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The best espresso machine for apartment kitchens is one that fits a small counter and does not need constant refilling. This guide covers six compact or slim machines, and we compare them by the dimensions, weight and water tank sizes their listings state. Only the Zulay and SHARDOR listings mention apartments by name, and we do not claim apartment suitability beyond what each listing states.
Every detail here comes from each product’s Amazon listing, and we did not test these espresso machines in person. Scores follow the four criteria in the How We Score section, and our Editorial Policy explains how we handle listing data.
Top 3 Compact Espresso Machines at a Glance
Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim Espresso Machine (EM-160)
- Removable 51 oz water reservoir
- Up to 15 bar and a 52 mm bottomless portafilter
- Limited 3-year warranty
BELLA JOLT 20-bar Slim Espresso Maker
- 20 bar pump with 360 degree steam wand
- Removable 37 oz tank
- Drip tray with a built-in full indicator
Gourmia Slim Espresso Machine with LCD Screen (GCM3110)
- LCD display with adjustable controls
- Removable 43 oz tank
- Built-in cup warmer and auto shut off
How We Score
We score each espresso machine out of 10 on four criteria, using only what its Amazon listing states. A clearly listed, strong feature earns 8 to 10, a partial one 6 to 7, a feature the listing does not mention 5, and one the listing shows as absent or contrary 2 to 4. The overall score is the weighted total.
| Criterion | Weight | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Compact size | 30% | Listed dimensions and weight, plus whether the listing calls the body slim, compact or space saving |
| Water supply | 25% | Listed tank size and whether it is removable, which sets how often you refill |
| Milk and drinks | 25% | Listed pressure, steam wand, shot options and other drinks the listing names |
| Extras and warranty | 20% | Included tools, safety or cleaning features and any listed warranty period |
Compact Espresso Machines Compared
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Spec | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cuisinart Slim | Best 3-Year Warranty | 15 bar slim machine | 51 oz tank, 15 bar | 8.9 | View |
 BELLA JOLT | Best Drip Tray With Full Indicator | 20 bar slim machine | 20 bar, 37 oz tank | 8.2 | View |
 Gourmia Slim | Best LCD Screen | 20 bar slim machine | LCD screen, 43 oz tank | 8.0 | View |
 Zulay Magia | Best Heat Resistant Sleeve | 20 bar compact machine | 20 bar, 40 oz tank | 7.5 | View |
 SHARDOR 3.5 Bar | Best Borosilicate Glass Carafe | 3.5 bar compact machine | 3.5 lbs, 3.5 bar | 7.3 | View |
 HBN 3.5 Bar | Best 40-Second Steam Wand | 3.5 bar 2 to 4 cup machine | 2 to 4 cups, 4.1 lbs | 6.3 | View |
1. Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim Espresso Machine (EM-160)
- Largest tank listed here, 51 oz, so fewer refills
- Fits travel mugs up to 20 oz, per the listing
- Includes milk jug, single and double filters, tamper and cleaning pin
- Longest warranty listed here, limited 3-year
- Listed height is 14.45 inches, the tallest here
- Heaviest weight listed here at 5.15 kg
- Spec table lists manual as the operation mode
| Pressure | Up to 15 bar |
|---|---|
| Water tank | 51 fl oz, removable |
| Weight | 5.15 kg |
| Dimensions | 12.8 x 6.54 x 14.45 in |
The Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim is a slim espresso machine with a 52 mm stainless steel bottomless portafilter and up to 15 bars of pressure. The listing says it makes hot or cold drinks, including cappuccino, lattes and cold extracted espresso. A frothing wand tops drinks with dairy or non-dairy foam, and the cup space fits travel mugs up to 20 ounces. The spec table lists a 51 fluid ounce removable tank and a weight of 5.15 kg.
The listing includes a stainless steel milk jug, single and double shot filters, a coffee scoop with tamper and a steam wand cleaning pin, and it states a limited 3-year warranty. The spec table lists 12.8 inches deep, 6.54 inches wide and 14.45 inches tall, and also names a cup warmer and a water filter. The tall body is the main thing to measure against your cabinets. Score: compact size 7, water supply 10, milk and drinks 9, extras and warranty 10.
Who the Cuisinart Slim fits best
Choose it if you want the largest listed tank and the longest listed warranty, and your cabinets leave room for a 14.45 inch height.
Who should skip the Cuisinart Slim
Skip it if you have low cabinets or want a machine whose spec table lists semi-automatic operation.
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2. BELLA JOLT 20-bar Slim Espresso Maker
- Listing calls the design slim and space saving
- Removable 37 oz water reservoir
- Drip tray has a built-in full indicator
- Limited 2-year warranty and a tamper scoop included
- Feature list says 1300 watts while the spec table lists 1000 watts
- No weight is listed
- Smaller tank than the Cuisinart, Gourmia and Zulay picks
| Pressure | 20 bar |
|---|---|
| Water tank | 37 oz, removable |
| Dimensions | 5.94 x 11.73 x 11.06 in |
| Warranty | Limited 2-year |
The BELLA JOLT is a 20 bar espresso maker that the listing describes as slim with a space saving footprint. The spec table lists 5.94 inches deep, 11.73 inches wide and 11.06 inches tall, an 11.06 inch height. A 360 degree swivel steam wand texturizes dairy and non-dairy milk, and indicator lights show when the machine is ready to brew or steam. The listing gives no weight.
