Espresso, beloved by many, packs a powerful punch of bold, rich flavors. Its unique taste comes from the special **fine grind** used in espresso machines. The best coffee for espresso is fresh, finely ground, and full-bodied. Using the wrong coffee can make your espresso weak or too bitter.
The choice of coffee beans and how they are processed is instrumental in deciding the quality of your espresso. You should look for a blend that is dark, robust, and well-suited for espresso brewing. The beans should also be freshly roasted in order to maintain their optimum flavors.
When selecting your coffee beans, ensure they have been finely ground. The grind size plays a significant role in the speed and quality of extraction in an espresso machine. A fine grind is beneficial as it provides a larger surface area, that enables the water to extract more flavors in a shorter time, developing the characteristic intensity of an espresso shot.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best coffee for your espresso machine. Our team has conducted rigorous research and multiple testing to identify the prime coffee blends that can deliver authentic and intense espresso shots. By the end of this article, you will have all the requisite knowledge to brew the perfect espresso.
Best Coffee for Espresso Machines
Selecting the ideal coffee for your espresso machine is imperative for your brewing experience. The coffee should be dark, robust, and specifically designed for espresso brewing. Given the plethora of options available in the market, picking the right one can be an overwhelming task. In this article, we’ve assembled a list of the best coffee for espresso machines that can help guide you in making an informed decision.
illy Ground Coffee Espresso – 100% Arabica Coffee Ground – Classico Medium Roast – Notes of Caramel, Orange Blossom & Jasmine – Rich Aromatic Profile – Precise Roast – No Preservatives – 8.8 Ounce
If you’re looking for a high-quality espresso coffee that is made with 100% Arabica beans and is free of preservatives, then the illy Ground Coffee Espresso is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The illy Ground Coffee Espresso has a rich aromatic profile that is full of flavor and complexity.
- The coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans, which are known for their superior quality and taste.
- The illy coffee is grown in a unique partnership with over 14,000 small farmers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and the company has committed to sourcing 100% of its coffee sustainably by 2020.
Cons
- The illy Ground Coffee Espresso is more expensive than some other espresso coffees on the market.
- Some customers have reported that the coffee is too strong for their taste.
- The coffee grounds may not stay fresh for as long as some other coffee brands.
We’ve been using the illy Ground Coffee Espresso for several weeks now, and we’ve been really impressed with its quality and flavor. The coffee has a rich, full-bodied taste that is smooth and satisfying, with notes of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine that make it a real treat to drink.
One of the things we really like about the illy Ground Coffee Espresso is that it is made with 100% Arabica beans, which are known for their superior quality and taste. We also appreciate the fact that the coffee is free of preservatives, which means that we can enjoy it without any added chemicals or additives.
Another thing that we really appreciate about the illy Ground Coffee Espresso is that the company has committed to sourcing 100% of its coffee sustainably by 2020. This is a really important issue for us, as we want to make sure that the coffee we drink is produced in a way that is ethical and sustainable.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the illy Ground Coffee Espresso to anyone who is looking for a high-quality espresso coffee that is made with 100% Arabica beans and is free of preservatives. It may be a bit more expensive than some other coffee brands, but we think that the quality and flavor make it well worth the investment.
Bristot Espresso Cremoso Italiano Ground Coffee | Italian Espresso | Medium Roast | For Home Espresso Machines | 8.8oz/250g
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian espresso experience, the Bristot Espresso Cremoso Italian Ground Coffee is a great choice.
Pros
- The medium roast has a full-bodied flavor with a slight bitterness that is characteristic of an Italian espresso.
- The coffee grounds are pre-dosed and pre-tamped, making it easy to use with your espresso machine.
- The aroma of the coffee is rich and inviting, making it a pleasure to brew and drink.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the coffee is too strong for their taste.
- The coffee may not be suitable for those who prefer a milder, more subtle flavor.
- The packaging may vary, which can be confusing for some users.
We’ve used the Bristot Espresso Cremoso Italian Ground Coffee in our espresso machine, and we’re impressed with the results. The pre-dosed and pre-tamped coffee grounds make it easy to use, and the full-bodied flavor with a slight bitterness is authentic and satisfying.
The aroma of the coffee is rich and inviting, and it’s a pleasure to brew and drink. However, some users may find the coffee too strong for their taste, and it may not be suitable for those who prefer a milder, more subtle flavor.
Overall, if you’re looking for an authentic Italian espresso experience, the Bristot Espresso Cremoso Italian Ground Coffee is a great choice. It’s easy to use, has a rich and satisfying flavor, and is a pleasure to drink.
Café Gaviña Espresso Roast Extra Fine Ground Coffee, 100% Arabica, 10 oz Can
If you’re looking for a strong and rich coffee flavor, Café Gaviña Espresso Roast Extra Fine Ground Coffee is worth considering.
