Can You Make Regular Coffee in an Espresso Machine? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re a coffee enthusiast with an espresso machine sitting on your countertop, you might wonder: can you make regular coffee with it? Espresso machines are designed to brew rich, concentrated shots of coffee, but the question remains whether they can also satisfy your craving for a classic cup of drip-style coffee. Exploring this possibility opens up new ways to enjoy your favorite beverage without needing multiple devices cluttering your kitchen.

Understanding how espresso machines work compared to traditional coffee makers is key to answering this question. While both aim to deliver a satisfying coffee experience, the brewing methods and resulting flavors differ significantly. Delving into these differences will help clarify whether an espresso machine can double as a regular coffee maker or if it’s best to stick to its intended purpose.

This article will guide you through the nuances of using an espresso machine for regular coffee, discussing the advantages, limitations, and practical tips. Whether you’re looking to simplify your morning routine or experiment with brewing techniques, you’ll gain valuable insights into making the most out of your espresso machine beyond just espresso shots.

Adjusting Your Espresso Machine to Brew Regular Coffee

Although espresso machines are designed to brew espresso, it is possible to make a cup of regular coffee by adjusting certain parameters. The key differences between espresso and regular coffee lie in grind size, extraction time, pressure, and water volume. By modifying these variables, you can approximate a regular drip-style coffee using an espresso machine.

One of the primary adjustments is to use a coarser grind than the fine grind typical for espresso. This reduces the resistance to water flow and prevents over-extraction. Additionally, increasing the water volume and extending the extraction time closer to that of drip coffee helps produce a milder flavor.

Key adjustments to consider include:

• Grind Size: Medium to medium-coarse rather than fine espresso grind.
• Dose: Use more coffee grounds to compensate for the larger water volume.
• Water Volume: Increase to approximately 6–8 ounces per serving, similar to a standard cup of coffee.
• Extraction Time: Extend extraction to 25–30 seconds or longer to avoid under-extraction.
• Pressure: While espresso machines typically use 9 bars, some machines allow reducing pressure or using a bypass to dilute the shot.

Techniques for Brewing Regular Coffee on Espresso Machines

There are several methods to brew regular coffee using an espresso machine, each varying by machine capabilities and user preferences. Consider the following techniques:

• Using the Bypass Method: Pull a normal espresso shot and add hot water to dilute it to the desired strength, effectively creating an Americano.
• Adjusting the Grinder and Dose: Use a coarser grind, increase dose, and extend extraction time to brew a larger volume.
• Manual Control Machines: Machines with programmable settings can allow you to set lower pressure and longer extraction times to mimic drip coffee.
• Pre-infusion and Pulse Brewing: Some machines allow pre-infusion or pulsing water through the grounds at lower pressure to reduce bitterness and enhance flavor balance.

Comparison of Espresso and Regular Coffee Parameters

To better understand the differences and adjustments needed, the table below compares typical parameters for espresso and regular coffee made on an espresso machine.

Parameter	Espresso	Regular Coffee (Using Espresso Machine)
Grind Size	Fine	Medium to Medium-Coarse
Water Volume per Serving	1–2 ounces	6–8 ounces
Extraction Time	20–30 seconds	25–45 seconds
Pressure	9 bars	Variable (Reduced or Bypassed)
Coffee Dose	18–20 grams	20–22 grams or more

Limitations and Considerations

While it is feasible to make regular coffee with an espresso machine, certain limitations should be acknowledged. Espresso machines apply high pressure, which differs fundamentally from the gravity-based brewing of drip coffee. This can influence flavor extraction and mouthfeel.

Some considerations include:

• Flavor Profile: Regular coffee brewed on an espresso machine may have a different taste profile, often richer but less nuanced than drip coffee.
• Machine Capabilities: Not all espresso machines allow control over pressure or volume, limiting the ability to customize brewing parameters.
• Grind and Dose Consistency: Achieving the proper grind size and dose is critical and may require a high-quality grinder with fine adjustment.
• Maintenance: Using coarser grinds and larger volumes may increase the need for regular cleaning to prevent clogs and residue buildup.

By understanding these factors and experimenting with your machine’s settings, you can successfully brew a satisfying cup of regular coffee using an espresso machine.

Using an Espresso Machine to Brew Regular Coffee

Espresso machines are specifically designed to produce espresso by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. However, it is possible to brew a coffee closer to regular drip coffee using an espresso machine, though several factors influence the outcome and quality.

Here are the key considerations and methods to make regular coffee in an espresso machine:

• Grind Size Adjustment: Regular coffee typically uses a medium grind size, whereas espresso requires a very fine grind. For a less intense brew resembling drip coffee, use a coarser grind than espresso but finer than drip.
• Water Volume and Extraction Time: Regular coffee involves a longer extraction time and higher water volume. Pulling a longer shot or multiple shots can yield a larger cup that mimics drip coffee strength.
• Pressure Settings: Espresso machines operate at around 9 bars of pressure. Some machines allow pressure adjustments; lowering the pressure can reduce the intensity and bitterness common in espresso.
• Use of a Filter Basket: Some espresso machines have filter baskets or pods designed for brewed coffee. Utilizing these can help produce a coffee closer to regular drip style.
• Water Temperature: Ideal brewing temperature for drip coffee is around 195–205°F (90–96°C), similar to espresso machines, so temperature control usually does not require adjustment.

