Our editor's review of the Thyme & Table espresso maker after a month of using the compact countertop machine.
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I take my morning coffee ritual seriously, so even as a professional product tester, I’m not always eager to invite a new brewing system onto my countertop. I’ve tested enough coffee makers to know that game-changing and fully automatic can turn into, “Why is there mold inside this thing?” after a few weeks of use.
But the Thyme & Table mini espresso machine surprised me. I used it every single day for just over a month, and instead of counting down until testing was over, I was genuinely bummed when it was time to pack it up and make room for the next machine.
After weeks of daily lattes, cappuccinos and sleepy-eyed morning brews, here’s my honest take and why I think this little espresso maker is one of the best beginner-friendly options for anyone who wants an easy, affordable entry into at-home espresso.
Thyme & Table Mini Espresso Machine
A ultra-compact countertop espresso maker that's perfect for beginners.
What is the Thyme & Table Mini Espresso Maker?
The Thyme & Table Barista Mini Espresso Machine proves that a budget-friendly appliance can still look high-end on your countertop. With its matte finish, fluted texture and gold hardware, it makes your kitchen feel a little more like a charming coffee shop.
The pretty, compact machine packs in 15-bar pressure, single- and double-shot brewing options, and a built-in steam wand. It also comes equipped with a 52mm portafilter and the essential accessories you need to start pulling cafe-worthy shots right out of the box.
How We Tested It
Thyme & Table is a newish Walmart-exclusive brand that offers everything from cookware to countertop appliances. So, when the brand launched its barista-style espresso machines last year, I was immediately curious: Could a budget-friendly machine actually hold up in the home of someone who drinks a slightly concerning amount of coffee every day?
I’ll admit, I went in skeptical. I’ve been loyal to my Moccamaster for some time now, and after my last automatic espresso machine gave up on me, I wasn’t eager to start another caffeine-fueled relationship with a new appliance. But as someone who genuinely loves a good latte, I needed a replacement. Enter the Thyme & Table Mini Espresso Machine.
My first thought was probably the same as yours: Can you really find a decent espresso machine for under $150?
Surprisingly, yes.
Ease of Use
One of the best things about the Thyme & Table machine is how simple it is to use. It’s lightweight, compact and doesn’t overwhelm you with complicated settings or a ton of buttons. The mini version keeps things streamlined with just four buttons: power, single shot, double shot and steam/hot water. No touchscreen. No confusing grind settings.
The setup was equally painless. I washed the removable parts, filled the water tank, plugged it in and by the time I’d added espresso grounds to the portafilter, the machine was heated and ready to go. I locked the portafilter into place, pressed the double-shot button and had fresh, genuinely tasty espresso within seconds.
Cleaning
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from testing coffee makers, it’s that easy cleaning can make or break whether a machine survives on my countertop long-term. Thankfully, this one passed the test.
The machine does splash a bit while brewing, but the drip tray removes completely and rinses clean in seconds. Beyond that, the only parts that really need regular washing are the portafilter and brew basket, both of which are easy to empty and hand-wash quickly.
Because the machine is so lightweight, I could also easily lift it up to wipe underneath after inevitable espresso spills—a small detail, but one I appreciated.
Taste
The Thyme & Table Mini Espresso Machine pulls rich, smooth, surprisingly full-bodied shots—and it does so consistently. It also creates a solid layer of crema thanks to the pressurized portafilter baskets, which helps make homemade lattes feel a little more like a treat.
Now, to be clear: this is not going to rival a La Marzocco setup. If you’re expecting coffee-shop perfection from a machine under $150, you’ll probably be disappointed. But if you want flavorful, reliable espresso at home without spending a fortune? This little machine impressed me. Pair it with fresh, finely ground beans and regular cleaning, and it punches well above its price tag.
Emma Hughes from Crosby Coffee says that when it comes to taste, perfecting the grind is one of the most important things you can do. “Before you even think about espresso machines, you need to put the majority of your budget into a good grinder,” she says. “A fresh and consistent grind is what actually makes espresso taste right, and no machine, however expensive, can fix a bad one.”
Steam Function
The steam wand was probably the weakest part of the experience for me, though not necessarily a dealbreaker.
First, it’s loud. Like, don’t make a latte during your toddler’s nap time loud. (Which, to be fair, most steam wands are.) And while it steams milk effectively, silky microfoam takes a bit of practice and patience.
