8 Best Small Espresso Machines of 2026

The De’Longhi Stilosa punches above its weight with a 15-bar pump that delivers surprisingly rich, crema-topped espresso—making it a standout in the entry-level small espresso machine category. Its stainless steel boiler ensures consistent heat retention, while the manual milk frother gives you full control over texture, ideal for crafting authentic cappuccinos and lattes. For beginners craving a taste of real café-style coffee without complexity or clutter, this machine balances simplicity and performance with quiet confidence.

In real-world testing, the Stilosa heats up in about 3-4 minutes and brews a balanced shot when using finely ground coffee and proper tamping. The two-filter portafilter lets you pull single or double shots, though the boiler size limits back-to-back brewing—best to wait a minute between espresso and steaming. The manual steam wand requires practice to avoid scalding milk, but once mastered, it produces velvety microfoam. It struggles slightly with larger cup sizes due to the fixed two-level drip tray, and the plastic housing feels less premium than all-metal builds.

Compared to budget models like the KEENSTAR, the Stilosa offers superior temperature stability and build longevity thanks to its stainless steel boiler. While it lacks digital controls or automatic features found in pricier units like the Breville Bambino, it’s a sweet spot for new users who want a hands-on learning experience without overspending. It delivers better long-term value than cheaper plastic machines, offering a clear upgrade path in flavor and durability without demanding barista-level skill.

Don’t let the 3.5-bar pressure fool you—the KEENSTAR is built for beginners who want a no-fuss, budget-friendly small espresso machine that actually works. With an 800W heating element and a fast preheat function, it reaches brewing temperature in under 90 seconds, making it one of the quickest starters in its class. The single-knob control simplifies operation, while the pause function lets you stop mid-brew—perfect for unexpected interruptions during morning routines. It’s not crafting barista-grade crema, but it delivers hot, bold coffee that hits the spot.

In daily use, the KEENSTAR brews 1–4 cups (up to 240ml) in about 2 minutes, making it ideal for Americanos or milder espresso-based drinks. The steam wand heats up fast and froths milk in under 40 seconds, though the foam is more bubbly than silky—fine for cappuccinos but not latte art. The compact size (13.1” x 7.7” x 10”) fits in tight spaces, and the BPA-free plastic construction keeps it lightweight. However, it struggles with pressure consistency, often producing weak extraction unless medium grind and proper tamping are used.

When stacked against the De’Longhi Stilosa, the KEENSTAR lacks the pressure and thermal stability for true espresso, but it’s half the price and easier to operate for absolute beginners. It’s best suited for dorm rooms, small apartments, or first-time users who prioritize convenience over authenticity. While it won’t match the richness of 15+ bar machines, it offers impressive functionality for under $50, making it a smart gateway into home espresso.

The Havato 20 Bar Espresso Machine redefines versatility in compact espresso makers with its dual-temperature extraction—a rare feature that lets you brew hot espresso or ice-cold concentrate at the touch of a button. With a 20-bar pump, 58mm commercial brew head, and LCD display showing time, temp, and pressure, it brings semi-professional control to home users. The instant-heat system gets ready in under 60 seconds, and the programmable single/double shot settings make repeat brewing effortless. For fans of iced lattes or cold brew espresso, this is a game-changer.

During testing, the Havato pulled consistently balanced shots with a decent crema when using 12–16g of finely ground coffee. The cold brew mode works by extracting concentrated espresso directly over ice, preserving bright flavor notes without dilution. The steam wand produces creamy microfoam quickly, suitable for latte art with practice. The 1.5L water tank supports multiple brews before refilling, and the self-cleaning function simplifies maintenance. However, the plastic housing feels less durable than stainless steel models, and the pump noise is slightly louder than competitors.

Compared to the XIXUBX or CASABREWS models, the Havato stands out with its cold brew capability and LCD interface, offering more customization than most sub-$200 machines. While the Breville Bambino heats faster and steams more efficiently, the Havato delivers broader functionality at a lower price. It’s ideal for temperature-flexible drinkers who want both hot and cold espresso options without buying two machines. It outperforms similarly priced units in versatility, making it a top pick for modern coffee lovers.

The Breville Bambino is the gold standard for small espresso machines, combining third-wave coffee precision with compact convenience. Its 54mm 19g portafilter, PID temperature control, and low-pressure pre-infusion work together to extract complex, balanced shots with velvety crema—rare at any price, let alone in a countertop machine. The automatic steam wand textures milk to perfect microfoam without guesswork, heating in just 3 seconds thanks to the thermojet heating system. For serious home baristas, this is as close to café quality as it gets.

In real-world use, the Bambino delivers barista-level consistency shot after shot. The digital temperature control ensures water hits the ideal 196–203°F range, while pre-infusion gently expands coffee grounds before full pressure kicks in. The adjustable milk texture and temperature let you dial in silky lattes or dry cappuccinos with ease. It’s compact enough for small kitchens, though the water tank is smaller than others, requiring more frequent refills. The only real limitation? The learning curve for tamping and grind size—it demands good beans and technique to shine.

Against the Havato or CASABREWS, the Bambino offers superior extraction and milk texturing, though at nearly triple the price of some. Compared to the De’Longhi Stilosa, it’s a quantum leap in performance and speed. It’s best for intermediate to advanced users who want café-quality coffee without compromise. While others offer value, the Bambino delivers unmatched performance and refinement, justifying its place as the best overall small espresso machine.

