12 Best Coffee and Espresso Maker Combo 2023: Better Listed Ever
Different people like different styles of coffee. And if you’re reading this, chances are that your family has this challenge too. So, how do you go about making sure everyone enjoys their coffee?
The best way to do that is by bringing one of the best coffee and espresso maker combo machines home. As that name suggests, this is a machine that is meant for multipurpose coffee preparation.
For instance, it can serve ordinary coffee. At the same time, it comes with a built-in frother which conveniently transforms your milk into a smooth froth in a matter of seconds.
There are quite a few factors to consider when making a choice, though. And that’s what this particular article is all about.
Best-Rated Coffee & Espresso Maker Combo in 2023: Comparison List
Would you like to get all the coffee you’ve craved for in any style you wish for? The following list brings together different types of drip coffee makers.
1. Keurig K-Café Latte & Cappuccino Maker
The Keurig brand is one of the best-known ones out here but for a long time. Their K-Café coffee and espresso maker stunned us with its advanced features.
Its coffee shot button comes in handy when you need to make specialty drinks. We particularly love to press the SHOT button when we need to prepare some concentrated coffee shots.
Another feature of this machine that we’ve absolutely fallen in love with is its dishwasher-friendly frother. Not only is it easy to clean and maintain, but it also does a stellar job of frothing fresh milk.
We’ve so far tested it with almond and soy milk and it has been nothing short of amazing. That said, it comes in 4 cup sizes which means it is best suited for small to medium-sized families.
Its water reservoir also isn’t that big. It has a 60oz reservoir which only enables you to prepare 6 cups of coffee before needing to refill it (that’s neither too large nor too small).
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- High-quality frother
- Great for concentrated shots
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Its water reservoir isn’t impressively large
2. Breville Nespresso Creatista Coffee & Espresso Machine
If the Keurig doesn’t sound like the thing for you, you might want to take a look at what this unit from Breville has to offer.
It definitely isn’t the cheapest coffee maker available. Therefore, if you’re on a really tight budget, you might want to look elsewhere.
But one thing that caught our attention about this particular machine is that it has some highly advanced technological features. For instance, it has a great auto-foam feature. This comes in handy when you need to prepare the finest form of latte.
What’s more? This machine makes it quite easy to choose the amounts of water, milk, and coffee. Plus you can even adjust the temperature levels of the milk and so forth.
By touching it, you’ll be able to confirm that this is a machine that’s built to last. It’s pretty solid and we absolutely love its refined stainless steel finish.
Pros
- Great finish
- Advanced coffee making technology
- Highly intuitive interface (you’ll badly need it)
- Provides you 8 beverage selections
Cons
- Might be too complicated for beginners to understand to use
3. Powerful Espresso & Cappuccino Maker
This is a reasonably powerful steamer which despite being quite solid is also quite cheap. We’d confidently rank it among the best coffee and espresso makers under 50 bucks.
To begin with, the machine packs 800 watts of power. That’s just the kind of power you need to make some nice-tasting European style lattes and rich cappuccinos.
And don’t let its small size fool you. This tiny beast enables you to make 20 oz of espresso coffee in one sitting. Further, it comes with a removable nozzle and drip tray – both those are important features to consider as they matter a lot when it comes to keeping the equipment clean.
As we conclude, we’re glad to note that this miniature coffee maker is backed by a 1-year warranty. So, if you’re after value, this might be a fantastic choice to settle for.
Pros
- Easy-to-use and beginner-friendly
- Save you quite some space on the kitchen counter
- Makes delicious coffee
- Affordably priced
Cons
- It has a small coffee making capacity
- The manufacturer seems to be having quality-control issues
Also Read: The 15 Best 4-Cup Coffee Maker: Buying Guide
4. Hamilton Beach 49966 Thermal Coffee Maker
This is yet another 2-way brewer that caught our attention. Hear this – the Hamilton Beach brand has been around since 1910. In other words, they’ve been in this business for more than a century.
