There are different types of coffee makers or Espresso Machine on the market depending on your tastes. However, you will find that most people have regular coffee makers in their homes and even offices. A common question which comes up is whether a coffee maker can be used to make an espresso. This is mostly asked by those people who want to economize and start making their own coffee saving time and even money used in buying the ready made one from coffee vendors. Before you start doing this, there are a few things you need to know about both machines.
Espresso Machine vs Coffee Maker
Looking to buy either an espresso machine or coffee maker? Here are our current top recommendations:
- Espresso machine – the Breville BES870XL Barista Express EspressoMachine. It is a little on the expensive side but you do get a lot of bang for your buck. If you are looking for something cheaper though, the De’Longhi America EN750MB Nespresso Lattissima ProMachine works well too. If you are really looking to not spend a lot, you could also choose the Aeropress for less than $100 here!
- Coffee Maker – Cuisinart DCC-1100BK 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
1) They might appear the same and seem to function in a similar way but in reality, they are very different. An espresso machine even by the name itself is designed to make espressos. When you hear about a coffee maker, it is normally any type of machine that is used to make coffee. However, the term is mostly used to refer to the drip coffee maker which is used mainly to make a simple cup of coffee.
2) An espresso is made using very finely coffee grounds as compared to other types of coffee. The major difference in an espresso machine is their brewing method. An espresso machine brews for a shorter time due to the fineness of the particles. A coffee maker brews for a long time since the particles are not necessarily fine.
3) An espresso machine uses very high pressure to force the water to go through the coffee within a short time to ensure you get the best taste out of the coffee beans. Other coffee makers do not use as much pressure when compared to it.
4) When it comes to prices, you will find that a coffee maker has a more friendly price and is cheaper than the espresso machine. This also means that due to the price, a coffee maker is the most commonly used in both homes and offices.
5) You will also find that coffee makers are easy to use as they are normally automatic compared to the latter which can be driven by steam or even semi-automatic. This is mainly since the fully automatic ones are usually very expensive to purchase. This also means that coffee makers do not need a lot of skill to operate since they do almost all the work for you. An espresso machine, on the other hand, needs more skills in operating it in order to ensure that you are able to make a good cup of coffee. You will need to learn about the machine and how to use it and this means that it cannot be used by everyone.
6) An espresso machine makes creamier coffee compared to a coffee maker. This is mainly due to the size of particles. In a coffee maker, the particles are of a medium size and water does not pass through them at a high pressure while, in the latter, the cream which is known as crema, is obtained when hot water boiling is passed through the fine particles at a high pressure within a short time. As a result, you get a strong cup of coffee which is not bitter compared to the coffee brewed in a coffee maker for a long period of time.
7) Due to its simpler design, a coffee maker can be said to be relatively easier to clean and this is quite an advantage especially to all those who like a fresh cup of coffee. It can easily be assembled and taken apart within a short time.
8) Coffee makers usually do not need a lot of time in grinding the coffee beans as the coffee particles are not required to be a very fine grind as compared to the other one which is made by forcing steam through finely ground coffee beans. Like regular drip coffee, it can be made from any type of coffee bean, though generally a blend is used to create optimal flavors.
Coffee vs Espresso Caffeine Content
When we talk about the difference between coffee and espresso caffeine content they have wide differences because of the processing and preparation method.
Brewed Coffee
Made in a coffee maker has a content between 95 and 165 mg of caffeine per 8 oz. serving size. it is because of the kind of coffee and how the coffee is prepared. One example is the Light and dark roast coffees that have similar amounts but depends on how you prepare it. You can let French press coffee steep to your desired strength. You can get stronger if you can keep the water longer in contact with the ground coffee.
There are many ways on how you prepare your coffee, You can filter coffee or pour over coffee, stove top percolator coffee, and more.
Espresso
Speak a cups of coffee, it is shots of espresso. It has a caffeine content of 47 to 64 mg per 1 oz. serving. It serves in a smaller cup called a demitasse cup. The caffeine content of espresso is between 376 and 512 mg.
Always remember that all espresso is coffee, but not all coffee is espresso.
Finally, you can adjust your coffee maker to be able to make different types of coffee, unlike the other machine which is specifically suited for making an espresso. This means you can use your coffee maker to make other kinds of coffee and not limit yourself and your tastes. You can also get the machine which is more suitable and affordable to you.
Instead of buying and drinking coffee to the coffee shop, Make your own copy with the use of this coffee maker or get a machine that is suitable for you.
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