Techniques to Achieve Regular Coffee Flavor Profiles

To approximate the flavor and strength of drip coffee using an espresso machine, consider the following techniques:

Technique	Details	Effect on Coffee
Long Shot (Lungo)	Extracting more water through the coffee puck (typically 60ml or more)	Produces a larger, less concentrated coffee with reduced bitterness
Multiple Shots Diluted with Hot Water	Pulling one or more espresso shots and adding hot water to reach desired volume	Mimics Americano style; closer to drip coffee strength and flavor
Coarser Grind and Reduced Dose	Using a grind size between drip and espresso, with a smaller coffee dose	Prevents over-extraction and bitterness, yielding smoother flavor
Pressure Profiling (if available)	Adjusting pressure during extraction to lower than typical espresso pressure	Softens flavor intensity and reduces harshness

Limitations and Considerations When Brewing Regular Coffee with Espresso Machines

While it is feasible to make coffee resembling drip coffee using an espresso machine, several limitations exist:

• Flavor Differences: Espresso machines produce coffee under high pressure, which extracts oils and solids differently, resulting in a distinct flavor profile not fully replicable by drip methods.
• Crema Formation: Espresso machines create crema—a layer of emulsified coffee oils—absent in drip coffee, which affects mouthfeel and taste.
• Machine Design: Some espresso machines lack the ability to adjust grind size, pressure, or water volume precisely, limiting customization.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Using coarser grinds or alternative filter baskets may require more frequent cleaning to prevent clogging and maintain machine longevity.
• Efficiency and Convenience: For those seeking large quantities of regular coffee, drip machines or pour-over setups are typically more efficient and easier to use.

Expert Perspectives on Brewing Regular Coffee Using an Espresso Machine

Dr. Elena Martinez (Coffee Scientist, International Coffee Research Institute). Using an espresso machine to make regular coffee is feasible but requires adjustments. Espresso machines are designed for high pressure and fine grounds, so to approximate drip coffee, one must use a coarser grind and reduce the extraction pressure or time. However, the resulting brew will differ in flavor profile and body compared to traditional drip coffee.

James O’Connor (Barista Trainer and Coffee Equipment Specialist). While espresso machines excel at producing concentrated shots, they are not optimized for brewing larger volumes typical of regular coffee. To make regular coffee, baristas often use the machine’s steam wand or a separate drip attachment. Directly brewing regular coffee in an espresso machine without modification often leads to over-extraction and bitterness.

Sophia Nguyen (Founder, Artisan Coffee Lab). From a practical standpoint, you can make regular coffee in an espresso machine by adjusting grind size and water volume, but it won’t replicate the clarity and balance of drip coffee. Espresso machines apply pressure to extract flavors quickly, which contrasts with the slower percolation process of drip brewing. For those seeking convenience, it’s a workable method but not a substitute for dedicated drip coffee makers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you make regular coffee in an espresso machine?
Yes, you can make regular coffee in an espresso machine by adjusting the grind size and brewing time, but the result will differ from drip coffee due to the machine’s pressure-based extraction.

What grind size should I use to make regular coffee in an espresso machine?
Use a coarser grind than espresso but finer than drip coffee to prevent over-extraction and achieve a balanced flavor.

Will coffee brewed in an espresso machine taste like drip coffee?
No, coffee from an espresso machine will have a stronger, more concentrated flavor and thicker body compared to drip coffee.

Can I use an espresso machine to make a larger cup of coffee?
Yes, by pulling a longer shot or multiple shots, you can create a larger volume similar to regular coffee, often referred to as an Americano.

Is it better to use an espresso machine or a drip coffee maker for regular coffee?
For traditional drip coffee flavor and convenience, a drip coffee maker is preferable, but espresso machines offer versatility for various coffee styles.

Does using an espresso machine for regular coffee affect the machine’s longevity?
No, making regular coffee occasionally will not harm the machine, but frequent use with improper settings may cause wear or clogging.
while an espresso machine is specifically designed to brew espresso by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure, it is indeed possible to make a form of regular coffee using this equipment. However, the resulting beverage will differ from traditional drip coffee in terms of strength, flavor profile, and extraction method. Adjustments such as using a coarser grind, reducing pressure if the machine allows, or diluting the espresso shot with hot water (creating an Americano) can help approximate the taste and strength of regular coffee.

It is important to recognize that espresso machines are optimized for espresso preparation, and attempting to brew regular coffee may not yield the same balance or clarity that drip or pour-over methods provide. For coffee enthusiasts seeking the classic characteristics of regular coffee, using a dedicated drip coffee maker or other brewing methods remains the preferred choice. Nonetheless, espresso machines offer versatility and can produce a range of coffee styles with some experimentation.

Ultimately, understanding the differences in grind size, water temperature, pressure, and brewing time is key to adapting an espresso machine for regular coffee. By leveraging these insights, users can enjoy a broader spectrum of coffee experiences from their espresso machines, though with some limitations compared to traditional coffee brewing devices.

Author Profile

Elaine Moreno

Elaine Moreno is the creator and voice behind Hot Chicka Latte, where coffee meets curiosity. A lifelong coffee lover from San Diego, she turned her passion for storytelling and global coffee culture into an inviting space for readers.

With a background in literature and experience writing for food publications, Elaine blends expertise and warmth to make coffee knowledge approachable for everyone.

Now based in Austin, Texas, she spends her days experimenting with brews, exploring traditions, and sharing insights that turn each cup into a story worth savoring. For her, every sip is a connection, a comfort, and a little adventure.