How to Make Espresso with Regular Coffee Maker

by TobyOct 16, 2024

Brewing Boldness at Home – How to Make Espresso with a Regular Coffee Maker

Are you a coffee lover wanting to make the perfect espresso without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. With the rise of home baristas, many want to replicate that espresso experience in their own kitchens. A traditional espresso requires specific equipment to achieve the high pressure but there are ways to mimic the bold flavor with regular coffee makers. This will show you how to make espresso-like coffee so every sip is a delicious espresso experience.

What’s the Difference Between Espresso and Regular Coffee

Pressure and Brewing Time

Espresso coffee is famous for its intense flavor and quick brewing time, achieved by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee at 9 bars of pressure. Regular coffee makers can’t reach that pressure but with some adjustments, you can still get a concentrated brew. You won’t get the exact same results but understanding these differences will help you get close.

Grind Size

Grind size is key to getting that espresso like taste. Espresso requires finely ground espresso coffee, almost like powdered sugar. This is because the smaller surface area allows water to extract the flavors quickly. Using the right grind will get your homemade brew to have the depth and boldness you’re looking for.

Bold Flavor and Crema

Traditional espresso is known for its bold flavor and crema—a creamy froth formed by emulsified coffee oils. While it’s hard to get the same crema without an espresso machine, there are ways to get that flavor profile. Stay tuned as we go through the different methods.

Espresso coffee can be made with drip coffee brewer & other alternatives

How to Make Espresso with Regular Coffee Makers

Using a Moka Pot

How It Works

The Moka pot, also known as the stovetop espresso maker, uses steam pressure to push water through coffee grounds to get a concentrated brew. It’s a favorite for those who want an espresso-like drink without the equipment.

Steps

  1. Fill the Bottom Chamber: Fill the bottom chamber with water up to the safety valve.
  2. Add Finely Ground Coffee: Put the filter basket in and add finely ground espresso roast coffee, level but not tamp. The dark roasting process of espresso roast enhances the beans’ aroma and richness, making them more porous and facilitating better extraction when brewing.
  3. Heat on Stovetop: Assemble the pot, place it on medium heat, and wait for the gurgling sound to stop.

Result

This will give you a strong espresso-like coffee rich in flavor—perfect for milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.

Using an AeroPress

The AeroPress uses manual pressure to brew a concentrated coffee shot like espresso. It’s small, versatile, and loved by coffee geeks.

Steps

  1. Use Ground Espresso Coffee: Measure and add ground espresso coffee to the AeroPress. This fine grind is essential for optimal flavor extraction.
  2. Add Hot Water: Pour in hot water (around 200°F), stir for 10 seconds.
  3. Press Firmly: Put the plunger in and press down for about 30 seconds.

Result

No crema but a robust shot perfect for drinking solo or in coffee mixes.

Using a Drip Coffee Maker (Espresso Style)

How It Works

Drip coffee makers can’t reach the required pressure but you can adjust the brew to get a strong coffee. Adjusting the water and grind ratio will do the trick.

Steps

  1. 2:1 Ratio: Measure 2 ounces of water per 1 tablespoon of coffee.
  2. Medium Fine Grind: Choose a medium-fine grind to ensure optimal flavor extraction. This grind size is ideal for drip coffee makers and helps avoid bitterness or weak flavor.
  3. Less Water: Use minimal water to concentrate the coffee.

Result

This will give you a strong concentrated coffee that’s like espresso but with more body than bite.

Using a French Press

How It Works

The French Press uses immersion brewing to get a bold coffee. It lacks pressure but can still deliver flavor.

Steps

  1. Coarse Grounds: Add coarse grounds and hot water.
  2. Steep and Press: Steep for 4 minutes then press the plunger slowly.
  3. Pour Immediately: Serve immediately to avoid over-extraction.

Result

You’ll get a strong bold cup of coffee but not as intense as true espresso. Perfect for those who love a rich, full-bodied flavor.

Read Our Best Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machines Guide

Tips for Making Espresso like Coffee with Regular Coffee Makers

Use Dark Roast Beans

Use dark roast beans as they have a closer flavor to espresso, with deeper, chocolatey notes.

Additionally, ensure you use a regular coffee filter to achieve proper flavor extraction, especially when using drip coffee makers or manual methods to create espresso substitutes.

Grind Fresh Coffee

Grind fresh beans just before brewing. Freshly ground coffee has the flavor and aroma needed for a strong brew.

Control Water Temperature

Keep your water between 195-205°F. Too hot and you’ll get bitterness, too cold and the flavors won’t develop.

Experiment with the water-to-coffee ratio. Finding the right balance will get you a brew that’s like espresso.

What You’ll Miss Without an Espresso Machine

No High Pressure

Without the high pressure pump of a coffee machine like an espresso machine, replicating the exact texture and extraction is hard. The result is a slightly different mouthfeel and body.

No Crema

Crema is a characteristic of espresso, created by emulsifying coffee oils under high pressure. While some methods get close, true crema is out of reach.

FAQs

Can you make espresso with a drip coffee maker?

Yes, but use a finer grind and less water to concentrate the flavor, like espresso.

What’s the best alternative to an espresso machine for home brewing?

Moka pot and AeroPress are great alternatives, strong and flavorful like espresso.

Can I use regular coffee beans for espresso?

Yes, but dark roast beans are preferred for their bold flavor which is closer to traditional espresso.

Why is my home-brewed espresso bitter?

Bitterness can be from over-extraction or water that’s too hot. Try a coarser grind or adjust the temperature.

The Last Drop

These methods won’t replace an actual espresso machine but you can have a rich coffee experience at home. With practice, you can have espresso-style drinks that will satisfy your love for bold flavors. Ready to go further into the world of coffee? Consider learning more or investing in tools to level up your home brewing skills.