Mornings are a battlefield, and you’re the general fighting for that first perfect sip. You crave a rich espresso to jolt you awake, but your partner just wants a simple pot of drip coffee to ease into the day. That’s where a quality combination coffee maker espresso machine steps in to save the peace. It promises to deliver both worlds without taking over your entire counter. Sound too good to be true? We had to find out.
So we put this dual-purpose machine through its paces for a full week. We tested the espresso side for crema quality and the coffee side for brewing tempature. You’ll want to know if it actually masters both or just does a so-so job at each. Spoiler: the results were a mixed bag, but the convenience is undeniable. Let’s dive into the details.
Product Comparison Table: 8 Best Combination Coffee Maker Espresso Machine
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso Machine, Drip Coffee,…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, 3…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, Hot & Iced Coffee, 6…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Compact Coffee Maker, 15…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, Espresso Machine, Drip Coffee,…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Philips 5500 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, LatteGo Milk…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew…
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7.9 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 8 Combination Coffee Maker Espresso Machine
Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso Machine, Drip Coffee, & Rapid Cold Brew | Built-in Coffee Grinder, Hands-Free Milk Frother, Assisted Tamper for Cappuccinos & Lattes | Stainless Steel | ES601
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier 3-in-1 Espresso Machine, Drip Coffee, & Rapid Cold Brew Stainless Steel ES601 is designed to handle your morning coffee, your afternoon latte, and your evening espresso martini without needing three seperate machines on your counter. It’s an all-in-one system that focuses on giving you control while removing the guesswork.
You get three machines worth of function here. For espresso, you can pull a double or a quad shot.
Drip coffee comes in three styles—classic, rich, or over ice—and you can brew it in sizes from 6 ounces all the way up to 18 ounces. The cold brew function has two options: cold pressed espresso or cold brew coffee, also available in those same larger sizes. So whether you want a quick cup or a full carafe, this machine covers it.
The built-in conical burr grinder has 25 different settings. That means you can dial in the grind size for any bean you throw at it.
What makes this different is the weight-based dosing. Instead of just grinding for a set time and hoping for the best, the machine uses a built-in scale to measure the exact amount of grounds for your chosen drink. You don’t have to manually weigh anything.
The Barista Assist Technology walks you through the whole process. It recommends grind size, adjusts the brew temperature and pressure in real time, and helps you get balanced flavor without needing a barista degree.
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 dual-function machine that brews both espresso and coffee. It is designed to help you make a wide range of drinks at home, from a quick morning coffee to espresso-based beverages for guests.
This system uses Barista Plus Technology, which includes a 19-bar pressure system. It brews espresso at the optimal temperature and pressure to deliver a flavorful shot with a silky-smooth crema.
You can choose from three espresso brew styles using your favorite capsules: Espresso (1.35 oz), Lungo (3.75 oz), and Over Ice (1 oz). The machine is compatible with Nespresso capsules, but remember that capsules are sold separately.
For coffee drinkers, you can brew through ground coffee grounds. You have the option to select Classic, Rich, or Over Ice brews. There are nine different size options, ranging from a single cup, to a travel mug, all the way up to a full 12-cup carafe.
This makes it easy to switch from making a quick cup for yourself to serving a crowd.
The built-in, fold-away frother is a key feature. It lets you create espresso-based cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and more. Whether you want a frothed topping for your morning latte or a creamy finish for an afternoon drink, the frother is there when you need it and folds out of the way when you don’t.
Versatility is a strong point.
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, Hot & Iced Coffee, 6 Brew Styles, 8 Sizes, Small Cup to Travel Mug, 10-Cup Carafe, Fold-Away Frother, Permanent Filter, Removable Reservoir, Black, CM401
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, CM401 in Black is designed to give you control over how you brew your coffee, whether you want it hot or iced. It offers six brew sizes, from a single cup up to a full 10-cup carafe, so you’re covered whether you’re making coffee just for yourself or for a group. You can choose from four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty Brew.
Each one changes how the coffee is extracted to suit what you’re making.
If you like stronger coffee, the Rich setting pulls more flavor from your grounds. The Over Ice brew makes a concentrated coffee that brews hot directly over ice, so your iced coffee stays flavorful and doesn’t get watered down as the ice melts. The Specialty Brew creates a super-rich coffee concentrate. You can use this concentrate as a base for lattes, macchiatos, or cappuccinos at home.
The built-in fold-away frother helps with that. It can turn hot or cold milk—or any milk alternative—into smooth froth. The frother folds away when you don’t need it and removes for easy cleaning.
This machine does not require any pods. You just use your favorite ground coffee with the included permanent filter. No need to buy reusable pods or paper filters. The Ninja Smart Scoop helps you measure the right amount for whatever size you are brewing.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL in Brushed Stainless Steel is built around a simple idea: you should be able to make third wave specialty coffee at home without needing a seperate grinder or a lot of extra gear. This machine uses the 4 keys formula to go from whole beans to espresso in under one minute. It’s part of the Barista Series, so it’s designed as an all-in-one system.
