Knowing whether an espresso maker or French press will be better is going to solely rely upon personal preference. Both will provide a rich, bold and robust cup of coffee. But, the process of making espresso uses pressurized water rather than pouring water directly over coffee grounds. Therefore, espresso is espresso, not coffee.
All of this will rely on your budget, how you prefer your coffee to taste, how fast you want coffee, how easy you want your brewing method to be and what kind of coffee grounds you like to use.
What Are the Main Disparities between an Espresso Maker and a French Press?
The biggest difference in using an espresso maker versus a French press is the method of brewing. In a French press, grounds steep in hot water for several minutes. This produces a cup of java with full body and it’s very aromatic. Espresso pushes hot water through the grounds, forcing through which makes it faster than a French press.
It’s because of the variations in brewing methods that lends itself to the second largest difference between an espresso machine and a French press: the grind type. French press requires coffee grounds to be chunky and coarse whereas espresso grounds must be fine to the point of being powdery.
Does Espresso Have More Caffeine than a French Press?
Believe it or not, espresso contains less caffeine than what a French press provides. This is because the steeping that occurs within a French press loosens and releases most of what’s contained within the grounds. Espresso, on the other hand, merely pushes hot steamy water through the grounds for a shorter period of time.
Ergo, the lengths of brewing time will affect the caffeine content levels within a cup of French press coffee or espresso. This means you will end up with two different flavor profiles, even if you use the same type of roast in both brewing methods.
Is a French Press More Expensive than an Espresso Machine?
Unfortunately, espresso machines are much more expensive than a French press. While both can come in a range of prices, a French press costs somewhere in the ballpark of $30. But, to buy an espresso machine, you’re making a purchase of engineering and machinery. So, you’re looking at a price tag between $50 to $90 or more.
What Is Unique & a Bummer about a French Press?
The user-friend and intuitive nature of the French press is what makes it so special. It’s a manual method for brewing coffee that’s self-explanatory. But, it’s not electric or automatic. Every time you want a cup of coffee, you will have to fill up the device and boil water to pour in.
Benefits
But, you can make larger volumes of coffee at one time with some devices offering the ability to brew up to 48 ounces. This is good to last you all day or because several people in your household need a cup of Joe in the morning. However, this may not be ideal if you’re running late and don’t have time to wait.
It takes about 30 minutes to brew a pot of French press coffee. You have to boil water, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. First, pour in just enough water to cover the beans and let that sit five to 10 minutes. Stir and then pour in the rest of the water. Allow it steep for another 15 to 20 minutes or more and then depress the plunger.
Downsides
One significant downside is that you won’t be able to do all the fun latte art with coffee from a French press. This is because of the foam, called “crema,” that other brewing methods offer; such as is the case with espresso.
What Are the Best and Worst Things about an Espresso Machine?
The best thing about an espresso machine is that all you have to do is fill up the portafilter with grounds, twist it into the machine, fill up the water compartment and flip on the power switch. There’s not much effort that goes into it and you’ll have a cup of espresso in minutes.
Benefits
Sometimes there are features that allow you to program your machine for the morning ahead. This provides a myriad of conveniences. The whole event, along with loading up the machine takes all of five minutes in total. Plus, if you’re running late, you’ll still be able to grab a few sips to give you a kick start.
Aside from the price, there are some pitfalls to having an espresso machine. First, you have to keep it clean because oils, debris and residue can build up within all components of the machine. This not only can affect the taste of espresso, but it also prevents the machine from operating properly.
Downsides
In the event the machine breaks down or stops working, you will either have to repair or replace it. That means you’ll have to wait before you can make another cup; making it inconvenient on your budget or schedule.
What Roast Types and Grind Textures Are Necessary for French Press versus Espresso Maker?
Both the French press and an espresso maker require two different roast types and grinds for the perfect cup. French press requires medium to coarse coffee grinds that are a light roast or at least comprise Arabica beans. An espresso maker needs to have fine to medium-fine grounds that should be a Robusta or other dark roast.
Comparing French Press versus Espresso Maker
| French Press | Espresso Maker | |
| Brewing Method | Steep | Forced Water & Steam |
| Brewing Time | About 30 Minutes (with prep) | About 5 Minutes (with prep) |
| Roast Type | Light or Arabica Bean | Robusta or other Dark Roast |
| Grind Texture | Medium to Coarse | Fine to Medium-Fine |
| Taste | Bold and strong | Strong and rich |
| Cost | $30 | $50 to $90 |
| Effort | Easy and intuitive | Easy but methodical |
| Total Volume | Brew up to 48 oz at once | Brew up to four one-ounce shots |
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.