The removable 37 ounce reservoir is the smallest tank among the tank-based picks, but the listing adds a removable stainless steel drip tray with a built-in full indicator. A 52 mm aluminum die-cast portafilter, single and double filters, a 2-in-1 tamper and measuring scoop and a cleaning pin are included. The feature list says 1300 watts while the spec table lists 1000 watts, and a limited 2-year warranty is stated. Score: compact size 7, water supply 8, milk and drinks 9, extras and warranty 9.
Who the BELLA JOLT fits best
Choose it if you want a slim 20 bar machine with a full indicator on the drip tray and a 2-year warranty.
Who should skip the BELLA JOLT
Skip it if you need a listed weight or the largest possible water tank.
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3. Gourmia Slim Espresso Machine with LCD Screen (GCM3110)
- LCD display for single, double or custom shots
- 20 bar pump and 1350 watts per the listing
- 43 oz tank for back to back brews
- Cup warmer, auto shut off and descaling mode listed
- No warranty period is listed
- No weight is listed
- Spec table has odd values such as 20 volts and a 3 pound capacity
| Pressure | 20 bar |
|---|---|
| Water tank | 43 oz, removable |
| Wattage | 1350 watts |
| Dimensions | 12 x 6 x 12 in |
The Gourmia Slim Espresso Machine has an LCD screen, the only one listed among these picks. The listing says you can brew single, double or custom shots with adjustable controls, and that its 20 bar Italian pump and 1350 watt system preheat quickly. The built-in steam wand froths milk, and a hot water dispenser is named in the title. The spec table lists 12 inches deep, 6 inches wide and 12 inches tall.
A 43 ounce tank supports several cups back to back, and the listing adds a cup warmer, auto shut off and a descaling mode. The spec table lists a removable tank, a semi-automatic operation mode and stainless steel material. We ignored its 20 volts and 3 pound capacity values, which look like errors. The listing gives no weight and no warranty period. Score: compact size 7, water supply 9, milk and drinks 9, extras and warranty 7.
Who the Gourmia Slim fits best
Choose it if you want an LCD screen, a 43 oz tank and a 6 inch wide body.
Who should skip the Gourmia Slim
Skip it if you need a listed warranty or weight before you buy.
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4. Zulay Magia Compact Espresso Machine, 20 Bar
- Listing says it fits small countertops and suits apartments
- 40 oz (1.2 L) removable transparent tank
- Heat resistant sleeve and 1 cup and 2 cup filters included
- Weight listed at 8.4 pounds
- Spec table dimensions of 14.17 x 16.93 x 7.87 in read wider than a slim body
- The 8.4 pound weight is heavier than the SHARDOR and HBN picks
- No warranty period is listed
| Pressure | 20 bar |
|---|---|
| Water tank | 40 oz, removable |
| Weight | 8.4 pounds |
| Wattage | 1350 watts |
The Zulay Magia is a 20 bar semi-automatic machine with a 1350 watt fast heating system. The listing calls its slim stainless steel body a fit for small countertops and says it is ideal for apartments, offices and home coffee bars. A stainless steel steam wand makes microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, and the spec table lists a weight of 8.4 pounds, heavier than the SHARDOR and HBN listings.
The 40 ounce removable transparent tank allows several brews between refills, and the drip tray detaches and the filter cups are dishwasher safe. A heat resistant sleeve, a portafilter, a measuring spoon and small and large filters are included. The spec table lists 14.17 inches deep, 16.93 inches wide and 7.87 inches tall, which reads wider than a slim body, so check the size before ordering. The listing states a guarantee but no period. Score: compact size 6, water supply 9, milk and drinks 8, extras and warranty 7.
Who the Zulay Magia fits best
Choose it if you want a 20 bar machine whose listing names apartments and a transparent 40 oz tank.
Who should skip the Zulay Magia
Skip it if you need a clear set of dimensions or the lowest weight.
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5. SHARDOR 3.5 Bar Compact Espresso Machine
- Lowest weight listed here, 3.5 pounds
- Narrow 6 inch width and 8.3 inch depth
- Listing says it suits small dorms, apartments, RV travel and offices
- 2-year coverage, plus overheat and overpressure protection
- 3.5 bar is the lowest pressure listed here, tied with the HBN
- Brews into a 4 cup glass carafe, not a large tank
- Included components list only a portafilter and carafe
| Pressure | 3.5 bar |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 cups |
| Weight | 3.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 6 x 11.8 in |
The SHARDOR 3.5 Bar lists the lowest weight in this group. The listing gives 11.8 inches tall, 8.3 inches deep, 6 inches wide and 3.45 pounds, and the spec table lists 3.5 pounds. It says the size suits small dorms, apartments, RV travel and offices. An 800 watt system brews 4 cups in about 4 minutes, and a steam wand makes microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos.