And as you’d expect, those many years of being in business come with lots of experience. Indeed, their #49966 doesn’t disappoint.
This particular machine boasts the ability to create up to 12 cups of coffee at once. Plus, the machine is so flexible that you can even use it to prepare one cup at a time.
That’s the kind of flexibility you need when you stay alone but have visitors coming over once in a while. The machine would also be a great addition to any office space.
Lastly, this machine comes with a removable pod-piercing assembly tool. This can be removed and cleaned to prevent clogging. Can you beat that?
Pros
- Easy to program it
- Energy efficient machine
- It’s compatible with the K-Cup pod
- Built-in auto shut off feature
Cons
- Auto-shut off feature makes it frustrating for some to use
5. DeLonghi BCO430 Drip Coffee Machine
This is a relatively new coffee and espresso combo maker that has been causing ripples on the market place – quite literally. One thing we’d like to remark about it is that it’s quite innovatively made. It allows you to seamlessly drip espresso and ordinary coffee at once.
One awesome attribute of it is that it’s quite good looking. Its eye-catching design makes it ideal for use even in the homes of those who are choosy about décor and interior design.
What’s more? This machine features highly advanced automation technology which makes it possible to produce high-quality coffee through a simple press of a button.
Moving on, we found this machine to be highly user-friendly.
But that’s where all the good stuff about it ends. For instance, we came across quite a few complaints from people who said it stopped working after only a few months of use.
At its price, we expect better of DeLonghi. There are certainly cheaper machines that are more reliable than it.
That said, we still love its looks. Plus it makes really good coffee before it decides to stop working all of a sudden.
Pros
- Great looking design
- Has a feature to pause brewing half-way
- Handy auto-shutoff feature
- Great quality of drip coffee and espresso
Cons
- Seems over-priced considering its features
- Breaks down after several months of use
6. Nestle Nespresso GCC1-US-BK-NE Deluxe Coffee & Espresso Maker
Designed to use centrifusion technology, this maker has found a special place among espresso lovers. The first feature of it that drew our attention is its built-in capsule recognition and code-reading abilities.
Indeed, the machine comes with a laser bar code reader. Once you insert a capsule of choice, the laser reader is able to detect your choice automatically.
That way, it is capable of adjusting its settings accordingly to enable you to achieve a perfect blend. And need to also mention that the capsules are also quite long-lasting although you’ll eventually need to replace them.
Pros
- Capsule recognition technology
- Heats up in 15 seconds
- Uses centrifusion technology for evenness
- The capsules are easy to insert and eject
Cons
- Some people complain that the coffee doesn’t get hot enough
7. Krups Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine #XP160050
Krups is yet another one of the well-known coffee maker brands. And we’re glad to see that their coffee cum espresso make made it to this list.
The 2-in-1 offering is capable of brewing drip coffee and espresso. What’s more? It’s capable of holding up to 10 cups of coffee which is probably more than enough for just one person.
That said, the machine’s pause and serve feature comes in handy in case you need to grab a quick something in the middle of brewing. Plus you don’t have to worry if you accidentally forgot about the coffee you prepared because this machine is capable of keeping it hot for up to 2 hours.
If you don’t take your coffee within that time, the machine will automatically power down.
Pros
- Its pause and serve feature is outstanding
- Keeps your coffee warm for 2 hours
- Shuts down after 2 hours to preserve energy
- Relatively good espresso brewing
Cons
- It is entirely made of plastic, feels cheap to touch
8. Mr. Coffee CoffeeHouse Capuccino & Espresso Maker
This is basically an upgraded version of the Café Barista model from Mr. Coffee’s. In fact, the two look almost alike and most of their parts are exactly the same. However, if you look even closer, you’re likely to spot quite a few differences.
The One-Touch belongs to the class of machines that are meant to stun at making milk foam automatically. That’s all thanks to its automated frothers.
Its automated milk jar is definitely something worth writing home about as well. With it, you’re sure of delivering the kind of milk foam you need for some nice cappuccino.
