The Best Single-Serve Espresso Makers of 2024

Before our most recent update of this guide, our original winner, the Nespresso CitiZ, drew our attention for its compact, sleek design. It also features a versatile foldable cup tray that accommodates taller single-serve coffee or espresso glasses. Every cup of espresso brewed in less than 25 seconds, measured two ounces or less, and was hot enough even if you opt to add a dash of cold milk.

If you like your cup shorter (fewer ounces and more intense) or taller (more ounces but less strength) you can set the volume you prefer by holding down the button as it brews and releasing it when your desired amount is dispensed; the CitiZ will remember the setting. In cup after cup, Nespresso espressos had the combination of bitter and sweet notes that always make espresso so satisfying.

With the new Essenza Mini, you get the same great cup of crema-topped espresso you would expect from even the largest, most expensive Nespresso machine—but you don't have to give up as much of your kitchen's precious counter space. Wondering what you give up? Although it’s attractively designed, the Essenza doesn’t quite have the heft of the pricier models.

Its tank only holds enough water for about 10 shots, but since it’s recommended that you refill the tank with fresh water every day, this won’t be a drawback unless you keep yourself super caffeinated. After every six brews, you’ll need to empty the used capsule holder. If you buy the Nespresso Essenza Mini Bundle—from Breville—you get the same Aeroccino 3 frother that comes with the CitiZ & Milk—but it will sit on your countertop instead of on the machine.

The Essenza comes in two styles, both of which are eight inches deep. The Mini by Breville is 13 inches tall and just 3.5 inches wide, and it comes in black, white, and grey. The Mini by De’Longhi is 12.75 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide at its base, and shaped like a trapezoid. It comes in your choice of black, white, green, or red.

Until the Essenza Mini came along, this model was the smallest Nespresso machine you could buy. It is still a very reliable choice, if every single bit of counter space isn’t precious.

We found this machine slightly sturdier but a little less easy to use, as it is possible to neglect to push the lever all the way down. Do that, and it will pour coffee all over your counter instead of into the cup. The tank holds enough water for about a dozen cups of espresso. You can choose an aluminum or titanium finish.

As someone who subscribes to Lavazza’s monthly coffee delivery on Amazon, I was very excited to hear about their newly-launched pod espresso makers. Since it’s a coffee and espresso ground supplier, Lavazza uses its own pods, the Lavazza Blue Capsules, in its machines. My favorite part about the Lavazza is the helpful indicator that tells me when I need to refill the water tank, or that the used pods' drawer is full. The size is on the smaller end, and it’s a lot less noisy than many of the other machines we tested.

However, the tiny footprint means that you’ll have to compromise on other things. The water tank is only 0.2 gallons (less than 26 ounces ) and the drawer for used pods is small, which means you’ll have to dump the pods frequently.

This product has been replaced by the Esperta 3. Think of the Esperta as a drink station rather than an espresso machine. Yes, it makes an acceptable shot with a layer of crema, but what really distinguishes it is its ability to make everything from a vanilla latte macchiato to chai to peach iced tea.

To prepare a milk-topped beverage, you brew two capsules consecutively, changing the setting between each. The toppings are made from a dried powder that’s reconstituted and lightly frothed during the brewing process. They definitely don’t have the taste or the volume you get from frothing real milk, which means this is not the machine for a serious coffee aficionado.

From the clarity of its diagram-filled manual to the grip in the tank, you’ll appreciate that this appliance is exceptionally easy to use. However, unlike all the others we tested, it doesn’t automatically dispense used capsules into an internal chamber, so you have to pop each one out before you use another. A bin is included to hold them if you plan on recycling them but the machine is already bulky too begin with. The tank holds enough water for a whopping 22 cups of espresso, but most likely you’ll use the Dolce Gusto to make larger drinks.

This mini espresso maker first caught our attention with its compact size and inexpensive price tag. We were impressed with how many great reviews it had generated after its recent launch. It’s by far the lightest machine we tested, but that’s not a good thing when it comes to espresso. As we have discussed, the traditional espresso brewing method involves high-pressure pumping, which means a heavy base is often necessary for safety assurance. When I turned on the ChefWave, the machine started to shake so violently that I had to put my left hand on the head and hold the shot glass in my right hand so it wouldn’t drift away.

The espresso came out more mediocre than most of the shots we made. However, overall we think the flimsy build—which is a telltale sign that it’s not suitable for long-term usage—is more of an issue than the coffee taste.