Brim creates compact and stylish espresso makers, ideal for smaller spaces where countertop real estate is a primary concern. But don’t let the small footprint fool you. The right brim espresso machine can deliver a cafe-quality shot right in your kitchen, and it’s easier to use then you might think.
We got our hands on one to see if it lives up to the promise. From the first warm up to steaming milk, here’s our honest take on what this little powerhouse can really do for your morning routine.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Brim Espresso Machine
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.7 |
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SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with…
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8.6 |
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XIXUBX Espresso Machine, 20 Bar Pump Temperature Control, Compact…
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8.4 |
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CHULUX Slim Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar…
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8.2 |
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Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Brim Espresso Machine
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men, Silver
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is a compact, 20-bar pressure system designed for making cafe-style drinks in your own kitchen. It combines professional performance with a user-friendly design, letting you craft espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos without needing a lot of counter space. Its stainless steel construction is both stylish and durable, fitting well in any home or office setting. At its core is a 20-bar professional Italian pump and a 1350W boiler.
This pressure system is key for proper extraction, pulling a richer, more aromatic espresso with a nice crema layer. A helpful built-in pressure gauge shows you the exact pressure, so you can make adjustments to suit your personal taste. Whether you prefer a single or double shot, the included filters and portafilter make it straightforward to get started.
The 34-ounce water tank is removable, which makes refilling it really simple, and its capacity means you can brew several cups before needing a refill. A standout feature is the integrated steam wand for milk frothing. This wand allows you to texture milk into creamy microfoam, perfect for topping your espresso drinks. It’s the tool you need to practice latte art or just get that classic, velvety texture for your cappuccino.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel Cappuccino & Latte Coffee Maker with Steam Frother for Home, 43.9oz Water Tank, Silver
The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine is designed for anyone who wants real espresso-based drinks at home without the complexity of a pro machine. It combines a professional 20-bar pressure pump with a simple, user-friendly design, letting you focus on the coffee. At its core, the 20-bar professional pressure system and powerful heating element work together for a proper extraction. This means it can pull a shot with that rich, fragrant crema that defines a quality espresso.
It’s the foundation for everything—whether you prefer a straight espresso, an americano, or a milky drink. The machine is semi-automatic, giving you control without needing advanced skills. For milk-based favorites, the integrated steam wand is key. It’s powerful enough to texture milk, creating that creamy micro-foam essential for a latte or cappuccino. With a little practice, you can steam milk to the right consistency, which not only taste better but also allows for simple latte art.
It’s a compact unit, but it doesn’t compromise on this important feature. Practicality is a big plus. Its stainless steel build is stylish and fits easily on a counter, even in smaller kitchens. The 43.9 ounce water tank is removable, making refilling and cleaning straightforward. You can brew several cups before needing more water. The included kit has what you need to start: both single and double shot filters, a portafilter, and a tamper with a spoon.
Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS is designed to bring the quality and ritual of a specialty coffee shop directly into your kitchen. As part of Breville’s Barista Series, this all-in-one machine integrates a grinder to go from whole beans to a finished espresso in under a minute, focusing on the four key elements of grinding, dosing, milk texturing, and water temperature for a complete third-wave coffee experience.
At its heart is the integrated conical burr grinder with dose control. With a single touch, it delivers the precise amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter, eliminating guesswork and ensuring maximum flavor from your beans. You can adjust the grind size to suit your coffee, and the included Razor tool helps trim the puck to a perfect level for consistent water flow.
The machine heats up remarkably fast thanks to the ThermoJet system, reaching the ideal temperature in just about 3 seconds, which is great for those mornings when you need a quality coffee quickly. For the extraction itself, the Barista Pro employs smart technology. Low-pressure pre-infusion wets the coffee grounds gently before optimal pressure is applied, helping to draw out a balanced and flavorful shot.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL is designed to bring the quality of a specialty coffee shop directly to your kitchen counter. It’s an all-in-one machine with a built-in grinder, meaning you go from whole beans to a finished espresso in under a minute. This machine focuses on the four key elements of espresso: grinding, dosing, tamping, and extracting, giving you control over each one. At its heart is the integrated conical burr grinder.
You can grind your beans directly into the portafilter using the clever grinding cradle, ensuring maximum freshness. The grind size dial is intuitive, letting you adjust coarseness for any type of coffee bean. A dose control dial also lets you set how much coffee grounds are dispensed, and the included Razor trimming tool helps you achieve a perfectly level dose after tamping with the integrated tamper.
For extraction, the Barista Express uses precise digital temperature control (PID) to heat water to the exact right temperature. This is crucial for flavor. It also employs a low pressure pre-infusion phase, which gently wets the coffee puck before full pressure extracts, leading to a more balanced and flavorful cup without harshness. You can pull both single and double shots to suit your preference. The steam wand is powerful and gives you manual control for texturing milk.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel is designed for those who take their daily coffee seriously. It brings core cafe performance into your kitchen without the complexity of larger machines. Its centered around precision and speed, so you can focus on the coffee itself. A key feature is the innovative thermojet heating system. It reaches the ideal extraction temperature in just three seconds. You don’t have to plan your coffee break around a warm-up cycle.
