Espressione Combination Espresso Machine Review: A Coffee Swiss Army Knife?

For all you caffeine fiends who can’t decide between a killer espresso or a good ol’ cup of joe, getting a machine that gives you both can be challenging. That’s why I’m going to town on this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review today.

This versatile appliance aims to meet diverse coffee preferences, offering options for espresso and drip coffee. Does it walk the walk, or is it another “all-flash, no-substance” dust collector? 

I was hoping you could stick with me as I take an in-depth first look. I’ll spill the beans on whether this dual coffee maker is worth the hype. Let’s do this!

Overview: Espressione Combination Espresso Machine Review

Is the Espressione Combination Espresso Machine the be all and end all of your daily brew routine? That’s what I aim to find out with this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review. 

First off, let’s explore looks. This coffee machine won’t win any beauty contests. There, I said it! But it’s not an eyesore either. The stainless steel outer body will play nicely with most kitchen setups. 

Now, onto the good stuff: What can this bad boy do? On one side, you’ve got the espresso machine, complete with a 19-bar Italian pump. That’s enough oomph to get decent, flavorful espresso shots. Then there’s the articulated steam wand, perfect for frothing milk for those cappuccinos and lattes. 

On the flip side, you have a standard drip coffee maker. It’ll get the job done when you need to fill up your travel mug and bolt out the door. 

But here’s what got me super excited – enough to write this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review! You can brew both espresso and drip coffee simultaneously. Espresso for you, drip for your better half, all in one go. Talk about keeping the peace! 

Now, don’t get it twisted – this ain’t no high-end Italian stallion of an espresso machine. It’s more like a workhorse that gets you from A to B without any fuss. Plus, the convenience factor is off the charts. 

Is it gonna replace your local barista’s craftsmanship? Nah. But for budget-conscious coffee lovers who want the best of both worlds, 279.99 Euro is an acceptable price to pay. 

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, two-in-one coffee solution, the Espressione is the ideal choice. It says, “I care about my coffee, and sanity in the morning.” In the end, isn’t that what we’re all after?

Espressione Combination Espresso Machine Features

Now, let’s take a closer look at this dual coffee maker’s features. This is the meat and bones of this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review to swing your decision-making. Here are some of the top-most features that caught my attention: 

Size and Design

When it comes to design, the Espressione Combination is a testament to home-brewing efficiency. This multi-function coffee maker integrates an espresso maker and drip coffee machine into one sleek unit. This makes it the ideal choice for those with limited counter space. 

Standing at 11.4 inches (29 centimeters) and weighing 9.4 pounds (4.3 kilograms), it seamlessly balances functionality and compactness. This coffee machine’s aluminum and stainless steel exterior exudes a modern, professional aesthetic. Plus, its front-loading design allows access to both the espresso and drip coffee components. 

The left side houses the espresso maker. Conveniently, it comes with a professional-grade portafilter and mustache spout for multi-cup brewing. The right side features a generous 10-cup drip coffee carafe. As a result, it’s the perfect choice for a household or small office setting.

User Interface

The Espressione boasts an intuitive user interface that belies its dual functionality. The control panel features clearly labeled buttons for each brewing method. For the espresso side, users can choose between single or double shots. There’s also a dedicated button for steam production and frothing milk. 

On the other side, the drip coffee section offers standard brew controls, including a programmable timer for wake-up coffee. What’s more, a digital display provides real-time information on brewing status, water levels and more. 

The user interface also includes indicator lights for power status and descaling. All this makes maintenance and operation as easy as ABC.

Program Function

One of the features I must highlight in this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review is the program function. It’s a must-have for coffee enthusiasts who value convenience. 

Want a no-hassle cup of joe in the morning? No problem! The wake-up coffee function’s got you! This intuitive interface makes programming a breeze. Simply set your desired brew time using the digital clock display. 

Notably, program the drip coffee side to brew up to 24 hours in advance and pre-heat the espresso side immediately. This function also includes a memory feature, retaining your settings even during a power interruption. 

In addition, for those who enjoy experimenting, the program function allows you to customize brew strength and volume, tailoring each pot to your precise preferences. Now, that’s what I call convenience!

Water Tank

This machine’s water tank was clearly designed with both capacity and convenience in mind. With a generous 50-ounce (1.5-liter) capacity, it’s large enough to brew up to 10 cups of drip coffee. And you can pull several espresso shots without frequent refills!

Its transparent design enables users to monitor water levels at a glance. Never get caught off guard with an empty reservoir again! The tank also incorporates a built-in water filtration system. This isn’t just for show. It reduces impurities that could affect your coffee taste. 

