How do we measure the available height under our kitchen cabinets before buying a coffee machine?

Measure from the finished countertop surface to the underside of the wall cabinet in millimetres, account for any lighting strips or pot rails that reduce usable height, and leave at least 20-30 mm above the machine for easy placement and airflow as suggested in the article .

What clearance ranges should we look for when choosing a coffee machine that fits under cabinets?

Common clearances described in the article are around 300 mm to 400 mm from counter to underside of cabinet, and we recommend allowing the extra 20-30 mm headroom to avoid tight fits and allow air circulation .

Which types of coffee machines are most likely to fit under our cabinets?

Pod and capsule machines, single-serve drip brewers and some compact manual espresso makers are the most likely low-profile options to fit under standard cabinets; traditional espresso machines with steam wands typically need taller clearances unless they’re specifically slimline models .

How can we test a machine’s fit on our counter before we buy?

Create a mock-up by taping a rectangle the size of the machine to the counter and stack books to the machine height to check access to controls, water lids and cup clearance; also verify that hinged reservoir lids can open without obstruction as recommended in the article .

Coffee machine that fits under kitchen cabinets

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Coffee machine that fits under kitchen cabinets | Bash

Why choosing a low-profile coffee machine matters

We live with our kitchens every day - morning rushes, slow weekends and the occasional guests. A coffee machine that fits under kitchen cabinets keeps our counters usable, reduces clutter and makes it easier to keep a tidy workspace. Size matters, but so do workflow, water access and serviceability. Below we explain the dimensions and decisions that help us pick a machine that genuinely fits our kitchen life.

Key measurements to check before you buy

Height under cabinets: measure from the countertop surface to the underside of the wall cabinet in millimetres - common clearances are 300 mm to 400 mm.
Machine height vs installed clearance: allow at least 20-30 mm above the machine for easy placement and air circulation.
Depth and overhang: ensure the machine base fits within your counter depth (standard counters are usually 600 mm deep) and won’t block drawers or sockets.
Drainage and water refill space: for machines with removable water tanks, check that you can remove and replace the tank without extra clearance above the machine.

Types of machines that commonly fit under cabinets

Not every coffee maker needs a tall profile. These types are the most likely to work in tight clearances:

Pod and capsule machines - usually compact and short, good when we want speed and small footprints.
Single-serve drip brewers - low height and simple water tanks make them easy to slide under cabinets.
Compact manual espresso makers - some lever or compact pump machines are designed with low height in mind.

When we need a traditional espresso machine with a steam wand, plan for taller clearances or look for a slimline model designed for low counters.

Simple steps: how we measure and test fit

Follow these quick, practical steps at home before committing:

Measure the usable height: from the finished counter surface (including mats or tiles) to the underside of the cabinet.
Note obstructions: lighting strips, pot rails or pipes under cabinets reduce usable height - measure around them.
Check door swing and appliance doors: if the machine has a hinged water-reservoir lid, measure the extra clearance needed when open.
Create a mock-up: tape a rectangle the size of the machine on the counter and use a stack of books to simulate the height; this helps visualise access to controls and the cup area.

If you prefer browsing options before measuring, start with our Coffee Machines page to see machines grouped by type and size.

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Practical trade-offs we consider

Smaller machines are convenient, but there are trade-offs to weigh: water-tank size (refills more often), smaller boilers (longer recovery time), and limited steam power for milk. We balance daily routine - how many coffees we brew and whether we froth milk - with the space savings a low-profile machine gives us.

How to choose by routine: three real-world scenarios

For a one- or two-person household that drinks filter coffee: a low-height single-serve drip brewer or compact pod machine keeps the counter clear and is fast on weekdays.
For a family that makes several milk drinks each morning: a slightly taller compact espresso with a detachable milk frother can work - but confirm the wand won’t need extra headroom.
For occasional espresso lovers who host often: choose a compact machine with external water lines or consider placing a taller machine in a cupboard or dedicated coffee nook rather than under the cabinet.

If you’re short on counter space but still want an all-in-one solution, our article on compact all-in-one coffee and milk machines for small counters explains what to expect from built-in milk systems and how they affect height and maintenance.

Installation tips and maintenance where space is tight

Leave service space: even when the machine fits, allow a little side clearance to access plugs and water filters.
Use pull-out shelves: a shallow slide-out tray gives us easier access to the back of the machine for cleaning and plugging in without moving the unit entirely.
Consider inlet plumbing: if you want a fixed water line to avoid refilling tanks, plan routing carefully so it doesn’t reduce cabinet clearance or block drawers.

For quick buying choices that match these space rules, check products in our Best coffee machine for a small kitchen collection - we group compact options and note typical clearances so you can compare quickly.

Budget and value notes (South Africa)

Compact machines come in a wide price range. Entry-level pod or single-serve brewers often start around R700-R2 000; compact espresso and all-in-one units typically range from R2 500 to R8 000 depending on features. These are approximate bands - choose based on how often you brew and whether you value low maintenance or a richer espresso extraction.

Careful measurement and a simple mock-up save returns. We recommend measuring in millimetres and keeping a short checklist with the machine’s stated height, water-tank access, and power-cord position before checkout.

Sources

South African Bureau of Standards
U.S. Department of Energy - Appliances and Equipment (for energy considerations)
Consumer Goods and Services - South Africa (consumer advice)

We’ve focused on practical, South Africa-friendly steps so the coffee machine you choose actually fits your counter and your mornings. When you’re ready to shop, start from the Coffee Machines collection and filter by height and type - and remember: a small change in placement (a pull-out shelf or moving a light strip) can make many more machines work in your kitchen than you might expect.

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Coffee machine that fits under kitchen cabinets - space-smart choices for our counters

Measure first

Why Choose Bash?

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Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Choose by routine

Plan service access

Why choosing a low-profile coffee machine matters

Key measurements to check before you buy

Types of machines that commonly fit under cabinets

Simple steps: how we measure and test fit

Practical trade-offs we consider

How to choose by routine: three real-world scenarios

Installation tips and maintenance where space is tight

Budget and value notes (South Africa)

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