To make an espresso or lungo with minimal fuss on a small worktop, consider a compact capsule machine if its consumable system suits you. A slim manual espresso machine involves more hands-on preparation, while an integrated grinder means you won’t need a separate one but does require space to fill and maintain the machine. If you mainly drink small amounts of filter coffee, a compact filter coffee maker may be a better fit.
If you want to make a cup of coffee with minimal fuss, look at compact capsule machines. Also check how much room you’ll need to store the capsules and empty the used-capsule container: the machine’s small size won’t, by itself, solve your everyday storage needs.
A slim manual machine could be a good fit if you’re happy to measure out ground coffee, handle the portafilter and clean up after use. De’Longhi, for example, lists the Dedica Style EC685.M EX:4 as 15 cm wide; you’ll also need to allow for its depth and space for accessories.
An automatic machine with a grinder is a good option if you want to make coffee without grinding the beans separately. Before finding a space for it, check that you can access the water tank, grounds container and brew group, and find out how to clean the model you’ve chosen.
Start with the drink you make most often and how much effort you’re happy to put in each morning. Then measure the space you’ll need for the machine, its consumables and cleaning.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and speed | Measure the footprint and check access to the water tank or container. Nespresso lists the Essenza Mini Original as measuring 8.4 × 33 × 20.4 cm. | When worktop space is limited, I want to make a cup without setting up several accessories. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this combination of space-saving design and speed. |
| Manual espresso | Check the depth and allow space for the portafilter and ground coffee. De’Longhi lists the Dedica Style EC685.M EX:4 as 15 cm wide. | If I prefer to measure out my own ground coffee, I’m happy to put in a few extra steps and clean the machine to keep a slim design; around 27% of consumers would put this compromise first. |
| Automatic bean-to-cup | Check access to the containers and parts that need cleaning, then look at noise test results for the model you’re considering. | If I want to serve coffee made from beans without getting a grinder out for every cup, I can make room for an automatic machine and its maintenance. This would be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Small amounts of filter coffee | Check the capacity and filter size. Melitta lists the Aromaboy as making two cups. | If I mainly drink a little filter coffee, I’m looking for a machine suited to that amount rather than an espresso machine; around 7% of consumers would make this their main requirement. |
| Separate grinder | Allow space to store the grinder and check that it has the settings you need for your preferred brewing methods. | If I want to adjust the grind for different ways of making coffee, I’m happy to have one more appliance to store and clean. Around 6% of consumers would prioritise this flexibility. |
A slim machine can still be deep. You’ll also need room to fill it with water, remove the containers and handle a capsule or portafilter. De’Longhi lists the Dedica Style EC685.M EX:4 as 15 cm wide, but it is also 330 mm deep.
Mark out the machine’s full footprint on your worktop and check that you have room to use it comfortably.
Capsules, ground coffee and beans all take up space, even when the machine itself is compact. A separate grinder is one more item to take out and put away.
Set aside space for your coffee supplies from the outset. If you choose capsules, make sure you also have an easy-to-reach container for used ones.
Grinding, rinsing, collecting the used grounds and descaling are all separate tasks. Que Choisir includes cleaning and noise in its espresso machine testing protocol.
Check which parts can be removed, the cleaning instructions and noise test results for the specific model you’re interested in.
The Original and Vertuo ranges use different capsules. The Essenza Mini is a compact Original machine for espresso and lungo.
The Dedica range includes manual espresso machines for people who like to use ground coffee.
The 1200 Series includes automatic espresso machines with an integrated grinder for coffee beans.
The brand offers small filter coffee makers and separate grinders, two different ways to make the most of a limited space.
These models offer different ways to make coffee in a small kitchen: capsules or pods, semi-automatic espresso and small batches of filter coffee. Compare how they work before choosing one that suits your available space and the time you can spend using it.
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Worth considering if you mainly make a cup of espresso or lungo with minimal fuss. This version is listed with a 0.6 L water tank and a power rating of 1200 W.
Check that the capsules you plan to use are compatible with this machine, and allow space to store them and dispose of them after use.
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Worth considering if you prefer to make one or two cups with coffee pods rather than handle a portafilter. Check how much room you’ll need for the machine and to store SENSEO pods.
You should also factor in the time it takes to remove parts and descale the machine.
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Worth considering if you want to make drinks with Vertuo capsules and minimal effort. This version is listed with a 0.6 L water tank.
Check the available height, access to the water tank and compatibility with the capsules you plan to use: Vertuo and Original are separate systems.
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Worth considering if you’re happy to make espresso using ground coffee and a portafilter. The product listing for this version specifies a nominal pressure of 20 bar and adjustable temperature; this figure alone doesn’t tell you how the coffee will taste.
Allow enough room to use the machine and check what cleaning tasks you’ll need to fit into your routine.
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Worth considering if you drink small amounts of filter coffee rather than espresso. The product listing gives a capacity of 300 ml, which doesn’t by itself tell you how much coffee it makes per cycle.
This format means you’ll need ground coffee, and you should check that it suits your morning routine.
Measure its width, depth and height, then check how much room you’ll need to open the lid, remove the water tank and take out the containers. Width alone isn’t enough: De’Longhi lists the Dedica Style EC685.M EX:4 as 15 cm wide and 330 mm deep.
No. Check how easy it is to access the brew group, grounds container and parts that need rinsing on the model you’re considering. Philips lists the EP1200/00 as having a removable brew group, but this doesn’t eliminate other maintenance tasks, including descaling.
For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME recommends using the sorting bin, bag or container for paper and packaging. Keep a container near your machine to collect used capsules before putting them in the appropriate recycling stream.