Last updated: October 20, 2026
For most under-cabinet kitchens, the safest bet is a compact machine around 12 inches tall, such as the CHULUX Slim, CASABREWS CM5418 or AYCHIRO 20 Bar, because that leaves room to lift a water tank inside the standard gap between counter and upper cabinets. The Aromaster is the tallest of the four at 14 inches and needs the most overhead space. Below you will find each machine’s listed height, width and depth, a simple method for working out the clearance you actually need, and a chart that shows which gap fits which machine.
Quick List
- CHULUX Slim – best for a slim body with a larger 40 oz tank
- CASABREWS CM5418 – best for a documented 4 inch cup height and a narrow footprint
- AYCHIRO 20 Bar – best for the lowest listed height of the group
- Aromaster 1400W – best for a touchscreen machine when you have extra headroom
Which One Is Right for You?
See also: How to Descale an Espresso Machine: Citric Acid vs Vinegar • Best Electric Kettles: Ten Glass, Steel and Gooseneck Picks Compared
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Have the standard 18 inches between counter and cabinet and want margin | AYCHIRO 20 Bar |
| Need a very narrow machine beside a sink or stove | CASABREWS CM5418 |
| Want a bigger tank without a bigger footprint | CHULUX Slim |
| Have an open shelf or no cabinet overhead and want touch controls | Aromaster 1400W |
The pattern is simple. The three machines near 12 inches tall belong under standard cabinets, and the 14 inch Aromaster belongs where you can lift a tank freely. All four are semi-automatic machines with steam wands, so the clearance question comes down to height, depth and how the water tank comes out. If you are unsure, pick by gap first and by features second, because a machine that cannot be refilled in place quickly becomes an annoyance.
All 4 Picks in Detail
1. CHULUX Slim – Best for a Slim Body With a Bigger Tank
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The CHULUX Slim is built for kitchens where counter depth and width are tight. The user manual lists 11.7 inches deep, 5.5 inches wide and 12.5 inches tall, and the 40 oz tank gives it more capacity than machines of similar size. It suits someone with a standard 18 inch gap who wants several drinks before refilling.
At 12.5 inches tall, a rule of thumb that adds 4 to 6 inches for tank access puts the total vertical need at 16.5 to 18.5 inches. That is borderline for a gap of exactly 18 inches if the tank lifts straight up, so check how yours comes out before placing it under cabinets.
- 11.7 in deep, 5.5 in wide, 12.5 in tall
- 20 bar Italian pump and 1350 W heater
- 40 oz (1.2 L) removable tank and about 7.8 lb weight
- Semi-automatic with a steam wand, cup warmer and auto shut-off
- 51 mm portafilter listed on a regional store page
Pros:
- Narrow 5.5 inch width fits between other appliances
- Light enough to slide out when you need to wipe behind it
- Tank capacity is generous for its size
Cons:
- Several CHULUX models share similar names with slightly different dimensions, so verify the model number
- 12.5 inches leaves little margin under a low cabinet
CHULUX also sells the Elite (11.8 by 5.4 by 12.5 inches) and the Kompatto (11.8 by 5.6 by 12.4 inches), so the footprints of its siblings differ by only a tenth or two of an inch. For these machines the deciding number is height, not footprint. Next to the CASABREWS CM5418 it is about half an inch taller but holds more water.
2. CASABREWS CM5418 – Best for a Narrow Footprint and a Known Cup Height
The CM5418 is one of the few machines in this class where a maximum cup height is documented. That matters because the space between the spout and the drip tray decides which cups fit, and not just how much space you need above the machine. The manufacturer lists it as 5.9 inches wide, 12.28 inches deep and 11.97 inches tall.
At just under 12 inches, adding 4 to 6 inches for tank access gives roughly 16 to 18 inches, which fits within a standard 18 inch gap with a small margin. The maximum cup height is about 4 inches, so a tall latte glass will not fit under the portafilter.
- 5.9 in wide, 12.28 in deep, 11.97 in tall
- 20 bar Italian pump with a built-in pressure gauge
- 34 oz (about 1 L) removable tank and 1350 W power
- 51 mm portafilter, single thermoblock heater
- About 8.6 lb with a manual steam wand
Pros:
- Documented 4 inch maximum cup height
- Narrow, light and easy to relocate
- Pressure gauge gives feedback while learning
Cons:
- Some users report a cool-down wait after steaming
- Smaller tank than the CHULUX and the Aromaster
- Cup height limit rules out tall glasses
Reviewers describe a ready-to-brew wait of roughly one to two minutes, and the manufacturer lists 1350 W at 120 V. The model is also sold in other colors, so confirm the dimensions on the exact listing you open. Choose it over the AYCHIRO if you want published cup-height information; choose the AYCHIRO if the last half-inch of height matters.
