Imagine starting your morning. You crave a strong, rich espresso shot, but your partner dreams of a big, comforting mug of drip coffee. Sound familiar? Juggling two separate machines—a bulky drip maker and a temperamental espresso machine—takes up precious counter space and costs a small fortune. Many coffee lovers face this daily dilemma: how do you satisfy every coffee craving without turning your kitchen into a caffeine appliance graveyard?
Choosing the perfect combination coffee maker and espresso machine feels like a maze. You worry about sacrificing quality for convenience. Will the espresso taste weak? Will the drip coffee be watery? These machines promise versatility, but they often leave buyers feeling uncertain about performance and long-term value. We understand that confusion!
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down the best features, compare top models, and show you exactly what to look for. By the end, you will know which all-in-one powerhouse perfectly matches your household’s unique coffee habits. Get ready to streamline your mornings and upgrade your brew game!
Top Combination Coffee Maker And Espresso Machine Recommendations
- No waiting time with Dual Heating System Allows you to brew coffee and espresso simultaneously.
- Italian 15 BAR pressure pump Experience authentic espressos brewed at the optimal pressure for rich flavor.
- Advanced Steam wand Choose micro-foam setting to steam milk for lattes or treat yourself to authentic cappuccinos with Cappuccino setting on the Advanced Steam Wand
- 24 Hour programmable timer and Digital Touchscreen Enjoy intuitive and enhanced experience with Digital Touchscreen and wake up to freshly brewed coffee with the digital timer.
- Bold Setting function Customize your preference of flavor and aroma for a rich, yet smooth coffee experience
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- BARISTA PLUS TECHNOLOGY: The 19-bar pressure system delivers ultra-flavorful espresso with a silky-smooth crema by brewing at the optimal temperature and pressure.
- COFFEEHOUSE DRINKS AT HOME: The built-in, fold-away frother allows you to create espresso-based cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and more.
- BREW SINGLE-SERVE ESPRESSO: Choose your favorite espresso capsule and brew up to 3 styles: Espresso (1.35 oz), Lungo (3.75 oz), and Over Ice (1 oz).
- BREW THROUGH COFFEE GROUNDS: Make a Classic, Rich, or Over Ice brew. Select 9 different sizes ranging from cup, to travel mug, to a full 12-cup carafe.
- VERSATILITY TO ENTERTAIN: Treat your guests to an espresso-based coffeehouse drink or brew a 12-cup carafe for the crowd.
- Designed in Switzerland, the EM1040 Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker Combination meets performance and quality.
- Powerful 19 bar ULKA pump from Italy operating at 1250 Watts for powerful brewing and frothing
- Die-cast aluminum filter holder with 'moustache style' outlet to brew into two cups.
- Spherical headed plastic steam tube with stainless steel steam nozzle.
- Dual brewing setting allows for manual and automatic brewing.
- 4-IN-1 BARISTA BAR: The Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker lets you enjoy up to 12 cups of coffee (cup equals approx. 5 oz. (varies by brewing technique) and single-serve cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso.)
- CONVENIENT FEATURES: This coffee machine with fully automatic brewing and 24-hour programmability allows you to customize your coffee's freshness with adjustable Keep Warm up to 4 hours and Brew Pause features.
- BREW CONTROL: Tailor the strength of your brew with the brew strength control and savor the rich flavors with the included gold-tone, commercial-style permanent filter and charcoal water filter.
- SINGLE SERVE BREWER: Choose from three brewing sizes: 6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz. to suit your preferred coffee strength, compatible with Keurig K-Cup or other single serve pods to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
- NESPRESSO COMPATIBLE CAPSULE BREWER: The coffeemaker is compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine-style capsules to allow you to delight in both single and double espresso sizes.
- 3 MACHINES IN 1: Brew without limits with no guesswork espresso, well-balanced drip coffee, and rapid cold brew. 2 Espresso Styles — double shot or quad shot, 3 Drip Coffee Styles—classic, rich or over ice, and 2 Cold Brew styles— cold pressed espresso or cold brew coffee (drip coffee and cold brew available in 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 oz. sizes).