Not only does this feature enhance the flavor of your beverages, but it also minimizes the need for descaling. And as it’s removable, this water tank allows for hassle-free filling and cleaning.

Thermoblock Heating

At the heart of this dual coffee machine lies its advanced thermoblock heating system. This technology ensures rapid heat-up times and consistent temperature control, essential for extracting the perfect espresso. 

Unlike traditional boiler systems, the thermoblock heater heats water on demand. It enables an ideal espresso-brewing temperature of 190-196 degrees Fahrenheit (88-91 degrees Celsius) in under a minute. The efficiency saves energy and enables back-to-back brewing without long waits. 

Crucially, this heating system maintains temperature stability throughout the extraction process. Don’t want a bitter-tasting or flat coffee from over or under-heated water? This machine’s got you! 

In addition, the thermoblock system heats water to the optimal 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit (90-96 degrees Celsius) for drip coffee. This way, you can expect to extract a Gold Cup-standard brew from your coffee grounds every time! 

Portafilter

One of the features that caught my eye for this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review is the professional-grade portafilter. It allows for optimal coffee distribution and tamping, essential factors in achieving a well-extracted espresso. 

Made from durable, heat-retaining stainless steel, this portafilter also helps maintain the ideal temperature throughout the brewing process. In addition, it features a comfortable, ergonomic handle for easy maneuvering into the group head.

Another notable feature is a smart filter basket that allows you to brew single or double espresso shots. And here’s the kicker: this espresso machine is also pod-compatible, should you feel that way inclined. 

For convenience, the machine comes with a tamper, though I recommend using a separate, weighted tamper for precise control.

Steam Wand

The spherical-head steam wand on the Espressione is one of its most versatile tools. Powered by the efficient thermoblock system, it produces dry, high-pressure steam. This is ideal for frothing milk for macchiatos, lattes and cappuccinos. 

The wand is fully articulated, allowing for easy positioning in milk pitchers of various sizes. It also features a professional-style, single-hole tip, giving users precise control over milk texturing. 

Does it get any better? Yes, it does! This steam wand can also steam milk or water for beverages like hot chocolate or tea. After use, purge the wand with a quick blast of steam for the ultimate hygiene power move. What’s more, the removable tip allows for thorough cleaning, ensuring longevity.

Adjustable Drip Tray

The Espressione’s adjustable drip tray is another standout feature. It showcases this machine’s versatility and user-centric design. Raise and drop this innovative component to accommodate various cup sizes. And that means anything from espresso cups to travel mugs. 

When lowered, it provides ample space for larger vessels, perfect for morning lattes or drip coffee. In its raised position, it brings espresso cups closer to the mustache spout. This minimizes splatter and preserves crema. 

In addition, this tray is removable and features a floating indicator. Again, this makes for easy cleaning by preventing overflow messes. This thoughtful design sure ensures a clean brewing experience while catering to diverse drinking preferences!

Drip Coffee Function

The drip coffee function is one of the most impressive features in this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review. It offers a perfect blend of convenience and quality for those who appreciate a classic brew. 

Notably, this dual coffee maker can brew up to 10 cups at a time. This makes it ideal for households or small offices. 

In addition, the drip system uses a removable cone-shaped filter. As you know, these are famous for superior extraction, ensuring a rich and flavorful cup every time. Clever, too, is the pause-and-serve feature. It allows you to sneak a cup mid-brew without making a mess. 

While I’m not a fan of glass carafes, the keep-warm function maintains your coffee’s temperatures for up to two hours. You can’t have it all, I guess! 

What I do like, though, is the brew-strength selector. It allows you to customize your coffee’s intensity to your liking; definitely a redeeming feature.

How to Use the Espressione Combination Espresso Machine

How do you use the Espressione Combination Espresso Machine and Drip Coffee Maker? 

First things first: Let’s tackle the espresso side. To begin, fill the water tank. The coffee water here is as important as the coffee you use. 

Next, grab your espresso beans – the good stuff, and definitely not the pre-ground stuff. 

Grind your beans on a fine setting using an espresso grinder. Remove the portafilter from the group head and, using a weighted tamper, pack it tight. You should have a smooth puck with no errant grounds. Pop the portafilter into the group head and lock it in place. Hit the button, and watch that liquid gold flow. 

Now, if you need to froth milk for a cappuccinos, lattes or macchiatos, fill your pitcher with milk – dairy, oat, almond, whatever floats your boat. Then, dip in the steam wand and let it rip. Tilt and swirl until you’ve got a whirlpool of silky smooth milk, before pouring this delicious cloud of goodness over your espresso or specialty drink. 

