Choosing the Ideal Coffee Beans for Your Espresso Maker

Are you tired of settling for mediocre coffee from your espresso machine? If you're looking to elevate your espresso experience and truly savor the rich and aromatic flavors, then you're in the right place. In this article, we will unveil the secret to achieving the perfect espresso by exploring the world of coffee beans. From the best coffee for espresso makers to the difference between espresso beans and regular coffee beans, we have all the answers that will transform your morning ritual into an extraordinary sensorial journey. Get ready to embark on a captivating exploration of the best coffee for espresso makers and discover the key to unlocking the ultimate coffee experience.

What Type of Coffee to Use in an Espresso Machine?

If you're short on time, here's a quick answer: any coffee can be used in an espresso machine as long as it is finely ground. That being said, many people prefer using dark roasted coffee because it has a stronger flavor.

In fact, you might come across coffee that is labeled "espresso" due to its darker roast. If you've recently purchased an espresso machine and want to learn the basics, keep reading. We'll answer common questions about coffee for espresso machines so you can make the most delicious shots possible.

Continue reading to learn more on the topic...

Can I Use Pre-Ground Coffee for Espresso Machines?

Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee for espresso machines as long as it is finely ground. You may not find this type of grind in grocery stores, but you can order it from your local roaster.

Keep in mind that fresher ground coffee will taste better. Once coffee is ground, it starts losing its flavor and releases CO2. It's best to use up your pre-ground coffee within two weeks to maintain its freshness.

Read Next: What happens if you tamp espresso too hard?

What Type of Ground Coffee Should I Use for Espresso Machines?

For espresso machines, you should use a fine grind of coffee. It should have the appearance and texture of flour. If the grind is too coarse, the coffee won't extract properly and your shot will taste dull.

Understanding how coffee extraction works can help you remember the different grind types. Extraction refers to the process of water moving through coffee grounds to extract flavor chemicals. Interestingly, water doesn't even need to be hot for this process to occur. Cold brew coffee is a popular method that involves soaking coarse grounds in cold, filtered water.

Coarse grounds are also used for French Press coffee, where they should resemble wood chips. If the grounds are too fine, they will pass through the filter and create a cup of coffee with unwanted bits. Medium-coarse to medium-fine grinds are used for pour over or classic coffee makers, and this grind has a sandy texture.

But does this mean you can't experiment with your espresso grind settings? Not at all. Espresso machines offer different settings that allow you to adjust the temperature or pressure to achieve your desired results.

View Next: Automatic Espresso Machine

Can You Use Dark Roast Coffee Instead of Espresso?

If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use dark roasted espresso-grade coffee to achieve a similar flavor. However, keep in mind that it won't be exactly the same. The coffee will be less concentrated and won't have the signature crema that espresso has.

Can You Use French Roast Coffee for Espresso?

Yes, you can use French roast coffee for espresso, but the flavor won't be as distinct. Espresso roasted coffee is known for its robust flavor notes and oily mouthfeel. French roast coffee has toasted flavors, but it leans towards the milder side compared to espresso roasts.

Can You Use Blonde Roast Coffee for Espresso?

Blonde roast coffee, which was introduced by Starbucks, can be used to make fantastic espresso shots. It has gentle and sweet flavor notes, perfect for those who don't enjoy the bitterness of espresso roasts.

Espresso Beans vs Regular Coffee Beans: Is There a Difference?

In their natural state, espresso beans are not different from regular coffee beans used for other coffee beverages. The difference lies in the processing of the beans.

Espresso beans are roasted for a longer period of time to achieve a deep, dark color. This roasting process brings out more oils in the beans, giving it a heavier feel. The beans are then ground to a finer powder for espresso since the contact time with water is much shorter compared to other coffee-making methods.

Espresso Beans and Coffee-Growing Regions

The majority of the world's coffee grows in a region called the bean belt, which is located between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. In terms of what grows on the coffee plant, there are no specific espresso beans. Espresso coffee is blended and roasted differently to suit the preparation method.

Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia are the top coffee-producing countries. However, Ethiopia and Costa Rica are known for producing some of the best coffee beans in the world. Proper roasting techniques can result in a delightful cup of espresso.

Volcanica Espresso Dark Roast Coffee

This intensely roasted coffee is a blend of Central and South American beans. It offers a delicious balance of caramel-like sweetness, light acidity, and a complex spicy aroma.

Lifeboost Dark Roast

This super-dark roast is great for milk-based drinks. It has a sophisticated flavor profile with notes of chocolate and brown sugar, providing a smooth sip that many enjoy.

Cuvee Coffee Karmadillo Dark Blend

A strong and refreshing dark blend, this coffee is perfect for a morning pick-me-up. It creates a compelling espresso shot with flavors of milk chocolate and caramelized sugar.

