Ever stared at your espresso machine and wondered if it could brew the classic cup of coffee you crave? If so, you’re not alone—many coffee lovers find themselves wanting the best of both worlds without extra appliances crowding the kitchen.
This question matters because your daily coffee habit deserves convenience and flavor, not compromise. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can make regular coffee with an espresso machine, share practical tips, and help you get the most from your brew.
Related Video
Can You Make Regular Coffee with an Espresso Machine?
If you’ve found yourself standing in front of your espresso machine, wondering whether it can make a “regular” cup of coffee, you’re not alone. Many coffee enthusiasts, especially new owners of home espresso machines, want to know if one machine can do it all. Let’s dive deep into this question, clarify the differences, and provide actionable tips for your coffee adventure.
Understanding the Basics
Before jumping into techniques, it’s important to clarify what we mean by “regular” coffee and how it differs from an espresso shot.
- Regular Coffee (Drip Coffee): Typically refers to coffee made in a drip machine, pour-over, or French press. It has a lighter body, less intense flavor, and a larger volume—usually 6 to 12 ounces per serving.
- Espresso: A highly concentrated coffee made by forcing a small amount (about 1 to 2 ounces) of hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure. Espresso is bold, rich, and the base for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Can an Espresso Machine Make Regular Coffee?
The straight answer: An espresso machine cannot make traditional drip coffee exactly as a drip machine does. The brewing method, water-to-coffee ratio, and flavor extraction are all different.
However, you can create a coffee beverage similar to regular coffee using your espresso machine. Two primary methods make this possible:
- Americano – Adding hot water to an espresso shot.
- Espresso-Style Long Black – A reversed version of the Americano.
Let’s break down each method.
How to Make “Regular-Style” Coffee with an Espresso Machine
1. Making an Americano
An Americano is a classic way to mimic regular coffee with an espresso machine. Here’s how to do it:
Steps:
- Brew a single or double shot of espresso using your machine.
- Heat water separately (most machines have a hot water function).
- Pour about 6–8 ounces of hot water into your mug.
- Add the espresso shot(s) to the hot water.
Why it works: The result is a beverage with a similar strength and volume to drip coffee, but with a distinct espresso flavor.
2. Preparing a Long Black
A Long Black is popular in Australia and New Zealand and is slightly different from the Americano.
Steps:
- Pour hot water into your cup first (about 6 ounces).
- Brew your espresso shot directly into the cup with water.
Why the order matters: Adding espresso to water (rather than water to espresso) helps retain the crema—the creamy layer on top of espresso—which can add smoothness and mouthfeel.
3. Brewing “Café Crème” or Longer Shots
Some espresso machines allow you to pull “long shots” (lungo) or “café crème.” This technique involves:
- Using more water than a regular espresso shot (about 3–4 ounces).
- Using a slightly coarser grind than espresso but finer than drip.
- Extracting the coffee at lower pressure or for a longer duration.
The taste is between espresso and drip coffee but not quite the same; it’s bold but less intense than standard espresso.
Benefits of Using an Espresso Machine for Regular Coffee
- Versatility: You can easily switch between espresso, Americanos, and other espresso-based drinks.
- Convenience: One machine covers many styles, saving counter space.
- Experimentation: You can fine-tune grind size, shot length, and water amounts to create your perfect cup.
- Rich Flavors: Espresso extraction reveals different flavor notes from the same beans.
Challenges & Limitations
While making Americano or Long Black is easy, some challenges remain if you want “true” drip-style coffee:
- Flavor Difference: Espresso extractions result in stronger, more intense flavors. Americanos are smoother than espresso but still taste different from drip coffee.
- Mouthfeel: Regular drip coffee often feels lighter and less viscous than espresso-based drinks with more crema.
- Bean Choice & Grind: Espresso machines require a finer grind; using pre-ground drip coffee or coarser grind may under-extract (weak or sour coffee).
- Batch Size: Espresso machines are designed for small servings—making a full carafe takes more time.
Practical Tips for the Best “Regular” Coffee from Your Espresso Machine
- Use Fresh, Good-Quality Coffee Beans:
- Lighter to medium roasts work best for drip-like drinks.
-
Freshness impacts flavor and aroma.
-
Experiment with Grind Size:
- For Americanos, stick with a fine grind.
-
For longer shots (lungo), try a slightly coarser grind.
-
Heat Water Right:
- Use water between 190–205°F for best extraction and to preserve coffee flavors.
-
Too cold or too hot alters taste.
-
Tweak Your Ratios:
- Adjust how much water you add to your espresso in an Americano to match your taste.
-
More water = milder coffee; less water = stronger taste.
-
Clean Your Machine Regularly:
- Oil and residue affect every brew.
- Regular backflushing and descaling keep flavors pure.
Alternative Tips: When You Want Drip Coffee on Demand
- Consider a Device Add-On: Devices like a pour-over cone or AeroPress work alongside an espresso grinder and kettle, giving you true drip-style coffee with little extra space.
- Use a Separate Filter Device: Many coffee fans have both an espresso machine and a simple pour-over setup for the best of both worlds.
Summary: The Espresso Machine for All Needs?
While you can’t brew a classic drip coffee in an espresso machine, you can make close alternatives like the Americano or Long Black. The taste and texture are a bit different—richer and bolder—but many people enjoy these nuances. For a true drip experience, a separate drip machine or pour-over setup works best. Still, with some experimentation, your espresso machine can deliver satisfying, “regular-style” coffee drinks for daily enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular coffee grounds in an espresso machine?
You can, but espresso machines usually need a finer grind than typical drip coffee. Using regular pre-ground coffee might result in weak or sour shots because water flows too quickly. For best results, grind your beans fresh to an espresso fineness.
2. Will an Americano made with my espresso machine taste exactly like drip coffee?
No. Americanos use espresso shots diluted with hot water, so the flavor is smoother but retains espresso’s richness and boldness. Drip coffee tends to have a lighter body and different flavor nuances. Some people actually prefer the Americano’s character!
3. Can I brew a full pot of coffee with an espresso machine?
Espresso machines are designed for small, concentrated servings. Making the equivalent of a full pot would mean brewing multiple espresso shots and combining them with hot water. This process is time-consuming and not as efficient or flavorful as using a drip coffee maker.
4. What is a “long shot” or lungo, and does it taste like regular coffee?
A long shot (lungo) uses more water than a typical espresso pull, yielding a milder, larger drink. However, the flavor profile is still distinctly espresso-like—just less intense. It’s closer to regular coffee than a straight espresso, but not an exact match.
5. Can I use my espresso machine to make pour-over or French press coffee?
No. Pour-over and French press methods need different water flow, contact time, and grind size. Espresso machines force water through coffee quickly and at high pressure. To enjoy pour-over or French press, you’ll need the appropriate device.
Enjoy experimenting with your espresso machine—it’s a gateway to all kinds of coffee creativity!