3. AYCHIRO 20 Bar – Best for the Lowest Listed Height
The AYCHIRO is the most compact choice by height. A retailer listing for this model gives 11.78 inches deep, 5.16 inches wide and 11.93 inches tall, with a 37.2 oz removable tank. It fits owners who have a tight cabinet gap and want the lowest machine they can find.
A different regional variant with a pressure gauge lists about 12 by 5.6 by 11.9 inches, which is nearly the same. Add the 4 to 6 inch tank allowance and you land between 16 and 18 inches, so it clears a standard gap with a little room to spare.
- About 11.8 in deep, 5.2 in wide, 11.9 in tall
- 20 bar pump and 1350 W heater
- 37.2 oz (1.1 L) removable tank and drip tray
- Single and double baskets in the portafilter, plus a scoop
- Semi-automatic with a steam wand and a stated 2-cup capacity
Pros:
- Lowest height among the four
- Slim 5 inch width
- Removable drip tray and tank for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Listing variants differ (gauge and touch-panel versions exist), so confirm the model number
- Limited published detail about portafilter size
One review site lists a much larger machine at 12.5 by 9.8 by 13.4 inches, but that conflicts with the retailer and regional listings, so treat it as unreliable. The 1350 W heater and 20 bar pump are consistent across sources. Next to the CHULUX it stands about 0.6 inch lower but holds slightly less water.
4. Aromaster 1400W – Best for Touch Controls When You Have Headroom
The Aromaster is the biggest of the four. The listing gives 13 inches deep, 7 inches wide and 14 inches tall, with a removable 37 oz tank. It adds a touchscreen, one-touch descaling, pre-infusion and PID temperature control, which suits someone with an open shelf or a tall gap above the counter.
Applying the same 4 to 6 inch allowance to 14 inches gives 18 to 20 inches. That exceeds a standard 18 inch gap, so placing this machine under conventional cabinets would likely force you to pull it forward to fill the tank. Treat it as the model for open shelving or a cart.
- 13 in deep, 7 in wide, 14 in tall
- 1400 W with a 20 bar pump
- 37 oz removable water tank
- Touchscreen, pre-infusion, PID control and a cup warmer
- 360-degree swivel steam wand
Pros:
- More features than the other three
- One-touch descaling
- Swivel steam wand reaches different pitcher positions
Cons:
- Tallest and widest in the group
- Other Aromaster listings show smaller dimensions, so confirm the exact variant
Two other Aromaster listings show smaller dimensions, one at 11 by 5 by 12 inches and another at 8 by 5 by 12 inches, which are different variants. The 13 by 7 by 14 inch figures apply only to this one. It trades about 2 inches of extra height for features that the other three lack, so it is the right pick only when the gap above the counter is generous.
Specs Compared
| Machine | Height | Width | Depth | Water tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHULUX Slim | 12.5 in | 5.5 in | 11.7 in | 40 oz |
| CASABREWS CM5418 | 11.97 in | 5.9 in | 12.28 in | 34 oz |
| AYCHIRO 20 Bar | about 11.9 in | about 5.2 in | about 11.8 in | 37.2 oz |
| Aromaster 1400W | 14 in | 7 in | 13 in | 37 oz |
Read the table from left to right. Height decides whether the machine fits under a cabinet at all, width decides whether it fits between appliances, and depth decides how far the front edge sits from the wall. The tank column matters only after those three, because a larger tank saves refills but cannot make up for a machine that does not fit. Dimensions vary by a fraction of an inch between listings, so allow a small margin whichever machine you choose.
How We Chose These
Clearance is a measurement problem, so we started with the numbers. We picked machines whose height, width and depth are published in at least one listing or manual, and we checked each figure against a second source when we could. Every model is a compact semi-automatic with a steam wand and a removable tank, since those are the features that drive clearance needs. Where listings disagreed, such as AYCHIRO and Aromaster variants that share a name, we kept the figure tied to the exact model and noted the mismatch. We also left out larger prosumer machines on purpose, since this list is about compact units that can plausibly live under standard cabinets. These figures come from published listings rather than our own measuring, so confirm on listing before cutting shelf space.
What to Look For
Measure the Gap, Then Add the Tank Allowance
Standard kitchens leave 15 to 18 inches between the counter and the bottom of the upper cabinets, with 18 inches as the common default. Clive Coffee suggests measuring the machine’s height and adding 4 to 6 inches if the water tank fills from the top. A retailer guide for a different top-loading machine mentions 8 to 10 inches to lift its tank straight out. That is a practical figure, not a manufacturer specification.
| Machine | Listed height | Plus 4 in | Plus 6 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| AYCHIRO 20 Bar | 11.9 in | 15.9 in | 17.9 in |
| CASABREWS CM5418 | 11.97 in | 15.97 in | 17.97 in |
| CHULUX Slim | 12.5 in | 16.5 in | 18.5 in |
| Aromaster 1400W | 14 in | 18 in | 20 in |
Worked example: with an 18 inch gap, the AYCHIRO and CM5418 clear both allowances, the CHULUX clears only the 4 inch one, and the Aromaster is exactly at the limit with the smaller allowance. If your gap is 15 inches, none of the four works under a cabinet with a top-lifting tank.