This is a low pressure design, and the listing calls its 3.5 bar extraction a balanced coffee between espresso and Americano. It brews into a borosilicate glass carafe with a 4 cup capacity rather than a separate tank. One knob handles brewing, frothing and power off, and the listing names overheat and overpressure protection and 2-year coverage. A portafilter and carafe are listed as included. Score: compact size 9, water supply 6, milk and drinks 6, extras and warranty 8.
Who the SHARDOR 3.5 Bar fits best
Choose it if you want the lowest listed weight and a small footprint, and a 3.5 bar machine suits you.
Who should skip the SHARDOR 3.5 Bar
Skip it if you want a 15 or 20 bar pump or a large removable tank.
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6. HBN 3.5 Bar Espresso Machine, 2 to 4 Cup
- Listing says the steam wand makes microfoam in about 40 seconds
- Weight listed at 4.1 pounds
- Removable, washable drip tray
- One knob controls power, brewing and steam
- 3.5 bar pressure with a 240 ml carafe
- No warranty period is listed
- Listed 13.58 inch height and 12.91 inch depth are larger than the SHARDOR
| Pressure | 3.5 bar |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 to 4 cups, 240 ml |
| Weight | 4.1 pounds |
| Dimensions | 12.91 x 7.28 x 13.58 in |
The HBN is an 800 watt machine that the listing calls a 2 to 4 cup compact coffee machine for a kitchen, dorm or workspace. The spec table lists 12.91 inches deep, 7.28 inches wide, 13.58 inches tall and 4.1 pounds. The listing says its steam wand produces microfoam in about 40 seconds, and that one knob controls power, brewing and steam.
It brews into a carafe with a water level gauge, and the listing describes a protective steel ring around the carafe. The spec table lists a 240 ml capacity and 3.5 bar output pressure. A removable, washable drip tray and removable funnel help with cleaning, and a filter and milk frother are listed as included. The listing gives a recommended medium coarse grind and states no warranty period. Score: compact size 7, water supply 6, milk and drinks 6, extras and warranty 6.
Who the HBN 3.5 Bar fits best
Choose it if you want a small 2 to 4 cup machine with a fast steam wand and a listed weight of 4.1 pounds.
Who should skip the HBN 3.5 Bar
Skip it if you want higher pump pressure, a warranty period or a larger tank.
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How to Choose the Best Espresso Machine for Apartment Counters and Small Kitchens
Measure your counter and the space above it
Compare the listed depth, width and height with your counter and the cabinet over it. Some listings give a height near 14 inches, so check the clearance before you order.
Check the listed weight
A lighter machine is easier to slide out and put away. Listed weights here run from 3.5 pounds up to 5.15 kg, and two listings give no weight at all.
Look at the water tank
A larger removable tank means fewer refills, and a tank you can lift out is easier to fill at the sink. Carafe style machines hold only a few cups per brew.
Compare the listed pressure
The listings here state 3.5 bar, 15 bar or 20 bar, and the two 3.5 bar models brew into a carafe. Check the pressure and brewing style against the drinks you plan to make.
Plan for milk and cleanup
If you want lattes or cappuccinos, look for a steam wand and a drip tray you can remove. A listed warranty period is a useful tie breaker between similar machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best espresso machine for apartment kitchens?
The Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim scores highest here. Its listing gives a 51 ounce removable tank, 15 bar pressure, a 5.15 kg weight and a limited 3-year warranty. Its listed height is 14.45 inches, so check your cabinet clearance.
Which pick lists the lightest weight?
The SHARDOR 3.5 Bar lists the lowest weight here, 3.5 pounds, and a footprint of 8.3 inches deep by 6 inches wide. The HBN lists 4.1 pounds. The Gourmia and BELLA listings give no weight.
Which compact espresso machine has the largest water tank?
The Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim lists the largest tank here at 51 ounces, ahead of the Gourmia at 43 ounces, the Zulay at 40 ounces and the BELLA at 37 ounces. The SHARDOR and HBN use glass carafes instead.
Which picks list 20 bar pressure?
The Gourmia Slim, BELLA JOLT and Zulay Magia all list 20 bar. The Cuisinart lists up to 15 bar, and the SHARDOR and HBN list 3.5 bar.
Do any of these listings mention apartments?
Yes. The Zulay listing says its slim body is ideal for apartments, offices and home coffee bars. The SHARDOR listing says its size suits small dorms, apartments, RV travel and offices. The other listings do not mention apartments.
Final Verdict
The best espresso machine for apartment counters in this group is the Cuisinart Espresso Bar Slim for its 51 ounce removable tank, travel mug clearance and 3-year warranty. The BELLA JOLT ranks next for its 20 bar pump and 2-year warranty, and the Gourmia Slim follows with an LCD screen and a 43 ounce tank. Check the current price and size on Amazon before you order.
Looking for something else? See our Cappuccino Machine and Espresso Machine for Beginners guides, or browse Milk Frother picks.
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