Imagine waking up every morning and being able to brew the perfect cup of coffee exactly how you like it. Do you crave the rich, bold flavor of espresso, but also enjoy a smooth, comforting drip coffee? If you find yourself staring at a wall of coffee makers, wondering which one will truly satisfy your diverse coffee cravings, you’re not alone. The world of coffee machines can be overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for something that does it all.
Choosing a combination espresso coffee maker can feel like a puzzle. You want the convenience of a single-serve pod, the power of a real espresso shot, and maybe even the ability to brew a whole pot for guests. But where do you even start? Many machines promise the best of both worlds, leaving you to sift through confusing features and decide what’s truly worth your money. It’s easy to feel lost in all the jargon and options.
This guide is here to clear the fog! We’ll break down what makes a great combination espresso coffee maker so you can finally find the one that fits your kitchen and your taste buds. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key features to look for, the different types available, and how to pick a machine that will make every coffee break a delight. Get ready to upgrade your mornings and become your own favorite barista!
Our Top 5 Combination Espresso Coffee Maker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Combination Espresso Coffee Maker Detailed Reviews
1. De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine + Advanced Adjustable Milk Frother for Cappuccino & Latte + Glass Coffee Pot 10-Cup
Rating: 9.1/10
The De’Longhi COM532M is a versatile coffee maker that can brew both drip coffee and espresso. It also has a special wand for frothing milk, so you can make cappuccinos and lattes right at home. This machine is designed to make your morning coffee routine easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Brew coffee and espresso at the same time with the Dual Heating System. No more waiting!
- Enjoy real espresso with the Italian 15 BAR pressure pump. It makes your coffee taste rich and full of flavor.
- The Advanced Steam Wand lets you make silky micro-foam for lattes or frothy milk for cappuccinos.
- Set it the night before with the 24 Hour programmable timer. Wake up to fresh coffee!
- The Digital Touchscreen makes it easy to use. You can customize your coffee with the Bold Setting function for extra flavor and aroma.
- Pour coffee without spills thanks to the spill-proof carafe. Not a single drop will go to waste.
What Could Be Improved:
- The carafe is made of glass, which could break if dropped.
- While it offers many features, the machine has a bit of a learning curve to master all its functions.
The De’Longhi COM532M is a great choice for coffee lovers who want to make different kinds of coffee drinks. It offers convenience and quality for a delicious cup every time.
2. Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System
Rating: 9.1/10
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, CFN601, brings the coffee shop experience right into your kitchen. This versatile machine lets you brew everything from rich espresso to a full 12-cup pot of coffee, making it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making a quick morning cup or entertaining guests.
What We Like:
- The Barista Plus Technology uses 19-bar pressure to make delicious espresso with a smooth crema.
- You can make coffeehouse drinks like cappuccinos and lattes with the built-in frother.
- It brews three different styles of single-serve espresso: Espresso, Lungo, and Over Ice.
- It also brews coffee grounds in Classic, Rich, or Over Ice styles, with nine size options from a single cup to a 12-cup carafe.
- The adjustable cup tray fits different mug sizes, even travel mugs.
- A used capsule storage bin holds up to 20 capsules for easy cleanup.
- Convenient features like Delay Brew, Keep Warm, and Clean functions make brewing simple.
- It comes with a 20-capsule storage bin, removable water reservoir, Ninja Smart Scoop, warming plate, paper filter kit, and a 12-cup glass carafe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Espresso capsules are sold separately, so you’ll need to buy those.
This Ninja system offers incredible flexibility for coffee lovers. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys a variety of coffee drinks and wants the convenience of brewing at home.
3. Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker, your all-in-one solution for delicious coffee at home. This versatile machine brews up to 12 cups of your favorite coffee, or lets you create single-serve cappuccinos, lattes, and even espresso. It’s designed for convenience and customization, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It offers four ways to brew: a 12-cup carafe, single-serve pods (like Keurig K-Cups), Nespresso OriginalLine capsules for espresso, and even specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
- You can program it to brew up to 24 hours in advance, so your coffee is ready when you are.
