Ever feel like your kitchen counter is hosting a battle between your espresso machine and your regular coffee pot? You’re not alone. Juggling two appliances for your morning fix is a hassle, and that’s where a good combination espresso coffee maker comes in. It promises to be the ultimate space-saving hero, merging two beloved brews into one sleek unit. But does it actually deliver great coffee and real espresso, or is it just a compromise? Let’s find out if these machines are the multitaskers they claim to be.
We’ve spent weeks testing one of the top models, putting it through its paces with everything from pre-ground beans to fresh espresso shots. I’ll walk you through the daily experience, from the quality of the crema to how easy it really is to switch between functions. Get ready to see if a combo machine can truly satisfy both your quick drip and your slow espresso cravings.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Combination Espresso Coffee Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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Espressione Combination Stainless Steel Espresso + Coffee Maker, 10…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, 3…
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9.3 |
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Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker, Single-Serve…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with…
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8.9 |
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Ninja Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew…
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8.8 |
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Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, LatteGo Milk…
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8.6 |
Read Review |
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Philips 2200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Classic Milk…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve Coffee…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Combination Espresso Coffee Maker
De'Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine + Advanced Adjustable Milk Frother for Cappuccino & Latte + Glass Coffee Pot 10-Cup, COM532M black
The De’Longhi COM532M All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine is designed to be the central hub for your morning routine, capable of handling everything from a single espresso to a full pot of coffee. Its core innovation is the Dual Heating System, which means you don’t have to choose or wait.
You can brew a fresh pot of drip coffee and pull a shot of espresso at the exact same time, a real time-saver when everyone’s moving at different speeds.
For espresso, it uses a professional Italian 15 BAR pressure pump. This consistent, optimal pressure is key for extracting the rich, full flavor and that beautiful golden crema from your coffee grounds. It’s the foundation for all your espresso-based drinks.
The machine also features a Bold Setting function, which lets you intensify the flavor and aroma of your drip coffee, giving you a richer, more robust cup without any bitterness.
Milk-based drinks are where this machine truly shines. The Advanced Steam Wand has two specialized settings. One creates a velvety micro-foam perfect for lattes, while the other is designed for the thicker, airier foam needed for an authentic cappuccino.
Espressione Combination Stainless Steel Espresso + Coffee Maker, 10 cups
The Espressione EM1040 Combination Stainless Steel Espresso + Coffee Maker is a versatile machine designed for those who appreciate both espresso and regular coffee. Designed in Switzerland, it combines performance and quality in a single, sleek stainless steel unit. It’s built to handle your morning drip coffee just as capably as your afternoon latte.
At its heart is a powerful 19 bar ULKA pump from Italy.
This 1250-watt system provides the consistent pressure needed for a rich, crema-topped espresso. The same pump powers the steam function for frothing milk. The spherical headed steam tube with its stainless steel nozzle gives you control to texture milk for cappuccinos or lattes.
You have flexibility in how you brew. The dual brewing setting allows for fully automatic operation or manual control over your shot.
The machine is easy to program, letting you set your preferred volume for both single and double espressos. This helps produce consistent results once you’ve dialed in your settings. The die-cast aluminum filter holder features a ‘moustache style’ outlet that evenly distributes espresso into two cups simultaneously.
Convenience is a key part of the design. The frontal water tank is removable for easy filling and cleaning. A large, removable drip tray catches any spills or used water.
Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, 3 Espresso Brew Styles, Single-Serve Coffee & Nespresso Capsule Compatible, Built-in Frother, Espresso, Cappuccino & Latte Maker, Black, CFN601
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System CFN601 is a versatile all-in-one machine designed to replace your single-serve brewer, espresso maker, and drip coffee pot. It combines three appliances into one countertop footprint, offering serious flexibility for your daily routine and entertaining. At its heart is the Barista Plus Technology, a 19-bar pressure system.
This is key for authentic espresso, as it brews at the optimal temperature and pressure to extract ultra-flavorful espresso with that signature silky-smooth crema on top. You can brew single-serve espresso using your favorite compatible capsules, choosing from three styles: a classic Espresso shot, a longer Lungo, or a concentrated Over Ice shot meant to be poured over ice without getting watered down. The built-in, fold-away frother is your tool for coffeehouse drinks at home.
