Imagine waking up to the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, but not just any coffee – a perfectly pulled espresso shot, ready to kickstart your day. Sounds like a dream, right? For many of us, that dream feels just out of reach when we stare at the overwhelming shelves of coffee makers. You want that café-quality experience at home, but navigating the world of machines that can do both coffee and espresso can feel like a maze.
The truth is, choosing a coffee maker with espresso capabilities can be tricky. You might worry about complex settings, whether it will actually taste good, or if it’s worth the extra cost. You’re looking for convenience, great taste, and a machine that fits your life. That’s why we’re here to help.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great coffee maker with espresso. We’ll explore the different types, what to look for, and how to find the perfect one for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture and feel confident choosing a machine that delivers delicious coffee and espresso every single time. Let’s dive in and find your perfect brew buddy!
Our Top 5 Coffee Maker With Espresso Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Coffee Maker With Espresso Detailed Reviews
1. De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine + Advanced Adjustable Milk Frother for Cappuccino & Latte + Glass Coffee Pot 10-Cup
Rating: 9.4/10
The De’Longhi COM532M is a true coffee champion for your kitchen. This all-in-one machine makes both regular coffee and rich espresso. It also has a special frother to create creamy cappuccinos and lattes. With its sleek black design and glass coffee pot, it looks great on any counter.
What We Like:
- Brew two ways at once: The Dual Heating System means you can make coffee and espresso at the same time. No more waiting!
- Real Italian espresso: The 15 BAR pressure pump creates espresso just like in Italy. You get a deep, delicious flavor every time.
- Perfect milk drinks: The Advanced Steam Wand lets you make silky smooth milk foam for lattes or fluffy foam for cappuccinos. You can even choose the perfect setting.
- Wake up to coffee: The 24-hour programmable timer is a lifesaver. Set it the night before and wake up to the smell of fresh coffee.
- Easy to use: The Digital Touchscreen makes everything simple. You can also use the Bold Setting to make your coffee extra strong and flavorful.
- No mess pouring: The spill-proof carafe means you can pour your coffee without worrying about drips. Every drop is saved.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning curve for frother: Getting the perfect milk foam might take a few tries for beginners.
- Counter space: As an all-in-one machine, it takes up a bit more room than a single-function coffee maker.
This De’Longhi machine is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves both regular coffee and specialty espresso drinks. It brings the coffee shop experience right to your home.
2. Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System
Rating: 8.8/10
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System (CFN601) is a versatile machine that lets you make both delicious espresso drinks and regular coffee. It uses BARISTA PLUS TECHNOLOGY with 19-bar pressure to brew flavorful espresso with a nice crema. You can also use it to make coffeehouse-style drinks like cappuccinos and lattes at home thanks to its built-in frother. It’s compatible with Nespresso capsules, giving you options for your morning brew.
What We Like:
- It brews super tasty espresso with smooth crema because of its 19-bar pressure system.
- You can easily make fancy drinks like cappuccinos and lattes at home with the built-in frother.
- It brews single-serve espresso in three sizes: Espresso, Lungo, and Over Ice.
- You can also brew regular coffee using grounds in Classic, Rich, or Over Ice styles, with nine different sizes to choose from, even a full 12-cup carafe.
- It’s great for parties because you can make individual espresso drinks or a big pot of coffee.
- The adjustable cup tray fits different cup sizes, from small espresso cups to travel mugs.
- It has a bin that holds up to 20 used capsules, making cleanup easy.
- Convenient features like Delay Brew, Keep Warm, and Clean make brewing simple.
- It comes with a 20-capsule storage bin, removable water reservoir, Ninja Smart Scoop, warming plate, paper filter kit, and a 12-cup glass carafe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Espresso capsules are not included and must be bought separately.
This Ninja system offers a lot of flexibility for any coffee lover. Whether you crave a rich espresso or a full pot of coffee, it delivers.
3. Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker
Rating: 8.9/10
The Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker (SS-4N1NAS, Black) is a versatile machine that brings a coffee shop experience right to your kitchen. It brews a full pot of coffee and also makes individual specialty drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. This machine is designed to handle your morning routine and your afternoon pick-me-up with ease.
What We Like:
- It brews up to 12 cups of coffee in a carafe, so there’s enough for everyone.
- You can make single-serve drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso.
- The machine is programmable for 24 hours, so your coffee is ready when you wake up.
- The “Keep Warm” feature keeps your coffee hot for up to 4 hours.
- You can pick how strong you want your coffee with the brew strength control.
- It comes with a permanent filter and a water filter for better-tasting coffee.
- The single-serve brewer offers three sizes: 6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz.
- It works with K-Cup pods and other single-serve pods.
- It’s also compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine-style capsules for espresso lovers.
What Could Be Improved:
- The carafe capacity is 12 cups, but each cup is about 5 oz., which is smaller than a standard mug.
- Some users might find the variety of brewing options a bit complex at first.
The Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar offers a lot of brewing options in one stylish machine. It’s a great choice for households with different coffee preferences.
4. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
Rating: 8.8/10
Transform your mornings with the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker. This versatile machine brews both hot and iced coffee, offering a wide range of options to suit your taste. It’s designed for convenience, from brewing a single cup to a full carafe, and even lets you create coffeehouse-style drinks right at home.
What We Like:
- It offers four different brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty Brew.
- You can make rich coffee concentrate for lattes and cappuccinos.
- It brews fresh iced coffee that isn’t watered down.
- You can brew in six different sizes, from a single cup to a full 10-cup carafe.
- It doesn’t require pods; you can use your favorite coffee grounds.
- The built-in frother turns milk into smooth foam for hot or cold drinks.