- BARISTA ASSIST TECHNOLOGY: Unlock the ultimate guided experience with customized grind size recommendations, weight-based dosing, and active brew adjustments for temperature & pressure for balanced flavor, deliver café-quality brews, no guesswork required.
- INTEGRATED GRINDER: The conical burr grinder has 25 grind settings to deliver a fresh, precise grind for versatile drink options for every type of bean.
- WEIGHT-BASED DOSING: Different drinks require different amounts of grounds. Our built-in scale does the work for you with weight-based dosing tailored for your chosen drink. Other machines simply grind for a set amount of time, and you need to manually weigh your grounds.
- HANDS-FREE FROTHING: Whether using dairy or plant-based milk, creating hot or cold microfoam, the Dual Froth System combines steaming and whisking at the same time to effortlessly create perfectly textured microfoam. Removing the trial-and-error from manual frothing with 4 preset programs including steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth and cold foam
- 13-SIZE DUAL COFFEE MAKER: Grounds and pods system with 5 grounds brew sizes (Sm, XL Cup, Travel, XL Travel Mug), 4 carafe sizes (¼, ½, ¾, Full Carafe), and 4 traditional pod brew sizes (6-12oz).
- PERMANENT FILTER: The permanent, reusable filter preserves natural coffee oils and small coffee particles to provide a robust flavor similar to a French press.
- FASTER BREWING: Brew a coffee pod faster than a leading Keurig coffee maker upon startup. Compatible with 1 Hole K-Cups, it's perfect for a busy lifestyle while delivering optimal flavor.
- 4 BREW STYLE CHOICES + TEA: Deliver optimal flavor for hot coffee, ice coffee, or tea. Select Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty for your favorite grounds or coffee pods, or water for tea.
- INDEPENDENT HOT WATER SYSTEM: Separate from the coffee dispenser to eliminate cross-contamination. 2 temperature settings—hot and boil—allow you to make instant soups, oatmeal, or hot cocoa.
- 4 MACHINES IN 1: Brew without limits with no guesswork espresso, well-balanced drip coffee, rapid cold brew, and an independent hot water system. 5 Espresso Styles — single, double shot or quad shot, ristretto & lungo. 3 Drip Coffee Styles—classic, rich or over ice, 2 Cold Brew styles — cold pressed espresso or cold brew coffee, and Independent Hot Water System – americanos, tea, and hot chocolate (drip coffee and cold brew available in 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 oz. sizes).
- BARISTA ASSIST TECHNOLOGY: Unlock the ultimate guided experience with customized grind-size recommendations, weight-based dosing, and active brew adjustments for temperature & pressure for balanced flavor. Cafe-quality brews, no guesswork required.
- INTEGRATED TAMPER: Tamp your grounds easily and mess free with the push of a lever, no overflowing grounds.
- DUAL FROTH SYSTEM PRO: Unlock more froth options with the easy-to-clean, insulated steam wand and XL Milk Jug. Elevate your at-home coffee routine and create froth for two drinks with 5 preset froth functions including steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth, extra-thick froth, and cold foam.
- GRIND SIZE RECOMMENDATIONS: Barista Assist Technology monitors each brew and adapts the grind size recommendation based on the previous brew to eliminate trial and error, or dial in based on your personal preferences. Note that you can prevent sour or bitter brews by following the recommended grind size.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Combination Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine
Buying a combination coffee maker and espresso machine lets you enjoy both a quick drip coffee and a rich, creamy espresso shot at home. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Not all combination machines are the same. Look closely at what each model offers.
- Brewing Capacity: How much coffee do you make? Some machines brew a full 12-cup carafe, while others only make single servings. Choose based on your household size.
- Espresso Boiler System: This is very important for good espresso. Look for a machine with a thermoblock or thermocoil system. These heat up fast, so you don’t wait long for your morning shot. Cheaper models might use less efficient heating methods.
- Milk Frothing Capability: If you love lattes or cappuccinos, you need a good steam wand. Some machines have an automatic frother, while others use a manual steam wand. Manual wands give you more control over the foam texture.