It easily froths milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and more, then tucks away neatly. For regular coffee, the machine brews through your own grounds. You can select from three brew types—Classic, Rich, or Over Ice—and nine different sizes. This range goes from a single cup, up to a travel mug, and all the way to a full 12-cup carafe. This versatility to entertain is a major plus; you can make individual espresso drinks for guests or brew a large carafe for a group.
Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Pods Compatible, Coffeemaker, Three Brewing Sizes, SS-4N1NAS, Black
The Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker (SS-4N1NAS, Black) is designed for households where everyone has a different coffee preference. It’s essentially four machines in one, consolidating your countertop without compromise. You get a full 12-cup carafe brewer, a single-serve pod brewer for standard cups, and a separate Nespresso-compatible brewer for authentic espresso shots.
This means you can brew a carafe of breakfast blend for the family, then later use a pod for a quick decaf, and finally craft a latte with a Nespresso capsule—all from the same unit. Its operation is built for convenience. The carafe side is fully programmable up to 24 hours in advance, so you can wake up to fresh coffee. An adjustable auto-shutoff keeps it warm for up to 4 hours, and a brew pause feature lets you sneak a cup before the cycle finishes.
You can also adjust the brew strength on the carafe side for a bolder flavor. It includes a commercial-style permanent gold-tone filter and a charcoal water filter to ensure your coffee taste clean and pure, without the waste of paper filters. The single-serve side offers serious flexibility. It’s compatible with most standard coffee pods, like Keurig K-Cup pods, giving you acces to hundreds of varieties.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 12c Pot, Black – Fast Brewing (49902)
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker (49902) is designed for households where not everyone wants the same thing at the same time. It’s a coffee maker combo that genuinely tries to cover all the bases, giving you three distinct brewing methods in one machine. You can brew a single cup using a standard K-Cup pod, or you can use your own ground coffee for that single serving. When you need more, the other side functions as a full 12-cup drip coffee maker with a classic glass carafe.
One of it’s most practical features is the large, 56 oz. water reservoir on the single-serve side. This means you can brew up to seven single cups consecutively without having to stop and refill the tank. That’s a real time-saver during a busy morning. And speaking of speed, the single-serve side is built for fast brewing, delivering a hot cup in about 90 seconds from a cold start.
The 12-cup side offers the convenience of programmable start times, so you can wake up to a full, fresh pot ready and waiting. Customization is straightforward. For single servings, you have five size options (6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 oz.) when using grounds, and three (6, 8, or 10 oz.) with pods, so you can fill your favorite mug perfectly.
Ninja Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System, Coffee Machine Compatible with K-Cup Pods, 12 Cup Single Serve Coffee Makers with Paper Filter, CFP301
The Ninja DualBrew Pro CFP301 is designed for coffee drinkers who want one machine to handle it all. It combines a single-serve pod brewer with a full 12-cup carafe system, giving you serious flexibility depending on your morning mood or how many people you’re serving.
Its core feature is the 13-size dual system. You can brew coffee from grounds into five different cup sizes, from a small mug to a large travel tumbler.
Or, use the included glass carafe and choose from four carafe sizes—¼, ½, ¾, or full—for a bigger batch. For pods, it’s compatible with K-Cup style pods and offers four brew sizes from 6 to 12 ounces. It’s a machine that adapts to you, rather than the other way around.
Speed is a key factor here. This brewer is designed to heat up and brew a pod faster than a leading Keurig machine upon startup, which is a nice perk when you’re in a hurry. But it doesn’t sacrifice control for speed.
You have four brew style choices: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty. This lets you tailor the strength and flavor for hot coffee, iced coffee, or even a super-rich coffee concentrate for making lattes and cappuccinos at home. There’s also a dedicated setting for hot water, perfect for tea or instant meals.
A unique feature is the independent hot water system.
