Are you a brewed coffee purist or do you enjoy an occasional espresso beverage like a latte, mocha, or cappuccino? If you enjoy an occasional espresso beverage, you’re not alone. According to the National Coffee Association, in 2009 17% of US consumers chose an espresso based beverage a week (1).

So…let’s explore the difference between brewed coffee and espresso.

Although there are a number of brewing methods, brewed coffee involves hot water coming into contact with pre-ground beans for at least one minute. When brewed properly, the result should be a satisfying, full bodied cup of coffee. 

Espresso is brewed by forcing a small amount of hot water under pressure (9-10 atmospheres) through tightly packed, finely ground coffee. This process results in a small shot of intensely flavored beverage that should be topped with rich brown foam known as crèma.

	Brewed Coffee	Espresso
Preparation Method	BUNN brewer, french press, vacuum brewer, drip machines and percolators.	Espresso machine, or a Stovetop espresso pot (Moka Pot).
Water Temperature	200°F degrees plus or minus 5 degrees (2).	Between 190- 203°F
Amount of Coffee	2 tablespoons to 6 ounces of water.(3)	14 to 17 grams per 1.5 to 2 ounces of water.
Grind Size	Fine or Drip Grind	Very Fine – almost like powdered sugar
Extraction Time	A brewing time of less than 4 minutes is recommended for fine grind and greater than 4 but less than 6 minutes is recommended for drip grind.	An extraction time of 22 to 28 seconds is recommended.
Caffeine Content	95 mg (8 ounce mug) (4)	58-75 mg (1 oz) (5)

(1) 2009 National Coffee Drinking Trends, National Coffee Association of U.S.A.
(2) CBC Coffee Workshop Manual, 2005
(3) CoffeeResearch.Org
(4) What’s in Your Coffee - BUNN.com
(5) How much caffeine is in your daily habit? - MayoClinic.com