What is the difference between coffee and espresso?

The most important facts summarized for you:

• Espresso is a type of coffee, so every espresso is a coffee
• Espresso is made from very finely ground coffee under high pressure
• Although coffee and espresso can be made from the same beans, they differ greatly in their degree of roasting, grinding fineness and preparation method

Coffee is not just coffee. In the countless cafés around the world, everything depends on one magical bean - but the way it is prepared can drastically change the end product. Find out here what exactly distinguishes coffee from espresso.

The beans: The difference in the degree of roasting

Let's start with the basics: the beans. Although the same types of beans can often (not always) be used for both traditional coffee and espresso, the devil is in the detail.

Espresso is usually made from a darker roast, which gives it a stronger and more intense flavor. The darker roast also allows the espresso to develop a characteristic crema, a fine layer of foam. Coffee, on the other hand, is often prepared with a medium roast, which allows for a more balanced range of flavors.

The grind: fineness makes all the difference

The consistency of the ground coffee plays a decisive role. For espresso, the coffee is ground very finely, almost like a powder. This fineness is essential so that the hot water in the espresso machine can be pressed through the ground coffee quickly and under high pressure. This extracts the aromas and oils efficiently and quickly.

In contrast, a coarser grind is often used for coffee preparation, as the water remains in contact with the coffee for longer, such as when making filter coffee.

Espresso is a concentrated, small "coffee shot" that is made at high pressure

Preparation: art and science in one

The preparation methods for coffee and espresso are also different. Espresso is usually made in a special machine that forces the water through the coffee powder at a pressure of around 9 bar. This method results in a concentrated, small "shot" of coffee that stands out for its intensity and rich flavor.

You know the iconic little espresso cups. A "Doppio" is also often ordered/drunk - this is simply a double espresso, which of course requires twice as much water and coffee powder to prepare.

Coffee, on the other hand, is prepared in a variety of ways, from the classic filter coffee machine to the French press and cold brew. These methods require more water and a longer brewing time, resulting in a larger volume of less concentrated coffee.

Taste and culture: a new world with every sip

Ultimately, both coffee and espresso reflect not only different flavor profiles, but also different cultural meanings. While an espresso is often enjoyed quickly, in one go, perhaps as an energy boost in the morning or after a meal for some, coffee tends to be drunk slowly and with relish - simply because of the usually larger volume in the cup, of course.