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, LatteGo Milk Frother, 5 Coffee Varieties, Intuitive Touch Display, 100% Ceramic Grinder, AquaClean Filter, My Coffee Choice, Black (EP3241/54)
The Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine (EP3241/54) is designed to bring genuine cafe-style coffee into your kitchen with remarkable consistency and minimal fuss. At its heart is a 100% ceramic grinder, which is key for preserving the true flavor of your beans without the heat and wear of metal grinders. This means each cup starts with freshly, evenly ground coffee, which is the first step to a great tasting drink.
You have five core coffee varieties at your fingertips: Espresso, Coffee, Americano, Cappuccino, and Latte Macchiato. Selecting them is straightforward thanks to the intuitive touch display. It guides you clearly, putting your favorite drink just one press away. The machine’s Aroma Extract system then takes over, carefully managing the brewing temperature to pull the optimal flavor and aroma from the grounds into your cup.
It’s a smart bit of engineering that aims for a perfect in-cup result every single time. For milk-based drinks, the LatteGo milk frother system is a highlight. Its a two-part system with no internal tubes or complicated hidden parts. You simply fill the jug with cold milk, attach it, and the machine does the rest, creating creamy froth for your cappuccino or smooth milk for a latte.
Philips 2200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Classic Milk Frother, 2 Coffee Varieties, Intuitive Touch Display, 100% Ceramic Grinder, AquaClean Filter, Aroma Seal, Black (EP2220/14)
The Philips 2200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine (EP2220/14) is designed to bring the core experience of a coffee shop directly to your kitchen counter, with a focus on simplicity and consistency. This machine handles the entire process for you, from grinding fresh beans to brewing and even frothing milk, all at the touch of a button. It starts with a 100% ceramic grinder, which is key for preserving flavor.
Ceramic stays cool during grinding, protecting the coffee’s natural aromas from being heated and lost, which is further locked in by the Aroma Seal feature on the bean container. You choose from two main coffee varieties—espresso or a longer coffee—and then tailor it to your taste. The intuitive touch display lets you easily adjust the strength and volume of your drink, so whether you prefer a bold, short ristretto or a milder, larger mug, it remembers your preference.
There’s also a dedicated hot water function for americanos or tea. For milk-based drinks, the classic milk frother is attached. It steam or froths milk and plant-based alternatives with minimal effort on your part. Simply pour your milk into the carafe, place it under the spout, and the machine does the rest. This opens up the possibilities beyond just coffee, allowing you to create lattes, cappuccinos, or even froth milk for a hot chocolate.
Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve Coffee Maker and Drip Coffee Machine, DualBrew Pro Specialty 12-Cup with K-Cup Combo, Includes Permanent Filter, CFP307
The Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee Maker, model CFP307, is designed to be the main coffee station in your kitchen. It replaces several single-use appliances by combining multiple brewing methods into one compact machine. If your household has different coffee preferences, this brewer aims to please everyone without taking up extra counter space.
Its core feature is the 13-size dual coffee system.
You can use traditional coffee grounds with five brew sizes, from a small cup to an extra-large travel mug. For convenience, it also brews directly into the included 12-cup glass carafe at four different volume levels. When you want speed, it’s compatible with 1 Hole K-Cup pods for four more cup sizes. Ninja states it brews pods faster than a leading Keurig machine upon startup, which is handy for busy mornings.
Flavor customization is a key focus.
You’re not stuck with one standard brew. Instead, you choose from four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty. The Over Ice setting is made for iced coffee, brewing a stronger concentrate that won’t get watered down. The Specialty setting creates an even richer coffee concentrate, perfect for making lattes or macchiatos at home. For grounds, the machine includes a permanent, reusable filter.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel is designed for coffee enthusiasts who want a genuine cafe-quality experience at home without the complexity of professional machines. It focuses on delivering the core elements needed for a great shot and perfectly textured milk with remarkable speed and consistency. At its heart is the 54mm portafilter, sized to hold a proper 19-gram dose.
This is key for achieving the full, rich flavor profile of third-wave specialty coffees, ensuring you can extract the nuanced notes from your favorite beans. The machine pairs this with precise digital temperature control (PID), which guarentees water is delivered at the exact right heat for optimal extraction every single time. It also uses a low pressure pre-infusion.
