Should You Get An Espresso Machine Or Coffee Maker?
Ah, coffee. While coffee bars are available far and wide, nothing beats the indulging experience of sipping your first cup of Joe at home before rushing out the door. Picking a suitable coffee machine is the next step to creating the perfect cup.
Espresso machines produce a rich, intense flavor, and coffee makers deliver a larger amount of more subtle coffee. However, espresso machines are expensive, high-maintenance, and require practice. Whereas coffee makers are straightforward, budget-friendly, and can brew large quantities.
The basic concepts of coffee machines are pretty similar – ground coffee beans meet water, and the “good stuff” drains through a filter into your mug. However, each machine’s process differs, producing a unique experience and taste. So, grab a cup of coffee and find out whether an espresso machine or coffee maker is the right fit for you.
Should I Get An Espresso Machine Or A Coffee Maker?
Espresso machines and coffee makers process coffee beans differently, creating unique coffee experiences. The never-ending debate on which one is better boils down to personal preference.
Each machine is meticulously designed to create the best possible drink, but that’s where personal taste comes into play. Some amateurs lump coffee makers and espresso machines into the same category. However, the connoisseurs understand that each machine offers a world of difference.
Are you an intense shot of espresso or a comforting cup of coffee kind of folk?
An espresso machine is ideal for coffee drinkers who prefer a higher-intensity flavor, like cappuccinos, lattes, and of course, espressos. However, a coffee maker should be your first choice if you gravitate towards a large mug of black coffee or French cafe au laits.
Espresso machines are meticulously designed to brew coffee at high pressure and speed. In comparison, coffee makers rely on gravity to filter water gradually through coffee grounds.
While taste is the number one ruling factor, your budget also comes into play. Coffee makers are inexpensive brewers that produce large batches of standard coffee. In comparison, espresso machines are pricey and complicated and produce around two to three ounces of concentrated espresso shots.
Espresso Machine Overview
In simple terms, an espresso machine uses extremely high pressure to force near-boiling water through a “puck” of ground coffee beans and filter within a few seconds. As a result, the machine produces rich, concentrated coffee “shot” called espresso.
Espresso can be consumed as a straight shot or as the base for other coffee drinks like cappuccino, latte, macchiato, ristretto, or long black.
There are three primary categories of espresso machines:
- Manual
- Semi-Automatic
- Automatic
Manual Espresso Machine
Have you ever wondered where the term “pulling a shot” came from? Well, it comes from manual espresso machines.
Manual espresso machines function by pushing and pulling their lever to pre-infuse and brew a rich shot of espresso.
You need to raise the lever to draw water into the machine’s brewing chamber to saturate the coffee grounds (pre-infusion). Next, the lever is pulled back down to create pressure by forcing near-boiling water through the coffee grounds and into your waiting cup – now “pulling a shot” makes more sense.
A fully manual espresso machine allows you to control the pre-infusion period, amount of pressure, and the water flow rate, allowing you to customize each cup of Joe.
Pros & Cons of Manual Espresso Machines
Manual espresso machines are the most challenging to master. However, they are a fantastic fit if you are an espresso aficionado. Your drink’s taste ultimately relies on your skill level and ability to be consistent with pressure and time.
| Pros of A Manual Espresso Machine | Cons of A Manual Espresso Machine |
|---|---|
| Eye-catching machine design | Difficult to use without expertise |
| Full control | Inconsistent results |
| You can vary the pressure profile | Requires constant monitoring |
| Expensive | High-maintenance |
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Semi-automatic espresso machines help coffee lovers create the quintessential Italian drink in the comfort of their homes with minimal skills. You need a little curiosity and an appreciation for coffee.
Semi-automatic espresso machines require you to do a bit of work, but it’s a whole lot easier than the manual espresso machine.
You will need to grind and tamp the coffee beans. Then, lock in the portafilter, and select your preferred setting – size and the number of shots. Lastly, press a few buttons and step back for the machine to do the rest.
Pros & Cons of Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
Semi-automatic espresso machines remove the risk of incorrect pressure, temperature, and time. Instead, they give you a measure of control to experiment while providing consistent results.
| Pros of A Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine | Cons of A Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine |
|---|---|
| Easy to use (beginner-friendly) | Requires some manual skill |
| Consistency through automated processes | Less control than manual machines |
| Allows a degree of control and customization (the length of the shot) | The Semi-Automatic category varies largely |
| Mid-range price point options | High-maintenance |
Automatic Espresso Machine
With the touch of a button, an automatic espresso machine gives you an espresso. Your only job is to add the coffee grounds and water to their correct reservoirs.
These machines have a built-in coffee grinder and automatic water and pressure control. On the downside, an automatic espresso machine produces a fixed set brew.
Super-automatic espresso machines or pod espresso machines require inserting a pod or capsule and pressing a button. While extremely convenient, they limit the coffee pods available that fit your machine’s model.
Pros & Cons of Automatic Espresso Machines
Automatic espresso machines produce highly consistent results. However, these hands-off machines leave little room for creativity and experimentation.
So, if you prefer hand-crafted coffee, consider one of the previous models.
| Pros of An Automatic Espresso Machine | Cons of An Automatic Espresso Machine |
|---|---|
| One touch brewing | No control over results |
| Easy to use | Can’t customize the flavor profile or length of the shot |
| Internal extraction time | Limited coffee bean options (when using a pod machine) |
| Consistent results | High-maintenance |
| Expensive |
Coffee Maker Overview
Coffee makers are available in numerous configurations, including standard non-electric French press and pour-over models to electric drip coffee makers.
