What is coffee?

Coffee is made by brewing ground coffee beans with water to extract flavours that range from bright and fruity to deep and robust. Every cup tells a story – shaped by the bean type, brewing method and the grind size.

And in Australia, coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s a ritual. You might use it to fuel your morning or to punctuate your afternoon with a slice of cake. Wherever you are, it’s a moment to connect. With others, with your surroundings, or with yourself.

What is espresso?

Espresso is coffee in its most concentrated form. It’s a specific brewing method that forces hot water through finely ground coffee at high pressure, resulting in a small, concentrated shot of coffee. All espresso is coffee, but not all coffee is espresso.

Espresso is known for its rich flavour and signature crema (that thick, creamy top layer). 

Post-war European immigrants brought espresso to Australia, and it quickly became the backbone of the country’s burgeoning coffee culture. Today, it’s the starting point for many of your favourite café experiences, from the iconic flat white to the bold piccolo latte.

Espresso vs coffee

Let’s break down what makes espresso distinct from regular coffee, starting with the brewing process and grind size.

What makes espresso different to coffee?

Espresso isn’t just black coffee. The key difference lies in the brewing method. Espresso is made by pushing hot water through finely ground coffee at high pressure, resulting in a small, concentrated shot. 

This quick process extracts more caffeine, intense flavours and a thicker consistency, giving espresso its bold character. In contrast, regular coffee is brewed more slowly and with more coarsely ground beans. The different types of regular coffee usually result in a milder, more nuanced drink that invites a slower sip.

Coffee vs espresso grind size (and why does it matter?)

Grind size plays a crucial role in shaping the flavour and texture of your brew. 

A fine grind is essential for espresso, allowing water to extract maximum flavour quickly. Regular coffee, depending on the method, generally uses a coarser grind. 

For instance, a French press needs a coarse grind to prevent over-extraction, while a drip coffee maker might use a medium grind. The grind size isn’t just a technical detail. It’s your control over the final taste, helping you make every cup just the way you like it.

Let’s look at the main differences between espresso vs coffee.

Australian coffee culture

Australia's coffee culture is something to celebrate. It's unique, with a strong focus on quality and community. Here, we don't just consume coffee – we craft it. Baristas are artisans. Each cup is a testament to their skill and passion. 

Our coffee culture has evolved recently to include the widespread use of plant-based milk. And that’s why our fully-auto KF8 has Plant-Based Mode. You can steam, heat or froth your plant-based milks like almond, oat or soy at the touch of a button.

Whether you’re enjoying a ristretto on a cold Melbourne morning or grabbing a long black on your way to work in Sydney, coffee is about more than just the drink. It’s an experience. The diversity of coffee styles across Australia reflects our rich, multicultural lives, where every cup is a story waiting to be shared.

How to make espresso

Making a great espresso at home requires precision and care (although we make it easy with our semi-automatic coffee machine). Start with fresh, finely ground coffee beans. 

Measure out about 18-20 grams for a double shot and tamp it evenly into the portafilter. Lock it into your espresso machine and let the water work its magic. A good shot should take about 25-30 seconds to brew, crowned with a thick, golden crema. 

Once you’ve mastered this, your espresso becomes the base for various drinks, including the ever-popular espresso martini – a perfect way to add a twist to your evening.

Try it for yourself with our espresso coffee machines.

Types of drinks to make with espresso

Espresso is the foundation for many classic coffee drinks. Here are a few that you might want to try.

• Flat White. A smooth blend of espresso and steamed milk, with a microfoam layer that’s distinctly Australian.

• Long Black. A double shot of espresso poured over hot water, similar to an Americano but with a more robust flavour.

• Latte. A classic choice, featuring a shot of espresso with more steamed milk than a flat white, resulting in a creamier texture.

• Piccolo Latte. A smaller, stronger version of a latte, offering an intense coffee flavour with just a hint of milk.

• Cappuccino. A perfect balance of espresso, steamed milk, and froth, often topped with a sprinkle of cocoa.

• Macchiato. A shot of espresso with a touch of milk or foam. Ideal for a quick, intense experience.

• Espresso Martini. A cocktail that combines espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur—perfect for when you want your coffee with a kick.