- It has a “Keep Warm” feature that can be set for up to 4 hours, keeping your coffee hot.
- You can choose your coffee’s strength with the brew strength control.
- It comes with a gold-tone filter and a charcoal water filter for better-tasting coffee.
- The single-serve brewer offers three cup sizes: 6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz.
- It’s compatible with both Keurig K-Cup style pods and Nespresso OriginalLine capsules.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 12-cup capacity refers to a smaller 5 oz. cup size, which might be less than expected for some users.
- Cleaning the milk frothing system might require a bit of extra attention.
The Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar truly delivers on versatility. Whether you need a full pot for a crowd or a quick single-serve espresso, this machine handles it all with ease.
4. Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso
Rating: 9.3/10
Transform your kitchen into a personal café with the Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Drip Coffee, and Cold Brew Machine. This all-in-one wonder lets you brew espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew with ease, all from a single, stylish stainless steel unit.
What We Like:
- It’s like having three machines in one! You can make espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew.
- You can choose different sizes for your drip coffee and cold brew, from 6 to 18 ounces.
- The Barista Assist Technology guides you for perfect coffee every time, so you don’t have to guess.
- It has a built-in grinder with 25 settings for the freshest grounds.
- The weight-based dosing automatically measures the right amount of coffee for your drink.
- Making frothy milk is super easy with the hands-free frother, which has four special programs.
- You can make smooth, flavorful cold-pressed espresso, perfect for special drinks.
- The assisted tamper helps you create the ideal coffee puck for a great shot.
- Everything you need, like the tamper and funnel, stores neatly on the machine.
- Ninja is the top-selling espresso maker this year!
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many features, the initial learning curve to master all the settings might take a little time.
- The price point reflects its advanced capabilities and might be an investment for some.
This machine is a fantastic option for coffee lovers who want variety and quality without the hassle. It brings café-style drinks right to your countertop.
5. Espressione Combination Stainless Steel Espresso + Coffee Maker
Rating: 8.7/10
The Espressione Combination Stainless Steel Espresso + Coffee Maker, 10 cups brings Swiss design and Italian power to your kitchen. This machine makes both delicious espresso and regular coffee, so you can enjoy your favorite drinks any time of day. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It brews both espresso and coffee, giving you options.
- It uses a strong 19 bar pump from Italy for great results.
- You can brew one or two cups at a time.
- It has easy programmable settings for perfect drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
- The water tank and drip tray are easy to remove for cleaning.
- A special warming grid keeps your cups warm.
- It’s made with quality materials and designed in Switzerland.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user guide notes that the grind size and tamping pressure are important for good espresso.
- Adjusting the amount of espresso extracted might require reprogramming.
This Espressione machine offers a lot of features for coffee lovers. With its dual brewing capabilities and user-friendly design, it’s a solid choice for making great coffee and espresso at home.
Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Combination Espresso Coffee Maker
So, you’re ready to step up your coffee game. You want the rich, bold flavor of espresso, but maybe you also enjoy a classic drip coffee. A combination espresso coffee maker is your ticket to having both in one handy appliance! This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Why Choose a Combination Espresso Coffee Maker?
These machines are like having two coffee makers in one. They brew strong, concentrated espresso for lattes and cappuccinos. They also make regular drip coffee for when you need a larger cup. This saves counter space and gives you more coffee options.
Key Features to Look For
1. Espresso Brewing System
- Type of Espresso Maker: Most combination machines use a steam-powered or pump-driven espresso system. Pump-driven machines generally make better, more authentic espresso.
- Portafilter Size: Look for a machine that uses standard-sized portafilters (like 51mm or 58mm). This makes it easier to find accessories and coffee grounds.
- Milk Frothing Capability: Do you love lattes and cappuccinos? Check if the machine has a steam wand for frothing milk. Some have automatic frothers, which are super easy to use.
