As a college student, balancing studies, social life, and caffeine cravings can be challenging. Finding the perfect espresso machine can make mornings easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re cramming for exams or need a pick-me-up between classes, a reliable espresso machine is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best espresso machines for college students. We’ll focus on affordability, ease of use, and compact design—key factors for any student’s small dorm room or apartment.
Choosing the right espresso machine can enhance your college experience by offering you quality coffee at the push of a button. From budget-friendly options to versatile machines, we’ve got you covered.
Top Products:
Best All-in-One Espresso Machine for College Students
Breville Barista Express
- Delivers rich, flavorful espresso.
- User-friendly and easy to set up.
- Built-in grinder ensures fresh grounds.
- Enhances kitchen aesthetics.
- Maintains consistent brewing temperature.
Best High-End Espresso Machine for College Student
Breville Barista Touch
- Makes delicious coffee consistently.
- Intuitive touchscreen is user-friendly.
- Automatic frother simplifies milk preparation.
- High-quality construction, visually appealing.
- Good value for the investment.
Best Portable Espresso Machine for College Students
Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2
- High-quality construction and materials.
- Produces flavorful and delicious espresso.
- Intuitive design, easy to learn.
- Great value for the price paid.
- Portable for camping and travel use.
Stay tuned to discover how you can enjoy delicious espresso without breaking the bank or sacrificing precious study time.
Short Buying Guide
Affordability: As a student, sticking to a budget is crucial. Look for espresso machines that offer great value without compromising quality. Affordable models often come with essential features without the extra cost.
Size and Space: Dorm rooms and small apartments require compact appliances. Opt for an espresso machine that fits comfortably in your limited space. A small footprint ensures it won’t clutter your study area or kitchen.
Ease of Use: Choose a machine with a user-friendly interface. Automatic and semi-automatic machines are ideal for quick, hassle-free coffee. Look for models with simple controls and easy cleaning processes.
Versatility: Consider machines that offer multiple functions, such as brewing espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. Versatility allows you to enjoy various coffee drinks without needing additional equipment.
Durability: Investing in a durable machine ensures it will last through your college years. Read reviews and check for warranties to ensure your espresso machine is built to withstand daily use.
Our Recommendations For Best Espresso Machine For College Student
| Award | Design | Espresso Machines | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best All-in-One Espresso Machine for College Students | Best Pick | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Best Compact Espresso Machine for College Student |  | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Best User-Friendly Espresso Machine for College Students |  | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Best Quick Brewing Espresso Machine for College Students |  | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Best Portable Espresso Machine for College Students | Budget Pick | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Best Travel Espresso Machine for College Students |  | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Best High-End Espresso Machine for College Student | Staff Pick | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Best Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machine for College Student |  | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Breville Barista Express
Best All-in-One Espresso Machine for College Students
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Breville Barista Express (BES870XL) | Type: Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine | Power: 1600 watts | Water Tank Capacity: 67 ounces | Grinder: Integrated conical burr grinder
| KEY FEATURES
Built-in Grinder: Freshly grind coffee beans before brewing for optimal flavor | Steam Wand: Froths milk for lattes and cappuccinos, adding versatility | Hot Water Dispenser: Provides hot water for Americanos and tea
REASONS TO BUY
✓Delivers rich, flavorful espresso.
✓User-friendly and easy to set up.
✓Built-in grinder ensures fresh grounds.
✓Enhances kitchen aesthetics.
✓Maintains consistent brewing temperature.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Pressure gauge may underperform.
✗Steam wand lacks power for heavy frothing.
Breville Barista Express earns the title of Best All-in-One Espresso Machine for College Students due to its impressive combination of features and user-friendly design. Its built-in conical burr grinder ensures that every cup of coffee is made with freshly ground beans, solving the common problem of stale pre-ground coffee. This feature is especially beneficial for students who appreciate a high-quality espresso experience.
Designed to fit seamlessly into small kitchen spaces, this machine is perfect for dorms and apartments. With a 67-ounce water tank, it reduces the need for constant refilling, which is ideal for busy college life. The compact yet powerful design ensures that it doesn’t take up too much space while providing top-notch performance.
The steam wand adds versatility, allowing students to make a variety of coffee drinks, from lattes to cappuccinos, without needing additional appliances. The pressure gauge is another valuable feature, helping to achieve the perfect brewing pressure for consistently great espresso.
Additionally, the Barista Express is easy to maintain with its removable drip tray and water tank, making cleaning a straightforward task. This convenience is crucial for students who might not have the time for complex upkeep. Overall, the Breville Barista Express offers a blend of functionality, ease of use, and quality, making it an excellent choice for college students seeking a reliable and efficient espresso machine.
