Imagine waking up to the rich aroma of perfectly brewed coffee, but also craving a creamy, frothy latte. For many of us, that perfect morning ritual involves more than just a simple drip. But with so many coffee makers out there, how do you find one that does it all without taking up your entire kitchen counter?
Choosing a combination espresso coffee maker can feel overwhelming. You want the convenience of brewing a quick cup of coffee, but also the joy of crafting a delicious espresso-based drink. The sheer number of features, brands, and price points can make your head spin. It’s tough to know which machine will truly fit your needs and your budget.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re here to cut through the confusion and help you find the perfect combination espresso coffee maker. By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes these machines special, what to look for when buying one, and how to make sure you’re getting the best value. Get ready to upgrade your morning routine!
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
Get ready for a coffee experience like no other with the De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine. This sleek black machine, model COM532M, is packed with features to make your mornings brighter and your afternoons more flavorful. It’s designed to bring the coffee shop right into your kitchen, offering both drip coffee and authentic espresso.
What We Like:
- Dual Heating System: Brew coffee and espresso at the same time. No more waiting!
- Italian 15 BAR Pressure Pump: Enjoy rich, flavorful espressos brewed perfectly every time.
- Advanced Steam Wand: Easily make creamy lattes with micro-foam or enjoy a true cappuccino.
- 24 Hour Programmable Timer & Digital Touchscreen: Wake up to fresh coffee. The touchscreen makes it super easy to use.
- Bold Setting: Customize your coffee’s flavor and aroma for a taste that’s just right for you.
- Spill-Proof Carafe: Pour your coffee without any mess. Not a single drop is wasted.
What Could Be Improved:
- The milk frother might take a little practice to master perfect foam.
- Some users might prefer a thermal carafe over the glass one for keeping coffee hot longer.
This De’Longhi machine truly offers a versatile and convenient way to enjoy your favorite coffee drinks. It’s a fantastic addition for any coffee lover seeking quality and ease.
2. Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker
Rating: 8.8/10
The Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker is a versatile machine that can make a variety of coffee drinks. It brews up to 12 cups of coffee, or you can make single-serve cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso. This coffee maker is designed for convenience and offers great control over your brew.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 machine: You can brew a full pot of coffee or single-serve drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso.
- It’s programmable: You can set it to brew your coffee up to 24 hours in advance.
- Adjustable brew strength: You can pick how strong you want your coffee to be.
- Multiple brewing sizes for single-serve: Choose from 6 oz., 8 oz., or 10 oz. servings.
- Compatible with K-Cups and Nespresso capsules: This gives you lots of options for your coffee.
- Includes filters: It comes with a gold-tone filter for coffee and a charcoal water filter to improve taste.
- Keep Warm feature: Your coffee stays hot for up to 4 hours.
What Could Be Improved:
- The carafe size is listed as 12 cups, but a “cup” is defined as 5 oz., which is smaller than a standard 8 oz. coffee cup.
- While it’s compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules, it doesn’t brew Nespresso’s VertuoLine pods.
This Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar is a fantastic option for anyone who loves coffee. It offers incredible flexibility and convenience for making both large pots and individual specialty drinks.
3. Espressione Combination Stainless Steel Espresso + Coffee Maker
Rating: 9.0/10
The Espressione Combination Stainless Steel Espresso + Coffee Maker is a versatile kitchen appliance that brews both espresso and coffee. It boasts a sleek stainless steel design and is built for quality and performance. This machine can make delicious drinks for you and your guests.
What We Like:
- It brews strong espresso with its powerful 19 bar pump.
- You can make single or double shots of espresso.
- It easily makes frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
- The machine has easy-to-use programmable functions.
- The water tank and drip tray are removable for simple cleaning.
- A warming grid on top keeps your cups warm.
- It’s designed in Switzerland for good quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is important to tamp the coffee grounds correctly for good pressure.
- You might need to adjust settings if you change the coffee grind size or amount.
This Espressione machine offers a great brewing experience for coffee lovers. It combines espresso and coffee making into one stylish appliance.
4. Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System
Rating: 9.3/10
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, CFN601, is a versatile machine that lets you make both delicious espresso drinks and regular coffee. It’s designed to bring the coffeehouse experience right into your kitchen, offering a wide range of options for any coffee lover.
What We Like:
- The BARISTA PLUS TECHNOLOGY uses 19-bar pressure to make super tasty espresso with a smooth crema. It brews at the perfect temperature and pressure.
- You can make coffeehouse drinks like cappuccinos and lattes at home with the built-in frother.
- It brews three different single-serve espresso styles: Espresso, Lungo, and Over Ice.
- It’s also great for brewing regular coffee grounds in nine different sizes, from a single cup to a full 12-cup carafe.
- The machine is very flexible, so you can entertain guests with fancy espresso drinks or brew a large pot of coffee for everyone.
- The adjustable cup tray fits different-sized cups and travel mugs.
- A used capsule storage bin holds up to 20 capsules, making cleanup easy.
- Convenient features like Delay Brew, Keep Warm, and Clean functions make brewing simple.
- It comes with useful extras like a 20-capsule storage bin, a removable water reservoir, a Ninja Smart Scoop, a warming plate, a paper filter kit, and a 12-cup glass carafe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Espresso capsules are not included and must be purchased separately.
This Ninja system offers a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of coffee and espresso drinks at home. It’s a great addition for anyone who loves their coffee just right.
5. Ninja
Rating: 8.7/10
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series ES601 is your all-in-one solution for café-quality drinks at home. This versatile machine brews espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew, all with the convenience of an integrated grinder and a helpful milk frother. It’s designed to make delicious coffee without any guesswork.
What We Like:
- It’s 3 machines in 1: You can make espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew.
