Espresso vs. Coffee: what is the difference?

What is coffee?

Coffee is usually served 6-8 oz. at a time and is brewed using a grounds-to-water ratio of roughly 1:18, depending on how strong you like it. Dark, medium or light roasted coffee beans are generally ground semi coarsely for this type of brew that results in a lighter, brighter drink.

When you think “coffee,” you’re probably imagining a full mug of hot, dark, roasty liquid brewed with an auto-drip coffee machine or hand-crafted with a pour-over kettle or French press. Coffee is a much-loved staple in many American kitchens and an enjoyable part of most morning routines.

What is espresso?

Espresso is a rich, concentrated form of coffee with a full-bodied, bold flavor. The espresso brewing method is all about creating pressure to quickly extract intense flavors for a “shot” of espresso with a luxurious crema (or dense foam) on top.

Espresso calls for finely-ground, dark-roast coffee packed tightly into a “puck” through which hot water is pumped at high pressure. Espresso typically uses a grounds-to-water ratio of 1:2 and is brewed in 1-2 oz. servings. It is enjoyed all on its own or used as the base of popular coffee beverages such as lattes and cappuccinos.

What makes espresso different from coffee?

Espresso is thicker and more intense than coffee because of the lower grounds-to- water ratio, the finer grind and the pressurized brewing method. Regular coffee generally uses a coarser grind, more water and gravity to extract the final brew.

Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between espresso and coffee:

Espresso vs. coffee grind-size: why does it matter?

Getting the right grind size for your brewing method is an important factor for a delicious cup of coffee or shot of espresso. In espresso, the smaller size of the grounds results in more surface area exposed to the water and is ideal for a fast extraction.

Conversely, use a larger grind for coffee to avoid over-extraction. Because water is in contact with the grounds longer when brewing coffee, the reduced surface area of a larger grind allows just the right amount of flavor to be pulled from your grounds. Make sure to use a grinder with settings that allow you to adjust from fine to coarse. The KitchenAid^® Burr Grinder features over 70 precise settings for a range of brewing methods and allows you to grind directly into the portafilter of your espresso machine.

Learn more about coffee grinders to find the right one for your coffee and espresso, and find out how to use a coffee grinder so you get the results you want every time.

How to make espresso

Since making espresso requires a delicate balance of pressure, heat and timing, an espresso machine that helps keep things consistent is a common way to prepare it. You can use one of three distinct types of espresso machines: manual, semi-automatic and fully-automatic. Each offers a different level of control over the brewing process, so you can decide how hands-on—or hands-off—you want to be. The more control you have, the more you can personalize your perfect cup of espresso.

Manual espresso machines give you full control. Raising a lever draws water through the grounds, then pulling it back down forces water through the grounds and into your cup. They can be tricky to operate but let you control nearly every step of brewing.

Semi-automatic machines strike a balance: you grind, tamp and lock the portafilter, but the machine handles the rest, offering a blend of control and ease. Fully-automatic machines (sometimes called super-automatic espresso machines) often come with built-in coffee grinders. They do everything from grinding beans and tamping them into the portafilter to dispensing espresso, all with the press of a button. These machines are ideal for simplicity but offer little customization.

Making espresso with a semi-automatic espresso machine

Semi-automatic espresso machines are a popular choice for making espresso at home because they offer a good mix of manual and automatic processes. Just add finely ground coffee to a portafilter, tamp or compress the grounds, then connect it to the machine and press a few buttons.

KitchenAid® semi-automatic espresso machines help you easily make your favorite espresso at home. Features like a flat portafilter for level tamping and a simple dosage selector help you enjoy espressos, lattes and cappuccinos just the way you like.

These espresso machines feature dual, smart temperature sensors that help maintain the ideal brewing temperature shot after shot. The fast-heating thermocoil technology heats water up to the ideal brewing temperature in less than 45 seconds. And, the low pressure pre-infusion and 15-bar Italian pump work together to make a deliciously rich, thick crema.