De’Longhi EC685M Dedica
Best Compact Espresso Machine for College Student
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: De’Longhi EC685M Dedica Deluxe | Type: Espresso Machine | Power: 1300 watts | Water Tank Capacity: 1.1 liters | Pump Pressure: 15 bars
| KEY FEATURES
Compact Design: Fits easily in small spaces, ideal for dorm rooms | Adjustable Frothing Wand: Customizable for different frothing needs | Rapid Cappuccino System: Preheats quickly for optimal espresso quality
REASONS TO BUY
✓Great espresso quality and flavor.
✓Compact design for small spaces.
✓Easy to use and operate.
✓Rapid heating saves time.
✓Good build quality and durability.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Inconsistent extraction quality.
✗Difficult to clean thoroughly.
De’Longhi EC685M Dedica Deluxe is recognized as the Best Compact Espresso Machine for College Students, thanks to its sleek and space-saving design. With dimensions of just 14.9 x 5.9 x 12.6 inches, it fits perfectly into tight dorm spaces without compromising functionality. This compact size is ideal for students who need an efficient espresso maker that won’t take up too much room.
Despite its small footprint, the Dedica Deluxe doesn’t skimp on performance. Its 15-bar pump pressure and rapid heating system ensure that you get high-quality espresso quickly, making it a practical choice for busy students. The adjustable frothing wand allows you to customize your coffee drinks, from frothy cappuccinos to smooth lattes, adding versatility to your morning routine.
The machine is compatible with both ground coffee and E.S.E. pods, catering to different preferences and offering convenience. The manual control panel is user-friendly, making it easy to operate even for those new to espresso making. Additionally, the built-in cup warmer and cleaning indicator light add to the overall convenience and ease of use.
However, it’s worth noting that the Dedica Deluxe has some drawbacks. The extraction quality can be inconsistent, and thorough cleaning can be challenging. The steam wand may also lack sufficient power for some users, and the warranty and customer support are limited. Despite these issues, the De’Longhi EC685M Dedica Deluxe remains a top choice for students seeking a compact, reliable, and stylish espresso machine.
PHILIPS 3200 Series
Best User-Friendly Espresso Machine for College Students
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: EP3241/54 | Type: Fully Automatic Espresso Machine | Milk System: LatteGo | Coffee Varieties: 5 types | Grinder: 100% ceramic | Cleaning System: AquaClean filter
| KEY FEATURES
Fully Automatic Brewing: Simplifies the process for a seamless coffee experience | LatteGo System: Easy milk frothing and cleaning | Customizable Settings: Adjust coffee strength and temperature
REASONS TO BUY
✓Produces great-tasting coffee consistently.
✓LatteGo milk system is user-friendly.
✓Intuitive touch display simplifies operation.
✓Ceramic grinder ensures optimal flavor extraction.
✓Customizable settings for personalized coffee.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Frequent maintenance and cleaning required.
✗Inconsistent performance over time.
PHILIPS 3200 Series is celebrated as the Best User-Friendly Espresso Machine for College Students, thanks to its fully automatic operation and intuitive design. This machine offers a hassle-free coffee-making experience, which is ideal for students who need a quick, reliable way to enjoy their favorite beverages without complicated processes.
The LatteGo milk system sets this machine apart, making it easy to froth milk for a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and latte macchiato. This system is particularly beneficial for students who enjoy milk-based coffee drinks and want a straightforward, mess-free solution.
Customizability is another key feature, allowing users to adjust coffee strength and temperature settings to suit their preferences. The 100% ceramic grinder ensures that each cup is made with fresh, high-quality coffee grounds, enhancing the flavor and aroma of your brew.
The AquaClean filter simplifies maintenance by reducing scale buildup, making the machine easier to keep in good working condition. However, it’s important to note that frequent maintenance is necessary to keep the machine performing optimally, and some users may experience issues with frothing certain types of milk.
Overall, the PHILIPS 3200 Series offers a blend of convenience, versatility, and quality, making it an excellent choice for college students who want a user-friendly espresso machine that delivers great coffee with minimal effort.
Breville Bambino Plus
Best Quick Brewing Espresso Machine for College Students
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Breville Bambino Plus | Type: Espresso Machine | Power: 1560 watts | Pump Pressure: 15 Bar | Water Tank Capacity: 64 ounces | Heating System: Thermojet Technology
| KEY FEATURES
Fast Heat-Up Time: Ready to brew in just 3 seconds | Compact Design: Ideal for small kitchen spaces | Manual Control: Provides full control over espresso extraction
REASONS TO BUY
✓Great espresso quality and flavor.
