Choosing the right espresso machine for a small kitchen involves balancing size, features, and ease of use. The Breville BES840XL Infuser stands out for its precise temperature control, making it ideal for those who want café-quality results with a bit of complexity. The Breville Bambino Plus offers a compact form factor with automatic features, perfect for beginners or quick mornings. Meanwhile, the Breville BES876BSS Barista Express Impress combines grinder and espresso in a semi-automatic setup, suited for those wanting more control without sacrificing convenience. Each of these models presents tradeoffs between size, functionality, and learning curve, which I will clarify below.
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Key Takeaways
- The Breville BES840XL Infuser delivers precise temperature control but is more complex for beginners.
- The Bambino Plus is the best compact option with automatic features, ideal for small kitchens and quick drinks.
- The Barista Express Impress offers a built-in grinder for café-quality drinks but requires more setup and space.
- All models are designed to fit small countertops but vary in automation and learning curve.
- Tradeoffs include size, complexity, and functionality—choose based on your comfort level and space constraints.
| Breville BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Precise Control and Third Wave Coffee Enthusiasts | Power: 1650 Watts | Voltage: 110 to 120 Volts | Water Tank Capacity: 61 oz | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Beginners and Small Kitchens | Water Pressure: Low pressure pre-infusion | Porta-filter Size: 54mm | Coffee Dose: 19 grams | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES876BSS Barista Express Impress, Brushed Stainless Steel |  | Best for Control and Built-in Grinder | Capacity: 250g bean hopper, 2L water tank | Grind Settings: 25 | Portafilter Size: 54mm | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Truffle |  | Best for All-in-One Coffee Experience | 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, Easy-to-Use Model | Power: 1560 Watts | Voltage: 110-120 Volts | Brew Size Options: 1 or 2 Cups | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| breville espresso machines for small counters guide 3 | Power | Voltage | Included Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville BES840XL Infuser Espr | 1650 Watts | 110 to 120 Volts | — |
| Breville Bambino Plus Espresso | 1560 Watts | 110 to 120 Volts | — |
| Breville BES876BSS Barista Exp | — | — | Milk jug, filter baskets, tamper, cleaning tools |
| Breville BES870BTR Barista Exp | 1600 Watts | 120 Volts | Portafilter, filter baskets, tamper, milk jug |
| Breville Bambino Espresso Mach | 1560 Watts | 110-120 Volts | Filter baskets, milk jug, tamper |
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 with PID technology, making it a top choice for those who value consistency and café-quality extraction. Its low-pressure pre-infusion ensures even extraction, which benefits those aiming for balanced flavor profiles. Compared to more automatic options, this model offers more manual control over shot timing and temperature, appealing to experienced users or those willing to learn. However, its complexity can intimidate beginners, and it requires a stable power supply due to high wattage. Still, for someone with a small but dedicated space and a desire for flexibility, this machine offers a high level of performance.
Pros:- Precise temperature control with PID technology
- Consistent extraction via low-pressure pre-infusion
- Includes accessories for versatile brewing
- Supports third wave specialty coffee
Cons:- May be too complex for newcomers
- Higher power consumption
- Limited to 110-120V outlets
Best for: Serious coffee lovers wanting precise control and third wave brewing
Not ideal for: Complete beginners or those seeking quick, easy espresso without much fuss
- Power:1650 Watts
- Voltage:110 to 120 Volts
- Water Tank Capacity:61 oz
Our verdict“Best suited for dedicated coffee enthusiasts who want control and café-quality results in a small footprint.”
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Bambino Plus offers a compact footprint with automatic steam wand for microfoam and fast heat-up thanks to ThermoJet technology. It’s designed to deliver café-quality espresso with minimal fuss, making it ideal for small kitchens where space and ease of use matter most. Compared with the Infuser, this model is more automated, reducing the learning curve, but it sacrifices some manual control and doesn’t include a grinder. It’s perfect for those who want good espresso without extensive setup or technical knowledge. Still, its limited size means it’s not built for high-volume use, and users will need to source grounds separately.
