4 of the Best Coffee and Espresso Machine Combos Reviewed

Most groggy workdays begin with a similar routine.

An alarm on the phone, a hurried shower, the same cup of coffee.

Nevertheless, it feels good to wake up…

…and shake things up a little after a decade of bliss.

Combination coffee and espresso machines are available in a wide range of models…

…from manual machines to automatic machines…

…but all of them can make a variety of drinks.

Some options (including those on this list) can brew drip coffee…

…pull an espresso shot, and even froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos. 

There are some drawbacks to consider…

…these machines are typically more expensive…

…and take up more space than standard brewers…

…but variety is essential to our love of coffee.

Here are a few words from Matthew…

This coffee and espresso machine combo has only been in my possession for a few days,

so I cannot comment on its reliability; however, the machine works great and is well designed.

This grinder works just as described, very easy to fill and dump,

large selection of sizes, and works just as described.

This unit makes a good cappuccino and the frother works well.

I like the carafe because it pours easily. It has a perfect drip-stopper.

It comes with a measuring tool, which is a nice touch.

There aren’t any complaints at this point.

Let’s get started…

What to Look for in a Coffee and Espresso Machine Combos

Level of Automation

Automated coffee-and-espresso machines can be classified…

…into four categories based on their level of automation:

…manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, and super-automatic.

It is difficult to create pressure with manual machines;

…that’s why the list does not include any.

Semi-automatic machines require you to pack the portafilter…

…by hand and decide when to stop pulling the shot…

…giving you the most control over your coffee.

These machines are more messy and time-consuming, however.

A fully automatic machine still requires you to pack the portafilter by hand…

…but when the espresso is complete…

…the flow of water stops automatically to prevent over-extraction.

Additionally, super-automatic machines make every drink at the touch of a button…

…from regular coffee to cappuccinos-they can even froth the milk.

These tend to be the most compact, but they’re also the most expensive.

Temperature and Pressure Control

Users can control key espresso factors like pressure…

…and water temperature on some machines.

As with drip coffee, espresso tastes best…

…when the water is between 195 and 204 degrees.

If you use less than that, espresso won’t reach the proper extraction percentage…

…so it will be weak and watery. It is important to know how much pressure to use.

Often times brands advertise that a product can reach 20 bars of pressure or more…

…but in reality just 15 bars are enough. Anything higher is unnecessary.

With a 15-bar machine, you can create the perfect amount…

…of pressure at the brew head, which is 9 bars. 

Grounds or Pods Compatibility

Pods and grounds are both compatible with some machines…

…but usually you have to choose between the two.

Freshly ground coffee beans are usually more flavorful…

…than pods and can be adjusted to make the coffee stronger or weaker.

The cost of purchasing ground marijuana over time is also less…

…than that of purchasing pods since it comes in a broader variety of flavors.

These machines are convenient because they speed up the brewing process…

…make cleanup easier, and eliminate the need to pack filters manually.

Generally, they are single serve, while brewers…

…that make use of ground coffee can make multiple servings simultaneously.

Here’s what’s important…

Our Top Picks

Let’s go through them one by one…

Nespresso De’Longhi Lattissima Pro

All your favorite drinks can be made automatically…

…by this automatic coffee and espresso machine.

Using a Nespresso capsule, you can choose from seven preprogrammed options:

…espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, ristretto, lungo, hot water, or warm milk froth.  

It uses a 19-bar pump system for maximum flavor in each espresso shot…

…and an integrated milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos with a café-like texture.

Our product tester reviewed the Lattissima Pro…

…and called it straightforward and easy to use.

A sliding drip tray and an auto-clean function…

…for the milk container make cleanup easy post-coffee. 

The only thing this machine cannot do is make large quantities of coffee…

…according to our reviewer. The small serving sizes…

…and relatively high price tag are the only drawbacks…

…of this otherwise excellent coffee maker.

Pros:

• Several functions for coffee and more.
• Nearly hands-off operation
• Compact design

Cons:

• Small servings
• Fairly expensive
• Milk is sometimes lukewarm

“Efficiency is where this machine shines. It heats quickly and leaves you with virtually no cleanup.”

 Donna Currie – Writer

De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker

This De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee and Espresso Maker is designed…

…to simplify the user experience, making it an excellent option…

…for beginners looking to get a taste of barista life.

Due to the machine’s split design, this is immediately apparent.

On the one side, you have a café-style portafilter for espresso…

…and an adjustable milk frother; on the other side…

…you will find a 10-cup glass carafe for drip coffee. 

A visual guide guides new users to their preferred coffee beverage…

…with this intuitive set-up.

Convenience doesn’t stop there. On the espresso side…

…there is a removable water reservoir for easier filling and cleaning…

…and on the coffee side, there is a front-loading reservoir.

There is a clear label on the milk frother for alternating between denser…

…finer foam (better for lattes) and lighter…

…more voluminous foam (better for cappuccinos).

Even espresso and drip coffee can be brewed simultaneously…

…so nothing will slow down your morning routine.

The De’Longhi COM532M is an upgraded version…

…of a previous coffee and espresso machine.

Although the two models are very similar in price and design…

…the updated model has a digital touchscreen display…

…which enhances convenience and provides a sleeker aesthetic.

Both models are superior on the drip coffee side compared to espresso…

…though reviews are mixed on the overall quality of espresso shots.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Large capacity
• Convenient water reservoirs
• Polished, modern look

Cons:

• Not the strongest espresso
• Fairly loud

Keep reading…

Miele CM5300 Countertop Coffee System

Featuring intuitive touch controls, a sleek design, and rich, barista-quality coffee…

…the Miele CM5300 Countertop Coffee Machine delivers luxury at your fingertips.