Use the chart below to see which gap fits which machine under each allowance. A “fits” result means the listed height plus the allowance is no more than the gap.
| Counter-to-cabinet gap | Fits with 4 in allowance | Fits with 6 in allowance |
|---|---|---|
| 15 in | None | None |
| 16 in | AYCHIRO, CASABREWS CM5418 | None |
| 18 in | All four (Aromaster exactly at the limit) | AYCHIRO, CASABREWS CM5418 |
| 20 in | All four | All four (Aromaster exactly at the limit) |
Measure the gap from the countertop surface to the lowest point overhead, including any trim, light strip or rail at the front of the cabinet. The lowest point is the one that counts, not the average.
Check How the Tank Comes Out
The extra headroom only applies when the tank lifts vertically. Some tanks slide out sideways or from the back, which shifts the requirement to side or rear space. The listings for these four describe the tanks as removable but do not always say which way they come out, so look at the manual or product photos. A machine that needs sideways access may fit better between two cabinets than under one. If the tank slides out the back, leave room behind the machine and keep the cord from pinching against the wall.
Allow for Heat and Steam
Guides warn that placing a machine directly under low cabinets can trap steam and heat, which may warp wood or lift veneer over time. Leaving a few inches of open space above and around the machine is the common advice. This is general guidance rather than a rule from the manufacturers of these four, so read the safety section of your manual and give the steam wand a clear path.
Counter Depth and Cup Height
Standard countertops run about 25 to 25.5 inches from wall to front edge, which is a 24 inch base cabinet plus an inch or so of overhang. The deepest machine here is the Aromaster at 13 inches, so even it leaves about 12 inches of front space on a 25 inch counter. Cup height is a separate vertical limit. The CM5418 documents a 4 inch maximum under the spout, and demitasse cups usually stand only 2 to 2.5 inches tall, so short cups avoid the problem entirely.
Footprint arithmetic helps when counter space is scarce. Multiplying listed width by depth gives about 61 square inches for the AYCHIRO, 64 for the CHULUX, 72 for the CM5418 and 91 for the Aromaster. Add a few inches around each side for the drip tray, cups and a tamper, then compare that against the free patch of counter. A 12 inch wide appliance-garage opening would hold any of the four with at least 5 inches to spare.
Weight and Movability
If you must pull the machine forward each time to fill the tank, weight matters. The CHULUX is listed at 7.8 lb and the CM5418 at about 8.6 lb, so both are easy to slide. Lighter machines are easier to reposition but can also move during tamping, so a mat or the machine’s feet help.
A quick scenario shows how the pieces combine. Say your cabinets sit 18 inches above the counter and you want the machine permanently under them. The AYCHIRO and CM5418 pass the 6 inch allowance, so you can leave them in place and lift the tank straight up. The CHULUX passes only if the tank needs 4 inches or less, which makes a dry fit with the empty tank in your own kitchen worthwhile. The Aromaster would need to slide forward every time you refill. Which compromise you accept depends on whether you value the extra features or an untouched cabinet line.
Questions
How much clearance does an espresso machine need above it?
Measure the machine height and add roughly 4 to 6 inches if the tank lifts out of the top. For the machines here that means about 16 to 20 inches in total.
Can an espresso machine go under a kitchen cabinet?
Yes, if the gap clears the machine plus tank access and leaves room for steam to escape. Standard gaps are 15 to 18 inches, so shorter machines are the safer match. Measure first, then compare against the chart above.
How deep should a countertop be for an espresso machine?
Most countertops are 25 to 25.5 inches deep. The machines in this list are 11.7 to 13 inches deep, so depth is rarely the limit. The usual constraint is a backsplash outlet or a shallow shelf, so measure those spots separately.
What size espresso machine is best for a small kitchen?
Look for a body about 5 to 6 inches wide and 12 inches tall or less. The AYCHIRO, CM5418 and CHULUX all fit that description. Prefer a lighter machine if you plan to store it between uses.
Does a taller machine always need more space overhead?
Generally yes, since the tank allowance is added on top of the height. A taller machine with a front-fill tank could need less than the rule suggests, so check how the tank comes out.
Is a pressure gauge worth it for a small machine?
It helps you see what the pump is doing while you learn. Both the CM5418 and one AYCHIRO variant advertise one, but it does not change the clearance you need. If you only care about fit, ignore it.
Update History
- October 20, 2026 – Updated with specification checks and a revised product comparison.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Manufacturer and retailer listings for the CHULUX, CASABREWS, AYCHIRO and Aromaster machines
- CHULUX user manual as published on a manuals directory
- Clive Coffee guidance on counter space for espresso machines
- Kitchen design guides on cabinet clearance and countertop depth
- Espresso cup size guides from Fluent in Coffee and Meraki