- Programmability: Can you set a timer? A programmable machine lets you wake up to fresh coffee waiting for you.
- Portafilter Quality: For espresso, the portafilter holds the coffee grounds. Metal portafilters are much better than plastic ones because they hold heat evenly, leading to better-tasting espresso.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used affect how long your machine lasts and how well it works.
Housing and Build
Look for stainless steel components where possible. Stainless steel looks great, is easy to clean, and lasts longer than cheap plastic housings. Plastic parts are fine for water reservoirs, but the main body should feel sturdy.
Carafe Type
You usually choose between a glass carafe or a thermal carafe. Glass carafes let you see the coffee level, but they often sit on a hot plate that can “cook” the coffee, making it taste bitter. Thermal carafes keep coffee hot for hours without extra heating, preserving the best flavor.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your final drink depends on a few key factors built into the machine.
Pressure for Espresso
A true espresso shot requires high pressure. Look for machines that deliver 15 bars of pressure. This is the standard needed to properly extract flavor from the finely ground coffee. Lower pressure often results in weak, watery espresso.
Grinder vs. Separate Grinder
Some combination units include a built-in grinder. While convenient, built-in grinders are often not as high quality as a standalone burr grinder. For the best espresso, many experts suggest buying a separate burr grinder. Freshly ground beans greatly improve taste.
Cleaning Access
Hard water leaves mineral buildup (scale) inside machines. A machine that is easy to descale (clean) will last longer and keep your coffee tasting fresh. Check reviews to see if the water lines are easy to access for cleaning.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the machine every day.
The Busy Morning User
If you need coffee fast before running out the door, prioritize speed. Machines with fast heat-up times (thermoblock) and large drip coffee reservoirs are best. You can set the drip side to brew automatically the night before.
The Weekend Barista
If you enjoy making fancy drinks on the weekend, focus on the espresso features. You need a powerful steam wand and good temperature control for perfectly textured milk foam. You might prefer a machine that separates the brewing functions so you can focus on pulling a perfect shot without the drip side running.
Space Constraints
Combination machines save counter space, but they can still be bulky. Measure your counter space, especially the height, to ensure the machine fits under your cabinets.
10 FAQs About Combination Coffee Makers and Espresso Machines
Q: Are combination machines as good as separate units?
A: Generally, separate, high-end units perform better. Combination machines are a compromise, offering convenience and space-saving. They are great for most home users, but coffee purists might prefer dedicated machines.
Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: It varies. Machines with thermoblocks heat up very quickly, often in under a minute for espresso. Older or cheaper models might take 5 to 10 minutes to reach full temperature.
Q: What is the difference between a steam wand and a frother?
A: A steam wand uses high-pressure steam to heat and texture milk manually, giving you control over microfoam for latte art. An automatic frother does the heating and foaming for you, usually with the press of a button.
Q: Do I need to use special coffee grounds?
A: Yes. Drip coffee uses medium grounds. Espresso requires very fine, tightly packed grounds. Ensure the machine can handle the correct grind setting, or use pre-ground espresso if the machine lacks a grinder.
Q: How often should I clean the machine?
A: You should rinse the portafilter and steam wand after every use. Deep cleaning (descaling) should happen every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you use it and how hard your water is.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for the espresso side?
A: Yes, most machines allow you to use pre-ground coffee in the portafilter. However, the espresso flavor will be much better if you grind the beans right before brewing.
Q: What does “dual boiler” mean?
A: A dual boiler system has two separate heaters—one for brewing coffee and one for making steam. This lets you brew espresso and steam milk at the exact same time without temperature loss.
Q: Are these machines hard to install?
A: No. Most simply require you to plug them in and run a few cycles of water through the system before the first use to flush out any manufacturing residue.
Q: Will this machine take up a lot of counter space?
A: They take up less space than owning two separate machines. However, they are often taller than standard drip makers because they need room for the espresso components and water tanks.
Q: What pressure is considered ideal for espresso?
A: The industry standard for a high-quality extraction is 9 bars of pressure at the coffee puck. Many home machines advertise 15 bars, which is the pump’s maximum output, but 9 bars is what truly matters during the shot.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!