Espresso is a robust, concentrated coffee brewed by squeezing boiling water over ground coffee.
Although it’s one of the most popular coffee drinks, not everyone can brew it at home because they can’t afford an espresso machine.
So, can you make espresso with a regular coffee maker? Will your cup of coffee preserve its authentic taste and flavor?
This article will discuss these questions carefully and show you the final verdict. Are you curious about the answer? Scroll down and keep reading until the end.
Let’s get started!
Can You Make Espresso With A Regular Coffee Maker?
The answer is Yes! You can use a regular coffee maker to make espresso. However, you will only get an espresso-like cup instead of the real one because these machines can’t provide enough pressure bars for brewing this drink.
Let’s keep reading to learn the in-depth explanations!
Differences Between Espresso And Regular Coffee
Espresso refers to a type of coffee drink. However, it’s not the same as regular coffee. Here are the main differences between them:
Roast
People roast espresso beans darker and longer than the ones used for regular coffee. Thus, the first option tastes deeper and more toasted.
Besides, longer roasting means espresso eliminates acidity and releases more oiliness. As a result, you can get a richer and fuller feeling taste.
Grind
Compared to other kinds of grinds, espresso grinds are usually significantly finer.
That’s because brewing this drink requires boiling water to be pushed over firmly packed grounds.
On the other hand, you must ensure coffee grounds are fine. They should have a sand-like texture since water flows through them for a short time.
If you find a packet of ground beans saying “espresso,” it has roasted beans to espresso points with a fine grind.
Brewing
A percolator, drip, or French press to make regular coffee is acceptable.
On the other hand, brewing espresso requires a unique process. You must have an espresso coffee maker or an AeroPress.
In other words, you shouldn’t use regular coffee machines to make espresso if you want to achieve an authentic taste.
This drink requires relatively high pressure to make the coffee extraction process happen.
Moreover, you must master specific skills to brew this beverage correctly. Thus, it’s relatively challenging to make a cup yourself at home.
Taste
Espresso beans are roasted, ground, and made with different techniques. Therefore, it tastes more outstanding than regular coffee.
Generally, it often has a more robust, less acidic flavor and a full-bodied, well-rounded aftertaste.
Espresso beans undergo the roasting process, so they can release more oils. As a result, espresso feels heavier.
Caffeine
Espresso has less caffeine than regular coffee because these beans experience a longer roasting process, releasing caffeine.
Differences Between Espresso Machines And Regular Coffee Makers
Different tools bring unique tastes to your brew. Below are the features to distinguish espresso makers and regular coffee machines:
Brewing Process
Espresso coffee requires a finer grind, so an espresso maker can brew and dispense a cup in around 30 seconds.
On the other hand, regular coffee machines use a coarser grind. Thus, the brewing time is longer, up to 10 minutes.
Pressure
Espresso makers use high pressure while brewing to push the hot water over your coffee within some seconds.
Meanwhile, regular coffee makers only use gravity power to force the boiling water to flow through the coffee filter.
Generally, the two machines use different grind sizes with unique brewing processes and pressure. Thus, it will affect the taste of your drink.
In other words, having an authentic espresso is difficult if you use a regular coffee maker to brew it.
How To Prepare For Espresso?
Even when you use an espresso machine or a regular coffee maker to brew this drink, you should follow the steps below:
Roast The Beans
Some coffee lovers use the dark roast to make espresso, but some suppose it’s unnecessary.
The truth is that it depends on your preferences. For instance, some enthusiasts can make a perfect brew using medium roasts.
According to the traditional brewing method, it’s necessary to have dark roasts for more flavor.
Longer roasting produces more porous coffee, which is easier to ground and extract flavors.
Get The Grounds
Brewing espresso requires fine ground, which makes it easier for hot water to flow through.
This way, you need to mix the water with the espresso grounds. The maker uses high pressure to push the water through the filter to create a dark brown drink.
Besides, using a burr grinder to grind the beans is advisable if you desire an authentic espresso grade.
You can use manual grinders, but they require much energy and time for a fine consistency.
Achieve Pressure
Specialized espresso machines apply at least nine pressure bars to the grinds you’ve prepared in the previous phase.
How To Make Espresso With A Regular Coffee Maker?
What should you use to brew espresso if you can’t afford an espresso machine? Look no further than the following options!
Drip Coffee Maker
As shared earlier, regular machines can’t provide enough pressure for your drink. However, you can achieve an espresso-like cup with a drip maker.