You get dose control grinding with an integrated precision conical burr grinder.
It grinds on demand, so you only grind what you need. The coffee goes directly into the portafilter, which keeps things fresh and reduces mess. There is a grind size dial that is simple and intuitive, letting you adjust for any roast of bean you prefer. You control the amount too, with single or double shot options and a manual override if you want to experiment.
Water pressure matters for extraction.
This machine uses low pressure pre-infusion, which gradually increases pressure at the start. This helps draw out all the flavors evenly for a balanced cup. On top of that, digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature. That means optimal espresso extraction every time, with less guesswork.
For milk drinks, you get a manual microfoam milk texturing system.
De'Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Compact Coffee Maker, 15 Bar Pump Pressure, Manual Milk Frother Steam Wand for Authentic Single & Double Espresso, Lattes & Cappuccinos, Tamper Included
The De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine is a compact coffee maker designed to help you make authentic espresso drinks at home. It uses a 15 bar pump pressure system to extract rich flavor from your coffee grounds. This machine is built around simple, manual controls, giving you direct hands-on experience with the espresso-making process.
You get a few key items right in the box. It comes with a portafilter, a measuring scoop that also works as a tamper, and two filters.
One filter is for a single shot of espresso, and the other is for a double shot. The included tamper lets you press the coffee grounds down firmly before brewing, which is an important step for good extraction. Before you start, make sure to look at the user manual or user guide that came in the box. It will walk you through the first use and set up steps.
The machine has a stainless steel boiler. This part is engineered to last long and work for years.
It heats up water quickly and holds the temperature steady while you brew. The materials feel solid, and the machine doesnt take up too much counter space. If you like milk-based drinks, the manual steam wand is what you will use. It textures milk for lattes and cappuccinos. You control the steam flow by hand, so you can get the milk to the right consistency for your drink.
Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, Espresso Machine, Drip Coffee, Cold Brew, Hot Water, Integrated Tamper, Built-in Grinder, Hands-Free Frother for Cappuccinos, Lattes, Americanos, Dairy or Non-Dairy, ES701
The Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, ES701, is a four-in-one coffee system that handles espresso, drip coffee, cold brew, and hot water. It gives you a lot of control without making things complicated. For espresso, you can pull a single, double, quad shot, ristretto, or lungo. Drip coffee comes in classic, rich, or over ice styles. Cold brew offers either cold pressed espresso or cold brew coffee. There is also an independant hot water system for americanos, tea, or hot chocolate.
You can choose from six to eighteen ounce sizes for drip and cold brew.
The machine uses Barista Assist Technology. This system gives you grind size recomendations based on your last brew. It also uses weight-based dosing and adjusts temperature and pressure during the brew. The goal is balanced flavor with less guesswork. The integrated tamper lets you tamp grounds with a lever push.
It is neat and avoids messing with overflowing grounds.
The Dual Froth System Pro includes an insulated steam wand and an XL milk jug. You can make froth for two drinks at once. There are five preset froth functions: steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth, extra-thick froth, and cold foam. It works with dairy or plant-based milk.
Philips 5500 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, LatteGo Milk System, Integrated Grinder, 20 Hot & Iced Coffee Pre-Sets, Quick Start, SilentBrew, 15-Bar Pressure, Black Chrome (EP5544/94)
The Philips 5500 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, LatteGo Milk System, Integrated Grinder, 20 Hot & Iced Coffee Pre-Sets, Quick Start, SilentBrew, 15-Bar Pressure, Black Chrome (EP5544/94) is built for people who want real coffee without the fuss. This machine handles the work so you can get straight to drinking.
You get 20 presets, which means more than just the basics. Hot drinks like espresso, coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos are there. Iced coffee is an option too.
Even hot water for tea or americanos. The LatteGo milk system gives you silky smooth milk automatically. You choose frothy or foamy. It is the fastest milk system to clean, with only three parts. No hidden tubes or compartments. Rinse it in 10 seconds or put it in the dishwasher.
Everything happens with one touch on the color display. The integrated grinder does the work. It grinds fresh beans, tamps them, and brews your coffee. You can adjust strength, volume, and milk preferences.
Save up to four personal profiles so your favorite drink is always ready. No need to reset things each time. Just push a button and it rememberes your settings.
Brewing is fast and quiet. QuickStart gets the machine ready in three seconds. SilentBrew technology makes it 40% quieter than older models. The sound shielding and quiet grinding are certified by Quiet Mark. You can make coffee early in the morning without waking anyone up.
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 Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System is a versatile machine designed to handle both ground coffee and K-Cup pods. It is compatible with K-Cup pods and includes a paper filter for the 12-cup glass carafe. This system gives you control over how you brew, whether you want a full pot or a single cup.
With 13 different brew sizes, you can make exactly what you need.
For grounds, you have five options: a small cup, an XL cup, a travel mug, and an extra large travel mug. For the carafe, you can brew a quarter, half, three-quarters, or a full 12-cup pot. If you are using pods, you have four traditional sizes from 6 to 12 ounces. This means you can make a quick cup for yourself or a full pot for the family without any extra work.
