Best Small Espresso Makers

Skip the coffee shop and be your own barista! Check out our picks for the best small espresso makers that will fit perfectly in a tiny kitchen.

Here at Champagne Tastes, we have strong opinions about our coffee.

For the record, we don't have strong opinions about your coffee: this is a judgment-free zone.

Over the years, we've used and researched lots and lots of espresso makers.

Cons of Traditional Espresso Machines

For the most part, traditional espresso makers have a few things in common. They're typically massive, complicated machines. If you, like me, have limited counterspace (and just limited space in general), this can be a problem.

Espresso makers can also be prohibitively expensive, even if you're adding up all the money you'll save by skipping the coffee shop prices.

Happily, however, that's not always the case. Here are our top pics for our favorite small espresso makers (at all budget points).

Love coffee shop drinks at home? Try making a pumpkin spice latte (with real pumpkin), an eggnog latte and a chili mocha.

Our Favorite Traditional-Style Small Espresso Makers

If you want a traditional-style espresso machine that brews ground coffee (as opposed to pods), here are our top two choices.

Pick One: De'Longhi

We've used a De'Longhi machine for years, and it fits quite nicely into our small apartment kitchen. We recommend both the higher-end De'Longhi Maestro (if you're into latte art) and their classic De'Longhi Dedica.

These machines easy to operate, have held up to daily use for multiple years, and makes a delicious espresso with a foamy crema. While it's not tiny appliances, at just under six inches wide easily fit into cramped spaces.

If you want to see the Delonghi machine in action, check out this YouTube review.

Pick Two: Breville the Bambino

The other top-rated, compact espresso maker we recommend is Breville the Bambino. You can get the classic Bambino or their higher end Bambino Plus.

Both machines provide a consistent espresso brew with a foamy crema.

Espresso Machine Accessories

For the best flavor, grind your coffee beans just before brewing the espresso. We use a burr grinder, which can easily be stored in a cabinet if counter space is at a premium.

Your espresso maker will likely come with a lightweight, plastic tamper. Use the scoop (if you want), but you'll want a different tamper. Instead, you'll want to grab a heavy metal coffee tamper to help get the best brew.

I also recommend buying a coffee knock box for your used espresso grounds. A knock box allows you to "knock" the coffee filter and easily remove the used grounds. You'll also want a milk frothing pitcher to heat the milk in.

Finally, most traditional espresso makers require occasional descaling. We use the De'Longhi EcoDecalk descaling solution.

Our Favorite Pod-Style Espresso Maker

If a traditional-style espresso machine seems intimidating, I recommend checking out a Nespresso machine. Over the years, I've been very pleased with Nespresso machines.

They make consistently delicious espresso automatically. Meaning you need zero barista skills.

We own a simple Nespresso machine, but friends of ours use a Nespresso Lattissima and I think it is fabulous.

The Nespresso Lattissima makes a perfect latte every time. If you opt for a Nespresso, don't forget to order Nespresso capsules. We also enjoy Peet's Nespresso pods.

Small Espresso Makers on a Budget

Are you on a tight budget?

For the tightest budget, try swapping espresso for French Press coffee. It's strong, smooth, and a great alternative in lattes and cappuccinos.

That said, with a small budget you can still have amazing espresso by using a moka pot. If you're on a shoestring budget, check out a traditional stovetop aluminum moka pot.

For just a little bit more money, you can swap aluminum for a stovetop stainless steel moka pot. Finally, if you're in a situation where you don't have a stovetop available, check out this (fairly inexpensive) electric moka pot.

Keep in mind that a moka pot won't have milk frothing options, so you'll need to pick up a separate milk frother to make your morning latte.

We've used both this Bodum milk frother and a more inexpensive handheld milk frother. Either works well.

Small Espresso Makers on the Go

Another fun option is a portable hand-pump espresso machine. My husband and I take this Wacaco Nanopresso with us when we go camping, and it is fantastic.

It works with both coffee grounds and Nespresso capsules.

Keep in mind that you'll need a way to boil water to use this espresso maker. We typically use a backpacking stove, but you could definitely use a tea kettle or a microwave.

Espresso Machine Extras

When you're using an espresso maker, it's important to use finely ground coffee (unless you're using pods).

Typically we grind our own coffee, but if we want a pre-ground mix, I usually opt for Illy espresso grounds.

Finally, grab some fun espresso cups to make a delightful aesthetic!