Last updated: October 2, 2026
The De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee and Espresso Machine is designed for kitchens where one appliance needs to make both a pot of drip-style coffee and espresso. Its appeal is convenience: a carafe for several cups, an espresso side for smaller drinks, and a steam wand for milk. The trade-off is that it combines two brewing styles without matching the control or performance of dedicated equipment.
It makes the most sense if you want both types of coffee, have limited counter space, and are comfortable with a hands-on espresso process. If you mainly drink drip coffee, or expect café-style espresso at the press of a button, a simpler machine may suit you better.
Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the De’Longhi combination machine — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
What the combination machine does
The machine has separate coffee and espresso functions. The coffee side brews into a carafe, while the espresso side uses ground coffee in a portafilter. A steam wand lets you heat and foam milk for drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes. Some versions also include a programmable timer and a warming plate; check the exact model listing, since features can vary by version and retailer.
This is not a super-automatic espresso machine. You measure and tamp the grounds, lock in the portafilter, and manage the milk yourself. The espresso side is built for accessible home use, not the fine control of a higher-end machine paired with a capable grinder. And the drip side is for ordinary brewed coffee, not espresso or concentrated coffee-shop-style drinks.
What it’s like to use day to day
See also: Breville Bench Saver • Rocket Espresso Coffee Machine
The main convenience is having the two brew methods available without buying two machines. That’s useful in a household where one person wants a mug of coffee and another wants an espresso-based drink. You can also brew a pot when you have guests and make a milk drink when you have time to use the wand.
There is still a learning curve. Espresso requires correctly sized grounds, a consistent dose, and a firm, even tamp. Pre-ground coffee can work, but it limits freshness and may not suit the machine as well as grounds prepared for espresso. A grinder adds cost and counter space, and dialing in a suitable grind takes some trial and error.
Milk steaming is another hands-on step. The wand can make textured milk, but it takes practice to position the pitcher and control the foam. If you want a drink ready with minimal effort, this may feel like more work than expected. Cleanup also involves more parts than a basic drip brewer: the portafilter and basket need rinsing, and milk residue should be cleaned from the wand promptly.
Where it works—and where it falls short
| Option | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi combination machine | Households that want a carafe and occasional espresso drinks in one appliance | Neither side offers the flexibility of dedicated equipment; espresso takes practice |
| Basic drip coffee maker | People who mostly brew several cups at once | No espresso or steam wand for milk drinks |
| Entry-level espresso machine | People focused on espresso and willing to make coffee separately | Does not replace a carafe brewer; requires counter space and practice |
| Super-automatic espresso machine | People who prioritize easy, repeatable espresso drinks | Costs more, and it still needs regular cleaning and maintenance |
The combination design is a compromise, not a shortcut to excellent versions of both drinks. If drip coffee is your daily routine and espresso is an occasional treat, that compromise may be worthwhile. If espresso quality is the priority, a dedicated machine and grinder give you more room to improve your results. If convenience matters more than learning to tamp and steam, consider a super-automatic espresso machine instead.
Who should buy it?
Consider it if you want brewed coffee and espresso in the same footprint, drink both, and don’t mind switching between brewing setups. It can also suit a household with different preferences, provided everyone is comfortable with the espresso side’s manual steps. Before buying, measure the counter space and check the clearance needed above the machine to fill the water reservoir and handle the steam wand.
Skip it if you rarely make espresso. A straightforward programmable drip coffee maker will usually be cheaper and simpler to clean. If you only want occasional espresso without steaming milk, a compact manual espresso machine may be a better fit, though you will still need a separate coffee maker for a pot.
It may also disappoint buyers expecting espresso to taste like a drink from a café with no adjustment. The machine can make espresso-style drinks, but the coffee, grind, tamp, and technique all affect the result. A weak or sour shot is not necessarily a defect; it may mean the grind or dose needs adjustment. Persistent leaking, poor heating, or a steam wand that fails to work as described is different—check the warranty and return window before purchase.
Before you buy
Compare the current price with the cost of buying a drip maker and an entry-level espresso machine separately. The combination unit is a sensible value only if you will use both sides; otherwise, you are paying for features that take up space. Also check carafe capacity, the type of coffee baskets included, and whether the seller’s listing matches the exact version you are considering.
Plan for routine care. Descale according to the manual and your water conditions, empty and rinse the drip tray, and clean the steam wand after every use. Neglecting these jobs can lead to blocked passages, poor steaming, or off flavors. If you want minimal upkeep, a basic drip brewer is the safer choice.
FAQ
Can it make a full pot of coffee and espresso?
Yes. It has separate coffee and espresso brewing functions, though you use each side for its own brew rather than making a pot of espresso.
Does it grind coffee beans?
No. You need ground coffee or a separate grinder. For espresso, grind size can strongly affect how the shot comes out.
Is it a good first espresso machine?
It can be, if you want to learn basic espresso preparation and also need a drip brewer. Expect some practice with dosing, tamping, and milk steaming.
Should I buy it if I mostly drink drip coffee?
Probably not. A less expensive drip coffee maker is easier to use and maintain if you rarely make espresso drinks.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the De’Longhi combination machine.
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