Finding the right Breville espresso machine for a small counter space can be challenging, as many models offer advanced features but lack compactness. The Breville BES870XL Barista Express stands out as the best overall pick due to its balance of performance and size. For those prioritizing ease of use, the Bambino Plus offers simplicity in a compact form. A key tradeoff in this category is between size and functionality—smaller machines often lack some advanced features found in larger models. Keep reading to see how these options compare and which one fits your specific needs.
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Key Takeaways
- The Breville BES870XL offers the best balance of features and compactness for most users, but it is slightly larger than some ultra-compact options.
- The Bambino Plus excels for beginners or those with minimal counter space, sacrificing some customization options for simplicity.
- Premium models like the Barista Touch Impress provide advanced automation but come with a higher price and size considerations.
- Size alone isn’t the only factor—build quality and usability features significantly impact long-term satisfaction.
- Price varies widely; opting for a more affordable model can mean fewer features, but many still deliver quality espresso for small spaces.
| Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best Overall for Precision and Specialty Coffee | Power: 1650 Watts | Voltage: 110 to 120 Volts | Water Tank Capacity: 61 oz | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES880BTR Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Black Truffle |  | Best for Ease of Use with Advanced Features | Power: 1680 Watts | Voltage: 110-120V | Water Tank Capacity: 67 oz | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Hands-On Control and Fresh Grounds | Capacity: 1/2 lb Bean Hopper | Water Tank: 67 oz | Power: 1600 Watts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best Compact for Small Kitchens | Power: 1560 Watts | Voltage: 110-120 Volts | Brew Size: 1 or 2 Cups | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES876BTR Barista Express Impress, Black Truffle |  | Best for User-Friendly, Professional-Style Espresso | Capacity: 250g bean hopper | Water Tank: 2L | Grind Settings: 25 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best Overall for Versatility and Precision | Capacity: 1/2 lb Bean Hopper | Water Tank: 67 oz | Power: 1680 Watts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Space-Conscious Beginners | Dimensions: 7.7 inches wide | Power: 1560 Watts | Voltage: 110-120 Volts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES881BTR Barista Touch Impress, Black Truffle |  | Best for Tech-Savvy Home Baristas | Auto MilQ: Adjustable milk temperature and texture | Cold Brew Function: Yes | Alternative Milk Settings: Yes, 3 new settings | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| breville espresso machines for small counters guide 3 | Power | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Breville BES840XL Infuser Espr | 1650 Watts | 110 to 120 Volts |
| Breville BES880BTR Barista Tou | 1680 Watts | 110-120V |
| Breville BES870XL Barista Expr | 1600 Watts | — |
| Breville Bambino Espresso Mach | 1560 Watts | 110-120 Volts |
| Breville BES876BTR Barista Exp | — | — |
| Breville Barista Pro Espresso | 1680 Watts | 120 Volts |
| Breville Bambino Plus Espresso | 1560 Watts | 110-120 Volts |
| Breville BES881BTR Barista Tou | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville BES840XL Infuser stands out for its precise temperature control via PID technology, which ensures consistent extraction—something the Barista Express lacks with its less advanced temperature regulation. It excels at supporting third wave brewing, making it ideal for enthusiasts who want café-quality results at home. However, its complexity might overwhelm beginners, and it runs on 110-120V power, limiting where it can be used. Compared to the Bambino, it offers more control but with a steeper learning curve. This pick makes the most sense for dedicated coffee lovers who appreciate nuanced brewing but are comfortable with a more involved setup.
Pros:- Precise temperature control with PID technology
- Supports third wave specialty coffee brewing
- Easy microfoam milk texturing for lattes and cappuccinos
- Automatic purge for optimal temperature
Cons:- Relatively complex for complete beginners
- Limited to 110-120V power supply
Best for: Home baristas seeking precise temperature control and specialty coffee support who don’t mind a learning curve
Not ideal for: Casual users or those with limited mechanical experience looking for simple, plug-and-play machines
- Power:1650 Watts
- Voltage:110 to 120 Volts
- Water Tank Capacity:61 oz
Our verdict“Ideal for dedicated coffee enthusiasts who prioritize precision and specialty brewing at home.”
Breville BES880BTR Barista Touch Espresso Machine, Black Truffle
The Breville Barista Touch offers a touchscreen interface and integrated grinder, making it highly accessible compared to the more manual BES870XL. Its auto steam wand and pre-programmed settings simplify the process, perfect for users who want café-quality drinks without extensive barista skills. Its relatively high price might be a barrier for casual users, and the small bean hopper limits frequent grinding. Unlike the Bambino, which is simpler, this model provides more customization options, though with a higher learning curve for those unfamiliar with espresso. This machine is best suited for home baristas who value convenience but still want quality and some level of control.
