When it comes to coffee, we feel the more robust (aka the stronger! ), the better, thus the morning doesn’t really start until you take your first sip, ideally of espresso. Based on wildly passionate Amazon ratings and our own tried-and-true cult favorites, we’ve put together a list of the best ground coffee for espresso machine to get your morning off to a good caffeine rush.
The Best Espresso Coffee Brands
A quality, medium-dark roast coffee bean is what you want when seeking the best ground coffee for espresso machine. The brewing procedure for espresso is intended to extract more flavor and a stronger scent than that of conventional drip coffee. And because of this, you’ll want to be sure that you’re not attempting to ground an inferior coffee bean into espresso.
| Image | Product | Price |
Best Overall  |
| |
The Crowd Pleaser  | Starbucks Espresso Roast Whole Bean Coffee | |
Balanced Flavor  | illy Espresso Classico Medium Roast | |
Best Low-Acidity Beans  | Lifeboost Coffee Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee | |
Cult Favorite  | Death Wish Coffee Co. Ground Coffee |
What to Consider For Best Ground Coffee For Espresso Machine
Although espresso is merely a coffee preparation technique (and not a distinct variety of coffee beans), the way it is made is what distinguishes it from regular drip coffee.
Espresso is typically served as a smaller shot because the flavor is more potent and concentrated when prepared using an espresso machine, which pumps a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. When looking for the best brand of espresso coffee, keep the following in mind:
- Color: Roasts range in light according to their color. You should stick to espresso roast, dark-to-medium roast, or French roast coffee beans for espresso because they are all medium-dark to blackish-brown in color.
- Acidity: You should also think about the flavor profile you want, including if you want a blend that is sweeter, creamier, or more bitter. Look for low-acidity or lighter acidity blends for the former, which not only lessen bitterness but also make a coffee habit for individuals with reflux or heartburn concerns easier and more enjoyable.
- Freshness: Pay attention to a blend’s “roast date,” as once beans are roasted, the oxidation process (and, consequently, staleness) starts as well. If not, the bean’s oiliness is typically a reliable indicator of freshness. Oil is a natural component of coffee beans, and drier beans may be a sign that they are past their prime. For maximum durability, they should also be kept in sealed, opaque containers or canisters, as these block out UV radiation and oxygen, both of which can cause them to lose quality.
What is Coffee for Espresso Machines?
The name “espresso coffee” can be deceptive because it suggests that you must choose a particular variety of whole beans or ground coffee. That is untrue. Espresso can be made with “regular” coffee beans. But you must use a finer grind to ensure that the taste is effectively released during brewing.
This is due to the fact that espresso is brewed under high pressure (often at least nine bars, or 130 psi), which helps to extract more oils for a stronger flavor. Check out our list of the top Prosumer espresso machines if you’re looking for professional-grade equipment.
Serious coffee enthusiasts typically prefer to grind their own beans instead of using pre-ground coffee. The aroma and flavor profile can be diminished by the carbon dioxide (CO2) gas that is released while the beans are ground.
This is why it’s important to grind your beans just before boiling a cup of espresso in order to acquire the most flavor and aroma. If you have the best coffee and espresso maker, this might be ideal.
Although you can choose ground coffee with an “espresso” label, it doesn’t necessarily need to mention that to function with a commercial espresso machine. Again, the size of the grind will determine whether you can use a certain coffee, especially if you choose prepackaged coffee grounds.
Coffee for Espresso Machines vs Other Types of Coffee
In actuality, there isn’t much of a distinction between espresso beans and drip coffee. The grind size, however, will differ greatly. While a coarser grind is suitable for pour-over, percolator, French press, and drip coffees, an espresso machine cannot handle it. Contrarily, espresso coffee needs to be ground to a fine consistency.
Even if you choose the best coffee for a Moka pot, the strongest distinction between espresso coffee and other varieties of coffee is that it is frequently stronger.
Once more, this is due to the more vigorous brewing technique, which relies on pressure to completely soak the coffee grounds with water and ensure that more flavor is released from the grounds.
