Espresso is what everyone around the world craves from the moment they open their eyes. The morning cup of Joe hits differently than the rest of the day, which is why it has to be perfect.
Small espresso machines allow you to make espresso, Americano, latte, or cappuccino right in your kitchen. Traditional coffee shop machines may appear to be vast, unfathomable beasts, but home espresso machines can have you pulling a shot with a good “crema” in no time. You can opt for espresso makers from the list: Hamilton Beach, Mr. Coffee Steam, Breville Infuser, Wacaco Picopresso, and Delonghi.
Keep reading to know more!
What Is The Smallest Espresso Machine Out There?
Well, there’re many small espresso machines on the market, but the ones that I like are Mr. Coffee’s steam maker espresso and Hamilton Beach for low-budget options.
Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso Maker
With the price in mind, we can say that this machine does the basics well. You shouldn’t expect the same features as you would from models costing ten times as much as this one, but you should expect it to make a decent cup of coffee.
The extra-large portafilter can hold up to four shots of espresso, allowing you to make longer coffees.
The extraction is good, producing richly flavored coffee, and the milk wand works well as always, it depends on your skill as a barista. This is a neat little machine that doesn’t take up much space, measuring 9.84 x 10.63 x 12.4 inches.
Hamilton Beach Small Espresso Machine
This espresso maker is one of the more affordable options on this list, but it does not sacrifice quality.
The machine’s top façade has an appealing chrome finish that contrasts nicely with the crisp black of the unit’s shell. The front dial and interface are deceptively simple, with only one button and one dial.
The dimensions are 9.6 x 12 x 11.6 inches, so while it’s slightly wider than the Creatista Plus we looked at earlier, it’s still less than 10 inches wide, so it should comfortably fit most kitchen counters. It’s also quite short, so it could fit underneath.
The removable water tank at the bank appears to contradict the machine’s compact nature – you’ll get more than 20 shots out of a full tank, so you won’t have to refill it soon.
The milk frother is excellent and allows you to hone your barista skills. It will swivel out to the side of the machine, giving you plenty of space to manipulate your milk and get it just right for whatever coffee you’re making.
This espresso machine provides a complete espresso-making experience without taking up too much space in your kitchen or your wallet! A fantastic low-cost option
Which Coffee Machine Is The Best For a Small Cafe?
You’ll come across many small cafes if you’re on a tour around the world and witness the luxury of espresso and Americanos according to the specific town’s tradition.
However, if you’re planning on opening a cafe here’s a list of small coffee machines that you can keep in your cafe to keep flourishing:
| Coffee Machine | Price |
| Rancilio Silvia Espresso Maker | $830 |
| Wacaco Picopresso | $130 |
| Bialetti Moka Express | $35 |
| Breville Infuser | $572 |
| Vertuo Plus Deluxe By Delonghi | $151 |
Now let’s give you an overview of all these small coffee machines so that you can pick out the one suitable for your coffee shop:
Rancilio Silvia Espresso Maker
The Silvia, modeled after some of the most iconic commercial machines to grace a bartop, packs durability, dependability, and vintage charm into a footprint roughly the size of a sheet of paper. With its sturdy steel casing, burly brass components, and all-manual operation, this single boiler workhorse stands out at its price point.
The Silvia also includes necessary features such as a 3-way solenoid, a standard 58mm portafilter, and easy-access internals for maintenance and repair. Silva’s emphasis on long-term service is just one of the reasons it has remained largely unchanged over its decades-long existence.
You can get this small espresso maker for $830 on amazon. If you’re a fan of espresso this maker is perfect to give you the kick of espresso that you have been craving for.
Wacaco Picopresso
The Picopresso uses manual hand pressure, which means that one important part of the espresso-making process is generated by the person brewing rather than the machine.
According to the company, all you have to do is dial in the proper grind size and tamping and then perfect your pulling technique a skill that appears to be well worth the learning curve for an espresso maker that costs less than $100 and produces a fantastic shot.
This model is marketed as a portable espresso maker for travel, but there’s no reason it can’t be used at home as well. Its ultra-compact size may even be necessary for those with small kitchens.
It has no built-in grinder so you’d have to buy yourself one and then have the coffee you’re looking forward to. However, its compact design won’t take up much space while you’re traveling.
You can order this easily from most websites, however, it’s also available on Amazon for $130 which is kind of cheap as compared to other machines given how small and handy it comes.
Bialetti Moka Express
Moka pots are frequently referred to as “stovetop espresso makers,” and they’re an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious espresso-like drinks at home.
It’s a traditional Italian design, but there are many others to choose from. Moka pots, like espresso machines, take super-finely ground beans and produce a liquid prime to be mixed with milk.
This Moka pot is pretty close to replacing a cappuccino or espresso in the comfort of your home, if you’re someone who loves some antique addition to their home, you will love this Moka pot sitting on your stovetop.
Moka Pots are quite cheap and are available everywhere, you can get them for around $35. But I wouldn’t suggest you buy a Moka pot if you’re a great fan of coffee, since it’s only a replication of espresso and not actual espresso.
Check out this article to find out which is the best coffee for Moka pots.