Pros:- User-friendly touchscreen interface
- Integrated conical burr grinder with dose control
- Auto steam wand for customizable milk textures
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet
Cons:- Relatively high price point
- Limited bean hopper capacity
- Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
Best for: Home users who want an easy-to-use, feature-rich espresso machine with minimal manual effort
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers or those with limited countertop space who prefer straightforward machines
- Power:1680 Watts
- Voltage:110-120V
- Water Tank Capacity:67 oz
- Bean Hopper Capacity:0.5 lb
Our verdict“This pick is perfect for those who want a blend of automation and customization in a small footprint.”
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Barista Express BES870XL is a popular choice for those who enjoy manual brewing, thanks to its built-in conical burr grinder and powerful steam wand. It strikes a balance between control and convenience, allowing users to go from beans to espresso in under a minute. Compared with the Infuser, it has less advanced temperature regulation, which can sometimes lead to inconsistency, but it offers a more approachable learning curve for beginners. Its limited capacity means it’s less suited for frequent, large batches. This machine is ideal for home baristas eager to hone their skills without sacrificing quality.
Pros:- Built-in conical burr grinder for fresh grounds
- Precise digital temperature regulation (PID)
- Powerful steam wand for manual microfoam
- Allows quick bean-to-cup operation
Cons:- Relatively high price point
- Requires some learning curve for optimal use
- Limited capacity for larger quantities
Best for: Coffee enthusiasts who want to learn manual espresso brewing with a built-in grinder
Not ideal for: Those seeking a fully automated experience or large-volume brewing
- Capacity:1/2 lb Bean Hopper
- Water Tank:67 oz
- Power:1600 Watts
Our verdict“Best suited for aspiring baristas who want control and quality in a manageable package.”
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Bambino excels in tight spaces, offering fast heat-up with ThermoJet and automatic steam wand in a compact design. It’s straightforward enough for newcomers but still provides good espresso quality, especially considering its size. Compared to the Bambino Plus, it lacks some advanced features like automatic microfoam, but its smaller footprint makes it easier to fit into tiny kitchens. Its manual operation can require some finesse for perfect shots, which might frustrate absolute beginners. This machine makes the most sense for users who need a space-efficient option that still delivers decent espresso quality.
Pros:- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet system
- Automatic steam wand for microfoam
- Compact, space-saving design
- Precise temperature regulation
Cons:- Limited to home use, not commercial-grade
- Requires manual operation for perfect shots
- Price not specified
Best for: Small kitchen owners who want a quick, space-saving espresso machine
Not ideal for: Experienced users or those wanting advanced features and high-volume brewing
- Power:1560 Watts
- Voltage:110-120 Volts
- Brew Size:1 or 2 Cups
Our verdict“Ideal for small kitchens needing quick, reliable espresso with minimal footprint.”
Breville BES876BTR Barista Express Impress, Black Truffle
The Barista Express Impress combines professional-grade features like an automatic dosing and tamping system with a manual microfoam wand, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users. Its built-in grinder with 25 settings allows for precise control over grind size, similar to the BES870XL but with added automation. Compared to the Infuser, it offers more user-friendly features with Tamping and dosing automation, but its larger size can be a concern for small counters. It’s best for those who want a high level of consistency and convenience without sacrificing the tactile element of manual espresso making.
Pros:- Professional-grade microfoam wand for latte art
- Automatic dosing and tamping for consistency
- Built-in conical burr grinder with 25 settings
- User-friendly features for beginners
Cons:- May be complex for complete novices
- Relatively high price point
- Size may be large for small kitchens
Best for: Home baristas seeking professional features with automation and ease of use
Not ideal for: Small kitchens or users who prefer ultra-compact machines with minimal features
- Capacity:250g bean hopper
- Water Tank:2L
- Grind Settings:25
- Portafilter Size:54mm
Our verdict“Best for home users who want professional-style espresso with automation and ease of operation.”
Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Pro stands out for its combination of advanced features and professional control, making it ideal for those who want a high-quality espresso experience at home. Compared to the Breville Bambino Plus, it offers a more robust built-in grinder and PID temperature control, which translate into more consistent results. However, this added capability comes with a larger footprint and a steeper learning curve, which might overwhelm beginners. The fast ThermoJet heating system ensures quick operation, and the manual steam wand allows for latte art—features that appeal to serious coffee enthusiasts. Still, the price and size may deter those with limited counter space or a tighter budget. This pick makes the most sense for passionate hobbyists who value control and quality over simplicity.
