4 Best Espresso Machines for Small Counter Spaces in 2026

If you’re looking to save counter space without sacrificing coffee quality, several espresso machines in 2026 fit comfortably under 13 inches wide, combining compact design with powerful features. Models like the Casabrews 20 Bar or Gevi 20-Bar offer rapid heat-up times and professional-grade pressure, but understanding which one suits your routine isn’t as simple as size alone—factors like frothing, tank removability, and brew control matter more. So, which of these little giants ultimately deserves your counter?

Casabrews 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

If you don’t have a lot of space on your counter but still want great coffee, the Casabrews 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a good pick. It’s small, measuring just 12.28 inches long, 5.47 inches wide, and 11.97 inches tall. It’s also light, weighing only 8.59 pounds, so you can easily put it in a small kitchen or in your office.

This machine has a strong 20 Bar Italian pump and a 1350 W boiler. It makes rich espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes with nice crema and microfoam milk. Its simple design, along with a pressure gauge and a removable 34 oz water tank, makes it reliable and easy to use.

This coffee maker is best for people who want good coffee but don’t have much space. It’s great for making high-quality espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos at home or at work.

Pros:

• Fits easily in small spaces because of its size and weight.
• Has a powerful pump and boiler for professional-tasting coffee.
• Comes with a pressure gauge, a removable water tank, and different brewing options.

Cons:

• Needs manual cleaning, not safe for dishwasher.
• You might need some practice to get perfect tamping and extraction.
• Only available in a few colors, mainly suited for modern decor.

KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

The KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a great choice if you don’t have a lot of space on your counter. It is small and light, measuring just 13.1 inches high, 7.7 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. It weighs only 4.7 pounds. This makes it easy to put in a small kitchen or a tight corner. Made with BPA-free materials, it is safe and simple to use. It has key features like heat control, a 3.5 bar pressure system, and a milk frother. With these, you can make espresso, cappuccino, or latte at home. It heats up quickly, brewing 1-4 cups in less than two minutes. You don’t need experience to use it, making it fast and easy.

Best For: Coffee lovers who want a small, easy-to-use machine to make tasty drinks at home, even in a small space.

Pros:

• Small and light, perfect for small kitchens or tight spots
• Heats up fast, ready in under two minutes
• Has a steam wand to easily make creamy milk froth

Cons:

• The 3.5 bar pressure might make less thick crema than higher-pressure machines
• Needs regular cleaning, especially the steam wand
• Small water tank, so you may need to refill it often during use

Gevi 20-Bar Espresso Coffee Maker with Frother

The Gevi 20-Bar Espresso Coffee Maker with Frother is a great choice for small kitchens. It is compact and easy to use. The machine measures about 12.3 inches deep, 5.5 inches wide, and 12 inches high. That small size makes it fit easily on tight countertops.

This espresso machine has a 20-bar pump. This helps it make strong, rich coffee. It also has special features like temperature control and pre-infusion. These help you get the perfect shot every time. The outside is made of stainless steel. It looks nice and is built to last.

Using the machine is simple. It has semi-automatic controls. The steam wand is powerful and makes smooth microfoam. It helps you create drinks that look professional. Whether you are new to making espresso or have some experience, this machine works well for both.

This machine is good for people who want a machine that is small but full of features. It is ideal for home use or in small offices.

Some things to keep in mind: the parts need to be cleaned by hand, and it only works with ground coffee, not pods or capsules. Also, it might take a little time to learn how to operate it smoothly.

In all, the Gevi 20-Bar Espresso Coffee Maker is a small, easy-to-use machine that makes good coffee fast. It is perfect if you want a space-saving machine that makes coffee that tastes great.

Espresso Machine with Milk Frother and Removable Tank

A small espresso machine with a milk frother and a removable water tank can be a big help in tiny kitchens or busy offices. Its sleek, stainless steel look makes it both durable and stylish. The machine is just 12.24 inches deep, 5.5 inches wide, and 11.17 inches high. It weighs only 7.5 pounds, so it’s easy to move around.

This machine has a 20-bar pressure system. That means it can make rich, flavorful espresso with a nice layer of crema on top. It heats up quickly—ready in just 30 seconds—and controls the temperature between 90 and 96°C. This helps your coffee taste just right.

The powerful steam wand quickly makes thick, smooth microfoam. It’s perfect for latte art or making foamed milk for drinks. The machine is simple to clean and gives consistent results, making it a reliable choice when space is small but quality counts.

Best for: People who love coffee but have limited space. It’s great for making café-quality drinks at home or in an office.

Pros:

• Small, stylish stainless steel design fits into tight places.
• Strong 20-bar pressure makes creamy espresso with good flavor.
• Heats up fast and creates foam quickly for daily use.

Cons:

• Needs manual cleaning — not dishwasher safe.
• Making perfect shots can take some practice.
• The water tank holds 44 ounces, so you may need to refill if making many drinks.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Espresso Machines for Small Counter Spaces

When choosing an espresso machine for tight spaces, the first thing you’ll notice is how compact it is—ideally under 9 inches wide—to fit comfortably on your countertop without sacrificing brew quality. Ease of use matters too; machines with simple controls save time and frustration, especially if you’re not a barista in disguise. Ultimately, good frothing capabilities and low maintenance are essential because a messy machine can turn your morning routine into a chore, and let’s face it, nobody’s got time for that.

Space Efficiency

If you have a small kitchen or limited counter space, choosing a tiny espresso machine helps a lot. Look for models that are less than 13 inches tall and wide. Small machines with removable water tanks and drip trays keep your counter clean and easy to store. They help you avoid clutter and make your kitchen look nice.

