Can You Make Espresso With Regular Coffee Grounds? An In-Depth Look

From its velvety texture to its distinct aroma, rich, bold flavor, and unique characteristics, espresso is a favorite of coffee aficionados worldwide. As such, the idea of making espresso at home is appealing.

But can you make espresso with regular coffee grounds? The answer is yes, but not exactly. Espresso is made using finely ground coffee beans roasted explicitly for espresso. At the same time, regular coffee grounds are typically coarser and lighter in the roast. You must follow specific roasting techniques and methods to make espresso with regular coffee.

So, whether you’re a seasoned home barista or a coffee lover just starting out, read on to learn how to make great espresso at home.

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Understanding Espresso and its Characteristics

Concentrated coffee is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. This type of coffee originated in Italy in the early 1900s ^[1].

Characteristics of Espresso

The followings are the key features of espresso coffee.

Intense flavor: Because the water is forced through the grounds at high pressure, the resulting shot of espresso contains more caffeine. It also has other flavorful compounds than a typical cup of coffee.
Crema: The layer of foam that forms on top of a shot of espresso is known as crema. It is created by the carbon dioxide released during the brewing process and is a sign of a well-made shot of espresso.
Brewing process: Espresso is made quickly, with the entire brewing process taking only 20-30 seconds^[2].

The Traditional Way of Making Espresso

The traditional espresso-making process involves using finely ground coffee beans, not regular coffee grounds. These beans are specifically roasted and blended for making espresso.

And the beans are typically a mix of high-quality Arabica and Robusta varieties. They are chosen for their unique flavor and aroma profiles.

Regular Coffee Grounds vs. Espresso Grounds

Here is how espresso ground is different from regular grounds:

Texture

Espresso grounds are much finer. Their finer grind allows more surface area to be exposed to water when brewing. Normal coffee grounds, on the other hand, are coarser.

Roast

Espresso is typically made with a bold and intense flavor of dark roast coffee. The high pressure used to brew espresso can strip away some of the more delicate flavors of lighter roasts. Hence, a darker ground is needed.

On the other hand, regular coffee can be made with a range of roasts, from light to dark, depending on personal preference.

Can You Really Make Espresso with Regular Coffee Grounds?

Making espresso with regular coffee grounds is possible, but the results may not be the same as traditional espresso. Here are some things to consider when using regular coffee grounds to make espresso.

Possible Outcome When Using Regular Coffee

Espresso made with regular coffee grounds will have a weaker and less intense flavor than traditional espresso. That is because normal coffee grounds are coarser. They have a lower concentration of coffee solids.

Tools and Instructions for Making Espresso with Coffee Grounds

You will need a few specific tools to achieve a decent shot. They include:

Espresso Machine/Moka pot
Coffee grinder
Coffee tamper

Here are the steps to follow to make espresso with regular coffee grounds:

Step 1: Grind your regular coffee beans as finely as possible. This may take some trial and error to find the right grind size.
Step 2: Pack the coffee grounds tightly into your espresso machine’s portafilter or Moka pot using a tamper.
Step 3: Fill the water reservoir of your espresso machine or Moka pot with fresh, cold water.
Step 4: Heat the water to the appropriate temperature. The optimal temperature for brewing espresso is between 86° to 90°C ^[2].
Step 5: Place the portafilter into the espresso machine’s group head or screw on the top of your Moka pot.
Step 6: Turn on the espresso machine or place the Moka pot on the stove over medium heat.
Step 7: Wait for the espresso to brew. For a single shot, this should take about 20-30 seconds ^[2].

Alternatives to Regular Coffee Ground for Espresso

If you love espresso’s strong and bold flavor, there are a few alternatives to consider that can elevate your brew. They include the following:

Dark Coffee: This type is roasted longer and at higher temperatures. This gives it a more complex and intense flavor profile.
Espresso Blend: It is a combination of coffee beans roasted explicitly for making espresso. The blend often includes Robusta beans and Arabica beans.

