Today, I wanted to address something asked by most newbies who come into our store to get a coffee or espresso machine to replace what they currently have.
The Rise of Coffee Culture
Until we got to know Starbucks, in the last 25 years, most North Americans would drink drip coffee.
- You’ve got your standard machine you’d see at Tim Hortons or Dunkin’ Donuts.
- There’s a filter where coffee goes in, water drips through, making a pot of coffee.
- You pour it, it’s black, and you add your cream and sugar if desired.
Then Starbucks came along, and Howard Schultz mainly introduced North America to espresso-based beverages, which he discovered on a trip to Italy.
- Espresso took a while to become mainstream, but now, you have a bit of both in North America.
- People enjoy their drip coffee, and some enjoy espresso-based beverages. I enjoy both.
The Question: Can You Get One
Machine for Both?
The new question that’s been coming up in the last few years is: Can you get a machine that can do everything?
The answer is, well, yes and no. Here’s why:
Yes, Technically, You Can
- For a few hundred dollars, you can get a machine with a coffee pot on one side and a portafilter on the other.
- This allows you to make a pot of coffee and espresso, which is excellent for people who use espresso occasionally.
- These machines are decent but may not be ideal for daily espresso use.
No, If You Expect Perfect Functionality for Both
Once you get into the over $500 level and ask if you can have a machine that does both, they don’t exist in the way you might think.
Here’s why:
- We’re unaware of a machine on the market that can make drip-style coffee with a push of a button and make espresso with another push.
- Usually, something ” fights” the design of a dual-function machine, making it difficult to achieve the best of both worlds.
Why Coffee and Espresso Machines Differ: The Analogy
To explain the difference, I like to use the analogy of a bicycle and a motorcycle.
- A bicycle and a motorcycle look similar from a distance, but one has more power and complexity up close.
- Think of drip coffee as a bicycle and espresso as a motorcycle.
Espresso is made by pushing water under pressure through a finely ground, tamped puck, producing a unique caramel-colored crema on top. This process doesn’t happen with drip coffee.
Alternatives to Drip Coffee from an Espresso Machine
If you’re looking for the closest experience to drip coffee from an espresso machine, you have two main options:
- Americano
- An Americano is a shot of espresso with hot water added on top.
- Typically, you’d move the espresso over to the hot water steam wand or press a hot water button.
- Some people debate whether to add water or espresso first, but it comes down to personal preference.
- Long, Diluted Espresso Shot
- Alternatively, you can let your espresso machine run with the coffee puck in place.
- As the water runs through it, the shot becomes more diluted.
- This process continues until you get about eight ounces of a finished beverage, which is the closest you’ll get to drip coffee from an espresso machine, though it tastes slightly different.
Can One Machine Truly Do Both?
So, back to the original question: can you get both?
- Yes, you can get a dual machine that can make both side-by-side.
- You can also use an espresso machine to make an Americano or a long diluted espresso shot to approximate drip coffee.
The growing popularity of specialty coffee beverages like espressos, Americanos, and flat whites has increased the demand for machines that can handle both. If you come into one of our showrooms in Burlington or Ancaster, we can show you how to use these machines, let you taste the coffee, and help you find the right one for you and your family.
In Conclusion
Once again, thanks for watching. Rebecca has another video on basic espresso terminology, which I recommend watching. It will introduce you to some of the terms, so when you come into the store, you’ll better understand what we’re talking about. And, as always, we’re here to help you through it. Until next time, thanks again.
FAQs on Coffee and Espresso Machines
Can a single machine make both drip coffee and espresso?
Yes, technically, you can find machines that make both, but with some limitations. Most combo machines have a coffee pot on one side and an espresso portafilter on the other, suitable for occasional espresso use but not ideal for daily, high-quality espresso. High-end machines that make both functions equally well are rare.
Why can’t espresso machines make actual drip coffee?
Espresso and drip coffee require different processes. Espresso is made by forcing water under pressure through finely ground coffee, creating a crema and a rich, concentrated flavor. Drip coffee uses a slower extraction process with hot water that flows through the grounds, creating a smoother, lighter coffee. Trying to make both in one machine often compromises the quality of one or the other.
What is the closest alternative to drip coffee from an espresso machine?
The closest alternatives are:
- Americano: An espresso shot with hot water added to dilute it.
- Long Espresso Shot: This involves letting the espresso machine run water through the coffee grounds for longer, producing an eight-ounce drink that approximates drip coffee.
What’s the difference in taste between an Americano and traditional drip coffee?
While similar in appearance, an Americano has a more prosperous, slightly bolder flavor compared to drip coffee. Drip coffee is typically smoother and uses 100% Arabica beans, while Americano is a diluted espresso, often with a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, adding a hint of bitterness.
Are there machines over $500 making espresso and drip coffee well?
Machines at this price range are generally designed to excel at espresso or drip coffee, but rarely both. A dual-purpose machine often has design compromises, as making both types of coffee requires very different mechanics.
What should I consider before buying a machine that does both?
Consider:
- Frequency of Use: A dual machine may work if you only want espresso occasionally. If you want high-quality espresso daily, a dedicated espresso machine may be better.
- Taste Preferences: An Americano may taste different from drip coffee, so try both options before deciding.
- Convenience: Dual machines require switching settings or sides, so think about whether you prioritize speed or quality.
How can I try the differences before buying?
Visit a showroom, like ECS Coffee in Burlington or Ancaster, where you can test machines, taste the coffee, and get expert guidance to find the suitable machine for your needs.