Lavazza “Dek” (Whole bean espresso blend)

If you want a lovely layer of crema on your espresso, this blend is a great choice. It has a light and creamy profile, making it perfect for those who prefer a milder cup of coffee.

Death Wish Whole Bean Coffee

For those craving an indulgent, dark roast, this coffee is a must-try. It has a heavy coffee flavor with accents of cherry and chocolate. Enjoy a vitalizing cup of espresso with a slightly smoky aftertaste.

Red Bay’s Brazilian Cake Lady

This single-origin medium roast coffee from Brazil creates a crisp cup of espresso. It offers mild acidity and tempting flavors like golden raisin and nougat, with a tropical nutty palette.

illy Ground Espresso

Known for their high-quality coffees, illy offers a powerful blend from Italy. Their range of coffees is highly regarded, especially for those looking for ground coffee instead of whole beans.

Peet’s Arabian Mocha Sanani

Peet's is known for its limited-edition, freshly roasted specialty coffees. The Mocha Sanani blend is made with 100% Arabica beans from Africa and Arabia, featuring hints of chocolate and hazelnut.

Café Don Pablo Gourmet Coffee

If you're in need of a strong caffeine kick, Café Don Pablo Gourmet Coffee won't disappoint. It's an economical option for the best coffee beans for espresso and is highly popular.

Coffee Bros. Espresso Roast

Only a few medium roast blends produce good espresso, and Coffee Bros. Espresso Roast is one of them. It contains 100% Arabica beans from Colombia and Ethiopia, offering a satisfying sweetness.

Sightglass Organic Crown Point

For organic coffee lovers, this medium-roast blend is a must-try. It provides a full-bodied espresso experience with flavors of raspberry, chocolate, and butterscotch.

Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso

Looking for an espresso that refreshes without the jitters? Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso is the answer. These beans create a comfortable cup of coffee with a syrupy and chocolaty feel.

The Best Coffee Beans for Espresso & Cappuccino

1: Coffee Bros Espresso Blend (Medium roast)

This espresso blend consists of medium roasted beans from Ethiopia and Colombia. Despite the term "bro" not being a favorite for some, it suits Coffee Bros, which is a roastery run by two brothers.

After trying their Signature Blend, I must say I was thoroughly impressed. This blend is loved by many and works well both as a straight shot and as a base in milk-based drinks.

The coffee is medium-roasted to bring out its natural sweetness, making it perfect for both experienced home baristas and those new to espresso. It is made from 100% Arabica beans and is not overly dark roasted, resulting in a cleaner finish compared to blends containing robusta.

The package mentions flavor notes such as strawberry, sugar cane, and vanilla. In my opinion, the berry flavors are noticeable due to the coffee's composition of Ethiopian and Colombian beans. The coffee is roasted immediately after the order is placed, ensuring peak freshness upon arrival.

Official Store

Illy is a classic name in the espresso community. It is an Italian company with a long history associated with espresso.

Despite being a large and somewhat industrial enterprise, Illy takes great care in selecting the right beans for their blends. They prioritize sweet cherries with minimal defects.

This is the same type of coffee that was used by world barista champions just 16 years ago. The beans are medium roasted and suitable for various brewing styles.

While Illy may not be a top contender in today's highly snobby and advanced coffee world, it consistently delivers a pleasant cup no matter how you brew it.

This particular product is pre-ground, so no grinder is needed. If you have your own grinder, opt for the whole bean option.

See more reviews

Intelligentsia is another legendary name in the American specialty coffee scene. They prioritize direct trade and have established relationships with the farms they source from. They pay reasonable prices and in return, receive incredible quality. Unlike some big multinational companies, their commitment to quality is not just marketing.

This particular coffee blend is dark, mysterious, and well-rounded. It offers flavors of chocolate, caramel, and molasses.

With a low acidity level, this coffee is ideal for milk-based drinks or for those with sensitive stomachs.

See more reviews

Lavazza is an Italian brand known for its medium roast coffee. Their Espresso Italiano blend offers a subtle and balanced flavor with notes of hazelnut and chocolate.

This is an all-around coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or in milk-based drinks.

Despite the name "Espresso Italiano," it is not a dark roast as some may expect. If a dark roast is what you're looking for, try Lavazza's Qualita Rossa instead.

See more reviews

Lavazza's Qualita Rossa is another classic Italian espresso blend. Lavazza is often considered the evil twin of Illy and is just as widespread in the world of espresso.

The Rossa blend is one of their most famous blends and contains a significant amount of robusta. As a result, it offers a strong coffee experience with minimal acidity and subtle flavors. This blend is focused on crema, texture, and mouthfeel.

