Can a Keurig Make Espresso?

Can you make an espresso shot in a Keurig?

No. Keurig machines are drip coffee makers that don’t use enough pressure or high enough water temperature to make true espresso.

To make something close to espresso in a Keurig:

  1. Choose a dark roast K-cup: Dark roasts mimic espresso flavor better.

  2. Brew using smallest cup size option: The smaller the brew, the more concentrated and intense.

  3. Place cup and start brew: That’s it! While not true espresso, it will be strong and bold.

Real espresso requires high pressure and 190-195°F water to extract properly. Keurigs don’t generate enough pressure and most models don’t reach hot enough temperatures.

The resulting "espresso" from a Keurig produces a concentrated coffee, but lacks crema and extraction of espresso. Still, it’s quick and convenient. If you want real espresso, you need an espresso machine. But for a fast strong coffee, a Keurig can approximate it.

Can you put espresso pods in Keurig?

No. Keurig machines are drip coffee makers that don’t use enough pressure or high enough water temperature to make true espresso. The only exception was the now-discontinued Keurig Rivo model.

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