Because of this, espresso coffee differs from most other types of coffee in that it has a stronger flavor, more dissolved solids, and frequently contains more caffeine.
The size is another distinguishing characteristic that sets espresso apart from other coffees. Espresso is regularly produced for smaller cup sizes, unlike other coffees whose cup sizes might vary greatly.
The default setting on a traditional coffee maker, including single-cup brewers, is typically calibrated to produce a five- or six-ounce cup of coffee. But nowadays, the majority of people consume more than five or six ounces of liquid per session.
Espresso coffee, on the other hand, is typically designed to produce much smaller cups. Typically, an espresso contains two to three ounces of liquid. A further thing to keep in mind is that espresso is made at a lower temperature than the majority of other types of coffee.
While espresso can be prepared at temperatures between 190 and 196 degrees Fahrenheit, drip, pour-over, French press, and percolator coffees can all be made at this temperature.
How Coffee for Espresso Machines Works
Espresso coffee is a very complex beverage, therefore it merits an explanation of why people are so particular about how it is produced and served.
Although it may seem strange to include a section explaining how espresso coffee functions, it is necessary. Like other coffee-based drinks, espresso also starts with a simple coffee bean but is handled differently during the grinding, brewing, and pouring stages.
Your first step will be to grind entire beans to the right grind size or fill your portafilter with prepared espresso grounds if you have an espresso maker and prefer to use loose grounds rather than pods. To ensure they are getting the greatest flavor and aroma, picky coffee drinkers will prefer to grind their beans just before brewing.
Espresso is a specialized coffee that is made under pressure, as we just explained. The portafilter circulates water through the coffee grounds you put in it, completely soaking the grinds and releasing the most oils for a cup with more flavor.
The golden-brown crema that develops on top of the brew throughout the espresso-making process is what makes the beverage special. The increased CO2 saturation brought on by the extraction procedure causes the crema to form. Espresso is always served in a smaller two- or three-ounce cup for the same reason.
Use bigger glasses to prevent the crema layer from separating. Also keep in mind that espresso serves as the foundation for a variety of different coffee beverages, including cappuccinos, macchiatos, americanos, lattes, and flat whites, to mention a few.
How Long Will Coffee for Espresso Machines Last?
This question has a rather complicated answer. Although technically speaking they don’t have a definite shelf life, coffee beans are believed to be shelf-stable. Because of this, you won’t necessarily have to be concerned about your coffee beans spoiling.
A warning is included, though. The beans might technically still be okay to use, but freshness and age are related. Particularly if you don’t store them in an airtight container, the flavor profile can change with age. Once more, flavor and scent are impacted by CO2 emission.
Experts concur that if you choose whole beans, you should just grind what you require as opposed to processing the full bag. A container of whole beans should be consumed by serious coffee drinkers within three to four weeks of opening it. In the meanwhile, ground coffee must be consumed within two weeks of being opened.
Use an airtight, preferably opaque container to store coffee to prevent light from damaging the beans. Keep your container in a cool, dark location because humidity and warm temperatures may alter how flavorful your coffee is. Avoid buying in bulk unless you’re positive you can consume that much coffee in a short amount of time.
The remainder of your day depends on choosing the best ground coffee for espresso machine; don’t skimp! Below, we list our favorites.
Lavazza Super Crema Espresso Whole Bean Coffee
Based on overall quality and taste, this Lavazza Super Crema blend is a top-rated product on Amazon (it has more than 74,000 ratings!). Following their first cup, several reviewers say they became “hooked” on Lavazza. One enlightening 5-star review claims, “The espresso drinker who prefers a stronger taste and full body will also undoubtedly enjoy this roast blend.”
This popular espresso brand is at the top of our list as our Editor’s Choice, with rich overtones of hazelnuts and brown sugar.
Starbucks Espresso Roast Whole Bean Coffee
The rich caramel flavor of Starbucks Espresso Roast makes it the ideal base for your morning latte while staying faithful to the brand. This dark, whole-bean coffee blend in an 18-ounce pack will simplify your morning routine if you enjoy Starbucks but detest standing in line.