- The removable water reservoir makes filling easy.
- Many parts are dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.
- It has an automatic shutoff feature for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit more involved than simpler coffee makers.
- While it makes specialty drinks, it doesn’t replace the need for an espresso machine for true espresso.
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves coffee and enjoys variety. It brings the coffee shop experience to your kitchen with ease.
5. De’Longhi COM530M All-In-One Combination Coffee and Espresso Machine
Rating: 9.4/10
The De’Longhi COM530M All-In-One Combination Coffee and Espresso Machine is a versatile kitchen appliance. It brews both delicious coffee and rich espresso. Its 47-ounce water reservoir means you can make plenty of drinks.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one machine, saving counter space.
- You can make both regular coffee and espresso.
- The 47-ounce capacity is great for families or entertaining.
- It offers flexibility in your morning routine.
What Could Be Improved:
- Getting the perfect espresso shot might take some practice.
- Users need to understand that grind size and tamping affect pressure.
- Adjusting the grind or coffee amount may require reprogramming for optimal espresso extraction.
- The machine’s performance is dependent on user technique.
This machine offers a lot of brewing options for coffee lovers. With a little practice, you can master making your favorite espresso drinks.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Coffee & Espresso Machine
Looking for a coffee maker that can also whip up a delicious espresso? You’ve come to the right place! These machines are super versatile, letting you enjoy a simple drip coffee in the morning and a fancy espresso shot in the afternoon. Let’s dive into what makes a great coffee maker with espresso.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features. They will help you choose a machine that fits your needs perfectly.
- Brewing Options: Does it make regular coffee and espresso? Some machines even offer cappuccinos or lattes.
- Water Tank Size: A bigger tank means you can brew more coffee without refilling.
- Programmable Timer: Wake up to fresh coffee! This lets you set your machine to brew at a specific time.
- Milk Frother: If you love lattes or cappuccinos, a good milk frother is a must-have. Some are built-in, while others are separate.
- Grinder: Some machines have a built-in grinder, which grinds fresh beans right before brewing. This makes for the freshest taste.
- Carafe Type: Glass carafes are common, but thermal carafes keep your coffee hot for longer without a warming plate.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for machines with removable parts that are dishwasher safe.
Important Materials
The materials used in your coffee maker can affect its durability and how your coffee tastes.
- Stainless Steel: This is a durable and stylish material. It heats up quickly and is easy to clean.
- BPA-Free Plastic: Most plastic parts should be BPA-free to ensure your coffee is safe to drink.
- Glass: Glass carafes are nice because you can see how much coffee is left. However, they can break easily.
- Aluminum: Some internal parts might be made of aluminum. This is a good conductor of heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in the quality of your coffee and espresso.
What makes it better?
- Brewing Temperature: The right temperature is key for extracting the best flavor from coffee beans.
- Pressure (for Espresso): Espresso machines need good pressure to create that rich, crema-topped shot.
- Fresh Beans: Using freshly ground beans will always give you the best taste.
- Water Quality: Filtered water makes a noticeable difference in the flavor.
What can make it worse?
- Old or Stale Beans: These won’t produce good flavor, no matter how good the machine is.
- Scale Buildup: Mineral deposits can clog the machine and affect taste. Regular cleaning is important.
- Low-Quality Components: Cheaper parts might not heat water evenly or create enough pressure for espresso.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the machine most often. This will help you pick the right one.
Who is this for?
- The Busy Bee: If you need coffee fast in the morning, a programmable timer and a quick brew cycle are important.
- The Coffee Connoisseur: If you love experimenting with different coffee drinks, look for machines with adjustable settings and good espresso capabilities.
- The Entertainer: If you often make coffee for guests, a larger carafe size and the ability to make multiple drinks quickly are helpful.
- The Space Saver: If you have a small kitchen, a compact, all-in-one machine can be a lifesaver.
Using one of these machines is usually pretty straightforward. You add water, coffee grounds or beans, and press a button. For espresso, you might need to tamp the grounds into a portafilter. Cleaning is usually simple too. Most machines have removable parts that you can wash by hand or put in the dishwasher. Remember to descale your machine regularly to keep it working its best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for?
A: You should look for brewing options (coffee and espresso), water tank size, a programmable timer, a milk frother, and whether it has a built-in grinder.
Q: Are glass carafes better than thermal ones?
A: Glass carafes let you see the coffee level, but thermal carafes keep coffee hot for longer without reheating.
Q: Do I really need a built-in grinder?
A: A built-in grinder offers the freshest coffee possible. However, you can also buy a separate grinder if you prefer.
Q: How do I clean a coffee maker with espresso?
A: Most machines have removable parts for easy cleaning. It’s also important to descale your machine regularly to remove mineral buildup.
Q: What kind of water should I use?
A: Using filtered water will improve the taste of your coffee and help prevent scale buildup in your machine.
Q: How long does it take to brew a cup of coffee?
A: This can vary, but most machines brew a pot of coffee in about 5-10 minutes. Espresso shots brew much faster, usually in 20-30 seconds.
Q: Can these machines make lattes and cappuccinos?
A: Yes, many machines with a milk frother can make lattes and cappuccinos. Some have automatic programs for these drinks.
Q: What is “crema” in espresso?
A: Crema is the reddish-brown foam that sits on top of a well-pulled espresso shot. It’s a sign of good quality espresso.
Q: Are all coffee makers with espresso expensive?
A: Prices vary widely. Basic models can be affordable, while high-end machines with many features can be more expensive.
Q: How much counter space do these machines usually take up?
A: They vary in size. Some are compact, while others are larger, especially those with built-in grinders or milk systems.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.