that you can have a comfortable grip on it without worrying about accidental heat burns.

Another thing worth knowing is that this 15 bar machine uses a low-pressure pre-infusion process that ensures that the grounds get saturated evenly inside the filter. After that, the brewing water is pushed through the puck to ensure that you get the best brewing results possible.

Buy On Amazon

Coffee Gator Espresso Machine

Due to its high extraction pressure, this brewer will allow you to enjoy all the delicious flavors that would otherwise remain trapped inside the coffee grounds. It is up to you to chose whether you want to use it using ground coffee or ESE pods.

This is another machine under $200 that requires very little maintenance. Its drip tray and filters are removable and easy to clean under tap water. On the other hand, its auto purging system ensures that there is no bacteria build-up inside the frothing system.

Buy On Amazon

Casabrews Espresso Machine

This small pro machine for home use is compact, stylish, and highly practical for use. Its 34 oz water reservoir allows you to brew multiple espresso shots without having to refill it. Also, it is completely removable so you can easily refill it under the tap.

With its 20 bar brewing pressure, your brew will be perfectly layered and have a perfect velvety texture. Its built-in pressure gauge allows you to check the brewing pressure at any point during the brewing process and helps you make the desired adjustments depending on your brewing preferences.

Buy On Amazon

Is Size Related To Performance?

Yes and no, depending on the model you opt for. To clarify, some espresso machines, such as Sowtech, use only 3.5 bar extraction pressure which is okay but won’t provide satisfying results if you are an espresso aficionado. However, there are many pro-grade models, such as De’Longhi, that come in a convenient size and use a 15 bar extraction pressure that allows you to brew espresso the way your favorite coffee shop does.

Does Size Determine The Price?

No, the size doesn’t determine the price, but the power does. The small models that have the wattage under 1000 Watts usually cost under 100 dollars. On the other hand, when the wattage is about 1000 and more, the machine’s price is 150-300 dollars.

Are Small Espresso Makers Portable?

Most models in this category are purposed for a countertop so they are not portable. However, if you are packing for a travel, you can find a really mini maker purposed exactly for trips, camping and so on. These models are manual and have one espresso cup capacity.

The Wacaco Minipresso model is a good example. It’s so small you can put it in your pocket or bag. It’s also practical to use espresso makers like this one in the car, bus, train and so on.