“Espresso” and “coffee” both come from the same plant, but they’re made differently. Espresso is a concentrated shot made by forcing hot water through fine grounds at pressure; coffee usually means drip, pour-over, French press, or other non-pressure methods that produce a larger, less concentrated cup. This guide breaks down espresso vs coffee so you know what you’re drinking and what you need at home—whether that’s a best espresso machine or a best coffee maker for drip and more.

How Espresso Is Made

Espresso is brewed in an espresso machine. Water is heated and forced through a puck of finely ground, tightly packed coffee at high pressure (around 9 bar). The brew time is short (25–35 seconds), and the result is a small volume (1–2 oz per shot) of concentrated liquid with a layer of crema. It’s the base for lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, and more. For details, see our what is espresso guide.

How “Coffee” Is Usually Made (Drip, Pour-Over, etc.)

When people say “coffee” they often mean filter or immersion methods: drip (water drips through grounds into a carafe), pour-over (you pour water over grounds in a filter), French press (grounds steep in water, then you press), or single-serve pods. These use no pressure (or very low pressure) and produce a larger cup (6–12 oz or more) with a different strength and texture than espresso. See our best coffee makers, pour-over vs drip, and best French press for equipment.

Taste and Strength

Espresso is strong, concentrated, and full-bodied in a small sip—bitter, sweet, and acidic in balance, with crema. Drip/pour-over/French press coffee is dilute by comparison—same caffeine and flavor compounds spread over more water, so you get a milder, larger drink. Neither is “stronger” in an absolute sense; espresso is stronger per ounce, but a full mug of drip can have more total caffeine than one shot. For milk-based drinks like latte or Americano, espresso is the base; for black coffee in a big cup, drip or similar is the norm.

Equipment: Espresso vs Coffee

Espresso requires an espresso machine and a grinder that can do a fine, consistent grind. Coffee (drip, etc.) needs a coffee maker or manual brewer and a grinder set to medium or coarse. You can own both—many people have a drip or Keurig for everyday and an espresso machine for weekends. For budget espresso, see best espresso machine under $500.

Conclusion

Espresso = pressure-brewed, concentrated shot (1–2 oz). Coffee = usually drip, pour-over, or French press—larger cup, no pressure. Same beans, different method and result. Choose espresso for shots and milk drinks; choose drip/pour-over/French press for a big cup of black or light coffee. For gear, see best espresso machine and best coffee makers.

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