2. Drip Coffee Maker Features
- Brewing Capacity: How much drip coffee do you usually make? Machines come with different carafe sizes, from single cups to 12-cup pots.
- Programmable Timer: Wake up to fresh coffee! A programmable timer lets you set your coffee to brew at a specific time.
- Pause-and-Serve: This handy feature lets you grab a cup of coffee mid-brew without making a mess.
3. Ease of Use and Cleaning
- Intuitive Controls: Are the buttons and settings easy to understand? You want a machine that’s simple to operate.
- Removable Parts: Look for removable water reservoirs, drip trays, and filter baskets. These parts make cleaning much easier.
- Descaling Indicator: Some machines tell you when it’s time to descale, which helps keep your machine working well.
Important Materials
The materials used in your coffee maker affect its durability and how it brews.
- Stainless Steel: This is a great material for the exterior and brewing components. It’s strong, doesn’t rust, and looks good.
- BPA-Free Plastic: Ensure any plastic parts, especially those that touch your coffee or water, are BPA-free. This is safer for your health.
- Glass or Thermal Carafe: Glass carafes are common for drip coffee. Thermal carafes keep your coffee hot for longer without continuing to cook it on a heating plate.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Combination Coffee Maker Great:
- Consistent Temperature: Good machines maintain the right temperature for brewing both espresso and drip coffee. This leads to better taste.
- Good Pressure (for Espresso): For espresso, a pump that provides around 9 bars of pressure is ideal. This helps extract the best flavor from the coffee grounds.
- Even Water Distribution: The machine should evenly wet the coffee grounds for both brewing methods. This ensures a balanced flavor.
What Can Make It Less Than Ideal:
- Weak Espresso: If the machine doesn’t get hot enough or doesn’t have enough pressure, your espresso might taste watery.
- Burnt Coffee: A heating plate that’s too hot can burn your drip coffee, making it taste bitter.
- Difficult Cleaning: Machines with hard-to-reach parts can be frustrating to clean.
User Experience and Use Cases
Imagine waking up and deciding what kind of coffee you want. A combination machine makes this easy.
- The Busy Professional: Needs a quick espresso shot to start the day or a full pot of drip coffee for the office.
- The Home Entertainer: Can offer guests a variety of coffee drinks, from a simple drip coffee to a fancy latte.
- The Space Saver: Perfect for small kitchens where counter space is precious.
- The Coffee Explorer: Enjoys experimenting with different coffee drinks and brewing methods without buying multiple appliances.
Using a combination machine is usually straightforward. You fill the water tank, add your coffee grounds or pods, and select your brew type. Cleaning involves rinsing the parts and occasionally descaling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a combination espresso coffee maker?
A: It’s a single machine that can brew both espresso and regular drip coffee.
Q: Do combination machines make good espresso?
A: Many do, especially those with pump-driven systems. Quality can vary by brand and model.
Q: Can I use coffee pods with these machines?
A: Some models accept coffee pods, while others only use loose grounds. Check the product description.
Q: How do I clean a combination coffee maker?
A: You’ll usually rinse removable parts like the filter basket and drip tray. Descaling is also important.
Q: Is a steam wand necessary for making lattes?
A: Yes, a steam wand is used to heat and froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.
Q: What’s the difference between steam and pump espresso makers?
A: Pump makers use more pressure, creating richer espresso with better crema than steam makers.
Q: How much counter space do these machines typically take up?
A: They are often similar in size to a standard drip coffee maker, saving space compared to having two separate machines.
Q: Can I make hot chocolate with the steam wand?
A: Yes, you can heat and froth milk for hot chocolate using the steam wand.
Q: Are combination coffee makers expensive?
A: Prices vary widely, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. You can find good ones at many price points.
Q: What is “crema” in espresso?
A: Crema is a reddish-brown foam that sits on top of espresso. It’s a sign of a well-made shot.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!