Making espresso with a fully-automatic espresso machine

A fully-automatic espresso machine takes the guesswork and labor out of crafting your favorite espresso drinks. With a KitchenAid^® Fully-Automatic Espresso Machine, for example, you simply load up essentials like milk, water and fresh beans, then follow the prompts on the touchscreen to choose your beverage. You can fine-tune your cup with just a few taps, adjusting the strength, temperature, body and volume.

Once you press Start, the machine grinds your beans to order, brews a rich, aromatic espresso, froths the milk and seamlessly delivers your customized brew straight into your cup.

Types of drinks you can make with espresso

The bold flavor of espresso can be enjoyed on its own or used to craft café favorites at home. Use a milk frother or steam wand to create silky aerated milk and foam for classic cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and more. Blend espresso with ice cream for a decadent and refreshing affogato or frappé—or mix it into baked goods like chocolate espresso torte. Espresso can also be used in marinades and pairs especially well with steak, pork or even fried plantains.

Because espresso is concentrated, its flavors carry through the addition of milk, sweeteners or other ingredients. Espresso gives you the freedom to experiment with adding different ingredients without losing the coffee flavor. Try adding coconut cream for a subtle tropical twist or scenting espresso with orange peel. There are no limits to the flavor combinations you can create in your own kitchen for unique espresso drinks and recipes.

How to make coffee

When it comes to brewing a comforting cup of fresh, hot coffee, there are many ways to get there, but drip methods might be the most popular. Add medium-ground coffee to a filter placed over a container (a mug or carafe), then slowly pour hot water over the grounds using various pouring techniques. If you have an auto-drip machine, just add grounds and water, then make your selections and the machine will take care of the rest.

Finding the perfect ratio of water to coffee for your taste might be the trickiest part of the process. If you want to skip the scale and measuring scoops, some auto-drip coffee makers include dosage guides to make it easier. KitchenAid^® drip coffee makers feature a dosage ladder on the filter and a chart on the water tank for consistently flavorful results every time. A Spiral Showerhead evenly saturates coffee grounds for optimal extraction and a Variable Brew Strength Selector allows you to choose between regular and bold strengths.

Types of drinks you can make with coffee

Creative coffee recipes aren’t just for espresso—you can make a whole range of caffeinated delights using brewed coffee, such as cold brew or iced coffee, and just a few ingredients. A cafe au lait is a simple yet satisfying way to cut strong coffee with steamed milk. Try adding cinnamon sticks or your favorite syrups for extra flavor. An Irish coffee rounds out the sharpness of whiskey with sugar and fresh whipped cream on top.

Cold brew coffee drinks open even more possibilities with recipes like Hawaiian Iced Coffee featuring coconut extracts or C’mores Coffee that captures the flavors of your favorite campfire treat in a glass. Of course, black coffee with (or without) a splash of cream is a tried-and-true favorite you can enjoy every morning.

The main difference between coffee drinks and espresso drinks is that coffee is less concentrated, making it the perfect base for more delicately flavored recipes. Some espresso drinks can also be lightened up with coffee or cold brew coffee concentrate. Try this Warm Winter Espresso Cocktail with double strength coffee, or swap out cold brew concentrate in cold espresso drinks like iced lattes.

Can you make espresso in a coffee maker?

Coffee makers don’t produce the pressure needed to extract espresso. You can make extra strong coffee by using less water and more grounds, but the result won’t be the same flavor and texture as espresso. If you need to add an espresso machine to your kitchen, discover the different types of espresso machines from KitchenAid brand to find out which one is best for you.

How much caffeine is in coffee vs. espresso?

Espresso has more caffeine per ounce than coffee, but coffee has more caffeine per typical serving. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition data, 1 oz. of espresso usually contains 63 mg. of caffeine vs 12 mg. of caffeine in 1 oz. of coffee. However, since a single serving of coffee is usually 8 oz., it will generally contain more caffeine than a single, 1 oz. shot of espresso.

So, the answer really has more to do with how much coffee or espresso you drink at once. If you’re looking to cut down on caffeine, a single-shot espresso drink with milk or water may actually offer the least amount of caffeine per cup compared to a cup of coffee.