The XIXUBX 20 Bar Espresso Machine brings professional-level features into an affordable, compact design—making it a dark horse in the under-$100 espresso race. Its 20-bar pump and PID temperature control ensure stable brewing conditions, extracting rich, well-balanced shots with noticeable crema when properly tamped. The 60-second heat-up time and 22-second brew cycle mean you’re sipping espresso fast, while the powerful steam wand gives you full control over milk texture. For the price, it’s a serious contender for beginners who want real espresso, not just hot coffee.

In daily use, the XIXUBX handles single and double shots with consistency, especially when using the included tamper and fine espresso grind. The compact footprint fits snugly on small countertops, and the quiet operation won’t disturb early mornings. The steam wand produces silky microfoam with practice, though cleaning the tip is essential to avoid clogs. One quirk: the machine sometimes stalls if the portafilter isn’t fully locked—easy to fix, but frustrating for new users. It lacks programmable settings or a large tank, so it’s best for one or two drinks at a time.

Compared to the KEENSTAR, the XIXUBX delivers true espresso quality with far better pressure and temperature control. Against the De’Longhi Stilosa, it matches or exceeds performance at a lower price, though with a less durable build. It’s ideal for budget-conscious coffee lovers who want crema-rich shots and latte capability without overspending. While it doesn’t have the Breville’s speed or automation, it offers 80% of the performance at half the price, making it a smart upgrade from entry-level models.

The CASABREWS 3700 shines with its 43.9oz (1.3L) removable water tank—the largest in its class—making it perfect for households that brew multiple drinks back-to-back. Powered by a 20-bar pump and 1350W motor, it delivers rich, aromatic espresso with a satisfying crema when using properly dosed, finely ground coffee. The stainless steel housing adds durability and a premium look, while the powerful steam wand creates creamy microfoam ideal for latte art. For families or frequent entertainers, it’s a practical powerhouse in a compact frame.

In testing, the machine heats up in about 2.5 minutes and maintains stable pressure during extraction. The large tank means fewer refills, and the drip tray is easy to remove and clean. The steam wand heats milk quickly and consistently, though it requires practice to avoid overheating. The portafilter and filters are well-designed, but the plastic knob on the steam control feels cheap. It lacks digital readouts or programmable options, relying on manual timing—fine for experienced users, less so for beginners.

Versus the Gevi or XIXUBX, the CASABREWS stands out with its larger water capacity and all-metal body, offering better value for multi-user homes. Compared to the Breville Bambino, it’s slower and less precise but much more affordable. It’s best for families or offices where convenience and capacity matter most. While it doesn’t have the Bambino’s speed or PID, it delivers strong performance and durability at a mid-range price, making it the top pick for those who hate refilling water.

The Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine blends commercial-inspired performance with home-friendly design, featuring a full stainless steel body, NTC temperature control, and a built-in pressure gauge—rare at this price. The 20-bar pump and pre-infusion function ensure even extraction, producing aromatic, well-rounded espresso with a hint of crema. The powerful steam wand delivers silky microfoam in under 30 seconds, and the removable froth nozzle makes cleaning a breeze. For users who want durability and café-style control, this machine delivers.

In real-world use, the Gevi heats up in about 3 minutes and maintains stable brewing temperature, thanks to NTC monitoring. The pressure gauge lets you visually confirm optimal extraction (8–13 bar), helping dial in the perfect shot. The hot water function is a bonus for Americanos or tea, adding versatility. While the build feels solid, the steam wand can spurt water if not purged properly, and the plastic drip tray feels flimsy. It’s not the fastest or quietest, but it’s reliable.

Compared to the CASABREWS, the Gevi offers better temperature feedback and a more premium build, though with a slightly smaller tank. Against the XIXUBX, it has better durability and a pressure gauge, but lacks PID precision. It’s ideal for home users who value longevity and visual feedback. With lifetime tech support and a 12-month warranty, it offers strong peace of mind. It beats similarly priced models in build and features, making it a top choice for long-term home use.

The Spacekey 20 Bar Espresso Machine stands out with its Americano mode—a rare feature in compact machines—allowing you to brew long, smooth coffee without diluting espresso manually. With a 20-bar pump, PID temperature control, and 1350W fast heating system, it reaches brewing temp in just 45 seconds, delivering rich, aromatic shots with consistent crema. The 360° adjustable steam wand offers excellent milk texturing control, and the removable 39oz water tank balances capacity and size. For fans of Americanos or drip-style coffee, this is a versatile all-in-one solution.

In testing, the Americano mode works by combining a concentrated shot with hot water, producing a balanced, café-style drink. The PID system keeps water temperature stable, ensuring even extraction. The steam wand creates microfoam efficiently, though the tip can clog if not cleaned promptly. One oddity: the machine sometimes stalls under high pressure, requiring a quick hot water purge—mentioned in the tips, but still a hiccup. It’s compact and stylish, but the control dial feels less precise than button-based systems.

Compared to the Havato, the Spacekey lacks cold brew but wins with Americano-specific functionality. Against the CASABREWS, it has similar power but less water capacity. It’s best for users who want both espresso and Americano without extra gear. While the Breville Bambino is faster and more refined, the Spacekey offers unique functionality at a fraction of the cost. It excels in versatility, making it the best pick for Americano lovers in the small espresso machine category.