The Basics: Combination Coffee/Espresso Makers

If you are a serious coffee drinker, a combination coffee/espresso maker offers the best of both worlds. These units are capable of brewing a full pot (10 to 12 cups) of traditional automatic-drip coffee on one side and shots (or a carafe) of espresso on the other. In some cases, you can brew both, simultaneously. Like the machines that perform these functions individually, a combination coffee/espresso maker can be fairly basic or come with an array of specialty features and programming to rival even the most sophisticated kitchen appliances.

Most combination machines, especially lower-priced models, are automatic-drip coffee makers with a steam-powered espresso maker and a frothing wand to foam milk for cappuccino. A steam espresso maker can be identified by the characteristic screw cap, which is used to seal the boiler while steam pressure builds for brewing espresso. Some higher-end machines offer pump-driven espresso production, which is preferred over steam for its truer temperature and more powerful pressurized extraction. With these machines, the espresso brewing usually takes center stage while the coffee maker has few, if any, specialty features.

When purchasing a combination machine, your most important consideration should be whether coffee or espresso is your primary interest, and you'll want to buy a unit that offers the best options for your preferred drink. If you are more of an espresso connoisseur but drink coffee occasionally, or if you want a coffee option strictly for guests, it would make sense to purchase a unit that favors the best espresso functionality. On the other hand, if you are a regular coffee drinker and espresso is a weekend pleasure or occasional indulgence, you should invest in a unit that favors coffee production.

Virtually any specialty feature available on an automatic-drip coffee maker can be found on a combination machine. This includes a digital clock/timer, automatic shut-off, pause-to-serve, water filtration and touchpad controls. Add the frothing capability of a steam- or pump-driven espresso maker and you've got a winning combination. As you might expect, combination units occupy more counter space and cost more than stand-alone coffee makers, but depending on the functions included, getting two machines in one will save counter space and money.

A new entry into the combination coffee/espresso machine market is the specialty beverage machine, which uses pre-filled coffee pods, cups or discs to deliver customized drinks at the touch of a button. Although many afficionados feel that the flavor is not as authentic as from traditional brewing methods, these machines are fun and uncomplicated and offer a wide array of beverage choices.

Because of their dual functions, combination coffee/espresso makers are typically more expensive than regular machines, ranging in price from approximately $140 for a basic unit to $250 or higher for a powerful, top-of-the-line model. They usually carry 1- or 2-year warranties, although higher-end units are often backed by longer coverage. Keep in mind that all automatic-drip coffee makers require periodic cleaning or decalcifying to remove mineral deposits. This is accomplished by brewing a cycle with a special cleaning solution or a mixture of vinegar and water.

How to Shop

Combination coffee/espresso makers have the unique ability to supply everyone's coffee drink of choice with the flip of a switch, so they are ideal in households where one person drinks coffee and the other espresso. These machines are also perfect for entertaining, since you can offer guests a choice of beverage.

For many individuals, a combination machine's coffee maker is the primary function, while the espresso function acts as secondary benefit. Of course, the opposite can also be true. Before you go shopping, consider how often you will use each function, how many cups you routinely brew and what specialty features you will find most useful.

How often will you use each function?

Like individual coffee and espresso makers, combination machines are available in a multitude of styles, sizes and colors. You can narrow your choices by first deciding on a steam- or pump-driven espresso function. The former uses steam pressure to force water through the grounds quickly, resulting in strong, hot espresso. Though less powerful than pump models, steam machines do an admirable job and cost considerably less. As their name suggests, pump machines use a powerful pump to force water through the grounds at an extremely fast rate for maximum flavor extraction. For espresso purists, pumps are the machine of choice. However, if you are more inclined to add frothed milk and flavorings to the espresso, the type of machine is less of an issue.

Once you've settled the steam-or-pump debate, consider which features you are looking for in a combination machine. If you plan to use your machine every day, be sure to look for a model made from durable materials. Plastic is fine for the external housing, drip tray and water reservoir, as plastic stays cool to the touch and wipes clean easily. Strong metal internal components, especially brass, equate to even heating and long-lasting performance. On the higher-end machines, you'll see a lot less plastic and a lot more metal.