- It offers many drink options: You can choose from different styles and sizes for espresso, drip, and cold brew.
- Barista Assist Technology takes the guesswork out: It gives you personalized grind recommendations and adjusts brewing for great flavor.
- The integrated grinder is precise: It has 25 settings for the perfect grind for any bean.
- Weight-based dosing is smart: The built-in scale measures the right amount of coffee for each drink.
- Hands-free frothing is easy: The Dual Froth System makes perfect microfoam for hot or cold drinks with 4 presets.
- Flavorful cold-pressed espresso is a treat: It’s brewed slower for a smooth, rich taste, perfect for cocktails.
- The assisted tamper creates perfect coffee pucks: This helps ensure even water flow for a bold shot.
- Built-in storage keeps things tidy: You can store accessories right on the machine.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many options, some users might find the sheer number of choices a little overwhelming at first.
- The price point might be an investment for some home baristas.
This Ninja machine truly brings the coffee shop experience to your kitchen. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who loves a variety of coffee drinks and wants to make them easily at home.
Your Guide to the Perfect Combination Espresso Coffee Maker
Are you dreaming of delicious espresso and smooth drip coffee without taking up too much counter space? A combination espresso coffee maker might be your answer! These handy machines brew both rich, concentrated espresso shots and your favorite drip coffee. This guide will help you find the best one for your kitchen.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind. They will help you brew the best coffee possible.
- Brewing Methods: Most combination machines offer espresso and drip coffee. Some might also have a single-serve pod option for even more variety.
- Espresso Machine Type:
- Steam-Powered: These are often less expensive. They use steam to push water through the coffee grounds. They can make decent espresso, but it might not be as rich as other types.
- Pump-Driven: These machines use a pump to create pressure. This pressure makes a more authentic espresso with better crema (the foamy layer on top). They are usually a bit more expensive.
- Drip Coffee Capacity: How much drip coffee do you need? Some machines brew a full pot, while others make just a single cup. Think about how many people you usually make coffee for.
- Water Reservoir Size: A larger water tank means you won’t have to refill it as often. This is especially helpful for drip coffee.
- Programmability: Can you set the machine to start brewing at a certain time? This is a great feature for busy mornings.
- Milk Frother: If you love lattes and cappuccinos, a built-in milk frother is a must-have. Some are steam wands, and others are automatic.
- Ease of Cleaning: Coffee makers can be tricky to clean. Look for removable parts that are dishwasher safe.
What It’s Made Of: Important Materials
The materials used in your coffee maker can affect its durability and how your coffee tastes.
- Plastic: Many parts, like the water reservoir and outer casing, are made of plastic. Look for BPA-free plastic for your health.
- Stainless Steel: This is a durable material often used for the brew basket, drip tray, and heating elements. Stainless steel is easy to clean and doesn’t rust.
- Glass: The carafe for drip coffee is usually made of glass. It’s easy to see how much coffee you have left.
- Aluminum: Some older or less expensive espresso machines might use aluminum for parts. While it heats up quickly, some people prefer to avoid it.
Making a Difference: Quality Factors
Not all combination coffee makers are created equal. These factors can make your coffee experience better or worse.
- Pressure (for Espresso): For good espresso, you need about 9 bars of pressure. Pump-driven machines with higher pressure will make better espresso.
- Heating System: A good heating system keeps the water at the right temperature for brewing. This is important for both espresso and drip coffee.
- Build Quality: A sturdy machine that feels solid will likely last longer. Wobbly parts can be a sign of lower quality.
- Brand Reputation: Brands known for making good coffee equipment often have better quality products. Read reviews to see what other users say.
- Ease of Use: A machine that is hard to figure out or operate will be frustrating. Simple controls and clear instructions are key.
Your Daily Brew: User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your combination coffee maker every day.
- For the Busy Bee: If you need a quick cup of coffee before rushing out the door, a machine with a programmable drip coffee maker and a fast espresso option is perfect. A single-serve pod option can also save time.
- For the Coffee Connoisseur: If you love experimenting with different coffee drinks, a machine with a good pump-driven espresso maker and a steam wand for frothing milk will give you more control.
- For the Space Saver: Combination machines are great for small kitchens. You get two machines in one, which frees up valuable counter space.
- For Entertaining: If you often have guests, a machine that can brew a full pot of drip coffee and make several espresso shots quickly is ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a combination espresso coffee maker?
A: It’s a coffee machine that can brew both espresso and drip coffee. You get two types of coffee from one appliance.
Q: Do combination coffee makers make good espresso?
A: Some do! Pump-driven machines with good pressure will make better espresso than steam-powered ones. It depends on the machine’s quality.
Q: Are they hard to clean?
A: Cleaning varies. Look for machines with removable parts that are easy to access and wash. Some parts might be dishwasher safe.
Q: Can I make lattes with these machines?
A: Yes, if the machine has a milk frother. Some have steam wands for manual frothing, while others have automatic frothers.
Q: How much space do they take up?
A: They are usually about the size of a standard drip coffee maker. They save space by combining two functions.
Q: What’s the difference between steam and pump espresso machines?
A: Steam machines use steam to push water through coffee. Pump machines use a pump to create more pressure for richer espresso.
Q: Are they more expensive than single-function machines?
A: Sometimes. You are getting two machines in one, so the price can reflect that. However, many are quite affordable.
Q: Can I use any coffee grounds in them?
A: For drip coffee, you can use regular ground coffee. For espresso, you usually need finely ground coffee specifically for espresso machines.
Q: What is “crema” in espresso?
A: Crema is the reddish-brown foam that forms on top of a well-made espresso shot. It adds flavor and aroma.
Q: Where should I buy one?
A: You can find them at major appliance stores, online retailers like Amazon, and directly from brand websites.
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 Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!