Pros:- Compact size fits small counters
- Automatic steam wand for microfoam
- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet system
- Precise temperature control
Cons:- Limited capacity for high-volume brewing
- Requires separate grinder for fresh beans
- Some learning curve for perfect extraction
Best for: Casual users and small kitchen owners seeking fast, reliable espresso
Not ideal for: Experienced baristas or those wanting integrated grinding functions
- Water Pressure:Low pressure pre-infusion
- Porta-filter Size:54mm
- Coffee Dose:19 grams
- Power:1560 Watts
- Voltage:110 to 120 Volts
- Warranty:2 Year Limited
Our verdict“Ideal for beginners or small households wanting quick, quality espresso with minimal setup.”
Breville BES876BSS Barista Express Impress, Brushed Stainless Steel
The BES876BSS Barista Express Impress combines a built-in conical burr grinder with 25 grind settings, allowing fresh grounds for each shot. It features intelligent dosing and assisted tamping, making it easier for those who want professional results without extensive barista skills. Its powerful steam wand enables latte art and microfoam, while its flexible manual controls suit a variety of brewing styles. Compared to the other models, it’s larger and more complex but offers a higher level of control over the entire process. It’s less suitable for tiny counters or absolute beginners who prefer plug-and-play devices.
Pros:- Built-in conical burr grinder with 25 settings
- Powerful steam wand for microfoam and latte art
- Intelligent dosing and assisted tamping
- High-quality construction
Cons:- Requires more space and setup time
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Relatively large size may not fit in tight kitchens
Best for: Home baristas seeking a semi-automatic machine with grinder and advanced features
Not ideal for: Small spaces or users looking for straightforward, minimal setup machines
- Capacity:250g bean hopper, 2L water tank
- Grind Settings:25
- Portafilter Size:54mm
- Included Accessories:Milk jug, filter baskets, tamper, cleaning tools
Our verdict“Best for users who want a semi-automatic machine with integrated grinding and manual control for professional results.”
Breville BES870BTR Barista Express Espresso Machine, Black Truffle
The BES870BTR offers a versatile setup with a built-in conical burr grinder, precise temperature control, and a steam wand. It is designed for those who want to grind, dose, and brew with minimal fuss, providing control over grind size and extraction parameters. While it’s slightly larger than other compact models, it manages to fit on small counters due to its compact footprint. Its main tradeoff is higher power consumption and a learning curve similar to other semi-automatic machines. It’s suited for users who want a full-featured experience in a relatively small package but are willing to master the setup.
Pros:- Built-in conical burr grinder for fresh grounds
- Precise temperature regulation
- Steam wand for microfoam and latte art
- Adjustable grind size and manual override
Cons:- Relatively high power consumption
- Limited water tank capacity for frequent brewing
- Requires some learning for perfect results
Best for: Home enthusiasts who want a full-featured, all-in-one machine in a small space
Not ideal for: Absolute beginners or users who prefer simple, automatic machines
- Capacity:1/2 lb Bean Hopper
- Water Tank:67 oz
- Power:1600 Watts
- Voltage:120 Volts
- Included Accessories:Portafilter, filter baskets, tamper, milk jug
Our verdict“A versatile choice for users wanting an all-in-one espresso setup with good control in a small footprint.”
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Bambino is designed for small spaces with rapid heat-up and automatic features. Its ThermoJet system ensures fast readiness, while the automatic steam wand simplifies milk frothing. It’s a straightforward, user-friendly machine that makes espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes at home. Compared to the Bambino Plus, this model offers a slightly more basic feature set, but its compact size makes it perfect for tiny counters. It does lack detailed water capacity info and advanced customization options, which might limit more seasoned users. Still, for those wanting quick, decent espresso, it’s a practical pick.