Non-Electric Brewers
Non-electric coffee brewers have a more personal feel than using automated machines.
They aren’t only great at home, but their small and light body makes them portable and ideal for storing and traveling.
Non-electric coffee makers are available in an array of styles, including the French press, Bialetti, Aeropress, and pour-over machines.
Pros & Cons of Non-Electric Brewers
Non-electric coffee makers are generally more affordable and compact than their counterparts. Some boast eye-catching designs, while others are ideal for traveling and moving around.
| Pros of A Non-Electric Brewer | Cons of A Non-Electric Brewer |
|---|---|
| Affordable | It may require a separate source of boiling water |
| Smaller Footprint | Requires attention |
| Easy cabinet storage | Inconsistent flavor |
| Portable | Messy cleanup |
| Can produce large quantities |
Electric Drip Coffee Maker
An electric coffee maker is a simplistic yet highly efficient countertop appliance that brews hot coffee. It consists of a water reservoir, filter basket, brewing system, and a glass or ceramic coffee pot.
Your job is to fill the reservoir with water, put coffee grounds in the basket or paper filter, press start, and allow the machine to heat the water and gradually drip through the coffee grounds and into your coffee pot.
Drip machines take around 5 to 10 minutes compared to the 30 seconds of an espresso machine.
Drip coffee makers are straightforward and allow you to use any beans, whether pre-ground, flavored, decaf, or home-ground beans. You can also adjust the strength of your brew by adding more or fewer coffee grounds.
Pros & Cons of Electric Drip Coffee Maker
Drip coffee machines brew your coffee at the simple push of a button.
While some electric coffee makers are basic, others have unique features like a clock and timer that allow you to prepare and program the machine to brew a fresh cup of coffee at your chosen time.
Coffee makers are a popular choice for at-home coffee brewers. They are numerous varieties, from offering a few simple features to almost endless customization. However, they are all straightforward to use.
| Pros of An Electric Drip Coffee Maker | Cons of An Electric Drip Coffee Maker |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Permanent counter space |
| Affordable | Inconsistent taste |
| Some are programmable | Paper filters are less environmentally friendly |
| Can produce large quantities | Can’t make an espresso |
| Messy cleanup |
Core Difference Between An Espresso Machine & Coffee Maker
The brewing method is the primary difference between an espresso machine and a coffee maker. However, there are other core differences worth noting too.
Espresso Machine vs. Coffee Maker: Roasting
You can use the same coffee beans with an espresso machine and coffee maker.
However, espresso beans are roasted with the high-pressure brewing method in mind. Therefore, they are an exceptionally dark roast to increase their capacity to withstand the high-pressure. In addition, dark roasted beans boast a rich, full body, and low acidity flavor and are well suited for mixing with milk (latte, cappuccino, flat white, etc.).
Then, lighter bean roasts are well suited for pour-overs and filter coffee. The lighter roasts preserve the bean’s acidity and boast a brighter, fruitier coffee flavor, ideal for black filter coffee.
Espresso Machine vs. Coffee Maker: Grinding
Espresso grounds need to be fine, between the consistency of flour and table salt. However, coffee makers are best suited to coarser grounds.
Espresso machines are one of the most unforgiving methods of preparing coffee. You work with extremely high pressure and a short time limit of approximately 30 seconds. As a result, even the most minor alterations significantly impact your cup of Joe.
Too fine coffee grounds equal a bitter, over-extracted espresso, whereas overly coarse grounds produce an acrid, under-extracted shot.
Espresso Machine vs. Coffee Maker: Brewing
You can produce filter coffee in various ways using similar principles. However, an espresso specifically needs to be made with an espresso machine.
The espresso machine’s finer grind ensures that the coffee brews and pours within 20 to 30 seconds. In contrast, the drip coffee maker’s coarse grinds allow up to ten minutes of brewing time.
Espresso Machine vs. Coffee Maker: Caffeine Content
Espresso machines typically produce a higher caffeine concentration than coffee makers.
On average, espressos measure between 375 to 520mg of caffeine per 225ml. In comparison, coffee makers measure around 95 to 165mg of caffeine per 225ml.
However, an espresso shot is a lot smaller than a regular coffee cup, roughly containing 63 mg of caffeine.
So, if you take an equal portion of espresso and coffee, it is no surprise that espresso outperforms a cup of filter coffee. However, if you compare espresso and coffee by typical serving sizes, you’ll find that your everyday 225ml cuppa Joe has substantially more caffeine than an average 1 or 2-oz shot of espresso.
Espresso Machine vs. Coffee Maker: Price
An espresso machine is almost always costlier than a coffee maker due to its intricate design and detail. However, if barista-style coffee makes you tick, it’s a well-worth-it investment.
An investment? Yes, you’ll be saving hundreds of dollars by skipping coffee bar lattes and cappuccinos and making them at home.
Can You Get A Espresso and Coffee Machine?
Most espresso machines and coffee makers are separate machines. However, hybrid machines also exist that brew both types of coffee.
Hybrid machines may take less space and cost cheaper than purchasing an espresso machine and coffee maker separately. However, a hybrid isn’t the best choice if quality machines are your ultimate goal.
While two machines cost more and take up more counter space, it’s the best option for high-quality coffee and espresso.
Espresso Machine or Coffee Maker: Which One Should I Get?
Espresso vs. coffee. There is no right or wrong.
Opt for an espresso machine for a rich, intense espresso shot if you’re willing to invest the time and money to master the machine. However, get the coffee maker if you have a tight budget or prefer a smooth, vivacious pour-over.
