Comparison · Espresso machines
Espresso vs americano: what's the difference?
An americano is espresso topped up with hot water. Here's how the two compare on size, strength and caffeine, and how to make an americano at home.
The difference in espresso vs americano is simpler than most café menus make it look: an americano is espresso with hot water added. Same coffee, same shot, just a longer, milder drink in a bigger cup. This guide explains how they compare on size, strength and caffeine, and how to make an americano at home. We haven’t tested this in person. Our facts come from De’Longhi UK’s published recipes and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Read how we compare.
Espresso vs americano: the key difference
An espresso is a short, concentrated shot of coffee brewed under pressure. De’Longhi says its machines use 15-bar pump pressure. De’Longhi UK says a single shot uses around 7 to 8g of coffee beans and takes around 18 to 23 seconds to extract, or 22 to 26 seconds for a double.
An americano starts with that same espresso. De’Longhi describes it as one or two shots of espresso topped up with hot water, typically served in a medium-sized cup. In one of its UK help articles, it puts the ratio at one-third espresso to two-thirds hot water.
| Espresso | Americano | |
|---|---|---|
| What’s in it | Espresso only | Espresso plus hot water |
| Typical make-up | One or two shots | One or two shots, about two-thirds hot water |
| Cup | Small | Medium |
| Taste | Concentrated | Longer and milder, same coffee |
De’Longhi tells the story that an Italian barista in America improvised the americano when a customer asked for a long black coffee, and called it an Americano.
Which is stronger?
It depends what you mean by strong.
- Flavour: espresso tastes stronger, because it’s more concentrated. An americano is the same shot spread through more water.
- Caffeine: adding water doesn’t add or remove caffeine. So an americano made with one shot has roughly the same caffeine as that shot, and a two-shot americano has roughly double.
EFSA gives about 80mg of caffeine for an espresso (60ml) and about 90mg for a 200ml cup of filter coffee. It stresses these are approximate, as caffeine varies with the beans, how the coffee’s made and the portion size. The NHS gives 100mg for a cup of instant coffee, and says filter coffee and coffee-shop coffee can contain more.
So a single-shot americano and a cup of filter coffee land in a similar range, while a double-shot americano will usually have more. If you’re keeping an eye on caffeine, ask how many shots go into your americano. For decaf options, see how much caffeine is in decaf coffee.
Who an americano isn’t for: anyone who wants the full intensity of espresso in a few sips.
How to make an americano at home
On an espresso machine
De’Longhi UK’s method:
- Fill the cup about two-thirds with hot water, from your machine’s hot water outlet or from a kettle.
- Brew a single or double espresso straight on top.
Pouring the espresso onto the water, rather than water onto the espresso, is the order De’Longhi gives. If you’re new to pulling shots, start with our guide on how to make espresso at home, and browse our espresso machines guide for machines.
On a bean-to-cup machine
Many bean-to-cup machines have an americano or long coffee setting. De’Longhi says its La Specialista has an Americano preset that brews the espresso first and then tops it up with hot water. It recommends a double shot, though a single works too. See our bean-to-cup machines guide for options.
On a pod machine
Pod systems sell pods labelled as americanos. How they’re brewed depends on the system, so check the pack if you want espresso topped up with water. Examples include Kenco Americano Grande for Tassimo, at £5.70 for 16 cups at Tassimo UK, checked 3 Oct 2026, and Nescafé Dolce Gusto Americano, at £5.00 for 16 servings at Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants to control the shot and the water separately. An espresso or bean-to-cup machine gives you that.
Espresso vs americano: how each is made, side by side
- Coffee: both start from the same dose. De’Longhi UK puts a single shot at around 7 to 8g of coffee beans.
- Brewing time: De’Longhi gives around 18 to 23 seconds for a single shot and 22 to 26 seconds for a double. An americano adds no extra brewing, just hot water.
- Order: for an americano, De’Longhi fills about two-thirds of the cup with hot water first, then brews the espresso on top.
- Caffeine: EFSA gives about 80mg for a 60ml espresso. Adding water changes the volume, not the caffeine, so an americano made with that shot has roughly the same.
- Daily guidance: EFSA says up to 400mg a day, spread through the day, doesn’t raise safety concerns for healthy adults other than pregnant women. The NHS advises no more than 200mg a day in pregnancy.
Espresso or americano: which should you order?
- Choose espresso if you want a quick, intense coffee and enjoy the full flavour of the shot.
- Choose an americano if you want a longer black coffee to sip, with the flavour of espresso but a milder taste.
FAQ
Is an americano just watered-down espresso? Yes, in the sense that it’s espresso with hot water added. De’Longhi describes it as one or two shots topped up with hot water.
Does an americano have more caffeine than an espresso? Not if it’s made with the same number of shots, since water adds no caffeine. A double-shot americano has more than a single espresso.
How much caffeine is in an espresso? EFSA gives about 80mg for a 60ml espresso, but says the amount varies.
What’s the ratio for an americano? De’Longhi suggests about one-third espresso to two-thirds hot water. Add more water for a milder cup.