The blend is known for its high caffeine content and intense flavor profile. The latter adds a layer of sweetness and acidity to the shot.

Tips for Achieving Cafe-Quality Espresso at Home

Making café-quality espresso at home may seem daunting, but it’s achievable with a few tips and tricks. Here are some suggestions for achieving the perfect espresso shot at home:

Invest in a high-quality espresso machine: Look for a device with a high-pressure pump and precise temperature control to ensure optimal extraction.
Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans: Choose fresh coffee beans that are roasted specifically for making espresso.
Grind your coffee beans just before brewing: Coffee beans lose their flavor and aroma when they are ground ^[3].
Use the correct grind size: Use a burr grinder that can produce a consistent, fine grind.
Measure your coffee and water precisely: Use a scale to measure your coffee and water accurately. Use the ratio of 1:2 (1 gram of coffee for 2 grams of water) ^[4].
Tamp your coffee correctly: Use consistent pressure to ensure optimal extraction.
Preheat your espresso cups: This will help maintain the temperature of your espresso and prevent it from cooling too quickly.
Experiment with different coffee beans and roast levels: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different coffee beans and roast levels to find the flavor profile that suits your taste.

Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Brew Espresso Using Regular Coffee Grounds

There are several common mistakes people make that can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Using the Wrong Grind Size: Regular coffee grounds are typically too coarse for espresso extraction, which requires a fine grind. A fine grind will be less permeable to water than coarse ones ^[5].
Using Too Little Coffee: Espresso requires a 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio. On the other hand, regular coffee needs about 20 grams of water for every gram of coffee. Using the standard coffee ratio can result in a weak, watery shot.
Using the Wrong Water Temperature: The ideal temperature for brewing espresso is between 86° to 90°C. Using too hot water can cause the coffee to taste burnt, while too cool water can result in under-extracted coffee.
Incorrect Tamping Pressure: Using too much pressure can result in over-extracted coffee. Using too little pressure can result in under-extracted coffee.
Not Preheating the Machine: This can result in under-extracted coffee. We recommend running water through the machine for at least 30 seconds before brewing.

Comparison of Home-Brewed vs. Store Bought Espresso in Terms of Taste, Quality, and Cost

Here is the comparison:

Taste

Home-brewed espresso can be just as delicious as what you might find at your favorite cafe. It all comes down to the quality of the beans you use. If you use a regular coffee grind, it won’t be able to match store-bought. But with high-quality coffee, it will surely rival it.

Quality

The quality of your home-brewed espresso will largely depend on the quality of the beans you use. It will also depend on your brewing equipment and technique. In your case, you have used regular coffee, which is of low quality. Hence, it won’t match store-bought espresso.

Cost

When you factor in the price of regular coffee, equipment, and any other supplies you might need, homemade is cheaper. Of course, the upfront investment in equipment and supplies can be significant, but it pays off in the long run.

Conclusion

The above information puts to bed the question, can you make espresso with regular coffee grounds? Making espresso at home using regular coffee grounds is possible. But it may not have the same taste, quality, and texture as traditional espresso made with espresso grounds.

With the right tools, techniques, and ingredients, achieving a satisfying cup of espresso at home is possible. However, the experience and taste of store-bought espresso from professional baristas and coffee shops cannot be replicated at home.

References:

https://cafealtura.com/espresso-a-history/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/espresso
https://repository.ipb.ac.id/handle/123456789/62228
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxC52lHIS9s
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/nest/science-coffee-physics-can-perfect-caffeine-hit/

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Sujit Modak

Sujit Modak is a chemical engineer by profession but still has taken the time to really dive into the world of coffee brewing. This includes exploring various methods, studying grind quality, and even comparing beans from places around the world. He likes to hand-grind his own beans right away in order to get the best cup possible and ultimately enjoy what is left of his never-ending pursuit of the perfect cup of java.