The best espresso machines for small kitchens: Compact and Stylish Choices for Small Space Living

As daylight saving is upon us, my need for a great cup of freshly brewed coffee rises, especially with the rich flavours of autumn in the air—think pumpkin spice lattes! This year, I finally treated myself to an espresso machine, which has been a game changer in my small apartment. No more waiting for my Italian moka pot or French press to brew—I now have an espresso machine ready to go in minutes.

Living in a small apartment with a tiny kitchen and limited counter space, I had to carefully consider which machine would work best for my small space living. After some research and narrowing down my options based on size and reviews (I am no coffee connoisseur), here are the espresso machines I considered before making my final choice. 

1. Smeg Retro Style Espresso Machine

One of the top contenders was the Smeg ECF01WHUK, thanks to its retro 50s style and its compact size—perfect for a small apartment kitchen. The Smeg machine offers a variety of color options like White, Pastel Blue, Black, Cream, and Pink. With a 1-liter capacity and dimensions of 19D x 25W x 34H cm, it fits well in small spaces. Priced around £300, it's certainly an investment, but Smeg is known for its stylish appliances. While you’re paying for the brand's aesthetics, this espresso machine would be a chic addition to any small space living setup.

2. Sage Bambino

Another machine designed for small apartment living is the Sage Bambino. Available in four colors—Stainless Steel, Black Truffle, Sea Salt, and Blue—it’s a sleek and compact option, though slightly larger than the Smeg. With dimensions of 16D x 34.7W x 30.4H cm, it still fits comfortably in a small kitchen. The Sage Bambino also includes a stainless steel milk jug, and its accessories are reasonably priced. Manufactured by Breville, a trusted name in small appliances, the Sage Bambino has excellent reviews and is a great choice for small space living.

3. KitchenAid Espresso Machine

The KitchenAid Espresso Machine is a lesser-known option but still a strong contender for small apartments. While slightly more expensive, retailing around £450, KitchenAid is a reliable brand in the small appliance market. It comes in attractive colors such as Candy Apple Red, Stainless Steel, Almond Cream, and Black, making it easy to match with your small apartment kitchen. Compact at 16.2D x 33.4W x 28.6H cm, this machine offers great value for money with included accessories like a stainless steel tamper, milk jug, and two wall baskets—ideal for small space living.

4. De'Longhi Dedica

The De'Longhi Dedica was the machine that ultimately won me over. Its super compact design, measuring just 14.9D x 33W x 30.5H cm, is perfect for small apartment countertops with limited space. De'Longhi is a well-known name in the coffee world, and this machine has consistently good reviews. Available in a variety of colors—Black, Gold Beige, Grey, Red, and Stainless Steel—the price starts at around £200, though it may vary by color. The compact size and sleek design make it a standout choice for small space living. It comes with two baskets for single and double espresso, although the milk jug is sold separately.

The Final Choice: De'Longhi Dedica

If you're wondering which machine I finally chose, it was the De'Longhi Dedica! Its size and price made it the perfect choice for my small apartment. While the Smeg was a close second due to its matching style with my other appliances, I found out that the internals of the Smeg and De'Longhi are quite similar, so I opted for the more budget-friendly option.

All of these espresso machines are excellent choices for small apartments and small space living. If you're looking for a beginner espresso machine for a compact kitchen, any of these options will suit your needs. Of course, pod machines are also great for small space living, but if you're after a proper espresso machine, these are top contenders for small kitchens.