Switching gears to the drip side is just as easy. In fact, it’s one of the features that jazzed me up for this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review. No filter required but you could slap a No. 4 Melitta conical paper filter in there. Then, after weighing your coffee beans, grind them on a medium grind setting, before dumping the grounds into the filter basket. and fill the tank with filtered water. Hit that power button and let the machine do its thing.

Now onto the best part! Wanna be a coffee hero? Use both sides simultaneously. Brew a pot for the team and treat yourself to an espresso, all in one go. And remember, the dual brewing functionality allows for both auto and manual brewing. It really is that simple! 

Espressione Combination Espresso Machine Cleaning

Let’s tackle an essential part of this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review: How to keep your investment in good shape. Because let’s face it, a dirty machine is one of the cardinal coffee sins! 

For your daily grind (pun intended), you wanna give this espresso and coffee machine a quick once-over after each use. A daily clean avoids a world of hurt later. Starting with the espresso side, empty the portafilter like for any other espresso maker. Don’t throw away the coffee grounds; they can come in handy! 

Next, rinse the portafilter, and wipe down the group head with a damp microfiber cloth to remove oil or residue. Then, tackle that milk wand. Wipe it down using a clean, damp microfiber cloth after each use. As any barista will tell you, there’s nothing as off-putting as week-old milk crust. Lastly, purge it by running steam through for a few seconds. 

As for the drip side, dump the old coffee grounds before giving the basket a quick soak in warm, soapy water, rinsing and drying. Done! 

Now, for deep cleaning (this is what separates true coffee heads from the instant coffee crowd). Once a month, or whenever the machine prompts, descale. Mix up equal parts water and white vinegar, or use a specialized descaler. Run this mixture through both the espresso and drip sides to flush them before following up with plain water to rinse. As always, I advise reading the user manual before you proceed. 

Don’t forget to show some love to the water reservoir and drip tray. Wash with soapy water before rinsing and drying well. Nobody wants Eau de Dawn in their espresso or drip coffee! 

Lastly, wipe down the exterior using a damp microfiber cloth. Occasionally, you may use stainless steel polish to maintain the shine.

Espressione Combination Espresso Machine Specifications

Espressione Combination Espresso Machine vs DeLonghi All in One

Now, how does the Espressione compare to the DeLonghi All in One, in my view, its closest competitor? Firstly, the Espressione comes in at a lower price point. Costing $219.95, the DeLonghi All-in-One is pricier, justifying its cost with extra features and brand reputation.

Interestingly, both coffee machines showcase counter top efficiency. The Espressione has a sleek, modern look with a stainless steel finish. Conversely, the DeLonghi sports a more robust, professional appearance. 

Size-wise, they’re comparable, but the Delonghi is lighter, weighing 13.7 pounds (6.2 kilograms). 

What about capacity? Both are on par. The Espressione’s impressive 50-ounce (1.5-liter) and 10-cup carafe match those of the DeLonghi. Both machines also offer espresso, drip coffee and – not my favorite –pod compatibility.

And functionality? Very different! The Espressione features a thermoblock heating system for quick heat-up and a 19-bar Italian pump. In contrast, the DeLonghi has a 15-bar pump and uses a dual heating system for simultaneous brewing. 

Comparatively, both dual-function espresso machines are relatively easy to use. Crucially, the Espressione boasts a more intuitive interface with clearly labeled buttons. On the other hand, the DeLonghi, while feature-rich, can present users with a steeper learning curve. 

So after reading this Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review, which of the two would suit you better? In short, the Espressione is ideal for budget-conscious consumers seeking a solid, straightforward dual-function machine. The DeLonghi, while more expensive, offers extra features and a proven reputation. The difference, in my opinion, boils down to style and brand reputation.

See Also: DeLonghi All in One Review

Espressione Combination Espresso Machine vs DeLonghi All in One Comparison Chart

Verdict: Espressione Combination Espresso Machine Review

After this initial Espressione Combination Espresso Machine review, I gotta say this dual coffee maker is not too shabby. Sure, it ain’t gonna knock the socks off a die-hard coffee snob. But for the average Joe looking to level up their at-home morning routine, this coffee machine delivers the goods. 

Is it the be-all and end-all of dual coffee machines? Nah. But for the price point, you’re getting a solid two-for-one deal. It certainly has the oomph needed to brew decent espresso. Strong enough I’m sure to keep you from hitting your local café every morning. Still, I’ll have to test it out to be sure. 

Bottom line: If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of coffee geekdom without breaking the bank, the Espressione Combination Espresso Machine is ideal. It’s not gonna win any beauty pageants, but it’ll get the job done and then some.