Best compact espresso machines

Top pick: Breville Bambino Plus. It's the compact machine I'd point most people to — a small footprint, fast heat-up, and an automatic steam wand that froths milk for you, so lattes don't need a barista's wrist. Reviewers rate it well and it's the easiest "real espresso" machine to live with daily.

Who the others suit:

• Breville Barista Express — you want the grinder built in and don't mind grinding and tamping yourself.
• Gaggia Brera — you'd rather press one button: bean-to-cup, fully automatic.
• Profitec GO — you're chasing café-grade shots and don't mind a learning curve.
• Casabrews CM5418 / Gevi / URintells — a tight budget and simple manual shots; expect more fiddling.
• Ninja Luxe Café — espresso plus drip coffee and hot froth in one machine.
• Yabano steam maker — occasional, milky drinks only; it isn't true pump espresso.

Skip the Calphalon Miniatura: its only rating is 1 star.