Truthfully, I’ve gotten fluffier, longer-lasting foam from standalone electric frothers. Still, I appreciate having the steam wand built in. Plus, it doubles as an instant hot water dispenser, which came in handy for tea and Americanos throughout the month.
Pros
- Affordable
- Produces tasty espresso with a good layer of crema, especially for the price
- Beginner-friendly and easy to use
- Essential accessories included
- Lightweight and compact
- Rapid heating
- Easy to clean
- Stylish design with multiple color options
- Consistent, reliable performance throughout testing
Cons
- Noisy
- Mostly plastic construction
- Taller mugs will not fit unless you remove the drip tray entirely
- Steam wand produces weaker microfoam than higher-end machines
Product Features
- Built-in manual steam wand
- Low-water sensor
- 15-bar pressure for rich extraction
- Rapid-heating Thermoblock system
- Includes a 52mm portafilter, single- and double-shot stainless steel filter baskets, and a coffee scoop with a built-in tamper
Product Comparison
Thyme & Table currently makes two espresso machines: the Barista Mini Espresso Machine (the one reviewed here) and the larger Barista Grade Espresso Machine with a built-in grinder. The larger machine costs nearly $400.
If you want an all-in-one setup with built-in fresh bean grinding (and you have the counter space and budget for it), the larger machine probably makes sense. But honestly, the mini delivers most of the same everyday functionality for a fraction of the price.
Its compact footprint makes it especially great for smaller kitchens, apartments or crowded countertops already fighting for space with air fryers and toaster ovens. Plus, the simplified controls make it far less intimidating for first-time home baristas who just want a good latte without having to take a class in espresso-making first.
Final Verdict
After more than a month of daily use, I’d absolutely recommend the Thyme & Table Mini Espresso Machine to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable way to make genuinely good espresso at home. It’s especially great for first-time espresso machine owners or anyone working with limited counter space.
Honestly, considering the budget-friendly price, I was seriously impressed by the results. Is it loud? Yes. Is it mostly plastic? Also, yes. But it’s compact, stylish, easy to use and most importantly, it consistently makes rich, tasty espresso.
For me, the pros easily outweighed the cons, and that’s not something I say lightly.
Where to Buy
Thyme & Table Mini Espresso Machine
A budget-friendly espresso machine ideal for small spaces and beginner brewers.
The Thyme & Table Barista Mini Espresso Machine is available exclusively at Walmart for $139 and comes in seven color options to match just about any kitchen.
Its compact size and beginner-friendly design also make it a great gift for apartment dwellers, college grads, office coffee stations or anyone ready to upgrade from basic drip coffee.
FAQ
Is the Thyme & Table Mini Espresso Machine good?
We think so. The Thyme & Table Mini Espresso Machine is compact, affordable, stylish and surprisingly capable for the price. It heats up quickly and pulls rich espresso with a solid layer of crema, something you don’t always find in budget-friendly machines.
It’s not perfect. The machine can be loud, and it does create a bit of espresso splashback while brewing, which can get messy. But overall, it delivers excellent value for both beginner home baristas and casual latte lovers.
Are mini espresso machines worth buying?
Absolutely, especially if you’re short on space. Mini espresso machines are ideal for apartments, office kitchens, dorms and smaller countertops.
While they may skip premium features like built-in grinders or ultra-high-end pressure systems, many still produce rich, flavorful espresso quickly and consistently. For most at-home coffee drinkers, that’s more than enough.
Is the Thyme & Table espresso machine loud?
Yes, it’s definitely on the noisier side thanks to its high-pressure brewing system. That said, pulling espresso shots isn’t nearly as loud as using the steam wand, which can get surprisingly intense during milk frothing. So maybe skip early-morning latte art if someone’s still sleeping nearby.
Why You Should Trust Us
Powered by coffee and a long history of home brewing, Mary Henn knows when coffee just tastes right. As a toddler mom, she also knows the value of a machine that works quickly and quietly before the house wakes up, which means ease of use, speed, noise level and easy cleaning all factor heavily into her testing process. From crafting specialty lattes at home to pulling the fastest, darkest cup of coffee to get through the day, she’s been brewing at home for nearly two decades.
We also consulted Emma Hughes, Retail and Subscriptions at Crosby Coffee, for expert insight on making espresso at home and what to look for when building your own at-home espresso setup.
