Imagine waking up, and with just one machine, you can brew a rich, bold espresso shot or a full pot of smooth drip coffee. Sounds like a dream, right? For years, coffee lovers faced a tough choice: buy a separate espresso maker and a drip coffee machine, or settle for one that only does one job okay. That’s a lot of counter space and money!
Today, combination coffee maker espresso machines are changing the game. But even these all-in-one wonders come with their own puzzles. Which one has the best features? Will it actually make *great* espresso *and* good coffee? We know you want the best of both worlds without the hassle.
This post cuts through the noise. We will explore what makes a great combo machine, what features truly matter, and how to find the perfect fit for your kitchen and your caffeine habits. Get ready to unlock the ultimate coffee experience!
Top Combination Coffee Maker 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Combination Coffee Makers and Espresso Machines
Buying a combination coffee maker and espresso machine lets you enjoy both regular drip coffee and rich espresso drinks at home. It saves counter space and money. But which one is right for you? This guide helps you pick the perfect machine.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at what these machines can do. Different models offer different perks.
1. Brewing Capacity and Speed
- Drip Coffee Side: Check the carafe size. Do you need 10 cups or just 4? Look for fast heating elements so your morning coffee is ready quickly.
- Espresso Side: See how fast the machine builds pressure. Good machines heat up fast so you are not waiting long for that morning shot.
2. Pressure Rating (For Espresso)
Espresso needs strong pressure to push hot water through the packed coffee grounds. Look for machines rated at 15 bars of pressure. This is the standard for good quality espresso extraction.
3. Milk Frothing Capability
Do you love lattes or cappuccinos? You need a good steamer or frother. Some machines have a simple steam wand, while others have automatic milk texturing systems. Automatic systems are easier for beginners.
4. Programmability and Controls
- Can you set a timer for your drip coffee?
- Does the machine let you choose the strength of your brew?
- Look for clear, easy-to-read digital displays.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used in a machine affect how long it lasts and how hot your drinks get.
Housing and Body
Plastic bodies are cheaper, but stainless steel bodies last much longer and look better on your counter. Stainless steel also resists stains better.
Boiler/Heating Element
Aluminum boilers heat up quickly. However, stainless steel boilers hold heat more consistently, which is better for steady espresso temperature.
Portafilter (Espresso Handle)
If the portafilter is made of heavy metal (like stainless steel or brass), it usually creates better, more stable heat during brewing. Plastic portafilters can cool down the water too fast.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all combination machines brew coffee or espresso equally well. Some features boost quality, while others cut corners.
Quality Boosters:
- Adjustable Grinder: If the machine includes a built-in grinder, make sure it offers several grind settings. Freshly ground beans always taste better.
- Temperature Control: Machines that maintain a steady water temperature (around 195°F to 205°F) make better drip coffee.
Quality Reducers:
Be cautious of machines that advertise extreme simplicity or very low prices. Often, these use cheaper internal parts. For example, if the steam wand is very thin plastic, it might not produce enough power to properly steam milk.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the machine every day.
For the Busy Morning Commuter:
You need speed and ease. Look for machines with large water reservoirs so you do not refill them daily. A machine that lets you program brewing the night before is essential. Focus on simple, one-touch operations.
For the Coffee Enthusiast:
If you love experimenting, you need control. Look for manual steam wands, adjustable dosing controls, and perhaps a separate bypass doser for the drip side so you can use different types of coffee beans easily.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Combination machines require more cleaning than single-function machines. Check how easy it is to remove and clean the drip basket and the espresso group head. Descaling lights or automatic cleaning cycles save you time later.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Combination Coffee Makers
Q: Are combination machines as good as separate machines?
A: They are very good, but usually not quite as powerful as high-end, separate dedicated machines. They offer great convenience and solid quality for most users.
Q: What pressure rating should I look for in the espresso side?
A: Aim for 15 bars of pressure. This allows the machine to push water through the grounds correctly to make true espresso.
Q: Do combination machines usually come with a grinder?
A: Some do, but many popular models do not. If it has a grinder, check if the settings are fine enough for espresso.
Q: How hard is it to clean a combination machine?
A: It takes more effort than cleaning a simple drip brewer. You must clean both the coffee grounds area and the espresso group head regularly.
Q: What is a portafilter, and why does its material matter?
A: The portafilter is the handle you lock into the espresso machine to hold the ground coffee. Metal ones keep the temperature steady, making better espresso.
Q: Can I make iced coffee with these machines?
A: Yes. You can brew strong coffee on the drip side and pour it over ice. The espresso side makes concentrated shots perfect for iced lattes.
Q: Which material is best for the water boiler?
A: Stainless steel is generally better because it maintains a more consistent temperature, which is key for good espresso extraction.
Q: What is the difference between a steam wand and an automatic frother?
A: A steam wand lets you manually control the texture of the milk foam. An automatic frother does the work for you, usually with just the push of a button.
Q: How much counter space do these machines take up?
A: They save space compared to owning two separate machines, but they are still larger than basic drip coffee makers. Measure your counter before buying.
Q: Are combination machines energy efficient?
A: Look for models with an auto-shutoff feature. If the machine stays on all day, it uses more electricity. Fast heat-up times also mean less energy is wasted waiting.
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!