✓Compact size fits well in kitchens.
✓Easy to use for beginners.
✓Quick heat-up time saves waiting.
✓Manual frothing offers versatility.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Limited capacity for larger brews.
✗Steamer can be challenging to use.
Breville Bambino Plus is the Best Quick Brewing Espresso Machine for College Students, thanks to its impressive speed and compact design. With a rapid heat-up time of just 3 seconds, this machine is perfect for students who need their espresso fix fast, especially during those early morning study sessions or quick coffee breaks between classes.
Its compact size is well-suited for small dorm rooms or apartments, fitting easily into tight spaces without sacrificing performance. Despite its small footprint, the Bambino Plus delivers professional-grade espresso, making it a great choice for students who want high-quality coffee without a bulky machine.
The manual steam wand allows for versatile beverage preparation, enabling users to froth milk for a variety of drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos. This feature is particularly useful for students who enjoy experimenting with different coffee styles. Additionally, the built-in cup warmer ensures that your espresso stays hot, enhancing the overall coffee experience.
However, the Bambino Plus has some limitations. Its water tank and drip tray may require frequent refills and cleaning, and the steam wand can be tricky for some users to master. Overall, the Breville Bambino Plus offers a combination of speed, quality, and convenience, making it an excellent choice for college students who value both efficiency and exceptional coffee.
Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2
Best Portable Espresso Machine for College Students
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 | Type: Manual Lever Espresso Maker | Material: Stainless Steel and Cast Aluminum | Dimensions: Compact and portable design | Pressure Gauge: Yes
| KEY FEATURES
All-Manual Operation: Provides complete control over brewing | Stainless Steel Brew Head: Ensures durability and longevity | Pressure Gauge: Allows for precise brewing |
REASONS TO BUY
✓High-quality construction and materials.
✓Produces flavorful and delicious espresso.
✓Intuitive design, easy to learn.
✓Great value for the price paid.
✓Portable for camping and travel use.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Difficult to clean and empty chamber.
✗Small size may be uncomfortable for larger hands.
Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 is recognized as the Best Portable Espresso Machine for College Students due to its compact design and manual operation. This espresso maker is perfect for students who need a space-saving option that can also travel with them, whether to a camping trip or a friend’s place.
Its all-manual operation provides complete control over the brewing process, allowing students to perfect their espresso-making skills. The stainless steel brew head enhances durability and ensures that the machine can withstand regular use. The pressure gauge adds an extra layer of precision, helping to achieve optimal brewing results.
The Flair PRO 2 is compact and portable, making it an excellent choice for small dorm rooms or on-the-go coffee enthusiasts. It includes a dosing cup and funnel, which streamline the coffee preparation process. This machine’s intuitive design means that even beginners can quickly learn how to use it effectively.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The machine can be challenging to clean, and its small size may be uncomfortable for users with larger hands. Despite these concerns, the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 offers a high-quality, versatile, and portable option for students seeking a reliable espresso machine.
STARESSO PLUS Portable
Best Travel Espresso Machine for College Students
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: STARESSO PLUS | Type: Manual Portable Espresso Machine | Pressure: 20 Bar | Water Tank: 180 ml | Suitable For: Camping, Office, Home
| KEY FEATURES
High-Pressure Extraction: Ensures quality espresso with rich crema | Portable Design: Easy to carry and store | User-Friendly Operation: Simple to use with straightforward controls | Easy Disassembly: Quick to clean and maintain
REASONS TO BUY
✓Makes great espresso with nice crema.
✓Easy to use and clean after brewing.
✓Compact design ideal for travel.
✓Sleek appearance fits modern aesthetics.
✓Efficient for both home and office use.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Messy cleanup with wet coffee grounds.
✗Difficulty achieving a dry coffee puck.
STARESSO PLUS Portable Coffee Maker is acclaimed as the Best Travel Espresso Machine for College Students due to its exceptional portability and high-pressure extraction capabilities. Its 20-bar pressure ensures that you can enjoy rich, flavorful espresso with a thick crema, making it a great choice for students who value quality coffee even while on the move.
Its compact design is perfect for students who need a coffee maker that can easily be stored in a small dorm room or packed for travel. Whether you’re heading to a camping trip or just bringing it to the office, the STARESSO PLUS’s portability ensures that you can enjoy quality espresso wherever you are.
