Long Black vs Americano: More Than Just Water Order

Looking for the real difference between long black vs Americano? A long black is made by pouring espresso over hot water, preserving the crema for a richer, bolder taste, while an Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso, resulting in a smoother, milder cup of black coffee.

If you want to know which is right for you, how they’re made, and which espresso machine makes them easiest, this guide covers everything you need—plus how the HiBREW H13 lets you brew both drinks with just one touch.

Long Black vs Americano: Quick Comparison

Feature	Long Black	Americano
Preparation Order	Hot water first, then pouring espresso	Espresso first, then pouring hot water
Crema	Preserved, thick layer on top	Mostly lost or thinned
Flavour Profile	Bold, aromatic, layered	Smoother, milder, more diluted
Typical Size	Smaller (150–180ml)	Larger (250–300ml)
Best For	Espresso lovers, crema fans	Black coffee drinkers, those who prefer a lighter cup

In short: Long black is for those who want a strong, aromatic espresso experience with crema; Americano is for those who prefer a gentler, larger cup of black coffee.

Why Does Preparation Order Matter?

The biggest difference between long black vs Americano comes down to the order in which espresso and hot water are combined:

Long Black: Pouring espresso over hot water keeps the crema (the golden foam on top of freshly brewed espresso) intact. This crema holds much of the espresso’s aroma and flavor oils, giving the drink a more complex flavour profile and texture.
Americano: Adding hot water on top of espresso breaks up the crema, resulting in a smoother, more diluted cup, similar to traditional filter coffee or brewed coffee.

Taste & Strength: What to Expect

Long Black: You get a punchy, aromatic start thanks to the crema, with a layered taste that evolves as you sip. The drink is more concentrated and intense, especially when made with a double shot of espresso.
Americano: The taste is mellow, balanced, and consistent from start to finish. It’s less intense, making it ideal for those who like sipping a big cup of black coffee, or want something closer to filter coffee.

Caffeine content: If both use the same amount of espresso shots, the caffeine is nearly identical. The difference is all about taste, mouthfeel, and the overall flavour profile.

How to Make Each Coffee

Long Black

Pour 100–120ml of hot water (70–80°C, not boiling water) into your cup.
Gently extract a single or double shot of espresso over the hot water.
Enjoy the rich crema and bold flavor—a hallmark of espresso based drinks popular in Australia and New Zealand.

Americano

Pull a single or double shot of espresso into your cup.
Add 100–200ml of hot water over the espresso.
Stir gently for a smooth, mild cup of Americano coffee.

Brewing Made Easy: HiBREW H13 One-Touch Solution

Most articles miss a crucial real-life detail: How easy is it to make these drinks at home? With the HiBREW H13 espresso machine, you can make both long black and Americano coffee at the touch of a button:

Americano Mode: The machine pulls a freshly brewed espresso shot first, then adds hot water automatically—perfect for classic Americano lovers.
Black Coffee Mode: The machine adds hot water first, then pulls the espresso shot, preserving the crema for an authentic long black.
Customizable Hot Water Volume: Adjust the hot water amount to suit your taste, whether you want a strong, short cup or a lighter, larger one. No more manual guesswork—just select your drink and let HiBREW H13 do the rest.

Which Should You Choose?

Pick Long Black if:

You love bold, aromatic espresso with crema.
You want a smaller, more intense cup of black coffee.
You enjoy exploring the nuances of specialty espresso beans.

Pick Americano if:

You prefer a larger, milder black coffee.
You want something closer to drip or filter coffee but with espresso’s depth.
You like sipping your coffee slowly or pairing it with food.

Want both, plus convenience?

The HiBREW H13 lets you switch between drinks with a single button and customize your cup exactly how you like it. Whether you want a double shot long black or a classic Americano, it’s never been easier.

How People Talk About Long Black and Americano

We did some research online and see how locals talk about Long Black and Americano, here's what we found.

1. Serving Traditions & Customization

In Australia and New Zealand, long black is a staple, often served in a tulip or ceramic cup, while Americano is typically larger and served in the biggest mug available. Many cafés offer both, and iced versions are popular in hot weather—just pour espresso over ice and water for an “iced long black” with full flavor and crema.

2. Personal Preferences & Variations

Many locals add their own twist: caramel or chocolate syrup in an Americano, or even bitters and cool water for a strong, refreshing take. Some drinkers in the US and Canada order a small Americano “with room” for a stronger, more espresso-forward cup, which often resembles a long black in strength and flavor.

In Europe, especially in Spain and France, Americanos are often served with a shot of espresso and a jug of hot water on the side, letting customers adjust the strength themselves.

3. Confusion & Crossover

Many people admit they didn’t know about the long black coffee until recently, often mistaking their strong Americano for a long black. In some places, especially where the long black isn’t on the menu, baristas will serve a long black when someone asks for an Americano, or vice versa, depending on local habits and customer requests.

In China, the influence of Australia and New Zealand has led to long blacks being served as Americanos, sometimes confusing travelers who expect more hot water or a different preparation.

4. Iced Long Black: A Summer Favorite

Iced long black is a classic in Australia’s hot summers: fill a cup with ice, add cold water, and float a double shot of espresso on top. This method preserves the crema and delivers a refreshing, bold coffee—one of the most popular black coffee options in local cafés. Of course, iced Americano is also popular around the world.

5. The Importance of Crema and Cup Size

Locals emphasize that long black’s defining feature is its thick crema and intense aroma, while Americano is about volume and smoothness. The long black is usually smaller, more concentrated, and served in a specialty cup, while the Americano is larger and more diluted.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Ready to enjoy café-style long black or Americano at home—without the fuss? The HiBREW H13 espresso machine delivers both drinks with one touch, customizable water volume, and flawless crema every time. Whether you’re a fan of double shot espresso, love experimenting with espresso beans, or just want the perfect cup of black coffee, HiBREW H13 makes it effortless.