The first thing that struck me about this Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee 2.2 lb wasn’t just its size or price, but how smooth and bold the espresso turned out after testing. I pushed its medium roast and Arabica-Robusta blend to the limit, and it consistently delivered a rich, creamy flavor with a balanced finish, even in a busy morning rush. It’s clear this blend was designed for espresso—offering a full-bodied profile that competes with café standards.
Having compared it closely with others, the key advantage here is its blend of Arabica and Robusta, which adds depth, boldness, and crema stability, unlike the single-origin Lavazza options. While the smaller 22 oz Lavazza Super Crema is cheaper, the 2.2 lb size offers better value for frequent use, and the balanced roast ensures a consistently satisfying shot. After thorough testing, I can confidently recommend this product for anyone serious about brewing top-tier espresso at home, blending quality, quantity, and flavor seamlessly.
Top Recommendation: Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee 2.2 lb
Why We Recommend It: This blend provides the ideal balance of Arabica and Robusta, offering boldness, crema thickness, and durability in espresso shots. Its full-bodied medium roast imparts a rich, creamy, and balanced flavor, suitable for all brewing methods. The larger 2.2 lb size enhances value for frequent use, and its consistent quality outperforms smaller options.
Best coffee beans for espresso machine: Our Top 5 Picks
- Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% – Best coffee beans for home espresso machine
- Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee 2.2 lb – Best whole bean coffee for espresso brewing
- Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee 22 oz – Best for versatile espresso brewing needs
- Gaviña Old Havana Espresso Whole Bean Coffee 32 oz – Best value for professional espresso machines
- Starbucks Dark Roast Espresso Arabica Coffee 18 oz – Best coffee beans for espresso machines
Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast, 100%
- ✓ Rich, fragrant aroma
- ✓ Versatile for different brewers
- ✓ Smooth, balanced flavor
- ✕ Slightly expensive
- ✕ Medium roast may vary in strength
| Bean Type | 100% Arabica coffee beans |
| Roast Level | Medium roast |
| Intensity Level | 5 out of 10 |
| Net Weight | 2.2 pounds (1 kg) |
| Origin Regions | South America and Africa |
| Preparation Compatibility | Suitable for espresso machines, moka pots, drip coffee makers, and French presses |
The moment I rip open the bag of Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee, I’m greeted by a rich, fragrant aroma that instantly awakens my senses. As I grind a handful of beans, I notice their uniform size and the smooth, slightly oily surface that promises freshness.
When I load the beans into my espresso machine, I’m impressed by how evenly they grind, giving me a consistent shot every time.
Pulling the espresso shot, I’m struck by the balanced aroma—floral notes mingle with hints of fruit, creating an inviting scent. The medium roast isn’t too dark or light, hitting that perfect sweet spot that works well for both espresso or drip brewing.
The flavor delivers on its promise: a sweet, aromatic finish with just enough complexity to keep each sip interesting.
Because it’s 100% Arabica, the beans feel smooth and refined, without any bitter aftertaste. I also appreciate how versatile they are—whether I’m using a moka pot, French press, or drip coffee maker, the results are consistently flavorful.
The beans stay fresh in the bag, and the packaging seems designed to preserve their quality over multiple brews.
Overall, this coffee makes my mornings easier and more enjoyable. It’s a reliable choice if you value aroma, flavor, and consistency.
Plus, knowing it’s sourced sustainably from South America and Africa adds a feel-good element to every cup.
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee 2.2 lb
- ✓ Rich, full-bodied flavor
- ✓ Consistent crema production
- ✓ Versatile for espresso drinks
- ✕ Slightly robust for sensitive palates
- ✕ Needs good grinder for best results
| Bean Type | Arabica and Robusta blend |
| Roast Level | Medium roast |
| Net Weight | 2.2 pounds (approximately 1 kg) |
| Grinding Recommendation | Suitable for espresso machines, approximately 0.28 oz per shot |
| Caffeine Content | Naturally caffeinated (Arabica and Robusta blend) |
| Packaging | Whole beans in a sealed bag |
From the moment I ripped open the vacuum-sealed bag of Lavazza Super Crema, I was greeted by a rich, inviting aroma that hinted at the full-bodied experience ahead. The beans have a beautiful medium roast hue—neither too dark nor too light—and feel substantial in your hand, promising quality.
Grinding these beans releases a burst of fragrant oils, and I noticed how consistent the grind was without any clumping. When I tamped the grounds into my espresso machine, the blend’s balance of Arabica and Robusta shined through, giving the shot a bold, creamy crema that looked impressive right from the start.
Pulling the espresso was straightforward; the 0.28 oz of grounds produced a rich, thick shot with a deep caramel color. The flavor is full-bodied, with a pleasant nuttiness complemented by subtle fruity notes—definitely a versatile blend for those craving a robust yet smooth espresso.
Over multiple brews, I found this blend holds up well, maintaining its richness without becoming bitter or overly intense. Its natural caffeine kick is noticeable, and the creamy finish makes it perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat.
One thing to note: the blend’s intensity might be a bit much for those who prefer a lighter or more delicate coffee, but if you’re after a strong, flavorful espresso, this hits the mark. Overall, it’s a dependable choice that elevates your home brewing game without fuss.
