Can an Espresso Machine Make Regular Coffee? | The Real Answer

The question of whether an espresso machine can make regular coffee comes down to what you mean by “regular.” If you expect a full carafe of filter-brewed joe, most machines won’t deliver. But if you’re happy with a longer, milder espresso-based drink that fills a standard mug, several options exist — many of which you may not have tried yet.

What “Regular Coffee” Means on an Espresso Machine

Manufacturer documentation uses “regular coffee” loosely. In most cases, it refers to a longer espresso-style drink or a machine-specific brewing mode — not classic drip coffee. Depending on your model, you’ll find one of these options:

• A dedicated regular coffee button (found on many super-automatic machines)
• A Lungo setting that pulls a longer shot with more water
• A hot water dispenser for making Americanos
• A manual brew button you can hold to control extraction volume

Each approach produces something closer to regular coffee than a standard espresso shot, but none of them replicate the drip-brewing process.

Which Machines Can Brew a Regular Coffee-Style Drink?

Super-automatic and capsule machines are your best bet. These models typically include a long-brew option or a dedicated regular coffee program, while basic espresso machines with only single and double shot buttons usually can’t produce enough volume. Here’s how three common machine types handle the task:

Check your manual for the exact button names and brew sizes. The Philips 2000 Series manual, for instance, tells users to press the regular coffee button and notes the machine can brew “1 or 2 cups of espresso or regular coffee.” The Breville Creatista Uno manual labels this as Regular Coffee Preparation and lists Lungo as its largest option at 110 ml.

Steps to Brew a Mug-Sized Coffee

The exact procedure depends on your machine, but the general pattern holds across most models.

For super-automatic machines: Fill the bean container with espresso beans only — never ground coffee, unroasted beans, or caramelized beans, as the Philips manual warns. Fill the water tank to the MAX mark with cold, potable water. Place a mug under the outlet, then press the regular coffee button. One important caveat: the first cycle using that button is for preparing the inner circuit, and the resulting coffee is not drinkable. Run that initial cycle, discard the output, then brew your actual cup.

For capsule machines: Fill the water tank, turn the machine on, and let it preheat. Place a cup under the coffee outlet, insert a capsule, and press the Lungo or regular coffee button. The Breville manual specifies placing the cup under the outlet before extraction, and brew size options range from Ristretto (25 ml) to Lungo (110 ml).

For manual espresso machines: Fill the water tank, preheat the machine, and load finely ground coffee into the portafilter. Pull a standard espresso shot, then add hot water from the machine’s dispenser or steam wand to fill the rest of the cup. This Americano method gives you full control over strength and volume.

One detail worth noting: some machines need a cup support or extra clearance for taller mugs during longer brews. Check your manual’s setup guide if your cup doesn’t seem to fit.

The Bottom Line: Espresso vs. Drip Expectations

The honest answer is that an espresso machine makes espresso-based drinks, not drip coffee. A lungo or Americano can fill a regular mug and taste milder than a straight shot, but the flavor profile remains distinct — richer, heavier, and often more intense than filter coffee. If that trade-off works for you, your espresso machine can absolutely deliver a satisfying mug-sized coffee. If you want true drip-brewed flavor, consider whether a combo machine better fits your counter space. Our roundup of the best combination coffee espresso machines covers models that brew both styles well.

For most home users, mastering the lungo or Americano method on an existing machine costs nothing and may be all you need. Try the longer-brew setting first, adjust your grind if you have a manual machine, and see whether the result satisfies your regular coffee craving. Many people find that a well-pulled lungo with hot water comes close enough — and uses far less counter space than a second appliance.