Pros:- Fast heat-up with ThermoJet system
- Automatic steam wand for microfoam
- Compact design suitable for small kitchens
- Precise temperature regulation
Cons:- Limited details on water tank capacity
- No advanced control options
- Price not specified
Best for: Small kitchen owners seeking basic, fast espresso with minimal fuss
Not ideal for: Experienced baristas or users needing advanced customization and grinding features
- Power:1560 Watts
- Voltage:110-120 Volts
- Brew Size Options:1 or 2 Cups
- Included Accessories:Filter baskets, milk jug, tamper
Our verdict“A practical, space-saving choice for casual users who want quick, quality espresso without extra features.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on size compatibility with small kitchens, user-friendly features, and versatility for different skill levels. We prioritized models that fit comfortably on limited counters while offering essential coffee-making capabilities. We compared each machine’s build quality, control options, and additional features like grinders or automatic steaming to ensure they meet the needs of home baristas with small spaces. Price and warranty were also considered to identify models that balance value with durability.
| breville espresso machines for small counters guide 3 | Included Accessories |
|---|---|
| Breville BES840XL Infuser Espr | — |
| Breville Bambino Plus Espresso | — |
| Breville BES876BSS Barista Exp | Milk jug, filter baskets, tamper, cleaning tools |
| Breville BES870BTR Barista Exp | Portafilter, filter baskets, tamper, milk jug |
| Breville Bambino Espresso Mach | Filter baskets, milk jug, tamper |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Breville Espresso Machines For Small Counters Guide 3
When selecting a Breville espresso machine for a small counter, focus on size, ease of use, and features that match your coffee habits. Consider whether you want a fully manual experience or prefer automation for faster, consistent results. Additionally, think about the presence of integrated grinders, steaming capabilities, and how much space you can allocate. The right choice balances your skill level, space constraints, and desired control over your brews.
Size and Footprint
Small counters demand compact machines. Look for models with widths under 8 inches to ensure they fit comfortably without crowding your space. Some models, like the Bambino Plus and Bambino, are specifically designed to be slim and portable, making them excellent choices for tight kitchens.
Ease of Use vs. Control
Beginners often prefer machines with automatic features, like automatic milk frothing and quick heat-up, while experienced users might prioritize manual control over grind size, shot timing, and temperature. The Bambino Plus and Bambino excel for ease, whereas the Infuser and Barista Express Impress cater to more control-oriented users.
Built-In Grinder and Features
Integrated grinders like in the Barista Express Impress save space and ensure fresh grounds, but they add size and complexity. If space is limited, consider models without grinders or with compact, high-quality built-in options. Also, features like assisted tamping or automatic steaming can reduce skill requirements for good results.
Power and Water Capacity
Power consumption varies slightly, but all models are designed to fit small spaces. Water tank size impacts how often you need to refill; models like the BES870BTR and BES876BSS have larger tanks, suitable for multiple drinks. For minimal space, smaller tanks or quick refill options might be preferable, but expect to refill more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Breville espresso machines suitable for small counters?
Yes, many Breville models are designed with space efficiency in mind. The Bambino and Bambino Plus are particularly compact, fitting easily on small counters without sacrificing essential features. Always check the dimensions before purchasing to ensure they fit your specific space constraints.
Is a built-in grinder necessary for small kitchens?
Not necessarily. While a built-in grinder like in the Barista Express Impress offers the convenience of using fresh grounds, it adds to the machine’s size and complexity. If space is tight, using pre-ground coffee or a separate compact grinder can work just as well without taking up extra counter space.
Which Breville machine is best for beginners?
The Bambino Plus and Bambino are ideal for newcomers because of their automatic features, quick heat-up, and straightforward operation. They reduce the learning curve and allow users to make quality espresso with minimal technical adjustments.
Can I get professional-quality espresso in a small space?
Absolutely, especially with models like the Infuser and Barista Express Impress, which offer precise control, integrated grinding, and steaming. These machines are designed to bring café-quality results into a compact home setting, though they may require some practice to master all features.
What should I consider regarding water capacity?
Water capacity impacts how many drinks you can make before refilling. Smaller tanks are typical in compact machines, so plan for frequent refills if you drink multiple cups daily. Larger tanks provide more convenience but may require more counter space.
Conclusion
For small kitchens, the choice depends on your comfort with coffee-making and space availability. Beginners or those prioritizing speed and ease will find the Bambino and Bambino Plus most suitable. Experienced enthusiasts seeking control and customization might prefer the Infuser or Barista Express Impress, provided their space allows. For dedicated coffee lovers who want a balance of automation and manual control in a compact form, these Breville options offer excellent versatility.
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