What is the difference between coffee and espresso?

by Tracy
(Austin, TX)

QUESTION:

I’m confused. I would like to make espresso, but don’t think I can with my coffee machine. But I don’t really know the difference between the two. How can I make espresso? And what is the difference?


ANSWER:

You’re right, you can’t make espresso with a regular coffee machine.

Regular coffee and espresso are both made with coffee beans, although you use a finer grind when making espresso.

It’s the “brewing” process that is very different.

When you make coffee, whether manually or with a drip brewer, the hot water is poured, dripped or sprayed onto the ground coffee. The water flows down through the ground coffee by gravity, then through a filter and into your mug or carafe. On its way through the ground coffee the water extracts the flavor.

When making espresso you use an espresso machine. The water isn’t dripped through the ground coffee, it is forced through under considerable pressure. The hot, pressurised water creates a very different reaction with the ground coffee and the result is a shot of espresso with a light crema on the top.

This shot of espresso can be enjoyed on its own, or used as the base for a variety of drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos.

You can read more about espresso machines on our home espresso machines page.