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Coffee setup

Compact Espresso Setup

Lattes and flat whites from a small counter: a fast-heating machine with automatic milk, an espresso grinder and a scale.

Home espresso machine brewing into a cup on a kitchen counter
Who it's for
Beginners who mostly drink milk-based espresso drinks and have limited counter space.
What you'll need
Around 35–40 cm of counter width for the machine and grinder side by side, and a nearby outlet.
Counter space
Both appliances are compact. Leave room above the grinder hopper and in front of the machine to remove the drip tray.
Budget
Editorial planning target: about $750 for the essentials. This is an editorial planning figure, not a current retailer price.

The essentials

  1. Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Espresso machine

    Bambino Plus Espresso Machine

    Why it's here: Heats quickly and textures milk automatically — the easiest route to good milk drinks.

    $499.95 on Amazon

    Price as of – Details

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

    View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)

    Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.

  2. Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Grinder

    Encore ESP Coffee Grinder

    Why it's here: Fine espresso adjustment, plus a filter range for weekend pour-over.

    $199.95 on Amazon

    Price as of – Details

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

    View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)

    Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.

  3. TIMEMORE Black Mirror Basic 2.0 Coffee Scale (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Scale

    Black Mirror Basic 2.0 Coffee Scale

    Why it's here: Weighs dose and shot to 0.1 g so you can repeat a good recipe.

    $55.00 on Amazon

    Price as of – Details

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

    View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)

    Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.

Optional extras

  1. 1Zpresso J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder (opens Amazon in a new tab)

    Hand grinder (alternative)

    J-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder

    Why it's here: A quieter, more compact grinder if you only make one or two shots a day.

    $199.00 on Amazon

    Price as of – Details

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

    View on Amazon.com (opens Amazon.com in a new tab, affiliate link)

    Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link.