The machine is ready when you are, which is a huge convienience for busy mornings. This speed is paired with digital temperature control (PID). This technology ensures water is delivered at a precise, consistent temperature for optimal flavor every time you pull a shot. The 54mm portafilter is sized for a proper dose, holding up to 19 grams of coffee. This capacity is important for achieving a full, rich flavor profile from your favorite beans.
To further enhance extraction, the machine uses a low pressure pre-infusion. This technique gently wets the coffee puck before full pressure builds, helping to draw out flavors evenly and contributing to a more balanced, tastier cup. For milk-based drinks, the Bambino simplifies the learning curve. Its automatic steam wand handles texturing for you. You can adjust both the milk temperature and foam texture to match your preference, whether thats for a velvety flat white or a frothy cappuccino.
SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with Milk Frother and Touchscreen, Expresso Coffee Machines with Adjustable Temperature,for Cappuccino, Latte
The SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar is a semi-automatic machine designed to bring professional coffee shop quality into your home kitchen. Its core is a professional 20-bar pressure system, powered by a 1350W motor. This combination is what extracts the rich, aromatic oils from your coffee grounds, giving you that full-bodied espresso flavor that forms the foundation of all great drinks.
You have a lot of control over your brew.
The intuitive one-touch touchscreen puts various functions at your fingertips. You can select a single or double shot, or use manual mode to customize the coffee strength exactly how you like it. The NTC precision temperature control offers three settings, letting you adjust the extraction temperature. This is key because different coffee beans often taste best at specific temperatures.
For milk-based drinks, the professional steam wand is a standout feature.
It’s powerful enough to create microfoam with a creamy, velvety texture. This is essential for making lattes and cappuccinos, and it allows you to practice your latte art if your feeling creative. The wand also has a one-touch steam function, making the process straightforward.
We appreciate the practical, compact stainless steel design. It doesn’t take up much counter space, and the 45-ounce removable water tank means you can make several cups before needing a refill.
XIXUBX Espresso Machine, 20 Bar Pump Temperature Control, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Professional Coffee Makers for Home, Cappuccino Latte Machine, Gifts for Coffee Lover
The XIXUBX Espresso Machine is designed for anyone who wants genuine café-style coffee at home without the complexity of a commercial machine. It’s a compact, all-in-one system that handles everything from pulling a rich espresso shot to frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
At its core is a 20-bar professional pressure pump. This is the key to getting that signature layer of golden crema on top of your espresso, which is a mark of a well-extracted shot.
The pressure is consistent, allowing for continuous brewing whether your making a single morning cup or several drinks for guests. It works with both ground coffee and ESE pods, giving you flexibility.
Temperature stability is another crucial factor for flavor, and this machine uses a PID controller to manage it. Unlike simpler machines where water temperature can fluctuate, the PID helps ensure the water is at the optimal temperature every time you brew.
This means a balanced, non-bitter cup and more consistent results as you learn to use the machine.
The steam wand is separate from the hot water outlet, which is a feature found on more professional machines. It gives you full control over texturing your milk. You can create everything from stiff, dry foam for a classic cappuccino to the silky, liquid microfoam needed for latte art.
CHULUX Slim Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Professional Italian Pump Espresso Coffee Machine for Home Cappuccino & Latte Maker, Stainless Steel, Creamy
The CHULUX Slim Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is designed to bring a genuine cafe experience into your kitchen without the complexity or huge footprint. It combines professional 20-bar pump pressure with a surprisingly compact design, making it a practical choice for both espresso newcomers and daily drinkers.
At its core, the 20-bar professional Italian pump is what ensures a rich, authentic extraction.
It works with the fast-heating 1350-watt boiler, which gets ready in about 30 seconds, to pull a shot with full flavor and that coveted layer of rich crema in just one to three minutes. A helpful pressure gauge lets you monitor the extraction in real-time, and the pre-infusion function soaks the coffee grounds first for a more balanced and even taste. It takes the guesswork out of the process.
The separate steam wand is your tool for creating creamy, velvety microfoam.
This is what lets you turn that excellent espresso into lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based favorites. Everything that touches your coffee or water, from the boiler and brew head to the internal pipes and steam wand, is constructed from food-safe materials. You can be confident in the quality and safety of every cup.
We appreciate how user-friendly this machine is. It avoids a bulky body and complicated controls.
Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine, 15-Bar Pump Digital Espresso Maker w/Steam Wand for Latte & Cappuccino, Compact Espresso Coffee Machine w/ 1.5L Removable Water Reservoir – Stainless Steel
The Chefman CraftBrew Espresso Machine is designed for anyone who wants to bring the core espresso shop experience into their home kitchen. It centers on giving you control and consistency, so you can make the drinks you love without the daily trip and expense.
At its heart is a 15-bar pump system. This pressure is key for extracting that rich, full-bodied flavor and distinctive crema from your coffee grounds, which is the foundation of any great espresso-based drink.
The built-in steam wand is your tool for texturing milk. It lets you heat and froth milk to the right consistency for layering into lattes and cappuccinos, giving you that professional touch.
