Can You Make Tea In An Espresso Machine?

Wondering if you can make tea in an espresso machine? It’s not surprising. Coffee lovers and tea lovers have a lot in common. 

Can You Make Tea In An Espresso Machine?

Don’t have time for the full article? Here’s a quick answer to your question: 

Yes, you can make tea in an espresso machine! When it comes down to it, tea and coffee are delightfully similar. It just depends on the kind of tea you’re brewing.

Making a strong cup of tea with your espresso machine means understanding temperature and how it affects your tea leaves. Green tea is known for being a little more sensitive, preferring 140 degrees or so to bring out its signature flavor. To compare, coffee is often brewed at 200 degrees (though you can go as high as 205 degrees). 

Black and herbal teas are hardier and fare well at classic coffee temperatures. Failing to use the proper temperature will result in your tea tasting burnt, sour, or starchy. 

What else can you make with your espresso machine? Let’s take a look.

What’s a Dirty Chai Latte?

This is a popular drink among both tea fans and coffee fans, for obvious reasons. It combines the creamy bitterness of espresso with the rich, floral notes of black tea. 

A dirty chai latte is made by mixing espresso shots -- usually one or two -- with chai tea and steamed milk. Sometimes they’re topped off with a dusting of cinnamon or an orange peel for extra flavor. Keep in mind this drink is extra caffeinated as a result, so consider opting for less espresso shots or a decaf version to keep your sleep schedule intact. 

Can You Put Tea In a Coffee Machine?

Just like putting tea in a portafilter, you can also put tea in a classic coffee maker. Again, this depends on the kind of tea you’re brewing. 

Black and herbal loose leaf teas are best for higher temperatures in the 200 to 205 degree Fahrenheit range. Green tea is extremely delicate, so consider using a regular kettle for your matcha-based drinks.

Can You Make a Regular Cup of Coffee With an Espresso Machine?

This will come as a disappointment to those with varied tastes, but no. Most espresso machines are explicitly designed to create concentrated espresso shots. If you want dual purpose, seek out models that combine espresso technology with coffeemaker technology.

If you’re craving black drip coffee or a cafe au lait, consider investing in a pour over. They’re quite affordable on average and have much less maintenance than espresso machines.

What Else Can You Use an Espresso Machine For?

While most espresso machines can’t make drip coffee, that’s not to say they lack potential. Espresso is the foundation for a plethora of complex, delicious coffee drinks.

The most common espresso-based drinks you can try include (but aren’t limited to):

Double

Need a kick of caffeine to stay awake for a late shift? The double -- or doppio -- is a straight serving of two espresso shots. While some drinkers might wince at the bitter flavor, others love plain espresso for its chocolatey kick and oily crema.

Latte

This is arguably the best known espresso-based drink on the planet. It consists of espresso shots, steamed milk, and microfoam for a nutty, creamy result. It’s common to supplement lattes with a little syrup, such as hazelnut or vanilla. 

If you want an iced variety, just pour ice onto your espresso shots and fill the cup with your cold milk of choice.

Cappuccino

Following close behind the latte is the cappuccino. This drink uses the bare minimum of milk, mixing in mostly microfoam with espresso shots. It’s easily the fluffiest coffee drink around and is difficult to replicate without a steam wand. 

Cappuccinos come in both wet and dry varieties: the wet variety uses microfoam, while the dry uses microfoam and froth.

Mocha

Coming in at a hard third is the mocha. This is essentially a latte that mixes a little chocolate with the espresso shots. 

If you’re feeling experimental, consider swapping out the chocolate with white chocolate or caramel.

Flat White

Does the latte use a little too much milk for your liking? Consider the flat white: this more concentrated drink uses less milk and more microfoam, bringing out the espresso’s flavor more strongly. They’re also served in smaller cups so you can go easy on the dairy. 

Americano

If you like black coffee and don’t feel like investing in a pourover or a coffeemaker, there’s hope yet. The Americano is similar to a cup of drip, mixing espresso shots with hot water. It’s a bold cup that will make you wonder why you didn’t drink it sooner!

Macchiato

This drink is one of the most confused in the Western world. Thanks to Starbucks, it’s commonly believed to be a latte overflowing with caramel and whipped cream.

Macchiatos are actually served in espresso shot glasses, comprising of just espresso and a little dollop of microfoam. Think of them as an even smaller flat white. They’re a popular choice for coffee drinkers who want a tasty pick-me-up, but don’t want to commit to a regular sized drink.

Frappuccino

A tasty choice for the hot weather, a frappuccino blends cold milk, ice, and espresso shots. They’re often topped with whipped cream or drizzled with caramel, though you can skip those additions if you’re on a diet.

Wrap Up

The espresso machine is truly a marvel for drink lovers. Not only can you make a nearly endless variety of espresso-based drinks, you can also make several kinds of tea. 

Want to fill your kitchen with new potential? Reach out to our live chat or send us a message with your coffee equipment questions. We’ll help you pick the perfect machine for your home.