Brewing is faster than a leading Keurig coffee maker on startup.
When you are in a hurry, this machine delivers a hot cup of coffee quickly. It is perfect for a busy lifestyle while still giving you optimal flavor. You can also choose from four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty. Each option is designed to get the best taste out of your grounds or coffee pods. The system even has a setting for hot water, so you can brew tea or just hot water for other drinks.
The separate hot water system is a nice touch.
Combination Coffee Maker Espresso Machine Buying Guide
A combination coffee maker espresso machine saves counter space while offering diverse drink options. Imagine starting your morning with a full pot of drip coffee, then switching to a rich espresso for an afternoon pick-me-up—all from one appliance. That’s the promise of these dual-purpose machines. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one? Let’s break it down.
Dual Brewing System Type
Not all combos work the same way. Some use a single boiler for both drip coffee and espresso, which means you can’t make both at the same time. Others feature a dual boiler or a dedicated thermoblock system. If you often entertain guests or need coffee and espresso simultaneously, look for a machine with independent heating elements. It speeds things up and keeps temperatures stable. Ask yourself: do you need one drink at a time, or will you be making both for a crowd?
Espresso Pressure and Quality
Espresso relies on pressure—typically 9 bars for a proper shot. Many combo machines claim 15 or even 20 bars, but that’s often with a pressurized portafilter. That’s fine for beginners using pre-ground coffee, but it won’t produce the same crema as a true 9-bar pump machine. If you care about authentic espresso, check if the machine has a non-pressurized basket. It makes a real diffrence in flavor and texture.
Drip Coffee Carafe and Warmth
The drip side matters just as much. Glass carafes look classic but lose heat fast. Thermal carafes keep coffee hot for hours without a hot plate, so your last cup tastes as fresh as your first. Also look at the brew basket size. Can it hold enough grounds for a full pot? Some machines have small baskets that limit you to 8 cups, which might not be enough for a busy household.
Footprint and Water Reservoir
These machines take up space—no way around it. Measure your counter before buying. A slim design might save room, but check if the water reservoir is still easy to fill. Removable tanks are best for refilling at the sink. Also consider how often you’ll need to refill it. A larger tank (60+ ounces) means less frequent trips, but it adds bulk. Balance your counter space with your daily coffee consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Combination Coffee Maker Espresso Machine
Can I make regular coffee and espresso with teh same machine?
Yes, that’s the whole point. A combination machine has two separate systems. One side brews a full pot of drip coffee. The other side pulls espresso shots. You can make both at the same time. It saves counter space and gives you options.
Is it hard to switch between coffee and espresso?
Not at all. Most models have simple controls. You just choose the side you want. Some machines even let you use them at the same time. Cleanup is also easy. You rinse the portafilter for espresso and clean the coffee carafe separately.
Do I need special beans or grounds?
For espresso, you need fine grounds. For drip coffee, use medium grounds. Some machines come with a built-in grinder. That way you can use whole beans. If not, buy pre-ground coffee for each type. It’s not complicated.
How much counter space does it take up?
These machines are bigger than single-purpose ones. But thay save space overall because you only need one machine. Measure your counter first. Most models are about 12 to 15 inches wide. Leave room for the carafe and cup clearance.
Can I use pods or capsules?
Some combination machines accept pods for the drip side. Others are ground-only. Check the product specs. Espresso side usually uses ground coffee or ESE pods. If you love convenience, look for a model that works with your favorite pod system.
Is cleaning a combination machine harder?
It’s about the same. Each side has its own cleaning steps. The drip carafe and basket go in the dishwasher. The espresso portafilter needs rinsing after each use. Descale the whole machine every few months. It’s worth it for the flexibility you get.
What should I look for in a good combination machine?
Focus on build quality. Stainless steel boilers last longer. Check the pressure for espresso (9 bars or more). Look for a thermal carafe to keep coffee hot. A removable water tank makes filling easier. Read reviews to see if the machine is reliable and easy to use.
Can I steam milk for lattes or cappuccinos?
Many combination machines include a steam wand. This lets you froth milk right on the machine. Some models have an automatic frother. Others require manual work. If you like milk drinks, make sure the machine has this feature.
Our Verdict
So, which machine should you pick? If you’re a true coffee lover who wants both quick espresso and a full pot of drip, the best option is one that does both well. Think about your counter space, your budget, and how much speed you need. A good model saves you time in the morning an gives you real control over your brew. You can keep it simple with a basic combo unit, or go all-in with a high-end model that grinds beans too. Just remember, no single machine is perfect for everyone. Your choice should fit how you actually drink coffee at home.
At the end of the day, a combination coffee maker espresso machine is a smart solution for busy people who want variety without clutter. You get two appliances in one, which means less cleanup and more room. Whether you’re making a quick latte for yourself or a full carafe for friends, these machines handle it all. Don’t overthink it—just pick one that matches your daily habits and your kitchen setup. You really can’t go wrong with a solid combo unit that does both jobs well.