How many cups do you routinely brew?

If you brew a pot of coffee daily, be sure to check the capacity on the automatic-drip coffee-making function. Many combination machines brew only 10 cups of coffee, as opposed to the standard 12-cup carafe. Like stand-alone automatic-drip machines, a combination machine can brew a second pot immediately, so if you need a larger batch, you can pour the coffee into a thermal beverage container and restart the brew cycle.

Again, the merits of pump versus steam need to be considered. While pump machines are capable of brewing multiple shots of espresso (you can brew up to 2 cups simultaneously), you have to reload the grounds filter between each brew cycle. Because the brew process is quick -- literally finishing in seconds -- making subsequent cups is only a matter of repeating the steps to measure and tamp the coffee grounds. Most pump machines have large, refillable water tanks that let you continue brewing cup after cup after cup. On the other hand, steam machines can brew up to four shots of espresso in a single batch. The boiler then needs to cool down before you can open it to make another batch.

If you love to entertain, a combination coffee/espresso maker can be a dream machine, letting you serve regular or decaffeinated coffee, straight shots of espresso, cappuccino, mocha, latte or any type of specialty coffee beverage you can imagine.

Espresso or cappuccino?

Like traditional espresso machines, combination machines have an option for steaming or frothing milk. The most common method is a separate attachment or wand that channels built-up steam through a tube, which you then insert into a small pitcher of cold milk. The proper method for frothing involves moving the frothing tube up and around in the pitcher to generate a foamy consistency. If you are not careful, however, you can end up scalding the milk, so the frothing can take just as much practice (if not more) to master than the espresso brewing. Many manufacturers have simplified the frothing process by supplying their machines with special frothing adapters, which are designed to complete the frothing process quickly and easily.

If you are primarily interested in making cappuccino, latte and other flavored coffee beverages, either type of machine (pump or steam) will do the trick. Of course, you can save money by going with a steam-powered machine.

Materials and Construction

Combination coffee/espresso machines are typically made with both plastic and metal parts. On higher-end machines, you'll see more metal and less plastic. Because they must withstand considerable pressure, the internal parts need to be made from a durable material such as aluminum, stainless steel or brass.

Standard coffee-maker parts include a glass carafe, water tank, removable filter basket and nonstick warming plate. Specialty functions can run the gamut from programmable clock/timers to brew-strength selectors, water filtration, brew-pause sensors and automatic shutoff sensors.

With steam-powered espresso machines, you'll find a large screw cap that must be tightened and left in place during the brewing process, as well as afterward as the boiler cools. Steam machines also come with a standard filter holder, drip tray and glass carafe. Virtually all machines include frothing wands, and steam left over from the brewing process is used to froth milk.

Most pump machines have certain features in common, including a water reservoir (usually removable), pump, boiler (or thermoblock), brew head, drip tray and filter holders with interchangeable coffee sieves. These machines do not come with a carafe; instead, you brew espresso directly into your own cups. Every machine also has a frothing wand or attachment.

For both pump and steam models, you need to measure coffee grounds, fill a portable filter holder (often called a portafilter), and then tamp or press down the grounds. If you've never used an espresso machine, it may take a few tries to master the correct tamping and inserting of the filter holder into the machine.

Controls

Typical combination machine controls include push buttons, toggle or flip switches or dial controls, including a separate on/off switch to activate the unit. The more sophisticated units feature touchpad controls with digital clock readouts.

Steam espresso units are typically equipped with either dial or push-button controls, and they include an on/off switch to activate the unit and settings for espresso, steam pre-heat, steam only and power off. On a pump machine, you will usually find either toggle or flip switches or push-button controls. Occasionally, you may see a dial or touchpad controls. Most units have on, brew, steam and off switches.

Whether you favor coffee, espresso or cappuccino, today's combination coffee/espresso makers are available to meet any budget. Choose the features you need, and let the brewing begin.