The price of this product may seem steep…

…but our testers found it to offer unparalleled convenience and versatility…

…as well as high-quality tasting coffee and espresso.

There are nine preset beverage options on the Miele CM5300…

…from classic drinks like lattes and cappuccinos…

…to more creative drinks like ristrettos and macchiatos.

Users can adjust drink size, coffee temperature…

…and create individualized profiles for each family member.

In addition to automatically frothing and pouring milk for your drinks…

…the Miele CM5300 sets itself apart from most coffee-and-espresso machines.

It was one of our tester’s favorite aspects of the machine.

With its built-in burr grinder and automatic cleaning system…

…along with easy-to-remove parts, the coffee process is made simple from start to finish.

Even though our reviewer enjoyed the automatic cleaning system…

…other regular cleaning is required and can be a bit time-consuming.

A drip tray, drip tray cover, coffee grounds container…

… and water container all need to be cleaned regularly…

…and the manual suggests cleaning out the brew unit…

…and the main dispenser about once a week.

Pros:

• The settings are customizable.
• Quality espresso drinks
• Minimalist design
• Integrated burr grinder

Cons:

• Potential learning curve
• A few design flaws
• Regular cleanup is involved

Philips 3200 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine EP3221

Featuring four preset drink options, a built-in bean grinder…

…and a multitude of customizable settings…

…the Philips Fully Automatic Espresso Machine…

…will revolutionize your daily coffee routine.

You can brew espresso, Americanos, and black coffee…

…with just a single touch of the intuitive display…

…and a steam wand allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos as well. 

Among the most versatile brewers on the market…

…you can adjust everything from the size of your drink to its strength and temperature.

Even though the machine has a lot of options…

…our tester found it relatively easy to use once he got the hang of it.

The espresso machine also heats up quickly…

…grinds and brews a shot of espresso in just 40 seconds…

…and provides a rich coffee flavor.

Certainly, it will be larger than many coffee or espresso machines…

…so consider counter space before purchasing.

It is worth considering other automatic coffee machines that Philips produces…

…but we chose the EP3221 model as a middle-tier option…

…because it offers the best value for your money.

Pros:

• It provides a good taste and aroma for espresso.
• Fast and intuitive brewing
• Powerful milk frother
• Customizable drink settings

Cons:

• Loud, vibrating pump
• No frothing pitcher included
• Grinder adjustment a little confusing

Delonghi Combination Coffee and Espresso Machine Reviews

What We Enjoy Both 15-bar espresso and drip coffee are available….

Steamer built-in for hot, frothy milk The drip brew can be pre-programmed….

What We Don’t Care For Two on/off buttons can be perplexing….

Instead of espresso, a medium grind is used. Water reservoirs cannot be removed….

The De’Longhi BCO330T Combination Coffee Machine will become your new…

…best friend if you’re seeking for a machine that can do it all.

Setup Process: Super simple

The only setup necessary was setting the clock, other from giving the carafe…

…and other removable pieces a quick wash before the first usage.

If the machine is unplugged or the power is turned off…

…the clock will not retain time.

Design: Function over flash

This contraption is neither attractive nor unattractive. It’s practical and modern…

…but it’s not really eye-catching. The large front lever that opens the filter…

…drawer for drip coffee is a touch larger than necessary…

…but it adds to the machine’s solid appearance.

Depending on the sort of coffee you’re producing, water is added…

…to the machine in two separate places. Water is poured into the boiler…

…at the top of the machine to make espresso. Water is poured into a well…

…in the pull-out drawer that holds the coffee filter for drip coffee.

The water then flows into the integrated water reservoir….

Performance: A pleasant surprise

This espresso machine has a 15-bar pressure, which means it uses…

…15 bars of pressure. We were a little doubtful that one machine…

…could make good espresso and carafes of coffee, but we were pleasantly…

…surprised when we gave it a try. The handbook recommended using…

…a medium grind and without tamping the grounds for espresso…

…but it worked just as well with a tamped fine grind.

Features: Lots of buttons and programming options

The weirdly called Aroma button on the drip side steadily pours water…

…into the grounds a little at a time with pauses in between…

…supposedly extracting additional flavor from the ground beans.

This setting should only be used when brewing 5 cups or fewer…

…never for a full carafe, and brewing coffee this way takes a little longer.

We detected a little difference in flavor but couldn’t figure out whether…

…it was better or just different. It’s worth a shot in both directions.

Included Accessories: Two useful items

An anti-chlorine filter is provided, which removes the chlorine…

…taste from the brewing water and should be replaced after around…

…80 brewing cycles. Depending on your water supply, this may not be necessary.

Instead of utilizing the accompanying espresso carafe, a little plastic…

…attachment goes on the bottom of the espresso filter and can be used…

…to funnel coffee into two individual cups. Also included is a little measuring spoon.

And, finally…

Sum Up!

Now that you’ve read this, hopefully you have a good idea about what to get.

With these machines, you can get espresso…

…and regular coffee without having to choose between the two.

Before making any kind of purchase, you should take the time…

…to honestly evaluate your needs.

Consider what matters to you in a coffee machine…

…as well as other members of your household.

You’ve got a wide range of styles, price points, and brands in this collection…

…so you should be able to find something for everyone.

Conclusion

We hope you found our reviews helpful…

…and if they were just tips on how to shop…

…for a combination coffee maker and espresso machine…

…then we recommend reading our buyers’ guide for additional advice.

It is our sincere hope that you find a coffee maker and espresso machine combo…

…that meets your needs. Cheers!

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