How many fit
Only 3 of the 62 models checked meet every need here: “I don't have much counter room”, “I don't want a long warm-up wait”, and “I would rather dose, tamp and steam by hand”.
3 models fit, out of 62 checkedPicked for one job
Best compact espresso machines when kitchen space is small
Top pick
Breville Bambino
If you want manual milk and have somewhere else to put a grinder, the 6.3-inch Breville Bambino is the strongest compact pick. Bambino Plus brings automatic milk. Dedica Maestro Plus stays narrow and adds a choice of brew temperature.
Why it suits this job
- True body width
- Room you still need for a grinder
- The catch
- You have to supply your own espresso-capable grinder.
- Go with Breville Bambino Plus if
- Espresso and lattes with the least fuss in a compact body
More reasons we picked it
- Time to heat up
- Reaching the tank and steam wand
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
Counter width, grinder room and the milk workflow count for more than how a machine looks from the front.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the espresso machines we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I don't have much counter room”, “I don't want a long warm-up wait”, and “I would rather dose, tamp and steam by hand”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino |
|
| |
| Breville Bambino Plus |
|
| |
| De’Longhi Dedica Maestro Plus |
|
|
3 options
The top pick and the alternatives
Breville, BES450BSS
Bambino
Learn espresso and milk texture on a very narrow portafilter machine that has a three-second heater and a manual wand.
Top pick ifHands-on beginners with limited counter room
Key facts
- Advertised as 6.3-inch wide
- Advertised three-second heat-up from the ThermoJet heating system
The catch
You have to supply your own espresso-capable grinder.
Breville, BES500BSS
Bambino Plus
This compact ThermoJet machine lets you keep a portafilter workflow while it takes care of milk temperature and texture.
Best forEspresso and lattes with the least fuss in a compact body
Key facts
- Advertised three-second heat-up from the ThermoJet heating system
- Three milk temperatures and three texture levels on an automatic wand
The catch
You will still buy a grinder separately.
De’Longhi, EC950M
Dedica Maestro Plus
Slim thermoblock machine offering three brew temperatures, plus a steam wand that is controlled by a sensor.
Best forAutomatic milk from a narrow machine
Key facts
- 54-fluid-ounce water tank and an advertised width of 8.15-inch
- Heating by Advanced Thermoblock
The catch
You need to buy a grinder separately.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
Breville Bambino
True body width
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
Breville Bambino Plus
Espresso and lattes with the least fuss in a compact body
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money