Can You Use Regular Coffee In An Espresso Machine? Genuine Answers for Coffee Lovers
Imagine: You recently purchased a gleaming new espresso machine and are very excited. You can practically smell the creamy, aromatic shot of espresso you’re going to prepare. You grab a standard coffee bag from your pantry.
Then you pause for a moment and think once: Can you put normal coffee in an espresso machine or not?
If this question has crossed your mind, you are not alone. I have been there, too. And in this guide, we’ll answer that question with kindness, clarity, and caffeine-fueled enthusiasm.
Table of Contents
- Guide to Use Regular Coffee in Espresso Machine
- What is the difference between regular coffee and espresso?
- Can I use regular coffee in an espresso machine?
- Why is grind size so important?
- Regular coffee can work in an espresso machine
- What about flavor? Will it taste like real espresso?
- Tips for Best Espresso from Regular Coffee
- Why People Want to Use Regular Coffee (It’s Okay!)
- Share this:
- Like this:
Guide to Use Regular Coffee in Espresso Machine
What is the difference between regular coffee and espresso?
The Regular Coffee:
- Also known as drip coffee or brewed coffee, it can be prepared using a coffee machine, pour-over, French press, or other method
- Utilizes a coarser grind
- Brewed slowly (2-5 minutes)
- Light to medium intensity with a pleasant flavor
An espresso machine grinds the coffee very finely, much like powdered sugar.
- Brewed under pressure (9 bars)!
- Takes only 20-30 seconds
- Intense, bold and rich
- Has a creamy coating on top called creme
So espresso is not a different bean but rather a different brewing method.
Imp Note: Espresso may be made with any coffee bean. However, not all ground coffee is suitable for the pressure and pace of an espresso machine.
Can I use regular coffee in an espresso machine?
Yes, you can use regular coffee in an espresso machine. However, you may not achieve the best results.
What could go wrong?
If your ordinary coffee is too coarsely ground (like sea salt), too light roasted, or not suitable for espresso brewing. Then your shot might come out:
- Watery
- Weak flavor
- No crema
- Too quick or slow
It’s like attempting to make a cake with pancake batter. The ingredients are the same, but what is the outcome? Not exactly the same.
Why is grind size so important?
Espresso machines use high pressure to pump hot water through tightly packed grounds. This method extracts all of the exquisite oils, tastes, and fragrances in just 25-30 seconds.
However, if the coffee grind is too coarse (as normal coffee), the water will flow through too quickly, and it may look like:
-> Insufficient flavor extraction
-> Thin and sour shot
-> Loss of rich crema
In contrast, when the grind is too fine, the water struggles to pass through, resulting in:
Over-extraction can lead to a harsh, burnt taste and machine blockage.
Regular coffee can work in an espresso machine
Don’t be disheartened! You do not have to toss away your ordinary coffee.
Here’s the guide for making your ordinary coffee work:
1) If you grind it fresh yourself, do you have a burr grinder at home? If so, that’s fantastic news.
You can grind your ordinary beans into an espresso grind. It may require some trial and error, but it works!
-> Espresso grind is fine, but not powdery. Consider it slightly finer than table salt.
2) Dark or Medium Roast Espresso pairs well with medium to dark roasts.
-> Darker roasts produce oils that contribute to espresso’s distinct flavor and crema.
-> Lighter roasts can be overly acidic and difficult to extract under pressure.
3) If you’re willing to experiment, go ahead.
-> Coffee may be about having fun, trying new things, and discovering your own preferences.
-> If your “regular coffee” is a good roast and you modify the grind, go ahead and explore!
-> Even if it isn’t a perfect espresso, it could still taste great.
What about flavor? Will it taste like real espresso?
Using normal coffee (particularly pre-ground) may result in a weak flavor and little or no crema. But what really matters is your taste buds.
Tips for Best Espresso from Regular Coffee
Here are some practical, tried-and-true recommendations for using regular coffee in your machine:
1) Use a Burr Grinder:
- Blade grinders produce uneven grinds, which are unsuitable for espresso.
- Burr grinders provide precise and uniform control.
- Invest once and enjoy for years!
2) Dial in Your Shot. Adjust these settings:
- Grind Size: Finer for slower flow, coarser for faster flow.
- Tamping Pressure: Firm yet even (<30 lbs pressure).
- Dose: Use 18-20 grams for a double shot.
- Take notes. Taste. Repeat. This is how baristas do it!
3) Use Fresh Coffee Pre-ground coffee loses aroma quickly:
- Freshly ground beans equals fresher flavor. Always.
4) Clean Your Machine:
- Old grinds and oils can taint taste.
- Clean all these items: portafilter, group head, steam wand, and filter basket.
Why People Want to Use Regular Coffee (It’s Okay!)
Not everyone wants to spend a lot of money on premium espresso beans. Here are real reasons why people drink ordinary coffee:
- It’s already in the pantry.
- It’s affordable.
- Espresso mixes are difficult to acquire locally.
- They like their regular coffee flavor.
- They’re trying or learning.
Coffee should be inviting, not scary. Use what you’ve got. Enjoy the process.
Espresso Machine and Regular Coffee = More Than Just Espresso
Even if you don’t get the best espresso, you can still make –
Americanos: Combine espresso with hot water for a smooth, sippable drink.
Latte and Cappuccino: Add hot milk, foam, and perhaps some vanilla syrup.
Iced coffees: Cool the shot, pour it over ice, and add milk or sugar.
Mocha: Combine espresso, chocolate syrup, and milk for a cup of dessert.
Older Adults: Will Espresso Taste Too Strong?
Some elderly folks are accustomed to drip or instant coffee, so espresso may feel overly strong or bitter at first.
But here is a tip for you:
-> Try a latte or cappuccino first. It’s espresso with milk, which is smoother, milder, and more pleasant on the palate.
-> You can also add some honey, cinnamon, or flavored syrup.
For Younger Coffee Lovers: Is Espresso Safe?
For teenagers and young adults trying coffee:
- Begin with half shots or decaf.
- Choose milk-based drinks such as lattes or mochas.
- Limit sugar and energy boosters.
Coffee can be enjoyable and relaxing, so don’t overdo it.
What People Say:
-> Marcia, age 48: “I frequently use the espresso machine to make my typical coffee. It’s not ideal, but it helps me get through Monday mornings!”
-> Jake, age 22: “I didn’t want to buy new beans, so I finely powdered my existing ones. Works perfectly for my lattes!”
-> Linda, age 67: “I’m 67 and wanted to try espresso at home. My Folgers are not perfect, but I enjoy experimenting!”
Final Verdict:
Yes, you can if you make a few changes. But do not expect: The espresso features thick crema, perfect extraction, and intense espresso flavor.
At the end of the day, coffee is personal. You don’t require special beans or barista expertise to enjoy it. If having normal coffee in your espresso machine saves you money, makes you feel snug, or allows you to create memories, go for it.
Try it. Adjust it. Enjoy it.
Kevin Marshal is the founder and primary writer for Espressomachinewizard.com. His passion for rich, high-quality espresso began during a semester abroad in Italy more than 15 years ago. What began as a pleasant daily practice quickly evolved into an obsession with perfecting espresso at home.
Kevin has spent years researching espresso machines, tasting beans from renowned roasters, and experimenting with various brewing methods. His objective is to help others understand the often-overwhelming world of home espresso. Kevin's goal is to make cafe-quality espresso available to everyone, from machine recommendations to shot-making advice.
Kevin lives in San Francisco, California with his wife, kid, and two rescue dogs, all of whom have refined preferences in espresso drinks!
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