However, there are quite a few downsides to this machine. First off, it doesn’t enable you to regulate the temperature of milk foam. Lastly, it lacks the quick rinse cycle feature which is common among high-end machines.
Pros
- Great design
- Awesome milk frothing abilities
- Above-average flavor for espresso
- Easy to use and automated
Cons
- Lacks temperature regulation of milk foam
- A bit tricky to clean
9. Ninja Coffee Bar Programmable Coffee Maker (CF097)
This is one of the significantly large machines out there. Straddling an area of 15×11.3×16.3 inches, it provides you with just enough capacity to get the job done. What’s more? Its unique design makes for more signature versatility.
This machine is capable of brewing any quantity of coffee – even one cup of coffee. Plus it provides you with 5 brewing methods.
Yet another awesome feature exclusive to this coffee maker is that it does a great job of producing microfoam. Plus its thermal carafe boasts a 10 cup capacity which comes in handy when you’re brewing coffee for all-day use.
Pros
- Holds 50oz of water in its reserve
- Comparatively more stylish than its predecessors
- Easy to clean
- Double-walled carafes which keep coffee piping hot
Cons
- Can make coffee bitter at extremely high-temperature levels
- Lacks auto-shutoff feature
10. Breville-Nespresso Vertuo Coffee & Espresso Machine
When categorizing cheap coffee and espresso makers, you’ve got to leave this one out of your list as it doesn’t come cheap.
This 2-in-1 device is capable of preparing up to 5 cups of coffee at once. We’re talking about 2.7 ounce double espresso, 5 ounce gran lungo, and 1.35 ounce espresso.
What’s more? The device boasts a built-in cup support stand that enables you to fit in 3 positions. Also, unlike other ordinary coffee makers, this one isn’t compatible with K-cups and neither doesn’t it work reusable filters.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Awesome centrifusion technology
- Heats up in 15 seconds
Cons
- Only uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules
11. De’Longhi VertuoPlus ENV155B Coffee & Espresso Maker
This single-serve coffee machine is reputed for its ability to deliver authentic espresso without breaking a sweat. But just like other Nespresso machines, it is specifically designed for use with Nespresso Vertuo capsules.
That can be quite limiting especially if you aren’t in an area where replacements are easy to find.
The good thing with this machine is that it has a powerful centrifusion piece of technology. It is capable of spinning for up to 7000 RPM and in the course of doing that prepare awesome coffee.
What’s more? Its extraction process runs super quietly. And before you know it, your coffee is ready.
We’d also like to say that in general, this machine is highly user-friendly. It may not have enormous capacity but it certainly is quite easy to have around.
Pros
- Handy centrifusion extraction technology
- Automatic and programmable
- Automated capsule ejection
- Has an eco-mode that activates after 3 minutes
Cons
- Its auto-shutoff mode of 9 minutes can be quite inconveniencing
12. Aicook 15 Bar Pump Barista Espresso Coffee Maker
This will be a relatively short review, so let’s get straight to the point. The Aicook is in our view a direct competitor to the Oster Prima Latter and Mr. Coffee Café Barista. However, it does come with a handful of superior features.
For instance, it boasts a modern design which makes it an excellent addition to any kitchen. That said, its body is made of plastic, not metal – don’t let its silver-like coating fool you.
Its control panel is quite intuitive. However, some people have complained that it feels finicky and might not last long.
Its 61 oz water reservoir is quite generous for a machine of its size and price. We’d give it two thumbs up for that.
Pros
- 15-bar pump creates just enough pressure for espresso
- Great ability to create milk foam
- Its upper stand works as a cup warmer
- Brews in a matter of seconds
Cons
- Its filter clean-up has to be done manually
- It has been made in China
Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Coffee/Espresso Maker Combo
So, what are some of the key factors to keep in mind when shopping for a 2-in-1 coffee maker? Well, this doesn’t have to be a highly complicated process. It’s only that there are a few features that you should seriously take into account.