Choose machines that have built-in milk frothers and can do more than one thing. This saves space and means you don’t need extra gadgets. Slim machines that stand vertically or fit in corners make the most of your surface area. Light and portable units are easy to move when you want to clear space.

Think of these small machines as helpers. They’re sleek and don’t take up much room, but they work well when you need them. They keep your kitchen tidy and make making coffee simple and fun.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is very important when choosing an espresso machine. If your counter space is small, you want a machine that helps keep things tidy. Look for controls that are simple and easy to understand. Ideally, it should have just one or two buttons. This makes brewing coffee quick and easy. Helpful indicator lights or gauges tell you the right temperature and pressure. This way, you don’t have to guess if the machine is ready.

Semi-automatic machines are good because they take care of some steps for you. This makes brewing faster and more consistent. Some machines also have preset buttons so you can make your coffee with just a press. If you want more control, manual settings are available for experienced users.

Choose a small machine with a simple design. This makes it easy to set up and use every day. A clutter-free counter makes making coffee quick and fun. Overall, pick a machine that is simple,compact, and easy to operate. It will turn your counter into a nice coffee station that is fun to use every day.

Frothing Capabilities

Frothing features are important for making good milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. A strong steam wand, usually rated at around 20 Bar, helps create thick, smooth microfoam. This foam makes the drink taste better and feel creamy. Some machines have adjustable steam wands, so you can choose how thick the foam should be and how hot the milk gets. This lets you make drinks just the way you like.

If you have a small kitchen, quick heat-up times and steady steam help you save time and make drinks faster. Easy-to-clean frothing systems are also helpful. They stop milk from sticking and building up, keeping your machine clean and working well. When choosing a machine, think about how well the frothing system works and how easy it is to keep clean.

Brew Quality

When choosing a small espresso machine, brew quality is very important. One key thing to look at is the pressure system. This is usually measured in bars. The best range is between 15 and 20 bars. This helps make a shot of espresso with a rich, thick foam called crema and full flavor. If the pressure is too low, the coffee might taste weak and bland. If it’s too high, the coffee can taste bitter.

Another important part is temperature control. Machines with good temperature control, like NTC thermistors, keep the water at a steady heat. This helps every shot taste the same. Features like pre-infusion and pressure gauges let you adjust how the coffee is brewed. These controls help make your espresso taste better, especially when you can’t easily try many times in a small space.

Maintenance Requirements

Ever wonder why some espresso machines need a lot of cleaning, while others stay trouble-free for months? It’s mainly how easy they are to clean and take care of.

You should descale your machine every 1 to 3 months. Descaling gets rid of mineral build-up that can harm how the machine works and how your coffee tastes.

Make sure to clean parts like the brew group, drip tray, and steam wand regularly. These keep your machine fresh and working well. Some machines need you to clean filters and steam nozzles by hand. It might take some time, but it’s important.

Check if your machine has parts that can go in the dishwasher. This can save you time and effort.

In the end, a machine with simple cleaning needs will save you work and help you make great coffee every day.

Design Compatibility

Choosing the right espresso machine for a small kitchen is all about size and shape. You want a machine that fits nicely on your counter and doesn’t take up too much space. Look for models that are around 8 to 10 inches wide and about 12 inches tall. These will sit well on your counter without making it feel crowded. A simple, clean design also helps your kitchen look nice and keeps things feeling open.

Some machines have parts you can remove or fold, like a milk frother arm or a drip tray that folds down. This makes the machine more flexible and easier to store when you’re not using it. The weight of the machine is important too. Lighter models, under 15 pounds, are easier to move around if you want to change their spot or clean it.

Many machines come with extra features built in, like a milk frother or hot water spout. These add more uses to one small device and save space. When you pick an espresso machine with these tips in mind, you get a good, easy-to-use machine that fits right in your small kitchen and looks good too.

Price and Value

The price of a small espresso machine changes a lot. Most cost between $100 and $300. The more you pay, the more features you get. Expensive models usually have things like adjustable grind settings, different brew sizes, and stronger build quality. These parts help the machine last longer and make better espresso. If you use the machine often, these extra features might be worth the money over time.

Cheaper machines can still make decent espresso. They have fewer features, like no removable water tank or built-in milk foamers. But if you only make espresso sometimes, they work fine. When you pick a machine, think about what features you really need. Also, consider how long the machine will last. Some accessories like measurement tools or cleaning parts can save you money and make using the machine easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Loud Are These Small Espresso Machines During Operation?

You’ll find these small espresso machines operate quietly, producing minimal noise during brewing. Most emit soft hissing and gentle steam sounds, so you won’t be disturbed or bother others while preparing your favorite espresso drinks.

Can These Machines Be Used for Coffee Other Than Espresso?

Many small espresso machines can brew other coffee drinks like americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos. You simply add hot water or milk, making them versatile for different coffee preferences without needing multiple machines.

Are Replacement Parts Easily Available for These Compact Models?

Yes, replacement parts are generally easy to find for these compact models, especially from reputable brands. You can usually order parts online or through authorized service centers, ensuring quick repairs and longer-lasting use of your espresso machine.

Do These Machines Require Special Cleaning or Descaling Routines?

These machines usually require regular cleaning routines like descaling, and some need specific cleaning agents. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, and you’ll keep your espresso machine in top shape without hassle, ensuring great-tasting coffee consistently.

How Energy-Efficient Are These Small Espresso Machines?

You’ll find these small espresso machines energy-efficient, often featuring auto-off settings and power-saving modes. They use minimal electricity, helping you save energy without sacrificing performance, making them an eco-friendly choice for compact spaces.