The machine is user-friendly, featuring simple controls and an easy disassembly process for quick cleaning. The durable stainless construction adds to its longevity, making it a reliable option for daily use. However, the cleanup process can be messy with wet coffee grounds, and achieving a dry coffee puck can be challenging. Additionally, some users might find the multiple parts a bit cumbersome.
Overall, the STARESSO PLUS Portable Coffee Maker offers a blend of convenience, quality, and style, making it an excellent choice for college students who need a versatile and reliable espresso machine that can handle both home and travel needs.
Breville Barista Touch
Best High-End Espresso Machine for College Student
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Breville Barista Touch (BES880DBL) | Type: Espresso Machine | Display: Touchscreen Interface | Grinder: Integrated, Adjustable Grind Size | Frother: Automatic Milk Frother with Self-Cleaning Feature | Water Tank: Rear-Mounted, Good Capacity
| KEY FEATURES
Ease of Use: Intuitive touchscreen interface for customization and programming | Quality Coffee: Produces rich, smooth, and full-bodied coffee | Value: Cost-effective compared to daily coffee shop visits
REASONS TO BUY
✓Makes delicious coffee consistently.
✓Intuitive touchscreen is user-friendly.
✓Automatic frother simplifies milk preparation.
✓High-quality construction, visually appealing.
✓Good value for the investment.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Heat consistency may decline over time.
✗Grinder can clog when changing beans.
Breville Barista Touch Machine stands out as the Best High-End Espresso Machine for College Students, offering a premium coffee experience with advanced features and stylish design. Its intuitive touchscreen interface allows for easy customization and programming, making it ideal for students who appreciate a high level of control over their coffee-making process.
This machine excels in delivering consistently rich, smooth, and full-bodied coffee, including a variety of options like espresso, Americano, latte, and cappuccino. The integrated grinder with adjustable settings ensures that you can tailor the grind size to your preference, enhancing the overall quality of your brew. The automatic milk frother with a self-cleaning feature simplifies milk preparation, adding convenience and reducing the need for manual intervention.
The Breville Barista Touch is a cost-effective alternative to daily coffee shop visits, providing great value for its price. Its premium design, including the stylish damson blue color, adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. However, some users may experience issues with parts breaking over time and inconsistent heat. Additionally, the grinder can sometimes clog when switching beans, and customer service may be slow to respond.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Breville Barista Touch Machine offers a blend of high performance, convenience, and aesthetic appeal, making it a top choice for college students seeking a high-end espresso machine.
De’Longhi Magnifica Evo
Best Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machine for College Student
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: De’Longhi Magnifica Evo | Type: Fully Automatic Espresso Machine | Water Tank Capacity: 60 oz | Bean Container Capacity: 8.8 oz | Power: 1450 watts | Material: Stainless Steel and Plastic
| KEY FEATURES
LatteCrema System: Automatically froths milk for creamy beverages | Colored Touch Display: User-friendly interface for easy operation | Customization: Adjustable coffee strength, temperature, and volume
REASONS TO BUY
✓Easy to use and operate.
✓Makes excellent coffee and espresso.
✓Compact size fits kitchen well.
✓Quiet operation during brewing.
✓Good value for the features offered.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗Difficult to clean thoroughly.
✗Frequent issues with the milk frother.
De’Longhi Magnifica Evo is celebrated as the Best Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machine for College Students due to its comprehensive features and ease of use. This fully automatic machine simplifies the coffee-making process with its bean-to-cup functionality, making it ideal for students who want a versatile and convenient coffee solution.
The LatteCrema System is a standout feature, automatically frothing milk to create creamy lattes and cappuccinos with minimal effort. The colored touch display provides a user-friendly interface, allowing students to easily customize their coffee strength, temperature, and volume to suit their preferences.
The machine’s compact design ensures it fits well in any kitchen space, whether it’s a dorm room or a small apartment. Additionally, the quiet operation during brewing is a plus for late-night study sessions. The easy-to-remove brewing unit simplifies cleaning, although thorough cleaning can still be a bit challenging.
However, some users report issues with the milk frother and inconsistent coffee temperature, and the machine may break down after a shorter period of use. Despite these drawbacks, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo offers excellent value with its range of features, making it a strong choice for college students seeking a reliable and feature-rich espresso machine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best espresso machine for college students involves balancing quality, convenience, and affordability. Whether you prioritize a high-end option like the Breville Barista Touch for its advanced features and sleek design, or a portable choice like the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 for its compact and versatile use, each machine offers unique benefits.
For those seeking a reliable bean-to-cup solution, the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo excels with its user-friendly interface and customizable settings. By selecting the right espresso machine, students can enjoy delicious coffee while managing their busy schedules.
