How to Choose a Mini Espresso Machine

A mini espresso maker is a great option for making a delicious coffee while on the go. Its design makes it easy to use and clean. It is a sustainable option since it reduces the waste generated by single-use pods.

Contrary to the Nanopresso model, this one uses the standard portafilter basket that produces enough pressure to produce an excellent espresso shot. The body is strong however, the plastic isn't as luxurious as other models.

Easy to use

The ideal small espresso machine should be simple to use. This is particularly important if you are new to espresso-making. A machine that's difficult to use will make you feel frustrated, and make it harder to make the espresso you want. It is best to choose one that has an intuitive control panel and that is easy to comprehend. It should also come with an effective steam wand that can make foamed and frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It should also be able to adjust the temperature and the amount of milk used for different drinks.

The Philips Saeco Xspresso espresso machine is a small, compact espresso machine that offers a wide variety of pre-made drinks. It can grind whole beans and create five different kinds of espresso, including the most popular cappuccino and latte. It has a huge touchscreen display that has intuitive controls. It takes up only a little of counter space, and also has an integrated frother. Its steam wand is powerful and creates a thick creamy foam.

There are a variety of other options for small espresso makers that you might want to consider. Some of them can be used with ESE pods but others can also use ground coffee or portafilters. Most of them have internal pumps that can produce an initial pressure of 9 bars. Some pumps can go as high as 19 bar.

Based on your requirements depending on your needs, you may wish to buy a small espresso machine that can brew both double- and single-shot espresso. You can also choose a machine with an ejector that can be removed and a tray which can be used to hold taller glasses.

Most small espresso machines are manual, which means that you need to grind the coffee and manually tamp and press it into a portafilter before brewing. It can be a challenge for novices to achieve the proper pressure. There are also super-automatic machines that can do the grinding, tamping and making. espresso machine with grinder are more user-friendly than semi-automatic machines.


The Nespresso Inissia is a good choice for people who are looking for a basic and simple espresso maker. It is slightly cheaper than the Nespresso Essenza and offers more options. It has eight drink recipes and 11 milk temperature and froth texture settings and a high-resolution digital display. It's also lightweight and can be carried with the help of a handle.

Easy to clean

It is important to clean your espresso machine regardless of whether you are using it at your home or in a café. A dirty espresso maker can produce a rancid oil with a foul smell that can alter the taste of your coffee. If you let the oil build up it could block water lines. Fortunately, cleaning an espresso machine is a simple process that doesn't take much time.

You can clean your espresso maker using a cleaning brush, sponge, or cloth. You can also wash the removable parts with a mild detergent in warm water. After rinsing, dry your parts that are removable with a towel and then keep them. To thoroughly clean your machine take off the group head and screen. This is the part that connects the portafilter to make an espresso. It is fitted with an opening for a screw which can be removed using an allen key or screwdriver that is located in the middle.

Also, you should clean the drip tray and steam wand. These items will make your espresso machine last a lot longer by keeping them clean. Clean any pipes that aren't connected to the machine. This will prevent them from becoming clogged with coffee sludge. You can also wipe down the grate of your machine with an abrasive pad.

If you're running out of time, you can clean your machine with white vinegar. This method can end the warranty on your espresso machine. If you do decide to do this, make sure to use a screwdriver that has Phillips-head and flat tips. You can also purchase commercial espresso cleaners, such as Cafiza.

To keep your espresso machine in good condition, you need to cleanse it regularly. If your espresso machine is equipped with instant pressure relief, you must backflush the machine every week using the Urnex Cafiza tablet. This will break down the oils that build up in your coffee machine.

Before reinstalling the brew unit, it should be cleaned with hot soapy water. You should also lubricate with an approved food-safe lubricant for the rotating part of brew unit. You can use vaseline to do this.

Easy to maintain

The most efficient mini espresso machines are easy to maintain and keep clean. After each use, clean the parts that are removable in hot water using mild detergent. Dry them with an absorbent cloth and then put them back into your machine. Every few weeks you should run a descaling agent through the machine. Follow the manufacturer's directions to perform this process.

The majority of small espresso machines are automated, and are used with ESE pods or semi-automatic to allow manual brewing using a portafilter (the spoon-like device that holds grounds of coffee). Both models use an internal pump to generate pressure and force steam through the grounds to extract steam. This is measured in bars and the majority of models can produce 9 bars or more. Some models can reach up to 19, which produces an even stronger and more concentrated shot. However it's not necessary to purchase a top-of-the-line machine to enjoy top-quality espresso.

If you have an espresso machine that is semi-automatic, it's important to remove the milk wand as well as any external pipes prior to placing it in storage. This will stop the milk frothing nozzle absorbing moisture, and forming limescale. You can also apply a food-safe lubricant grease moving parts. This will minimise any damage to the brewing equipment when it's in storage.

It is also recommended to clean the drip tray and any other removable parts of the espresso machine prior to storing it. During this time, it is important to keep the espresso machine in a place with a steady temperature and avoid exposing it extreme cold or heat. It is also recommended to move the espresso machine to a warmer location if you plan to make use of it in the near future.

The proper storage of an espresso machine in a dry and clean location will save you from costly repairs in the future. Some experts recommend using white wine vinegar to clean your espresso machine. However, this could cause warranty void and even damage internal components. Instead of harsh chemicals, it's best to use a descaler.

Easy to store

If you love coffee, a mini-espresso maker is a must-have for your kitchen. These small machines are convenient to carry, store and use. Some models have sleek designs that are compatible with other decors which makes them ideal for small spaces. Some have a more traditional espresso machine design that blends in with any home design. These machines are easy to clean and maintain which means you can drink the cup of coffee anytime you want.

The Lavazza Classy Mini Espresso Machine will add a touch elegance to your kitchen. This compact espresso maker is simple to clean and comes with a variety of useful features, including a capsule container that holds up to 11 used capsules, and an automatic drip tray that automatically fills and drains the water reservoir.

Another alternative for espresso lovers with limited space is the Nespresso Inissia Espresso Machine (view at Amazon). This coffee maker can be used at home as well as on the road. It is smaller and lighter than Essenza. The Inissia also comes with a convenient fold-down handle, which makes it even more portable.

The Inissia, though small and light, is still equipped with an efficient pump that can deliver up to 19-bars of pressure for optimal extraction. The machine comes with an in-built water tank which eliminates the requirement for an additional reservoir. It is also simple to operate, with a single button that starts the brewing cycle and it heats the water. Compatible with Nespresso capsules and other premium capsules of coffee.

The best mini espresso makers make delicious, creamy drinks comparable to those made by professional baristas. The majority of mini espresso machines are easy to use and come with a variety of accessories, such as the portafilter as well as a filter basket. Espresso makers also come with adjustable temperature control as well as programmable volumetric controls. They are the perfect option for any coffee lover who lives a hectic life and doesn't have lots of counter space.