Machines That Brew Both Coffee and Espresso Drinks

Quick answer

• Yes, there are machines that can brew both traditional coffee and espresso-based drinks.
• These are often called “super-automatic espresso machines” or “combo brewers.”
• They typically grind beans, brew espresso, and froth milk in one go.
• Some models also have a separate setting for drip coffee.
• They offer convenience but can be a bigger investment.
• Look for features like drink customization and ease of cleaning.

Buying Priorities for a Coffee and Espresso Machine

Picking the right machine can be a game-changer for your morning routine. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Drink Variety: Do you want just espresso and milk drinks, or a full range including regular coffee? Some machines excel at one or the other, while others try to do it all.
• Ease of Use: How much effort do you want to put in? Fully automatic machines do most of the work. Semi-automatic ones give you more control.
• Milk Frothing: Are you a latte lover? Check how the machine handles milk. Some have integrated frothers, others have steam wands. Auto-frothers are easiest.
• Grinder Quality: If the machine has a built-in grinder, its quality matters for the final taste. Adjustable grind settings are a big plus.
• Water Reservoir Size: A larger tank means fewer refills, especially if you’re brewing for a crowd or multiple drinks.
• Bean Hopper Capacity: Similar to the water tank, a bigger hopper means less frequent refilling.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: These machines have more parts. Look for removable brew groups and self-cleaning cycles. It’s a chore, but necessary.
• Footprint: How much counter space can you spare? Some machines are compact, others are quite substantial.
• Customization Options: Can you adjust brew strength, temperature, or milk texture? This lets you dial in your perfect cup.
• Budget: These machines run the gamut. Decide what you’re willing to spend upfront.

Feature Comparison: Coffee and Espresso Machines

When you’re looking at machines that can do both coffee and espresso, you’ll see a few key differences.

• Brew Method: These machines primarily use pressurized brewing for espresso and often have a separate method for drip coffee. Some might use a single brew unit that adapts.
• Capacity (Espresso): Typically brews single or double shots of espresso.
• Capacity (Coffee): If it makes drip coffee, it usually brews a standard carafe size, often 8-12 cups (around 40-60 oz).
• Temperature Control: Many offer adjustable brew temperatures, which is crucial for both espresso extraction and a good cup of coffee. Expect a range, often around 195-205°F for coffee.
• Filter Type: Espresso is brewed without a paper filter, using the machine’s portafilter and basket. Drip coffee settings usually use standard paper filters or a permanent mesh filter.
• Grinder: Most combo machines have a built-in conical burr grinder. Look for adjustable grind settings.
• Milk Frothing: Integrated automatic frothers are common, dispensing frothed milk directly into the cup. Some have manual steam wands for more control.
• Cleaning: Integrated cleaning cycles are standard. Removable brew units are a huge help for manual cleaning.
• Footprint: These can range from moderately compact (around 10-12 inches wide) to quite large, especially those with integrated milk carafes.
• Water Tank: Usually removable, with capacities from 40 oz up to 70 oz or more.
• Bean Hopper: Holds whole beans, typically 8-12 oz.
• Pressure: Espresso machines operate under pressure, usually around 9 bars for good extraction.

How to Choose Your Coffee and Espresso Machine Step-by-Step

Let’s break down how to land on the right machine. It’s not rocket science, but it takes a little thought.

1. Assess Your Drink Habits:

• What to do: Figure out what you actually drink most days. Is it straight espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, or a mix? Do you also want a pot of regular coffee for weekend mornings?
• What “good” looks like: You’ve clearly identified your go-to drinks and if you need a drip coffee option.
• Common mistake: Overestimating how many different drinks you’ll actually make. You might buy a machine with 20 drink options and only ever use two. Stick to what you know you’ll use.

2. Determine Your Milk Preference:

• What to do: Decide if you want an automatic milk frother (push a button, get frothed milk) or if you’re comfortable using a manual steam wand.
• What “good” looks like: You know whether you need an integrated carafe system or a simple steam wand.
• Common mistake: Assuming all milk systems are equal. Automatic systems are convenient but can require more cleaning. Steam wands offer control but take practice.

3. Consider Your Budget:

• What to do: Set a realistic price range. Machines that do both coffee and espresso tend to be pricier than single-function brewers.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear budget in mind, from entry-level to high-end.
• Common mistake: Not factoring in the cost of accessories like good coffee beans, filters, cleaning solutions, or milk pitchers if you go the manual route.

4. Evaluate Counter Space:

• What to do: Measure the space where the machine will live. Note the width, depth, and height, especially if it needs to fit under cabinets.
• What “good” looks like: You know the maximum dimensions the machine can be.
• Common mistake: Buying a machine that looks great online but physically doesn’t fit your kitchen. Always measure twice.

5. Think About Grinding:

• What to do: Decide if you want a machine with a built-in grinder or if you’ll use pre-ground coffee (not recommended for espresso) or a separate grinder.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve chosen a machine with a grinder that has adjustable settings, or you have a plan for a separate grinder.
• Common mistake: Getting a machine with a grinder that only has one or two settings. This severely limits your ability to dial in your espresso.

6. Prioritize Cleaning Features:

• What to do: Look for machines with removable brew groups, automatic rinse cycles, and clear descaling indicators.
• What “good” looks like: The machine has features that simplify daily and periodic cleaning.
• Common mistake: Underestimating the importance of cleaning. Neglecting it leads to poor-tasting coffee and can shorten the machine’s lifespan.

7. Check for Customization:

• What to do: See if you can adjust brew strength, water volume, milk texture, and temperature.
• What “good” looks like: The machine allows you to fine-tune your drinks to your liking.
• Common mistake: Buying a machine that only offers pre-set options. You might end up with drinks that aren’t quite right for you.

