Have you ever wondered if you can make regular coffee in an espresso machine? Maybe you only have an espresso machine at home but crave a standard cup of joe. Regular coffee machines are designed for smooth, milder tastes, not concentrated shots. So, is it possible to use one for a traditional brew? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on how you define “regular coffee.”

While an espresso machine won’t give you classic drip coffee, there are ways to get close. Techniques like making an Americano or pulling a lungo shot can create a similar experience. You may need a different coffee maker if you’re looking for a true drip-style brew. But if you’re open to alternatives, your espresso machine can still deliver a satisfying cup.

Differences Between Espresso and Regular Coffee

Espresso and regular coffee may seem similar, but they have key differences. The brewing process, grind size, and water pressure all impact the final cup. Understanding these factors helps explain why you can’t make regular coffee in an espresso machine the traditional way.

Espresso uses finely ground beans and high pressure to extract a concentrated shot. Like drip or pour-over, regular coffee uses coarser grounds and gravity-based brewing. This results in a milder, less intense flavor. Espresso machines push hot water through the coffee at 9 bars of pressure, while drip coffee makers let water flow slowly.

These differences affect strength, texture, and taste. If you try using an espresso machine for regular coffee, it won’t brew the same way. Instead, you’ll get a more concentrated drink unless you adjust the method.

Can You Make Regular Coffee in an Espresso Machine?

The short answer is no, but there are ways to get close. An espresso machine isn’t designed to brew regular coffee, so using it like a drip coffee maker won’t work. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Espresso machines force water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. Regular coffee, on the other hand, is brewed using slower extraction and a lower pressure. If you try using an espresso machine with regular coffee grounds, the result will be too weak or bitter. The machine simply isn’t built for that brewing style.

That said, you can modify your approach. Methods like making an Americano or pulling a lungo shot can create a similar experience. While not identical to drip coffee, they offer a close alternative.

Workarounds for Making Regular Coffee in an Espresso Machine

If you only have an espresso machine, you can achieve something close to regular coffee. While it won’t taste the same, specific techniques help adjust the strength and flavor. Here are three effective methods to try.

1. Americano Method

An Americano is the closest alternative to regular coffee. To make one, first, pull a standard espresso shot. Then, add hot water to dilute it. The extra water reduces bitterness and creates a smoother, more balanced taste. This method mimics the lighter body of drip coffee while keeping some espresso richness.

The ideal water-to-espresso ratio depends on personal preference. A common approach is using one part espresso to two or three parts hot water. If your espresso machine has a hot water function, use it for convenience. Otherwise, heat the water separately and pour it over the espresso.

2. Lungo (Long Shot)

A lungo is a more extended espresso shot made with more water. Instead of stopping the extraction early, let the water run through the coffee grounds for a few seconds. This results in a larger, milder drink with less intensity than a standard espresso.

Since a lungo uses more water, the coffee grounds are extracted longer. This can bring out different flavor notes, sometimes adding bitterness. However, it’s still a great option if you prefer a stronger cup than an Americano but not as concentrated as a regular espresso.

3. Steam Wand for Hot Water

Many espresso machines have a steam wand that also dispenses hot water. This feature allows you to heat water separately and mix it with an espresso shot. This method works similarly to the Americano but allows for more control over the water temperature.

If your machine doesn’t have a hot water function, you can boil water separately and combine it with your espresso. This helps adjust the strength and texture of the coffee, making it feel closer to traditional drip coffee.

Does It Taste the Same as Regular Coffee?

Even with workarounds, coffee made in an espresso machine won’t taste like regular coffee. The brewing method, water pressure, and grind size all impact the final flavor. While an Americano or lungo can come close, key differences remain.

Strength and Flavor Profile

Espresso is more concentrated and intense than drip coffee. When you add hot water to make an Americano, it reduces bitterness but retains some espresso-like richness. While milder than espresso, a lungo can extract more bitter notes due to the longer brewing time.

Regular coffee, especially from a drip machine, has a smoother, more balanced flavor. It lacks the sharp intensity of espresso but offers a more even extraction. If you prefer a traditional coffee taste, an espresso machine won’t fully replicate it.

Texture and Mouthfeel

Drip coffee has a lighter, thinner consistency because of its slower brewing process. Espresso, even when diluted, tends to feel richer and slightly thicker due to the natural oils and crema produced during extraction.

An Americano might still feel slightly different from drip coffee if texture matters to you. While close, it won’t have the same clean, light body as a standard brewed cup.

Impact of Coffee Beans

The type of coffee beans also affects the taste. Espresso blends are typically darker roasted and designed for high-pressure extraction. Regular coffee beans, often used in drip machines, can be lighter or medium-roasted for a smoother taste.

Use medium roast beans in your espresso machine if you want a more drip-like flavor. This won’t fully replicate the experience, but it can bring the taste closer to what you expect from regular coffee.

Alternatives to an Espresso Machine for Regular Coffee

If you want true regular coffee, the best option is to use a machine designed for it. While an espresso machine can create alternatives like an Americano or Lungo, other brewing methods offer a more authentic experience. Here are some great options.

1. Drip Coffee Maker

A drip coffee maker is the most common way to brew regular coffee. It slowly drips hot water over coarsely ground beans, allowing for even extraction. This results in a smooth, well-balanced cup with a lighter body than espresso. If you drink coffee daily, a drip machine is a convenient choice.

2. French Press

A French press brews coffee by steeping coarsely ground beans in hot water for several minutes. This method produces a rich, full-bodied cup with more natural oils than drip coffee. It’s an easy and affordable way to make regular coffee without an espresso machine.

3. Pour-Over Coffee

Pour-over brewing involves manually pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a controlled, slow manner. This method extracts flavors gradually, creating a clean and well-balanced cup. Devices like the Chemex or Hario V60 offer more control over brewing variables, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic experience.

4. AeroPress (Standard Method)

An AeroPress can make both espresso-style and regular coffee. For a standard brew, use a medium-coarse grind and more water. The result is a smooth, rich cup with a balanced flavor. This method is excellent for those who want versatility in a compact device.

Read More: 8 Top Espresso Machines For Beginners In 2025

Conclusion

Can you make regular coffee using an espresso machine? Not exactly, but you can get close. Methods like making an Americano or pulling a lungo shot offer decent alternatives. However, the taste, strength, and texture will still differ from traditional drip coffee.

A drip machine, French press, or pour-over is the best choice if you want true regular coffee. But if an espresso machine is all you have, these workarounds can still provide a satisfying cup.