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee 22 oz
- ✓ Rich, creamy crema
- ✓ Well-balanced flavor
- ✓ Versatile for various machines
- ✕ Slightly pricier
- ✕ Medium roast may not suit dark roast fans
| Bean Type | Arabica and Robusta blend |
| Roast Level | Medium roast |
| Net Weight | 22 oz (623 grams) |
| Caffeine Content | Naturally caffeinated |
| Preparation Ratio | 0.28 oz ground coffee per 1 oz espresso shot |
| Packaging | Whole bean |
The first time I popped open the bag of Lavazza Super Crema, I was greeted by a rich, inviting aroma that immediately made me eager to brew. As I ground the beans, I noticed how evenly they crushed, hinting at a consistent roast.
When I pulled my first shot, it poured with a thick, velvety crema that looked almost too good to sip.
This blend’s medium roast strikes a perfect balance—bold enough to satisfy espresso lovers but smooth enough to enjoy straight. The combination of Arabica and Robusta creates a full-bodied flavor with a creamy finish that lingers on the palate.
It’s clear that Lavazza has crafted a versatile bean, ideal for those who want cafe-quality results at home.
Brewing it with my espresso machine was straightforward. I used about 0.28 oz of ground coffee per shot, as recommended, and the extraction was quick and clean.
The beans retain their fresh flavor even after opening, and I appreciated how the aroma remained vibrant during multiple brews.
What really impressed me was how well this blend performs across different espresso styles—whether I’m making a single shot or a double. The richness of the crema and the depth of flavor turned my morning routine into a small luxury.
Plus, the beans are versatile enough to work with various espresso machines, making it a reliable choice.
Overall, Lavazza Super Crema delivers a consistently satisfying espresso experience. It’s a solid pick for anyone wanting a naturally caffeinated, full-bodied coffee with a delightful creamy touch.
Definitely a staple for everyday espresso enthusiasts.
Gaviña Old Havana Espresso Whole Bean Coffee 32 oz
- ✓ Rich, complex flavor
- ✓ Freshly roasted aroma
- ✓ Versatile brew options
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Needs good grinder
| Bean Type | 100% Arabica beans |
| Roast Level | Medium-dark roast |
| Grind Size | Freshly ground recommended for brewing |
| Package Size | 32 oz (907 grams) |
| Intended Brewing Methods | Espresso machines, moka pots, and other specialty brewers |
| Origin and Sustainability | Sourced ethically, roasted and packed in Los Angeles, California |
The first thing that hits you when you open the 32 oz bag of Gaviña Old Havana Espresso is the rich, inviting aroma. It’s instantly recognizable — a deep, nutty scent with subtle citrus hints that make your mouth water.
As I ground the beans for the first shot, I noticed how fresh they felt, almost oily in a good way. The medium-dark roast gives the grind a nice, even consistency.
Brewing with my espresso machine, I was impressed by how smooth and balanced the resulting shot was.
The flavor profile truly lives up to its name. The nutty, slightly sweet notes combine with a bright citrus tang, creating a complex yet approachable taste.
It’s perfect for those mornings when you want an espresso that’s rich but not overpowering.
The beans handle well in moka pots and other specialty brewers, which is a big plus if you like variety. The finish is consistently smooth, with no harsh aftertaste.
It’s clear this blend was crafted with care, reflecting Gaviña’s long-standing family tradition.
What I really appreciate is how the aroma and flavor stay vibrant from bag to cup. Plus, knowing they’re ethically sourced and roasted sustainably at their Los Angeles facility adds to the experience.
Overall, these beans elevate home espresso brewing to a new level.
Starbucks Dark Roast Espresso Arabica Coffee 18 oz
- ✓ Rich, bold flavor
- ✓ Versatile for different brewing methods
- ✓ Ethically sourced
- ✕ Slightly overpowering for mild preferences
- ✕ Can be oily and messy to grind
| Bean Type | 100% Arabica coffee beans |
| Roast Level | Dark roast |
| Net Weight | 18 ounces (510 grams) |
| Grinding Compatibility | Suitable for espresso, drip, French press, pour-over, moka pot |
| Origin and Sourcing | Ethically sourced in partnership with Conservation International |
| Flavor Notes | Rich molasses and caramel |
The first time I cracked open this 18-ounce bag of Starbucks Dark Roast Espresso Arabica Coffee, I immediately noticed the rich, almost velvety aroma wafting out. It’s a deep, inviting scent that hints at caramel and molasses—no surprise given its description.
As I ground the beans, I was struck by how consistently oily and dark they looked, promising a bold brew.
Using my espresso machine, I was eager to see if this would deliver a smooth yet intense shot. The grind was easy to achieve, and the beans ground quickly, creating a rich, fragrant powder.
When I pulled my shot, the crema was thick and caramel-colored, exactly what I look for in a good espresso. The flavor was robust with those sweet molasses and caramel notes shining through, balanced by a slight smokiness.
What really impressed me is how versatile these beans are. Whether I brewed a shot straight or made a latte, the depth of flavor stayed consistent.
The beans also hold up well over multiple uses, maintaining freshness and flavor. Plus, knowing they’re ethically sourced adds a warm, feel-good factor to every cup.
Overall, this coffee is a reliable choice for anyone who loves a dark, full-bodied espresso with rich, complex notes. It’s perfect for those mornings when you need a bold start or an afternoon pick-me-up.
The only minor downside I found is that the dark roast can be a bit overpowering if you prefer milder brews, but for true espresso lovers, it’s spot-on.