There’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of freshly ground coffee. Pre-ground beans lose their complex flavors and aromatic oils quickly, which is why a coffee maker with a built-in grinder is such a game-changer for your morning routine. These all-in-one machines simplify the process, ensuring you get the freshest possible cup from bean to brew with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker seeking convenience or an aspiring home barista chasing the perfect espresso shot, there is a machine designed for you. From simple drip brewers to sophisticated automatic espresso centers, this roundup covers the best options to bring café-quality coffee into your kitchen. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top machines that integrate grinding and brewing seamlessly.
Our Top Picks for Coffee Makers with Grinders
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
- BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker
- Cuisinart Automatic Grind and Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker
- De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine
- Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
- Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
- Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal Coffeemaker
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
The Breville Barista Express is designed for those who want professional-quality espresso at home without the steep learning curve. Its integrated precision conical burr grinder delivers the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor for any roast. This machine puts you in complete control of the grind size and dose.
A key feature is the low pressure pre-infusion function, which gradually increases water pressure at the start of the extraction. This process helps to ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly from the coffee grounds, resulting in a balanced and full-tasting espresso. You can go from whole beans to a rich shot of espresso in under a minute, making it both efficient and effective.
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker
For those who prioritize simplicity and volume, the BLACK+DECKER Mill and Brew offers a straightforward solution for fresh coffee. This automatic drip machine features an integrated grinder that works just before the brew cycle starts, filling your carafe with the full flavor and aroma of freshly ground beans. It’s an excellent choice for households that drink multiple cups each morning.
This machine is versatile, accepting whole beans for fresh grinding or allowing you to bypass the grinder to use pre-ground coffee. You can also customize your brew strength with options for regular, bold, and strong coffee. The programmable timer and Sneak-A-Cup feature, which lets you pour a cup while the rest continues brewing, add to its everyday convenience.
Cuisinart Automatic Grind and Brew 12-Cup Coffeemaker
The Cuisinart Grind and Brew is a reliable and sleek option for automatic fresh coffee. It is designed to grind whole beans immediately before brewing, capturing the essential oils and robust flavor that are often lost in pre-ground coffee. This process guarantees a noticeably superior cup of coffee with minimal effort on your part.
This coffeemaker includes a 1-4 cup setting, which is ideal for brewing a smaller batch without compromising on taste. The automatic shutoff feature provides peace of mind, and the overall design is built for daily use. It’s a solid performer for anyone looking to upgrade their standard drip machine to one that grinds and brews.
De’Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine
The De’Longhi La Specialista is a feature-packed machine for the serious home barista. It includes a dedicated Sensor Grinder Technology with eight settings, allowing you to perfectly dial in the grind for any type of coffee bean. This ensures a precise and consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for every single or double espresso you pull.
This machine offers advanced control with its Active Temperature Control, which provides three different water temperature settings to optimally extract flavors from various beans. The innovative My Latte Art steam wand is designed to create consistently silky microfoam, cool to the touch after use, giving you the tools to practice and perfect your milk-based drinks.
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
For the ultimate in convenience, the Philips 3200 Series is a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine. With just one touch on the intuitive display, you can prepare five different coffee varieties: espresso, coffee, americano, cappuccino, or latte macchiato. The integrated LatteGo milk system uses a simple, no-hassle design for easy milk frothing and cleaning.
At the heart of this machine is a 100% ceramic grinder, which is durable and stays cool to preserve the beans’ aroma. The Aroma Extract system is engineered to find the ideal balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction, while the AquaClean filter ensures you can brew up to 5,000 cups before needing to descale.
Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder & Milk Frother
The Gevi Espresso Machine is a comprehensive system that brings barista-style capabilities to your countertop. It features a powerful 20-bar pressure system that expertly forces hot water through the coffee grounds, extracting the rich flavors and aromatic oils essential for a quality espresso. This makes it suitable for creating a wide range of coffeehouse favorites.
Advanced temperature control is a highlight, with an NTC and PID system that perfectly regulates the temperature for both the coffee and the milk froth. This ensures a balanced coffee flavor and allows the steam wand to produce smooth, consistent foam quickly. It’s a solid all-in-one unit for those wanting to experiment with different coffee recipes at home.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
This model from Breville offers a streamlined path to crafting excellent espresso at home. It combines a precision burr grinder with a thermocoil heating system for rapid heat-up and temperature stability. The grinder doses directly into the portafilter, making the workflow from beans to espresso seamless and efficient.
You have manual control over the shot, allowing you to stop the extraction at your preferred moment for a customized flavor profile. The built-in steam wand provides the power needed to texture milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It’s a well-regarded machine that balances professional features with user-friendly operation.
Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal Coffeemaker
The Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal model takes freshness a step further by incorporating a double-wall, stainless steel thermal carafe. This carafe is excellent for keeping coffee hot for hours without using a warming plate, which can often give coffee a burnt taste. The integrated grinder ensures your coffee starts with the freshest grounds possible.
Fully programmable, you can set the machine the night before and wake up to a freshly brewed pot of coffee. It brews up to 12 cups and is designed to be a central part of a busy kitchen. The combination of a built-in grinder and a thermal carafe makes it a standout choice for those who value both freshness and temperature retention.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Coffee Maker with a Built-In Grinder
I love the idea of a coffee maker with a built-in grinder. It cuts down on counter space and guarantees a fresh, flavorful cup because the beans are ground right before brewing. But with so many models out there, how do you pick the right one for your kitchen? I’ve found that focusing on a few key features makes the decision much easier.
First, consider the grinder itself. The two main types are burr grinders and blade grinders. I always recommend a burr grinder. It crushes the beans between two surfaces, creating a consistent particle size. This consistency is crucial for an even extraction and a balanced cup. Blade grinders chop the beans unevenly, which can lead to some grounds being over-extracted (bitter) and others under-extracted (sour). For the best flavor, a burr grinder is the way to go. Also, check if the grinder offers multiple settings. The ability to choose from coarse to fine grinds gives you control over the strength of your coffee and allows you to use the machine for other brew methods, like a French press, if the machine permits.
Next, think about the brewing process and capacity. How many cups do you typically make at once? If you’re brewing for a family or entertaining often, a machine with a larger carafe, like a 10-12 cup model, is a smart choice. If you’re the only coffee drinker or have limited space, a single-serve option or a smaller carafe might be perfect. Also, pay attention to the water reservoir. A removable reservoir is much easier to fill and clean. Some advanced models even have built-in water filters to improve the taste of your tap water, which can make a noticeable difference in your final cup.
Finally, look at the features that match your lifestyle. Programmable timers are a game-changer for busy mornings. You can set it up the night before and wake up to a freshly brewed pot. A thermal carafe, as opposed to a glass one on a hot plate, keeps coffee hot for hours without burning it, which I find preserves the flavor better. For those who enjoy espresso-based drinks, some of the best coffee makers with built-in grinders also include a milk frother. And of course, don’t forget about cleanup. Look for features like an easy-to-clean brew group or a removable grinder chamber to make maintenance simple.
FAQ
Is a coffee maker with a built-in grinder worth it?
In my opinion, absolutely, if you value freshness and convenience. Pre-ground coffee loses its flavor and aroma quickly after being exposed to air. By grinding beans right before brewing, you capture all those volatile oils and compounds that make coffee taste amazing. It also means one less appliance on your countertop. For the daily coffee drinker, the improvement in cup quality is usually worth the investment.
How do I clean the grinder in my coffee maker?
Cleaning the grinder is essential to prevent old, oily coffee residue from tainting the flavor of your fresh beans. First, always unplug the machine. I use a soft, dry brush to dislodge any loose grounds from the burrs or chamber. Many manufacturers also recommend running a specific grinder cleaning pellet or a small amount of uncooked white rice through the grinder to absorb oils (but check your manual first, as this isn’t recommended for all models). Never use water or liquid cleaners inside the grinder assembly itself.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in these machines?
Yes, most models have a bypass doser or a special setting that allows you to use pre-ground coffee. This is a handy feature if you receive a bag of pre-ground coffee as a gift or if your grinder breaks. You typically lift a small lid near the brew basket to add the grounds. Just remember that the machine won’t be using its fresh-grind function, so it’s best to use this as a temporary solution.
What is the main advantage of a burr grinder over a blade grinder?
The main advantage is consistency. A burr grinder produces uniform particles, which leads to an even extraction during brewing. This means you get a balanced, smooth cup without the bitterness or sourness that can come from uneven grounds. A blade grinder creates a mix of large chunks and fine powder, making it difficult to control the final flavor of your coffee.
Are these machines good for making espresso?
This is a common point of confusion. Most standard coffee makers with built-in grinders are designed for brewing regular drip coffee, not true espresso. True espresso requires a machine that can force hot water through finely-ground coffee at very high pressure (around 9 bars). However, some higher-end all-in-one machines do have an espresso function. If you’re looking for one of the best coffee makers with built-in grinders that also makes espresso, you’ll need to specifically seek out those models, which often include a high-pressure pump and a steam wand for milk frothing.