Quick Verdict
If you want a compact pump espresso machine with a removable tank and no plumbing, buy the De'Longhi Stilosa (EC260BK) new. Check the seller and current price on Amazon before you order.
Pair it with an espresso-capable grinder such as the TIMEMORE C3 ESP (not the Pro).
If you are comparing budget machines, read our budget espresso machine guide. For an ultra-narrow counter, the Dedica fits better. For fast ThermoJet heat-up, choose the Bambino. We do not recommend the Bambino Plus, CASABREWS, or Barista Express as alternatives in this guide.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for:
- renters who want a compact Stilosa with a tank on a rented counter
- small-kitchen buyers who will refill a removable reservoir and will not plumb in
- beginners who will still buy a grinder, such as the C3 ESP
- shoppers who will buy the Stilosa new from a seller they trust
- shoppers asking "is the Stilosa right for my apartment counter?" rather than "what are my budget options?"
This guide is not for:
- people comparing budget machines (see the budget espresso machine guide)
- people considering a resale or secondhand offer
- people who need the ultra-narrow Dedica (about 5.9 in wide)
- people who want the Bambino's ThermoJet speed
- people who want automatic milk (look at the Bambino Plus)
- shoppers who want an all-in-one like the Barista Express
- cafe-volume, plumbed-in, or 58 mm commercial-style shoppers (see the Gaggia guide)
- anyone skipping the grinder and expecting pre-ground coffee in the included filters to be "dialed in"
The Short Answer
| Decision | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Stilosa for a rented counter | De'Longhi Stilosa | The machine this guide recommends. Buy new and check the seller and price. |
| Comparing budget machines | Budget guide | Same machine, compared with other options. See the budget espresso machine guide. |
| Ultra-narrow counter | De'Longhi Dedica | Different need. See Dedica for apartments. |
| Fast ThermoJet heat-up, bought new | Breville Bambino | Different need. See Bambino for apartments. |
| Automatic steam wand | Breville Bambino Plus | See Bambino Plus for apartments. |
| All-in-one with built-in grinder | Not our apartment pick | The Barista Express is mentioned for contrast only. |
| Grinder for this machine | TIMEMORE C3 ESP | Espresso-capable hand grinder. Not the Pro. |
| 58 mm machine to keep | Gaggia Classic Evo Pro | See Gaggia for apartments. |
If you want a Stilosa for your apartment, buy it new. If you are comparing budget options, read the budget guide. If you need a narrow machine, choose the Dedica. If you want fast heat-up, choose the Bambino.
Apartment counter, footprint, tank, and the renter test
Measure the counter, not the lifestyle photo.
The Stilosa's appeal in an apartment is a compact pump machine with a tank that you can place, refill, and move. It is not ultra-narrow like the Dedica. Amazon commonly lists it at 8.07 in deep × 13.5 in wide × 11.22 in tall, and De'Longhi US lists 13.5 × 8.07 × 11.22. That is compact in depth and height, but 13.5 in of width is a lot. If you need something about 5.9 in wide, see Dedica for apartments. Still measure the depth for pulling the rear tank and swinging the portafilter, plus room for a pitcher and a cloth for wiping down that does not have to live in the dish rack.
The tank is the renter feature. Amazon often lists a removable 1000 ml / 33.8 fl oz reservoir, and De'Longhi US lists 33.81 oz. You refill it; you do not plumb in. Keep the machine near the sink so the walk to refill is short.
Weight is the move-out test. Amazon often lists 9.5 lb, and De'Longhi US lists 8.61 lb. Either way, you can lift it without a cart. Pick a permanent compact spot, then plan the move.
The Stilosa listing does not give a heat-up time, so do not assume the Bambino's three-second ThermoJet figure applies. Plan a short weekday wait, then brew, steam, and wipe. If speed at 6 a.m. is what really matters, see Bambino for apartments, and buy the Bambino new.
Check the voltage carefully. Amazon sometimes lists 110 V, and De'Longhi US lists 120 V. Make sure you are buying the US version. Do not import a 220–240 V machine for a US apartment.
Renter test: can you unplug a 9 lb machine with a tank, box it, and take it to the next apartment? Yes. Before you order, make sure the offer is new, not resale.
Add an espresso grinder before you buy
The machine is not the whole setup, and the Stilosa does not grind. The included single and double filters let you start with pre-ground coffee, but they will not let you dial in real espresso. A blade mill or a drip burr grinder will choke the shot or let it gush.
The grinder we suggest is the TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 ESP (not the C3 ESP Pro). It is espresso-capable, has no motor, and fits in a drawer, leaving the Stilosa as the one appliance on the counter. Our grinder guide for the Breville Bambino explains it in detail, and the advice applies to the Stilosa too.
If you already know you will not hand grind, read our beginner espresso setup guide, and buy any electric grinder new.
You still need a scale, because dose and yield have to be weighed. Spend any money left over on the grinder and scale before a standalone frother. The Stilosa already has a manual milk frother.
