Compact Espresso Maker Reviews: 40 Machines Rated Out of 10

Highest-rated compact espresso machines right now

Breville and CASABREWS hold the first three places in our espresso machine reviews. The Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine is the top-rated espresso machine on Espresso Compact with a review-based 9.5/10. It combines 27,855 Amazon customer ratings with a 4.4 average, and it is #1 of 5 in our compact espresso machine comparison.

Two CASABREWS models tie at 9.2/10. The CASABREWS CM5418 Compact Espresso Machine with Milk Frothing Steam Wand has 8,016 Amazon customer ratings averaging 4.3 and ranks #2 in that comparison. The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Stainless Steel Espresso Machine reaches the same score from 3,679 ratings at 4.2.

For travel or very small spaces, the Wacaco Minipresso GR is the highest-rated portable espresso maker here at 9.1/10, based on 6,202 Amazon customer ratings averaging 4.4. Buyers wanting a built-in grinder can look at the Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Conical Burr Anti-Static Coffee Grinder, also at 9.1/10 from 1,899 ratings.

Scores spread widely in this category. Seven machines are rated 9.0 or above, 9 between 8.0 and 8.9, 10 between 7.0 and 7.9, another 10 between 6.0 and 6.9, and 4 below 6.0.

How to choose a compact espresso machine

The right machine depends less on the score at the top of this page and more on how you plan to make coffee each morning. These are the decisions that separate the models listed here.

Built-in grinder or separate grinder

The Breville Barista Express and the Gevi 20 Bar model with conical burr grinder include a grinder in the same body. That saves counter space and simplifies the purchase. A separate grinder gives you more flexibility to upgrade later. If you go that route, see our coffee grinders collection and the guide to choosing a grinder for your espresso workflow.

Milk drinks and steam wands

Most machines here, including both top CASABREWS models and the De'Longhi Stilosa, list a steam wand or milk frother. If you mostly drink straight espresso, wand quality matters less. If lattes are the daily order, the steaming milk guide explains what to look for on a small machine.

Footprint and portability

WACACO has 8 products in this collection, more than any other of the 11 brands, which reflects demand for hand-powered and portable espresso. These suit travel and tiny kitchens, though a portable maker is a different workflow from a countertop machine with a steam wand. The small-space espresso station guide helps plan a countertop setup.

Manual control versus automation

Entry machines such as the Breville BES450BSS Bambino, rated 8.8/10, and the Bambino Plus at 8.9/10 keep the footprint small and the controls short. Our article on Breville Bambino vs Bambino Plus breaks down what differs. The Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1, at 9.0/10, goes further by combining espresso with other brew styles.

About the espresso machine ratings

Out of 40 machines, 32 carry review-based ratings and 8 carry spec-based ratings. They are our own scores, derived from public information, and not hands-on tests of shot quality.

The review-based formula gives 45% weight to the Amazon average scaled by confidence, 35% to how many Amazon ratings a machine has, and 20% to its documented specs. That volume weighting explains why the Gevi 20 Bar Compact Espresso Machine for Home, with 3,769 ratings, ranks in our comparison while scoring 8.1/10. Machines with under 20 Amazon ratings get a spec-based score from 4 listing criteria on a 4.5-8.5 scale. Full details are on the methodology page.

Compare and read further

The compact espresso machines comparison lines up five models side by side, led by the Breville BES870XL Barista Express at 9.5/10. The CASABREWS CM5418, the Breville BES878BSS Barista Pro at 8.7/10, the Gevi 20 Bar Compact and the Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch at 7.5/10 complete it.

Before buying, how to choose a compact espresso machine and single boiler vs dual boiler espresso machines cover the main design trade-offs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest-rated compact espresso machine?

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine leads this collection at 9.5/10. Its review-based score reflects 27,855 Amazon customer ratings averaging 4.4, the most of any machine here.

Is the Breville Bambino Plus rated higher than the Bambino?

Slightly. The Breville BES500BSS Bambino Plus scores 8.9/10 from 2,412 Amazon customer ratings, while the BES450BSS Bambino scores 8.8/10 from 2,634.

Which espresso machine has the most Amazon reviews after the Barista Express?

The De'Longhi Stilosa Compact Manual Espresso Machine, with 13,817 Amazon customer ratings and a 4.2 average. That gives it a review-based rating of 9.0/10.

Are portable espresso makers worth considering?

They suit travel, camping or kitchens without counter space. The Wacaco Minipresso GR scores 9.1/10, and WACACO is the most represented brand in this collection with 8 products.

Why is the Breville Barista Touch rated lower than simpler machines?

The Breville BES880BSS Barista Touch scores 7.5/10 on review-based data with a 4.2 average. Our ratings reflect Amazon customer feedback and review volume, not feature count or build.