The Right Size
Size is an extremely factor to consider when making a choice. You don’t want to end up with a machine that’s too small for your family. Neither do you want to end up with one that’s ridiculously large to the extent that it’s a waste of space and money.
So, you need to first of all study your coffee drinking habits. Just how much coffee does your household take on any given day?
If you stay alone and only need a few cups of coffee a day, then there’d be no need to go for a machine that’s ridiculously larger in size. In fact, there are some makers that are even designed to only brew a single cup of coffee.
So, start by understanding the number of cups of coffee you survive on in any given day. Then after that, go ahead and choose a 2-in-1 maker with that kind of capacity.
Type of Coffee
Ordinarily, coffee makers and espressos are different machines. So, when you choose to settle for a hybrid machine, you also need to expand your scope of thinking. Of course, a hybrid machine is better than two machine especially in terms of saving space.
But even then, you need to double-check and ensure that whatever you’re settling for is truly a coffee maker and espresso maker. Most importantly, you want to make sure that both functionalities are performing optimally.
Since it can be difficult to determine this by simply looking at the photos of the machine, we’d recommend looking at the reviews. If the reviews seem satisfactory, go ahead check if the manufacturer has a warranty cover for it.
That said, it’s important to adjust your expectations. Most Pod machines that are readily available aren’t the best when it comes to the production of the most authentic cappuccino and expresso. But once again, listen in to the reviews – they always have a message for you, listen to it.
Your Nature of Drinking
What kind of coffee drinking habits has your family or office team gotten of late? Do they drink coffee throughout the day? In that case, you might want to consider getting them a maker that comes with a thermal carafe.
That way, you’ll be sure to keep the coffee running hot throughout the day. And that’s kind of cool – isn’t it?
Automatic vs Manual Machines
Almost all coffee makers nowadays are automated. That’s mainly because of the time-saving benefits of automation. On top of that, most of the machines are known to be quite easy to maintain plus they are a no-mess family.
So, they’re also quite easy to maintain.
Turning our eyes to the manual espresso machines, we’d particularly like to say that old is gold. If you’d like to prepare the original espresso as your mom used to make it, you’ve got to go back to the manual machines.
However, those require quite a bit of expertise to handle. And if you’re not careful, they can cause quite a bit of a mess for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coffee and Espresso makers are amphibian “animals.” They attempt to provide you with the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, that can make them quite complicated to understand and that’s what this FAQ is meant to address.
How do I clean my coffee maker?
The steps to clean a coffee maker vary from one manufacturer to the next. But the basic rule is that you should only wash it when it’s unplugged. And also, you should be sure to remove its filters and carafes during the cleaning process.
Please also note that some machines offer more washable parts than others. So, be sure to consult your user manual. Another thing, be careful not to use abrasive detergents or scrubbers on your machine.
I am not sure why my coffee isn’t tasting as good as I’d like, what should I do?
There are quite a few factors that affect the quality of the cup of coffee you brew. The most common factor is the age of your coffee beans. Try to use fresh beans.
Also, try to change the filters of your maker. Consider changing the type of water you use to prepare the coffee. If the water contains flavors or minerals, it might affect the taste.
What are some of the benefits of investing in a programmable coffee maker?
A programmable coffee and espresso maker makes it possible for you to plan to prepare your coffee well in advance. For instance, you can program the machine to prepare coffee for you such that when you get out of the bed in the morning you’re greeted by the aroma of freshly made coffee.
Which One Is The Best?
We’d choose the Keurig K-Café Coffee and Espresso maker for two reasons. First, we absolutely love its 2 ounce concentrated shot feature. Besides that, we absolutely love its easy-to-use milk frother.
With it, we’re able to make cappuccinos and lattes much quicker than before. Plus, it definitely makes good coffee faster than it often takes to place an order at local stores like Starbucks.
Final Thoughts
Have you ever heard the old saying that goes “2 is better than 1?” Well, that seems to be the rule when it comes to finding a well-made, budget coffee and espresso maker for home or office. And with the kinds of options we’ve provided you with right above, you really can’t run out of choices here.