Pros:- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet system
- Precise PID temperature control for optimal extraction
- Built-in conical burr grinder with dose control
- Manual microfoam steam wand for latte art
Cons:- Complex interface may challenge beginners
- Relatively high price
- Large footprint in small kitchens
Best for: Home baristas seeking professional-grade control, quality, and versatility in a compact footprint
Not ideal for: Beginners or small kitchens where space and simplicity are priorities
- Capacity:1/2 lb Bean Hopper
- Water Tank:67 oz
- Power:1680 Watts
- Voltage:120 Volts
- Included Accessories:Single & Dual Wall Filter Baskets, Razor Dose Trimming Tool, 480 ml Milk Jug, Cleaning Kit, Water Filter
- Warranty:2 Years
Our verdict“This machine is perfect for serious coffee lovers who want professional features in a relatively compact form, accepting a learning curve and higher investment.”
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Plus is a compact and user-friendly option that excels in small kitchens, thanks to its 7.7-inch width. Unlike the Barista Pro, it sacrifices some advanced control for simplicity, but still delivers café-quality espresso with its automatic steam wand and fast ThermoJet heating system. This makes it especially suitable for newcomers who want quick results without extensive setup. However, the machine’s limited to one or two cups at a time, which could be a drawback for households with multiple coffee drinkers or those looking to entertain. Its higher price point for a small machine reflects its premium features, but some users may need time to perfect their technique given the automatic steam wand’s learning curve. This model is ideal for small-space dwellers who prioritize ease and speed over maximum customization.
Pros:- Automatic steam wand for microfoam and latte art
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet system
- Compact size fits small counters
- Precise temperature control for consistent results
Cons:- Limited to 1-2 cups at a time
- Higher price for a compact machine
- Requires some skill for perfect milk frothing
Best for: Urban dwellers or small households wanting quick, consistent espresso with minimal fuss
Not ideal for: Experienced baristas or those needing large batch brewing or extensive control
- Dimensions:7.7 inches wide
- Power:1560 Watts
- Voltage:110-120 Volts
- Water Pressure:Pre-infusion system
- Warranty:2 Years
Our verdict“This machine suits those with limited space seeking reliable, quality espresso with straightforward operation, accepting some limits on capacity and control.”
Breville BES881BTR Barista Touch Impress, Black Truffle
The Breville BES881BTR Barista Touch Impress elevates home coffee making with its touchscreen interface, automatic milk texturing, and built-in grinder, making it perfect for users who want professional-quality drinks with minimal effort. Unlike the Barista Pro, it adds a high-tech edge with real-time guidance, customizable presets, and a cold brew function, appealing to those who enjoy experimenting with different drink styles. However, its complex setup and larger size could be intimidating for newcomers or those with very limited counter space. The automatic tamping and grind settings simplify the process but might lessen the hands-on experience that some enthusiasts desire. This machine is best suited for users who want a versatile, feature-rich machine that combines convenience with advanced capabilities, willing to invest in a more substantial footprint. This pick is ideal for tech-savvy coffee lovers who want a fully customizable experience without sacrificing convenience.
Pros:- Fast 3-second heat-up with ThermoJet system
- Touchscreen interface with real-time guidance
- Automatic milk texturing with adjustable settings
- Built-in grinder with 30 grind settings
Cons:- Complex setup may be overwhelming for novices
- Larger footprint requiring ample counter space
- Higher price point reflecting its advanced features
Best for: Experienced home baristas or gadget enthusiasts seeking a versatile, feature-rich espresso station
Not ideal for: Beginners or small kitchens where space and straightforward operation are priorities
- Auto MilQ:Adjustable milk temperature and texture
- Cold Brew Function:Yes
- Alternative Milk Settings:Yes, 3 new settings
- Included Accessories:2 free bags of specialty coffee
- Barista Guidance:Real-time feedback via touchscreen
- Heating System:ThermoJet, 3 seconds to heat
Our verdict“This machine appeals to tech-savvy users who want a blend of automation and customization, accepting a larger size and higher cost for flexibility.”
How We Picked
In selecting these espresso machines, I focused on factors that matter most for small counter users: overall size, ease of use, build quality, and feature set. I prioritized models that balance compactness with performance, avoiding bulky units that compromise space. Cost was also a consideration, with an emphasis on value for money—more affordable models that still deliver quality espresso. The rankings reflect how well each machine meets these criteria while considering user reviews, reliability, and versatility. The goal was to highlight options suitable for different user priorities—whether that’s simplicity, advanced features, or affordability—so every buyer finds a fitting choice.Factors to Consider When Choosing Breville Espresso Machines For Small Counters Guide 3
Choosing a Breville espresso machine for a small counter involves balancing size, features, and budget. It’s easy to focus solely on compactness but overlook usability or build quality. This guide explores key factors to help you make an informed decision and avoid common pitfalls in selecting a space-saving espresso machine.Size and Footprint
For small counters, every inch counts. Look for machines specifically designed with a compact footprint, but beware of overly small units that may lack essential features or become difficult to use. Consider the machine’s dimensions and how they fit into your available space, including clearance for operation and maintenance. Sometimes, a slightly larger model with better usability can be a smarter choice than the smallest option that feels cramped or awkward to use.