Breville Infuser
We all know how Breville is a big name in the coffee industry and how well their machines are doing for decades. They’re quite good in terms of user interference and customer service.
It’s Breville: all-around well-performing espresso machines with a generally wide range of capabilities at a wide range of price points.
We chose the Infuser as the best entry-level maker because it’s on the lower end of the Breville spectrum but not the absolute lowest. The Bambino and Bambino Plus are both less expensive, with the former costing around $300 and the latter $500.
You’ll have to grind your beans separately before brewing your shot and frothing your milk. If that doesn’t bother you, you’ll probably be pleased with this dependable, low-cost model.
Vertuo Plus Deluxe By Delonghi
While it’s not one of the most affordable at-home options, the brewer produces incredibly high-quality coffee with a silky smooth flourish. However, you’re locked into Nespresso’s pod system, which can be costly.
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is the ideal coffee maker for those looking for a luxurious but still convenient pod-based brewing experience. While priced at $199/£199, Nespresso’s flagship capsule technology is housed in a variety of machines manufactured by different brands, which can cause the final price to vary slightly.
Numerous features set the Nespresso Vertuo Plus apart from the competition, but one of the most notable has to be centrifugation brewing. The machine punctures a series of holes around the edge of the circular pod before rapidly spinning it at the start of the brewing process. In doing so, the Vertuo Plus not only achieves balance in its water dispersal but also produces a rich crema that contributes to the texture’s smoothness.
Have a look at the best Nespresso machines here.
What Is The Smallest Nespresso Machine?
The smallest Nespresso Machine is the Essenza Mini. It’s compact and has a sleek design that doesn’t cover your whole countertop.
It’s also intended to be quick. It can brew a cup of espresso in less than 30 seconds. That’s ideal if you’re in a rush in the morning and don’t have time to waste.
If you only have a small amount of kitchen space to spare for new appliances, I believe this espresso machine is an excellent choice. The dimensions are 3.3 (W) x 12.9 (H) x 8.0 (D) inches, which is very small!
Unlike some other single-serve espresso machines, there’s no official way to use your preferred pre-ground coffee. That means you’ll have to commit to purchasing additional pods over time.
| Pros | Cons |
| A compact espresso machine | It only works on Nespresso pods |
| Fast heat-up timer | Drips after the cycle have finished |
| Complimentary pods with a machine | Pods can be difficult to source |
| Durable with warranty | Since is a pod coffee maker it has a little sound |
The Essenza Mini has a 19-bar performance. That should be enough to get a rich extraction out of whatever pod you’re using.
The water reservoir on the Nespresso Essenza Mini appears small at first glance, but remember that this machine is typically used to make smaller drinks. It certainly distinguishes itself from other machines of its kind, and I believe it adds a bold design element to the kitchen.
If you’re making a lot of drinks, you don’t want the machine to shut down all the time. It’s comforting to know that the Essenza Mini has an auto shut-off mechanism. Espresso machines last much longer if they are properly cleaned and descaled, and you will get better-tasting espresso.
Although the Nespresso Essenza was designed to be a simple espresso machine, two different settings allow for some customization. First, make a standard 1.35oz espresso shot. This will most likely be your go-to drink, and it makes a potent cup of coffee.
Here’s how you can first use your machine:
FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions:
What Comes With A Small Espresso Machine?
Most espresso machines come with a milk frother and built-in grinder, but there’re plenty of options that don’t give you an option of a built-in grinder and milk frother.
This means you will have to buy yourself a grinder and a milk frother for a cream finish if you’re looking for a cappuccino.
With machines like Nespresso, they come with compatible pods that are given by the company and can be purchased afterward too. However, the option of pods can make your machine more expensive in the long term since you’d have to keep buying specific pods for it to work.
Other than this, a cleaning solution also comes with small espresso machines so you can clean your machine whenever you want, which in turn increases the life expectancy of the machine.
Are Small Espresso Machines Worth It?
If you’re on a budget, yes. Small espresso machines are worth it. They can be a great companion for your morning coffee and cover your needs for coffee in the morning.
Small espresso machines are compact, they give a sleek finish to your kitchen or coffee shop, and are on a budget, since they are small they can be cleaned and looked after easily.
Is Cleaning Small Espresso Machines Difficult?
No, espresso machines are not difficult to clean. They mostly have a descale button that lights up when it needs descaling.
Other than this, you can always clean the other parts of your machine with cloth or vinegar to keep your machine clean and running. Keep in mind that many machines are dishwasher safe which makes your work a lot easy.
Summary
- Small espresso makers are a better option for your home and small coffee shops.
- These makers can come in handy with a sleek finish and design that takes up less space on your countertop.
- You can opt for espresso makers from the list: Hamilton Beach, Mr. Coffee steam, Breville infuser, Wacaco Picopresso, and Delonghi.
- However, the Nespresso machines are different due to the use of pods in them, but they do come in handy, and they’re within budget too.
- The small espresso machines are easier to clean and give you a light-up button for descaling.
Other Articles
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- Best Coffee Machines for Your Home (Top Choices)
- Best Value for Money Bean to Cup Coffee Machines