Below are simple steps to make espresso with a drip machine:
Step 1:
You will find a tank in most drip makers. Don’t fill the water in this section if you want to brew espresso because the speed isn’t fast enough.
Step 2:
Put a filter in the machine. Next, add the espresso grounds.
Heat the water on the stove until it’s nearly boiling.
Step 3:
Put a cup under the coffee filter. Then, pour water over the espresso grounds while leaving the machine’s lid open to access everything quickly and correctly.
Let your drink sit for around 30 seconds to release oils into the beans.
Add the remaining water in as rapidly as you can. As a result, you can get an espresso-like cup.
Moka Pot
These pots are popular in Latin America and Europe. While they are not actual espresso makers, they can add water pressure to achieve the unique taste of espresso. If you have one, follow the guides below to make your favorite cup!
Step 1:
Measure four tsp. of finely ground coffee. Pour water into your Moka pot to the line marked.
Don’t add more water because it may cause your drink to be watery and bland.
Step 2:
Add the fine grounds to the pot’s filter basket.
Step 3:
Reassemble the parts of your Moka pot. Place it over the stove at medium heat.
When the water in the bottom chamber heats up, it creates steam pressure. As a result, it can force your drink up to the pot’s top via the filter.
Step 4:
If you notice brown foam in the pot and the hissing sound, it’s the best time to turn off the stove.
However, let the pot’s upper component fill with your drink. After that, you can remove your Moka pot.
Step 5:
Use a spoon to stir the drink in the top part of your pot. After that, prepare cups and pour your coffee into them.
If you want more tips on this method, you can watch this video:
French Press
If a French press is available in your kitchen, brewing a cup of espresso is a good idea. Here are the simple steps to follow:
Step 1:
Calculate the number of cups you want and measure the finely ground.
Step 2:
Pour water into a kettle and boil it up. After that, let it sit for 30 minutes before using it.
Step 3:
Add twice as much coffee as your French Press maker used to extract more flavor from the grounds.
Pour hot water into the grounds. Allow enough time for them to rest (30 to 45 minutes).
During this time, the grounds bloom and extract the oils and aroma for your cup.
Step 4:
If needed, add water. However, avoid stirring because it may destroy the coffee flavor extraction.
Step 5:
Cover the lid. Wait for 3 to 4 minutes for the drink to absorb. However, don’t leave it to sit for too long, as it may lead to a slightly bitter taste.
Step 6:
Use the maker’s plunger. Push it steadily and slowly for even pressure. After this stage, pour your drink into a container to preserve its flavors before enjoying it.
Aeropress
If you have an AeroPress in your house, you can use it to brew espresso. Let’s consider the following guidelines!
Step 1:
Use the kettle to heat a water cup. Ensure the water temperatures are 85℉- 96℉ for the best extraction.
Step 2:
Measure the ground coffee. Add it to the filter in your machine and rinse it with hot water.
Step 3:
Place the Aero’s drain cap immediately on a big mug or other containers to catch the coffee.
Step 4:
Tamper your grounds to get firm packing.
Step 5:
Pour half of the heated water cup into your machine. Stir quickly.
Wait for the extraction. After that, you can enjoy your drink.
FAQs
Is Espresso Just Pure Coffee?
The short answer is Yes! This drink contains only two ingredients: hot water and finely ground.
What Happens If You Use Regular Coffee To Make Espresso?
You can only get an espresso-like drink instead of one with authentic flavors and tastes.
Why Does Espresso Taste Better Than Regular Coffee?
Espresso experiences a longer roasting time. Therefore, it tastes deeper and is more roasted.
Is Espresso Stronger Than Coffee?
If you consume responsibly, these options may be excellent providers of plant-based bioactive chemicals that benefit your health.
Therefore, coffee is relatively more robust than its counterpart.
Is Espresso Or Regular Coffee Healthier?
If you consume responsibly, these options may be excellent providers of plant-based bioactive chemicals that benefit your health.
How Many Espresso Equals A Cup Of Coffee?
The short answer is two. Two espresso shots equal a coffee cup with the same caffeine content.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, while you can’t brew authentic espresso with a regular coffee maker, you can create a robust and delicious espresso-like drink.
You can use a drip maker, Moka pot, French Press, or Aeropress to make your favorite beverages.
If you have any further questions, comment in the box below. We’re willing to answer them all. Thank you for taking the time to follow this post!
