You have just a sliver of counter space to dedicate to a coffee maker. The Essenza Mini makes the same espresso as $400 Nespresso machines but has a smaller footprint and no unnecessary features.

Just fill the water reservoir, insert a K-Cup, and tap a button to make a serving of coffee that’s 8-, 10-, or 12-ounces. The K-Slim’s “multistream technology” puts it above no-frills ...