Ease of Use
Ease of operation is vital, especially if you’re new to espresso-making. Many small machines sacrifice advanced controls for simplicity, but models like the Bambino Plus strike a good balance with intuitive interfaces and straightforward frothing. Be cautious with machines that rely heavily on manual operation if you’re seeking convenience, as they can be frustrating for beginners. Automated features like pre-programmed shots or milk frothing can save time and reduce errors.
Build Quality and Durability
Compact doesn’t mean flimsy. Prioritize machines with sturdy construction and quality materials to ensure longevity. Cheaper models may save space but could compromise on durability, leading to more frequent repairs or replacements. Brands like Breville typically offer reliable build quality, but it’s wise to check reviews for insights on how the machine holds up over time, especially in small kitchen environments where space constraints can increase wear and tear.
Feature Set and Customization
Decide which features are essential for your coffee routine. Basic models may lack programmable settings, while higher-end options include touchscreen controls, temperature stability, and grind consistency. If you prefer hands-on control, opt for a model with manual steam wands and adjustable settings. For convenience, semi-automatic or fully automatic machines may be worth the extra size and cost, especially if you want consistent results with minimal effort.
Price and Value
Price can vary significantly, and more expensive models often include advanced features. However, in small spaces, a well-chosen mid-range machine can provide excellent performance without the premium cost. Be wary of paying for features you won’t use or that don’t justify their added size and expense. Focus instead on reliable brands and models that deliver good espresso quality within your space and budget constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a smaller espresso machine compromise the quality of my espresso?
Not necessarily. Many compact machines, especially those by Breville, are designed to deliver high-quality espresso despite their size. They often include features like precise water temperature control and good pressure stability, which are key to quality espresso extraction. However, very small or budget models might lack some control over brewing parameters, so it’s important to choose a model that balances size with performance. Reading reviews and understanding each machine’s feature set can help ensure you get both size efficiency and good espresso quality.
Are compact machines suitable for beginners?
Yes, many small espresso machines are ideal for beginners because they emphasize simplicity and ease of use. Models like the Bambino Plus offer straightforward operation with minimal manual adjustments, making them perfect for those new to espresso brewing. However, some compact models with manual controls can be more challenging for beginners, so it’s wise to choose a machine that offers automation or preset programs if you’re just starting out. Ease of cleaning and maintenance are also important considerations for beginners.
Can I get professional-quality espresso from a small machine?
While small machines can produce excellent espresso, achieving professional-quality results often requires a bit of skill, especially on semi-automatic models. Breville’s higher-end units like the Barista Touch Impress incorporate features that help replicate barista-level quality with minimal effort. Still, consistent results depend on factors like grind size, tamping pressure, and machine calibration. For true professional results, larger, more specialized equipment might be necessary, but a well-chosen small machine can satisfy most home baristas.
How much should I expect to spend on a good small Breville espresso machine?
Prices typically range from around $300 to over $1,000, depending on features and automation levels. For a solid, compact Breville model that balances performance and affordability, expect to pay between $500 and $700. Higher-end models with advanced automation, touchscreen controls, and premium materials will be at the top of this range. It’s worth investing a bit more if you value durability and consistent quality, but there are also budget-friendly options that perform well for small spaces.
What maintenance is required for small Breville espresso machines?
Regular cleaning is essential to keep your machine functioning optimally, including descaling, cleaning the portafilter, and wiping down surfaces. Many models feature automatic cleaning cycles or alerts, which can simplify maintenance. Properly maintaining your espresso machine ensures longevity and consistent quality. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, especially for water filters and descaling routines, as hard water can cause scale buildup in small, compact units.
Conclusion
For most users, the Breville BES870XL Barista Express offers the best overall blend of size, features, and performance, making it a versatile choice for those who want a high-quality home espresso experience without sacrificing too much space. The Bambino Plus is ideal for beginners or those with extremely limited counter space, prioritizing simplicity and ease. If you’re seeking a premium, fully automated experience and have a slightly larger space, the Barista Touch Impress provides advanced features at a higher price point. Budget-conscious buyers should consider mid-range options that deliver solid espresso quality while fitting small kitchens. Ultimately, your choice should align with your skill level, space constraints, and desired feature set.
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