De'Longhi Stilosa: why we recommend it
Good for: renters who want a compact Stilosa with a tank on the counter
Why we chose it:
The De'Longhi Stilosa EC260BK (black and stainless) is the machine this guide recommends. It is a compact pump machine with a removable reservoir and a manual steam wand. It needs no plumbing and has no built-in grinder. When we checked on September 6, 2026, Amazon.com was the seller. Buy it new, check the current price and seller before you order, and skip resale offers.
Good fit if:
- you have measured 13.5 in of width plus swing room and still want the Stilosa on your counter
- you will refill a tank of about 33.8 oz and will not plumb in
- you will buy it new from a seller you trust
- you will buy a grinder such as the C3 ESP instead of skipping it
- you can lift about 9 lb at move-out
- your real question is whether it fits your apartment counter, not which budget machine to buy
Skip it if:
- you want to compare budget options (read the budget guide)
- you need the ultra-narrow Dedica
- you want Bambino ThermoJet speed and can buy it new
- you were about to buy the Barista Express for its built-in grinder
- you want the Bambino Plus's automatic wand
- you want 58 mm parts later (see the Gaggia guide)
- you refuse to buy a grinder
Small-space notes:
Width (13.5 in) is the measurement to check most carefully; depth is 8.07 in and height is 11.22 in. Measure cabinet height plus cup clearance. Keep it near the sink, pull the tank to refill, and wipe the wand after steaming. Descaling is part of owning it.
Tradeoff:
You get a compact pump machine with a tank. You give up the Dedica's ultra-narrow body if counter width is the real problem, and the Bambino's ThermoJet speed if weekday speed matters most. You also give up the Barista Express's built-in grinder, and the wider range of 54 mm and 58 mm accessories. This guide covers the Stilosa for apartments, not every De'Longhi on Amazon.
Before you buy on Amazon:
Check that the listing is the EC260BK in black and stainless. Also check that it is new, the US-voltage version, and includes the portafilter, filters, tamper, and spoon, and check the seller, returns, and current price. Skip resale offers. Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C96BG9H?tag=next-1-20
Other machines we cover
Comparing budget options: our budget espresso machine guide compares the Stilosa with other budget options.
Ultra-narrow counter: De'Longhi Dedica for Apartments.
Fast ThermoJet heat-up: Breville Bambino for Apartments.
For broader lists, see Espresso Machines for Apartments and Compact Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens.
Common mistakes
Expecting this guide to compare budget machines. For that, read the budget guide.
Buying a resale or secondhand offer thinking it is new. Check the seller and condition.
Choosing the Barista Express for an apartment because it has a built-in grinder. It is a different kind of machine and is not what we recommend here.
Skipping the grinder. The included filters are a start, not a dial-in. Get an espresso-capable grinder such as the C3 ESP (not the Pro). A drip grinder will not work.
Trusting an old price. Prices change, so check Amazon when you buy.
Assuming 54 mm Bambino or 58 mm Gaggia parts fit the Stilosa. Amazon does not clearly state the portafilter size. Other sources often say 51 mm, but check before you buy a basket.
Ignoring the 110 V vs 120 V labeling difference. Make sure you are buying the US version.
Planning to plumb it in. It uses a removable tank, and a rental does not give you a drain line.
FAQ
Is Stilosa good for apartments?
Yes, if you want a compact pump machine with a tank on a rented counter: a removable reservoir, no plumbing, and a machine you can move at move-out. Buy it new, and measure for the 13.5 in width.
Do I need a grinder for Stilosa?
Yes, if you want espresso rather than pre-ground coffee in the included filters. A good match is the TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 ESP (not the Pro). See our grinder guide for the Breville Bambino.
Can I plumb in Stilosa?
No. It uses a removable tank. Fill the tank; do not drill the counter.
How wide is Stilosa?
Amazon commonly lists 13.5 in wide (8.07"D × 13.5"W × 11.22"H), and De'Longhi US lists 13.5 × 8.07 × 11.22. Measure your space before you order. If you need something about 5.9 in wide, see the Dedica guide.
When should I buy Dedica or Bambino instead?
Choose the Dedica if an ultra-narrow body is what your counter needs; see Dedica for apartments. Choose the Bambino if fast ThermoJet heat-up matters most and you can buy it new; see Bambino for apartments. To compare budget options, read the budget guide.
Should I buy Barista Express instead for apartments?
Not as your apartment machine, in our view. The Barista Express is an all-in-one with a built-in grinder and a bigger footprint. If you want a compact Stilosa, buy it new and pair it with a C3 ESP.
Final Recommendation
If you want a compact pump espresso machine with a removable tank and no plumbing, buy the De'Longhi Stilosa new. Check the seller and current price: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C96BG9H?tag=next-1-20. Prices and availability change, so check on the day you order. Skip resale offers.
Pair it with a C3 ESP (not the Pro): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC528S8D?tag=next-1-20.
To compare budget options, read the budget guide. For an ultra-narrow counter, choose the Dedica. For fast ThermoJet heat-up, choose the Bambino.
Before buying, recheck the seller, exact model, color, voltage, condition, returns, price, and availability on amazon.com.
Disclosure
Apartment Barista uses Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability can change at any time and should be checked on Amazon before buying.