This technique gently wets the coffee puck first, gradually building pressure to draw out flavors evenly and prevent channeling, resulting in a more balanced and complete tasting cup. One of the most significant features is the automatic steam wand for milk texturing. You simply select your desired milk temperature and texture level, and the wand takes over.
Combination Espresso Coffee Maker Buying Guide
These machines are a real space-saver, combining a traditional espresso maker with a drip coffee function in one unit. It’s perfect for households where someone loves a strong shot and another prefers a full carafe. You get two coffee stations for the price (and footprint) of one. The key is finding a model that does both jobs well, not just one.
Brewing System Quality
Look closely at how each function works. For espresso, a machine with a proper pump (15 bars is standard) and a portafilter is essential for real crema. For the drip side, check if it uses a showerhead for even water distribution. Some cheaper models just have a simple tube, which can lead to uneven extraction. You want both systems to feel solid, not like an afterthought.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Switching between modes should be simple. Are there separate water reservoirs or one shared tank? Shared is easier to fill, but you might need to switch settings. Drip coffee makers often have a permanent filter, but espresso side will need regular cleaning. Check if parts like the drip tray and water tank are easy to remove. A machine that’s a pain to clean won’t get used for long.
Capacity and Speed
Think about your daily needs. How many cups of drip coffee do you need at once? Carafes are typically 8-12 cups. For espresso, consider if it has a single or dual-wall filter basket for different shot sizes. Also, note the heat-up time. Some units brew drip coffee faster than espresso, which can take a minute to reach proper pressure. You don’t want a huge wait for your morning cup.
Additional Features and Frother
Many models include a milk frother, either a simple panarello wand or a more advanced steam wand. If you enjoy lattes, a powerful steam wand is worth it. Other features include programmable timers for the drip side, a hot water spout for tea, or strength control. Don’t pay extra for bells and whistles you won’t use though. Focus on the core brewing performance first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Combination Espresso Coffee Maker
What is a combination espresso coffee maker?
It’s a single machine that brews both regular drip coffee and espresso. You get two appliances in one, which saves valuable counter space in your kitchen.
How does the espresso function work?
Most models use a high-pressure pump system or a steam mechanism to force hot water through finely ground coffee. This creates the concentrated shot and rich crema that defines espresso.
Can I make a latte or cappuccino with it?
Yes, absolutely. Many combination machines include a steam wand or a separate frother. You use it to heat and froth milk for your favorite milk-based drinks.
Is the coffee quality good from both sides?
It can be very good, but it’s different from having two separate, high-end machines. The espresso might not match a professional machine’s pressure, but for most home users, the quality and convenience are excellent.
Are they difficult to clean and maintain?
They require regular cleaning like any coffee maker. You’ll need to descale it and clean the milk frother after each use. It’s not hard, but it’s an important step to keep it running well.
What should I look for when buying one?
Consider the brew strength settings, the type of frother, and the carafe size for the drip side. Also check how easy the controls are—some have simple buttons, while others have more digital programming.
Do they use special coffee pods or grounds?
This varies. The drip side typically uses your own ground coffee. The espresso side might use ground coffee, or sometimes it can use pods for extra convenience. Always check the product details to be sure what it’s compatible with.
Are they expensive to operate?
Not really. The main cost is the coffee you buy. They use standard electricity and, becuase they’re an all-in-one unit, you’re not buying two separate machines which can save money upfront.
The Short Answer
So, what’s the right choice for you? It really comes down to your daily routine. Think about how you actually make coffee each morning. Do you need a fast single shot before work, or do you prefer a full pot for the family? Your answer points you in the right direction.
If your needs change from day to day, a good combination espresso coffee maker is a smart solution. It saves space and gives you flexibility. You can have your espresso when you want it and brew regular coffee when you need it. That covers just about every situation, doesn’t it? Just remember to check reviews for reliability. Some machines are better at one function than the other, so a little research helps you find a balanced model. That way, you get great results from both sides of the machine.