Pros
- The coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans, which are known for their rich flavor and aroma.
- The extra fine grind is perfect for espresso machines, Moka pots, and French press coffee makers.
- The coffee is Kosher certified and proudly made in the USA.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the coffee is too strong for their taste.
- The packaging could be more environmentally friendly.
- The price point may be higher than some other coffee options.
We’ve tried Café Gaviña Espresso Roast Extra Fine Ground Coffee in both an espresso machine and a French press, and we were impressed with the results. The coffee had a bold and rich flavor that was satisfying without being overpowering.
The extra fine grind was perfect for our espresso machine, and the French press method produced a smooth and well-rounded cup of coffee. We appreciated that the coffee was made from 100% Arabica beans and was Kosher certified.
However, we do acknowledge that some customers may find the coffee to be too strong for their taste. Additionally, the packaging could be more environmentally friendly, and the price point may be higher than some other coffee options.
Overall, if you’re looking for a bold and rich coffee flavor, Café Gaviña Espresso Roast Extra Fine Ground Coffee is worth trying.
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, light-Medium Espresso Roast, 2.2 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a coffee that’s smooth, balanced, and has a pleasant aroma, then Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The coffee has a mild and creamy taste that’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter roast.
- The aroma of the coffee is quite pleasant and inviting, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a good cup of coffee.
- The coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans, which are known for their high quality and rich flavor.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the coffee is too light and doesn’t have enough body for their liking.
- The price of the coffee is a bit higher than some other brands on the market.
- The coffee is only available in a 2.2-pound bag, which might not be enough for heavy coffee drinkers.
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend is a great choice for those who prefer a lighter roast. The coffee has a smooth and balanced taste that’s quite enjoyable. The aroma of the coffee is also quite pleasant and inviting, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a good cup of coffee.
One of the best things about this coffee is that it’s made from 100% Arabica beans, which are known for their high quality and rich flavor. This ensures that you’re getting a great-tasting cup of coffee every time.
However, some customers have reported that the coffee is too light and doesn’t have enough body for their liking. Additionally, the price of the coffee is a bit higher than some other brands on the market, which might be a concern for some customers. Finally, the coffee is only available in a 2.2-pound bag, which might not be enough for heavy coffee drinkers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a smooth, balanced, and aromatic coffee that’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter roast, then Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend might be worth a try.
Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Roast, 2.2 Pound Bag (Packaging May Vary) Premium Quality, Non GMO, 100% Arabica, Rich bodied
If you’re looking for a coffee that’s rich in taste and full of flavor, then the Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee Blend is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The coffee has a rich, full-bodied taste that’s perfect for those who prefer a strong espresso flavor.
- The blend is made from 100% Arabica beans, which are known for their high quality and rich flavor.
- The coffee is non-GMO and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the coffee is too strong for their taste.
- The packaging can be hit or miss, with some bags containing stale coffee.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other coffee blends on the market.
We’ve been using the Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee Blend for a few weeks now, and we’ve definitely noticed a difference in the taste and quality of our coffee. The blend is made from a mix of Latin American and Indonesian beans, which gives it a unique and complex flavor that’s hard to find in other coffee blends.
One thing we really appreciate about this coffee is that it’s made from 100% Arabica beans. We’ve found that Arabica beans tend to have a smoother, more balanced flavor than other types of beans, which makes for a better cup of coffee.
Another thing we like about this coffee is that it’s non-GMO and gluten-free. We know that some people have dietary restrictions when it comes to coffee, so it’s great to find a blend that’s accessible to everyone.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee Blend to anyone who’s looking for a high-quality, full-bodied coffee that’s packed with flavor. It may be a bit pricey compared to other blends, but we think it’s definitely worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best coffee for an espresso machine, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting a coffee product:
Roast Level
The roast level of the coffee is an important factor to consider when choosing a product. For espresso, a dark roast is typically preferred as it brings out the full flavor and body of the coffee. However, some people may prefer a medium or light roast, so it’s important to choose a product that suits your personal taste.
Blend
The blend of the coffee is another important factor to consider. A good espresso blend should contain a combination of different coffee beans, each with its own unique flavor profile. Look for a blend that contains a variety of beans, such as Arabica and Robusta, to ensure a complex and well-rounded flavor.
Packaging
The packaging of the coffee is also an important consideration. Look for a product that is packaged in airtight containers or bags to ensure that the coffee stays fresh for as long as possible. Additionally, consider the size of the packaging, as a larger bag may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Certification
Finally, consider any certifications that the coffee product may have. For example, coffee that is certified organic or fair trade may be more environmentally and socially responsible. However, it’s important to note that these certifications may also increase the price of the product.
By considering these factors, you can choose a coffee product that will provide the best flavor and quality for your espresso machine.