How to make coffee

Brewing coffee at home can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Choose your method – three popular ones are French press, drip coffee maker, or pour-over.

French press (or plunger)

Start with coarsely ground coffee beans. Add one heaped tablespoon of coffee per 200 ml of water to your French press. Pour in hot water just off the boil, stir, and let it steep for 4 minutes. Press the plunger down slowly and steadily, then pour your rich, full-bodied coffee into a mug.

Drip coffee maker

Use medium-ground coffee beans. Place a paper filter in the drip coffee maker’s basket and add one tablespoon of coffee per cup of water. Fill the reservoir with cold water, then start the machine. The water will heat and drip over the coffee grounds, extracting the flavours as it filters through to the carafe below.

Pour-over

For a clean, bright cup, use finely ground coffee. Place a paper filter in your pour-over cone, set it over your mug or carafe, and rinse the filter with hot water. Add 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per 200 ml of water. Pour hot water in a slow, circular motion over the grounds, starting in the centre and moving outward. Let the coffee drip through, then remove the filter and enjoy.

Whatever your method, experiment with brew times and ratios to find the perfect balance of flavour that suits your taste.

Types of drinks to make with coffee

Coffee is versatile. Here are some unique options.

• Magic. A Melbourne favourite, this drink is a double ristretto topped with steamed milk. Perfect for when you want something strong but smooth.

• Cold Brew. Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a smooth, less acidic drink – perfect for warm days.

• Mocha. A blend of coffee, chocolate, and milk, offering a sweet and indulgent experience.

• Vienna. This drink is made by combining strong black coffee with whipped cream. It’s rich and satisfying, with the cream balancing the bitterness of the coffee.

• Affogato. A delightful Italian-inspired treat where you pour hot coffee over a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream. It’s part dessert, part coffee, and fully indulgent.

How to pair your coffee or espresso with food

Pairing coffee with food is an art, and the options in Australia reflect our diverse and evolving palate. 

Grabbing a bite in a classic Melbourne alleyway? A “magic”—strong and smooth—pairs beautifully with a slice of nutty banana bread. The slight sweetness and dense texture of the banana bread complement the intensity of the coffee without overwhelming it.

For a light lunch by the beach in WA, try a long black with a cheese and tomato toastie on sourdough. The richness of the melted cheese, balanced by the acidity of the tomato, works harmoniously with the deep, robust flavours of the coffee.

For those who prefer a hint of indulgence at home, try your mocha with a piece of dark chocolate and sea salt – just enough to elevate the mocha’s own chocolate notes without being too sweet.

Looking for something a bit different? Pair a cold brew with a crisp, seasonal salad. The light, refreshing nature of both makes for a satisfying midday pause.

And for something slightly indulgent but not too sweet, try a macchiato with an almond croissant. The rich almond filling, encased in flaky pastry, complements the coffee's bold, slightly bitter notes, making for a satisfying and balanced treat.

Recap: Espresso vs coffee

Coffee and espresso might share the same origins, but they give you different experiences. Coffee is versatile, with brewing methods and flavours to suit any mood, while espresso is concentrated, intense, and serves as the base for many popular drinks. 

One thing is sure, though.

Whether you’re sipping a single-origin espresso, carefully crafted by a skilled barista, or enjoying a calming brew as the sun rises in silence over your kitchen table, coffee is more than just a drink. It’s an experience. It can transport you, calm you, or energise you, all in a single cup.

Ready to make the perfect brew at home? Discover our range of espresso coffee machines, or learn more in our guide: What is espresso?

FAQ

Espresso vs regular coffee: is espresso stronger than regular coffee?

Yes. Espresso is stronger than regular coffee. It’s more concentrated in both flavour and caffeine per gram than regular coffee. However, because espresso is served in smaller amounts, the overall caffeine content can be similar to a full cup of coffee.

Is it better to drink espresso or coffee?

The choice to drink espresso or another type of coffee depends on you. It’s all about your taste. If you crave a bold, intense flavour, espresso is for you. If you prefer a longer, more relaxed drinking experience, a regular coffee might be more your style.

What is the difference between filter coffee and espresso?

Filter coffee is made by slowly pouring hot water over coarser coffee grounds, resulting in a lighter, more diluted drink. Espresso is brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure, creating a stronger, more concentrated shot.