Fans of this mix adore how it is “not too acidic,” and one said of the fresh beans: “The aroma is amazing! … This roast is for you if you prefer black coffee that makes you smile rather than frown.
illy Espresso Classico Medium Roast
For good reason, the Italian espresso brand Illy enjoys a cult following in the United States. This finely ground espresso coffee is prepared from 100% Arabica beans that have been slowly roasted for a rich, incredibly smooth flavor.
The nearly 25,000 evaluations for this espresso brand speak to its ongoing appeal. One 5-star reviewer explains, “It has a bold flavor without being too bitter or acidic.” Another adds, “About the best-canned espresso roast I have found.” A third responds, “There’s a reason this is the most expensive coffee in Europe.”
Lifeboost Coffee Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee
Lifeboost’s Dark Roast beans, which are ethically and certified organically produced from Central America, provide a strong, full-bodied flavor that is also incredibly smooth. Even a satisfying crema results from it.
The product’s mild acidity is what stands out most, according to numerous Amazon reviewers, as it prevents “a single ounce of acid reflux” and “doesn’t give heartburn.”
Although the cost per bag is a little more, if you still need more persuasion, read this glowing review.
This coffee is without a doubt the best I’ve ever tasted for a variety of reasons, including. It is, first and foremost, the HEALTHIEST! Single-origin, no pesticides, mycotoxins, and mold are tested, [it is] cleaned in spring water, sun-dried, and [it is] dried by the sun… little acid! And it’s a little family-run company! This coffee is really amazing. The flavor, too! It tastes AMAZING, and gives me the ideal benefit I require.
Death Wish Coffee Ground Coffee
The roasters that created this coffee brand, which has its headquarters in Saratoga Springs, are well-versed in caffeine as it is proudly marketed as the world’s strongest coffee. We appreciate that every bag contains only organic, fair-trade, and USDA-certified beans.
For both espresso and plain drip coffee, this silky, dark-roasted ground coffee performs nicely. Probably in the agreement are the 37,000+ 5-star ratings on Amazon.
A happy coffee addict exclaims, “It’s got a great taste without being too bitter, and it’s really strong.” “It has enough caffeine to live up to the moniker of ‘world’s strongest coffee’!”
Conclusion
Although you don’t miss the traffic or the lengthy queues, do you miss your morning espresso? On your kitchen counter, an espresso maker at home is a lovely slice of life.
To start preparing lattes from the comfort of your home, contact us via live chat or send us a note. We’re ready to address all of your coffee-related inquiries. Although you don’t miss the traffic or the lengthy queues, do you miss your morning espresso? On your kitchen counter, an espresso maker at home is a lovely slice of life.
We hope your inquiries on the best ground coffee for espresso machine are clear. Contact us via live chat or send us a note; we’re available to respond to your inquiries about coffee so you can begin preparing lattes at home.
Best Ground Coffee For Espresso Machine FAQs
Which coffee beans are best for espresso?
Different people will enjoy different flavors. However, as a general rule, coffee specialists advise choosing medium-dark or dark roast mixes. You can use single-origins, however blends are preferred if you want more nuanced multi-note flavors.
How fresh do the beans need to be?
Espresso is synonymous with both flavor and freshness. Experts agree that just before brewing a cup of espresso is the ideal moment to grind your beans. To minimize the chance of flavor loss, beans should ideally be consumed three to four weeks after being opened.
What distinguishes coffee beans from espresso beans?
There isn’t a difference in theory. However, “espresso beans” are typically roasted darker or may even be a combination to produce a flavor profile that is more complex. Light and medium roasts often don’t taste as well when prepared as an espresso due to the different brewing techniques.
What is the best coffee grind for an espresso machine?
Espresso demands a significantly finer grind than regular coffees, which may rely on a coarser size due to the brewing procedure. Your espresso may taste weaker, harsh, acidic, or even salty if you use a bigger grind with an espresso maker since the grinds weren’t fully extracted.