Customization is straightforward with the digital touch panel. You can adjust the volume of your espresso shot to match your taste. Prefer a longer, mellower lungo? Or a shorter, more concentrated ristretto? You set it how you like it.
The machine includes both single and double shot baskets, so whether your making a quick solo cup or two at once, you’re covered. The built-in timer helps you monitor your extraction for repeatable results.
Practicality is a big part of the design. The 1.5-liter water reservoir is removable. You can easily take it to your sink to fill or clean, which simplifies maintenance.
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine BES876BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel is designed to bridge the gap between manual espresso craft and home convenience. It’s built for those who want the hands-on experience of making a real espresso but without all the frustrating guesswork that usually comes with it. The core of this machine is it’s innovative Impress puck system, which guides you from grinding to tamping with remarkable simplicity. It starts with intelligent dosing.
The integrated conical burr grinder has 25 settings for fine-tuning, but the smart system automatically calculates and adjusts the amount of coffee grounds for a perfect dose. Even better, it uses precision measurement to auto-correct the next dose based on your previous one, so consistency becomes much easier to achieve. Then comes the assisted tamping.
The machine replicates a professional barista’s action with a 7-degree ‘barista twist’ and consistent pressure, giving you a polished coffee puck ready for extraction every single time. This combo really does take the major variables out of the equation. For brewing, the Thermocoil heating system with PID digital temperature control is key. It precisely manages water temperature, flow, and contact time to ensure great extraction and flavour from your beans.
Brim Espresso Machine Buying Guide
Brim machines feature minimalist aesthetics paired with straightforward espresso capabilities. They are designed for people who want a quality home espresso experience without a steep learning curve or a massive countertop footprint. This guide will help you pick the right model for your daily routine.
Pressure and Boiler Type
For authentic espresso, you need proper pressure. Most Brim models use a 15-bar pump system, which is the standard for extracting rich flavor from coffee grounds. Also, consider the boiler. Do you want to brew and steam milk at the same time? If so, look for a machine with a thermoblock or dual boiler system. A single boiler is simpler but means waiting between pulling a shot and frothing.
Milk Frothing Method
Are lattes and cappuccinos your go-to? Then the frother is key. Brim offers machines with either a traditional steam wand or a one-touch automatic frother. A steam wand gives you more control over texture but requires a bit of practice. An automatic frother is incredibly convenient for beginners—just press a button. Think about how much hands-on involvement you prefer each morning.
Size and Counter Space
These machines are known for a smaller footprint, but dimensions still vary. Measure your available space before you fall in love with a model. Consider height too, especially if you have cabinets overhead. You’ll need room to refill the water tank and remove the drip tray easily. A compact machine is great, but not if it makes daily use a hassle.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Simplicity is a big selling point. Look for intuitive controls, like clear dials or buttons. Removable parts, like the water reservoir and drip tray, make for simple cleanup. Some models have a self-cleaning function for the milk system, which is a huge time-saver. A machine that’s difficult to maintain will likely end up collecting dust in the corner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brim Espresso Machine
What kind of coffee do I need?
You need finely ground espresso coffee. Pre-ground espresso from teh store works, but for the best flavor, use fresh beans and grind them just before brewing. The machine uses a standard 54mm portafilter.
Is it hard to clean?
Not at all! The drip tray and water reservoir remove easily for washing. The steam wand should be wiped right after use. A quick backflush with clean water after each session keeps it running smoothly.
Can I make regular coffee with it?
This machine is designed for espresso-based drinks. You can make a single or double shot of espresso. To make a regular cup of coffee, you would add hot water to an espresso shot to create an americano.
Does it have a built-in grinder?
Most Brim espresso models do not include a grinder. You’ll need a separate burr grinder for the best results. This gives you more control over the grind size, which is key for good espresso.
How long does it take to heat up?
It’s pretty quick! The machine is usually ready to brew in under a minute. Theres a light or indicator that lets you know when it has reached the perfect temperature.
What’s the difference between the 15-bar pump and pressure?
The 15-bar pump is the machines maximum pressure capability. Proper extraction for espresso actually happens around 9 bars. Having a 15-bar pump ensures it can consistently reach that ideal pressure, even with different coffee grinds.
Can I use it to steam milk?
Yes, it comes with a steam wand for frothing milk. You can make lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. Just flip the switch from brew to steam mode after making your espresso.
Is the portafilter pressurized?
Yes, it typically uses a pressurized portafilter basket. This is more forgiving if your grind isn’t perfect, making it a great choice for beginners who are still getting the hang of it.
Quick Recap
Choosing the right machine for your kitchen is about finding a good fit. It’s about matching a machine’s features with your daily routine and what you enjoy. We’ve looked at options that make it simple to get a great cup of coffee at home, focusing on what really matters for your morning.
Think about what you value most. Is it speed, consistency, or having full control? Your perfect home espresso experience is waiting. A well-chosen brim espresso machine can become a reliable part of your day, making it easy to enjoy a quality coffee without the trip to the cafe. It’s a straightforward way to bring a little barista magic into your own kitchen.