This is a very traditional espresso that many people still enjoy. If you're not a hardcore espresso snob deep into extraction theory, it's worth giving this blend a try. It delivers a potent shot of espresso that lacks acidity and features subtle notes of cacao nibs.

If you're looking for beans to use in a superautomatic espresso machine, this blend is an excellent choice.

See more reviews

Coffee clubs are a fantastic way to explore different coffees, and Trade Coffee is one of the best options available. Many coffee subscriptions focus on specific roasting styles, making them difficult to recommend.

However, Trade Coffee stands out because they work with various top-notch roasters. They provide special coffee recommendations tailored to your brewing method and coffee preferences.

Whether you prefer dark and intense flavors or fruity and vibrant notes, the algorithm Trade uses ensures you receive freshly roasted, high-quality espresso beans. If you're interested in joining this club, there's even a generous discount available.

Official Store

In this section, I'll delve into the details. While you don't need to know all this information, expanding your knowledge as a true espresso lover can be enjoyable.

Why Does Single-Origin Matter?

Single-origin coffee has become the preferred choice among coffee enthusiasts. It means that the coffee comes from a single estate or a specific geographical location. This is common in places like Ethiopia, where many farmers are smallholders, and their coffee is blended at processing stations.

Single-origin coffee offers a more interesting taste experience because it allows you to discover the origin and terroir of a particular place. When you have a blend with multiple coffees, it becomes challenging to distinguish which beans contribute to which flavors.

Due to the desire for more transparency and origin-specific tastes, some roasters now offer single-origin espresso roasts. These coffees are not blended.

Typically, single-origin espresso beans are roasted darker than their filter counterparts, but they still wouldn't be considered a dark roast. As a result, you'll experience plenty of acidity and fruity or floral notes in your cup. This type of espresso bean is best enjoyed without dilution or with a minimal amount of hot water. It may not work well with milk-based drinks.

What Is an Omni Roast?

Omni roasts have gained attention in the coffee world. Certain roasters, particularly those in the specialty coffee realm, offer "Omni" roasts.

The term "Omni" means "every" in Latin, and these roasters aim to create a roast that caters to various brewing methods, including espresso, pour over, and French press.

While this approach may simplify the roasting process for the roaster, an Omni roast may not be ideal if you're seeking a traditional espresso experience or if you enjoy making lattes and cortados.

Usually, Omni roasts tend to be relatively light since they need to accommodate pour over brewing methods.

What to Consider in a Blend

When choosing a blend, consider whether you primarily drink straight espresso shots or if you prefer milk-based drinks.

If the blend is for straight espresso, I recommend avoiding blends with robusta. Look for a brand that uses 100% Arabica beans, preferably incorporating high-altitude coffees from East Africa or Central America. This ensures you experience fruity top notes. I also suggest selecting blends that are not overly dark-roasted, as the beans should not appear oily on the outside.

If you plan to use the beans with milk, darker blends or blends containing robusta may be suitable. Some people enjoy the "roasty" flavor that comes through when milk is added.

Grind Size for Espresso Beans

• Authentic espresso (single-wall basket): Grinding for espresso requires a specific approach. It's important to have a grinder that can make micro-adjustments and achieve an extremely fine grind. A grind that is not very fine (almost powdery) will result in a weak and watery shot. To achieve the desired resistance in the portafilter, a fine grind is crucial.
• Pressurized (double-wall basket): If you use a pressurized portafilter (which some espresso purists may consider cheating), you don't need a perfect, fine espresso grind size. In this case, you can use pre-ground coffee labeled as "espresso," which many brands offer. This pre-ground coffee is suitable for moka pots and espresso machines with pressurized portafilters.

This grind size is suitable for espresso brewing. How can you determine if your basket/portafilter is pressurized? Most inexpensive espresso machines come with pressurized portafilters. Sometimes, it may be challenging to identify right away, so you might need to remove the metal basket inside the portafilter. If the basket has many small holes, it's an authentic espresso basket. If it only has one hole in the center, it's a pressurized portafilter.

What are "Expresso" Beans?

There is no such thing as "expresso" beans. The correct spelling is "espresso.

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best coffee for your espresso maker, it all comes down to personal preference. Whether you choose to use pre-ground coffee or grind your own beans, the key is to ensure you have a fine grind that is tailored to your machine. While dark roast, French roast, and even blonde roast can all be used, it's important to note that each will bring a different flavor profile to your cup. Additionally, considering the origins of your coffee beans can provide an added layer of complexity and richness to your espresso experience. So, don't be afraid to explore the world of espresso beans and discover the perfect blend that will transport you to coffee nirvana with every sip. May your mornings be filled with the aroma and taste of the best coffee beans for espresso and cappuccino.