8. Read Reviews (Critically):

• What to do: Look for reviews that discuss reliability, ease of use, and the quality of both coffee and espresso. Pay attention to recurring complaints.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve gathered insights from multiple sources, both positive and negative.
• Common mistake: Only reading the five-star reviews. The one-star reviews often highlight critical flaws.

Common Mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not cleaning regularly	Stale coffee oils, mineral buildup, mold, poor taste, machine malfunction.	Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning schedule religiously. Use recommended cleaning solutions.
Using the wrong grind size	Espresso: too fine = bitter/clogged; too coarse = weak/watery. Coffee: same.	Invest time in learning your grinder and adjusting settings for each brew method.
Using stale beans	Flat, lifeless coffee and espresso with no crema.	Buy beans in smaller quantities and store them in an airtight container, away from light and heat.
Incorrect water temperature	Under-extracted (sour) or over-extracted (bitter) coffee.	Use a machine with temperature control or a thermometer to verify. Aim for 195-205°F for coffee.
Not tamping espresso evenly/correctly	Uneven extraction, channeling, weak espresso.	Practice your tamping technique. Aim for consistent pressure and a level puck.
Overfilling the brew basket	Water bypasses the coffee, leading to weak extraction.	Use the recommended dose for your machine and basket size. Weigh your coffee for consistency.
Ignoring descaling	Reduced heating element efficiency, clogs, potential machine failure.	Descale your machine as recommended by the manufacturer, using a descaling solution.
Using pre-ground coffee for espresso	Impossible to get good crema or consistent extraction due to grind inconsistency.	Always use freshly ground beans for espresso. A built-in grinder is ideal for combo machines.
Not purging the steam wand	Watery milk, burnt milk residue, clogged wand.	Always purge the steam wand for a second or two before and after steaming milk. Wipe it clean.
Incorrect water pressure (espresso)	Too low = weak shot; too high = bitter shot.	Rely on machines designed for espresso (9 bars typically). Check manual if adjustable.

Decision Rules for Your Combo Machine

Here are some simple if/then rules to help you narrow down your choices:

• If you drink mostly lattes and cappuccinos, then prioritize machines with integrated automatic milk frothers because they offer the most convenience.
• If you enjoy a wide variety of coffee drinks and espresso drinks, then look for a machine that explicitly states it can brew both well, not just one as an afterthought.
• If counter space is limited, then seek out “compact” or “slim” models, but be aware they might sacrifice reservoir size or advanced features.
• If you’re a tinkerer who loves control, then consider a semi-automatic machine with a manual steam wand because it allows for more hands-on adjustment.
• If budget is a major concern, then start by looking at entry-level super-automatic machines or consider refurbished models, but check warranty carefully.
• If you hate cleaning, then prioritize machines with removable brew units and automated cleaning cycles, as this will save you a lot of hassle.
• If you want a truly customizable experience, then choose a machine that allows you to adjust grind size, brew strength, temperature, and milk texture.
• If you drink a pot of coffee regularly but also want espresso, then ensure the coffee brewing function is robust and not just a secondary feature.
• If you’re a beginner to espresso, then a super-automatic machine is likely your best bet because it automates the complex steps.
• If you plan to entertain often, then a larger water reservoir and bean hopper will be more convenient, reducing the need for constant refilling.
• If you’re concerned about machine longevity, then choose a reputable brand known for durability and readily available parts or service.

FAQ: Coffee and Espresso Combo Machines

Q: Can a single machine really make good coffee and good espresso?

A: Yes, many machines are designed to excel at both. However, quality can vary by model, so research is key. Some might lean more towards one than the other.

Q: What’s the difference between a super-automatic and a semi-automatic espresso machine?

A: Super-automatics grind, dose, tamp, and brew with the push of a button. Semi-automatics require you to grind, dose, and tamp manually, offering more control.

Q: How much counter space do these machines typically take up?

A: They vary widely. Smaller models might be around 10-12 inches wide, while larger ones with milk carafes can be 15-20 inches wide or more. Always check dimensions.

Q: Are they difficult to clean?

A: They have more parts than a simple drip coffee maker, so they require more maintenance. Look for features like removable brew groups and automatic cleaning cycles to simplify the process.

Q: Do I need a separate grinder?

A: Most super-automatic machines have a built-in grinder. If you opt for a semi-automatic, a separate, high-quality grinder is essential for good espresso.

Q: What kind of coffee beans should I use?

A: For espresso, fresh, medium to dark roasts are common. For drip coffee, your preference rules, but freshness is always important. Always use whole beans and grind them just before brewing for the best flavor.

Q: Can I make iced coffee drinks with these machines?

A: You can make the espresso or coffee base for iced drinks. You’ll then add ice and any other ingredients yourself. Some machines might have specific settings for cold foam, but that’s less common.

Q: Are these machines expensive?

A: Generally, yes. Machines that can brew both coffee and espresso, especially super-automatic ones, are a significant investment, often starting in the hundreds and going up to thousands of dollars.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific brand recommendations and detailed model reviews. (Next: Research top brands and read user reviews for specific models.)
• Advanced latte art techniques. (Next: Look for tutorials on milk steaming and pouring.)
• The science of coffee bean roasting and sourcing. (Next: Explore resources on coffee origins and roasting profiles.)
• DIY maintenance and repair guides for specific machine models. (Next: Consult your machine’s manual or manufacturer’s support website for maintenance advice.)
• Commercial-grade espresso machines. (Next: Search for resources focused on professional coffee equipment.)