When you decide you want to make espresso at home, you aren't just buying a coffee maker; you are picking up a new hobby. It requires patience, practice, and the right...
If you're reading this post it's for a reason. Like me you don't have a lot of space in your kitchen. My family in particular lives in a condo here in Hawaii so we also don't have a lot of storage space to go with it.
Unfortunately many high-end machines look like chrome spaceships that require a lot of kitchen real estate. On the other hand, the tiny plastic appliances you find in big-box stores often produce sad, watery coffee that barely qualifies as espresso.
You need a middle ground. You need a compact espresso machine that fits in a small apartment or a crowded kitchen but still pulls a shot that tastes like it came from a café.
For me there has really only ever been one machine that respects your counter space without disrespecting your coffee beans: The Gaggia Classic Pro.
Why Size Matters (And Why "All-in-Ones" are a Trap)
When looking for a space-saver, you might be tempted by machines like the Breville Barista Express. Don't get me wrong, it's a popular machine, but it’s wide. It combines the grinder and the brewer into one unit.
If you are tight on space, I actually argue against these all-in-one units. Why? Because you are stuck with that footprint forever.
A dedicated compact espresso machine like the Gaggia allows you to slot the machine into a narrow space and tuck a separate grinder wherever it fits. It gives you "Tetris" options for your counter that a wide all-in-one machine does not.
The WINNER: Gaggia Classic Pro E24
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 Espresso Machine is the king of the entry-level category for a reason, but it is also the king of the "compact" category.
Here is why it lives on my counter:
- The Footprint: It is surprisingly narrow. You can slide it right next to your toaster or microwave, and it doesn't dominate the room.
- Commercial Standards: Despite being small, it uses a 58mm portafilter. This is the same size handle used in professional coffee shops. Most small home machines use tiny 50mm or 54mm baskets that are harder to work with. The Gaggia feels like the real deal because it is the real deal.
- The Steam Wand: If you want lattes or cappuccinos, you need steam power. Small appliances usually have weak wands that just blow bubbles. The Gaggia has enough pressure to create that wet-paint texture microfoam for latte art.
It is a tank, but a small tank. It’s industrial, repairable, and simple. No touch screens to break, just three satisfying rocker switches.
Check out the Gaggia Classic Pro on Amazon
Don't Forget The Grinder (The "Other" Compact Necessity)
Here is the catch with buying a standalone compact espresso machine: you need a grinder. And no, your blade grinder used for spices won't work.
Since we are trying to save space, you want a grinder that is equally slim but capable of grinding fine enough for espresso.
I recommend the TIMEMORE Sculptor 064S Flat Burr Grinder. It is incredibly slim, quiet, and looks great next to the industrial vibe of the Gaggia. If you are on a stricter budget, the Baratza Encore is the classic starter choice, though the Sculptor is better suited for espresso fine-tuning.
See the Timemore Sculptor 064S here
Small Accessories, Big Improvement
One of the benefits of the Gaggia's 58mm size is that you can buy industry-standard tools. To get the best out of your compact espresso machine, grab these two small items:
- A Better Tamper: The plastic one that comes in the box is garbage. Get a TIMEMORE 58mm Espresso Tamper. It feels heavy and ensures your coffee bed is flat.
- WDT Tool: This sounds nerdy, but a Normcore WDT Distribution Tool breaks up clumps in your coffee grounds. It takes 5 seconds and makes your espresso taste 50% better.
The FINAL SHOT
You don't need to remodel your kitchen to make great coffee.
If you want the convenience of a pod but better taste, you could look at a Nespresso Vertuo Plus, but you’ll be paying a premium for pods forever.
If you want the ritual, the smell, and the taste of a coffee shop in a package that fits in a studio apartment, the Gaggia Classic Pro is the best compact espresso machine for your home. Also if you want to see my full home setup you can check out my Work From Home Guide to the Best Espresso Setup.
One final tip: A machine is only as good as the beans you put in it. Don't buy stale beans from the grocery store shelf. I personally use a subscription to keep fresh beans arriving on autopilot.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps fuel the coffee, the testing, and the writing. Thanks for supporting the work.
