Can you make coffee with an espresso machine? Here’s what you need to know! While espresso machines are designed for intense, concentrated shots, they’re also surprisingly versatile.
With the right technique, you can use your espresso machine to make a variety of coffee drinks, from smooth Americanos to iced coffees and even lungo-style brews.
Whether you’re craving a quick caffeine fix or a café-style experience at home, your espresso machine can do more than you think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make coffee using an espresso machine—easily, effectively, and full of flavor.
Table of Contents
Can You Make Coffee with an Espresso Machine? Absolutely! Here’s How
Yes, you can make coffee with an espresso machine, though it’s not your typical drip brew. Espresso makers provide a powerful, concentrated shot by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure.
But with a few adjustments, you can mimic a regular cup of coffee that’s smooth, balanced, and satisfying.
Whether you’re a casual drinker or a home barista in the making, learning how to get the most from your machine is both fun and rewarding. For more tips and insights, explore everything about coffee culture.
The following are the most widely used methods:
1. Make an Americano
The most popular and easiest method is to make an Americano. Simply cover a shot (or double shot) of espresso with boiling water. A typical ratio is one part espresso to two or three parts water, depending on the strength you like.
- The espresso works because the hot water lengthens its flavor while reducing its intensity.
- Advice: To maintain crema and produce a smoother texture, pour water over the espresso.
Americano = Espresso + Hot Water = Coffee-like drink, richer in flavor
2. Use a Coarser Grind and More Water
You may adjust the parameters on certain manual or semi-automatic espresso machines. By using a coarser grind size and increasing the water volume, you can brew something that tastes closer to regular coffee.
- What to adjust:
- Use a medium grind instead of fine
- Extend brew time slightly (20–30 seconds)
- Let more water through (around 6–8 oz instead of the usual 1–2 oz)
- Use a medium grind instead of fine
This won’t be true drip coffee, but it’ll offer a fuller cup with a lighter body, suitable for those who prefer a milder taste.
3. Brew a Lungo Shot
A lungo is a “long pull” espresso. It uses the same amount of coffee grounds but double the water and takes longer to extract (up to 60 seconds).
- Taste profile: More bitter than regular espresso due to over-extraction, but more volume in the cup.
- Best for: Those who want a slightly larger drink without diluting it after brewing.
Think of it as the long black’s espresso counterpart.
4. Double or Triple Shots for Volume
If you’re simply looking for more volume, brew 2–3 espresso shots and combine them. You can:
- Add hot water to make an Americano stronger.
- Add steamed milk (to make a café au lait or latte-style drink)
- To make a flat white coffee, pour frothed milk on top.
You have complete control over flavor, size, and strength with this method. It’s ideal for people who want to personalize their brew while still using the espresso machine’s full capabilities.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Making Coffee with an Espresso Machine!
To get the best performance from your setup, check out these espresso machine essentials that help fine-tune your grind, improve tamping, and elevate your brewing experience.
1. The Americano Was Born on the Battlefield
Legend has it that American soldiers in Italy during WWII found espresso too strong, so they diluted it with hot water, creating the first “Americano.” Today, it’s one of the easiest methods for making espresso that mimics ordinary coffee.
2. One Machine, Endless Possibilities
An espresso machine isn’t just for espresso. With a little creativity, it can make lungos, ristrettos, Americanos, flat whites, and even tea (yes, some models dispense hot water for tea!).
3. Espresso Shots Go Stale in 10 Seconds
Have you ever noticed how quickly your espresso loses its magic? That’s because the crema starts breaking down almost immediately after brewing. If you’re learning how to pull a perfect espresso shot, timing is everything—always mix or serve it quickly to preserve the flavor, especially before adding hot water for an Americano.
4. You Can Brew “Coffee-Style” Drinks Without Changing Beans
No need to buy special beans to make different drinks. The same espresso roast can produce a variety of flavors and strengths just by changing the grind size, water volume, and brew time.
5. Pressure Makes the Difference
Espresso is brewed under an intense 9 bars of pressure—that’s 130 PSI, the same force inside a car tire. Now that’s power in a cup! To put it in perspective, that’s more pressure than in most car tires. If you’ve ever wondered what pressure is needed for espresso, this level of force is exactly what gives espresso its powerful, concentrated flavor.
6. Your Machine Might Have a Hidden Hot Water Spout
Many espresso makers, particularly the more expensive and semi-automatic ones, contain a separate hot water spout that’s ideal for making tea or Americanos.
7. You’re Learning Barista-Level Skills
Experimenting with espresso for regular coffee doesn’t just make great drinks—it also teaches you grind control, pressure dynamics, shot timing, and milk texturing. You’re leveling up your home barista game without even realizing it.
FAQS||Can You Make Coffee with an Espresso Machine?
1. What’s the best way to make coffee using an espresso machine?
Use freshly ground espresso beans, dial in the grind, tamp evenly, and pull a 25–30 second shot for rich, balanced flavor.
2. Can I use regular coffee grounds in an espresso machine?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Regular grounds are too coarse, resulting in weak, under-extracted espresso with poor crema.
3. Does an espresso machine make stronger coffee?
Yes! Espresso is more concentrated, with a bold flavor and higher caffeine per ounce than regular brewed coffee.
4. Can I make iced coffee with an espresso machine?
Absolutely! Brew a double shot, pour over ice, and add cold milk or sweetener for refreshing iced coffee.
5. What’s the difference between an espresso shot and brewed coffee?
Espresso is concentrated, made under pressure, and served in small shots. Brewed coffee is lighter, with more volume and less intensity.
Botton Lines
Can coffee be brewed in an espresso machine? Absolutely—and it can be even better than your average cup. From rich Americanos to smooth lungo shots, your espresso machine offers a range of options beyond espresso itself.
You may have strong, flavorful coffee that suits your preferences with a few easy tweaks. Along the way, it’s worth understanding what temperature should espresso be brewed at to ensure you’re extracting the best flavor from your beans. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a home barista in the making, learning how to get the most from your machine is both fun and rewarding.
Experiment, explore, and sip your way to the perfect brew—one shot (or cup) at a time.
