Coffee Guide: What is the difference between filter coffee and espresso?

Coffee Guide: What is the difference between filter coffee and espresso?

Many people wonder what actually separates filter coffee from espresso. Both are made from the same coffee beans, but the brewing method and grind size make the flavor in the cup quite different.

Espresso is brewed under high pressure in a short amount of time, while filter coffee is prepared by allowing hot water to slowly pass through ground coffee in a filter.

In this guide, we explain the most important differences between filter coffee and espresso and how they affect flavor, strength and brewing.

The brewing method is the biggest difference

The biggest difference between espresso and filter coffee is how the coffee is brewed.

Filter coffee

Filter coffee is brewed by letting hot water pass through ground coffee in a filter. The brewing process usually takes about 2–4 minutes.

Espresso

Espresso is brewed under high pressure in an espresso machine and typically takes only 20–30 seconds.

The high pressure makes espresso more concentrated and intense in flavor.

The grind size is different

Because the brewing methods are different, they also require different grind sizes.

Filter coffee

• medium grind

• similar to regular sand

Espresso

• very fine grind

• similar to granulated sugar

If you want to learn more about grind size, you can also read our guide on how to grind coffee beans.

Flavor in the cup

The differences in brewing method and grind size also affect the taste.

Filter coffee

• milder and cleaner flavor

• larger cup

• less concentrated

Espresso

• much more concentrated flavor

• smaller cup

• fuller body

Espresso therefore works well as a base for drinks such as cappuccino, latte and flat white.

Are different coffee beans used?

In principle, the same coffee beans can be used for both filter coffee and espresso.

In practice, however, many people choose coffees that are roasted and balanced for the specific brewing method.

Espresso beans are often:

• roasted slightly darker

• fuller in body

• chocolatey or nutty in flavor

Filter coffee is often:

• roasted lighter

• more aromatic

• fruitier in flavor

In our webshop you can find both coffee beans that work well for filter coffee and beans suited for espresso.

Which coffee should you choose?

It mainly depends on how you prefer to brew your coffee and what flavors you enjoy.

If you prefer:

a mild and aromatic flavor
→ filter coffee may be a better choice.

a stronger and more concentrated flavor
→ espresso may be a good option.

Many coffee lovers actually use the same beans but adjust the grind size and brewing method.

Frequently asked questions about espresso and filter coffee

Is espresso stronger than filter coffee?

Espresso is more concentrated in flavor, but since the serving size is smaller, it often contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as a regular cup of filter coffee.

Can you use espresso beans for filter coffee?

Yes, you can. The flavor may be slightly fuller and more roasted depending on the roast level.

Can you make espresso without an espresso machine?

It is difficult to produce true espresso without a machine that can create high pressure. However, methods such as a moka pot can produce a similar style of coffee.

See all our coffee guides

Find our coffee here

At our roastery in Småland we roast coffee in small batches.
Here you can find our full range of coffee beans.