What is the best cheap espresso machine for small apartments?

Best cheap pick for a small apartment: De’Longhi Stilosa. It is compact, usually budget-friendly, and makes real pump espresso with a steam wand, so it is the best starting point if you want actual espresso without giving up much counter space.

If you can spend more, Breville Bambino is the better small-apartment machine because it heats fast, is easier to live with, and has a more polished workflow. If you want the smallest and cheapest setup and do not mind manual work, Flair NEO Flex is a strong no-electric option.