For coffee enthusiasts, the pursuit of the perfect cup often begins with the right equipment. Integrated coffee makers with grinders offer the ultimate convenience, allowing you to grind fresh beans and brew aromatic coffee all in one device. These machines combine efficiency with the art of coffee making, ensuring that each cup is brewed to perfection with freshly ground beans. This guide explores some of the best coffee makers with built-in grinders on the market, detailing their unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you find the perfect addition to your kitchen. Whether you’re seeking top-tier performance, budget-friendly options, or the ease of automated brewing, there’s a coffee maker with a grinder that meets your needs and elevates your coffee experience.
The Best Coffee Makers with Grinder
Best Overall
Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker
The Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker is a high-end appliance designed to enhance the coffee experience by integrating both grinding and brewing functions. It features a sleek stainless steel exterior, a user-friendly control panel with a large LCD screen, and customizable settings for grind size, brew strength, brew time, and serving size. The built-in burr grinder ensures coffee beans are ground fresh before brewing, maximizing flavor. However, its bulky size can be a drawback for those with limited counter space, and the carafe’s tendency to drip when pouring is a notable design flaw.
Despite its size and the need for regular cleaning and maintenance, the Breville Grind Control excels in delivering fresh, flavorful coffee. The machine’s thermal carafe can keep coffee warm for up to five hours without using a hot plate, which helps maintain the coffee’s taste. Priced at around $300, it represents a significant investment but offers good value for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the convenience and quality of freshly ground coffee. Its robust build quality and extensive customization options make it a standout choice for those serious about their coffee.
Best Runner-Up
Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker
The Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker is designed for coffee enthusiasts seeking a blend of quality and convenience. It features a built-in grinder with six adjustable grind sizes, allowing for freshly ground beans that enhance coffee flavor. The machine offers versatile brewing options, including single cups and full carafes, catering to different needs. Its programmable settings let users customize brew strength, temperature, and volume, while a programmable timer ensures coffee is ready when needed. Certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the machine meets high standards for brewing quality coffee, particularly with its gold setting that produces a balanced and smooth cup.
Aesthetically, the coffee maker boasts a modern design with copper accents and is available in matte black, matte white, and stainless steel finishes. The build quality is robust, featuring a removable 75-ounce water tank for convenience. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote operation via the SmartHQ mobile app, and voice control compatibility adds to its ease of use. While maintenance requires manual cleaning, the machine includes features like a charcoal water filter and descaling alerts to maintain performance. Despite its higher price and maintenance needs, the Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker delivers consistently excellent coffee, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Best Budget
Black + Decker 12 Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker
The Black + Decker 12 Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker (CM500B) is a versatile and affordable option that combines grinding and brewing functions in one unit. Its integrated grinder and brew basket streamline the coffee-making process and eliminate the need for paper filters. The coffee maker features a user-friendly interface with a backlit display, programmable start time, and adjustable brew strength. The reusable filter enhances the coffee’s flavor by allowing more oils and fine particles to pass through, although this can result in a small amount of sediment in the cup. The setup is straightforward, involving washing removable parts and running water through the machine to remove any manufacturing residues.
In terms of performance, the coffee maker grinds coffee beans uniformly, which significantly improves the flavor of the brewed coffee. The brewing process is efficient, with evenly distributed hot water. Despite its larger size, which may not fit under all kitchen cabinets, and the need for manual descaling, the coffee maker’s benefits outweigh these minor inconveniences. Its programmable features ensure a fresh pot of coffee is ready when needed, and the auto-off feature enhances safety and energy efficiency. Overall, the Black + Decker 12 Cup Mill and Brew Coffee Maker offers excellent value for its price, making it a great choice for both coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers.
Best Automatic
Spinn Pro Coffee Maker
The Spinn Pro coffee maker is a cutting-edge device that utilizes centrifugal force technology to brew various coffee styles, including espresso, Americano, drip, and cold brew. This innovative method, spinning coffee grounds at up to 5,000 RPM, ensures even extraction and rich flavor, distinguishing it from traditional coffee makers. The machine is designed for user convenience, featuring a built-in grinder, customizable presets, and app control with over two dozen drink options. Its compact and stylish design fits seamlessly into most kitchens, while the app provides detailed customization and remote brewing capabilities.
In terms of performance, the Spinn Pro excels in producing fresh-tasting cold brew and accurate beverage volumes. However, the brewed coffee and Americanos may not satisfy all coffee enthusiasts, as the taste can sometimes be hollow or over-extracted. The machine is easy to use and maintain, with a simple interface, automatic cleaning cycle, and removable parts. It is particularly suitable for busy individuals or caregiving environments, offering convenience and minimal maintenance. While the high price point and potential for higher maintenance due to its complex system are considerations, the Spinn Pro offers a versatile and eco-friendly alternative for those seeking a high-end, automated coffee maker.
Best Performing
DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker
The DeLonghi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker is a versatile and high-end coffee machine that offers a range of brewing options and customizable settings for coffee enthusiasts. It combines a built-in grinder and multiple brew sizes and strengths, including light, gold (SCA-certified), bold, and over-ice coffee. The user-friendly control panel features settings for time, temperature, water hardness, and acoustic signals, enhancing the convenience of brewing fresh coffee at home. However, it lacks a frother for making espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes and can be a bit messy during cleanup when transitioning used grounds to the waste container.
Designed with a sleek stainless steel finish, the TrueBrew fits well in most kitchens but may require extra cabinet clearance due to its height. It excels in delivering consistently high-quality coffee, thanks to its built-in burr grinder that ensures freshly ground beans for each brew. The machine’s performance meets Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards, producing well-balanced, flavorful coffee without bitterness. Despite some drawbacks, such as the absence of a frother and the relatively large size, the TrueBrew’s overall convenience, automated features, and high-quality coffee output make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to elevate their home coffee experience.
Best for Pour-Over
Gevi 4-in-1 Smart Pour-over Coffee Machine
The Gevi 4-in-1 Smart Pour-Over Coffee Machine is a versatile device that integrates a grinder, scale, kettle, and brewer, making it a comprehensive solution for coffee enthusiasts. Its sleek, modern design, highlighted by anodized aluminum and a Red Dot Design Award, makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen. Key features include three rotating spouts for even coffee extraction, a user-friendly touchscreen display, a 60mm stainless steel flat burr grinder with 51 grind settings, and precise temperature and flow control. The integrated scale ensures accurate coffee measurements, enhancing the brewing process. Despite its advanced features, the machine is user-friendly with an automatic mode for beginners and a Barista Mode for real-time adjustments, catering to both novice and experienced brewers.
In terms of performance, the Gevi 4-in-1 excels in producing high-quality coffee with its consistent grind size and precise brewing controls. The rotating spouts and temperature settings allow for fine-tuning, ensuring optimal flavor extraction. However, the machine does come with a steep learning curve, especially for those new to pour-over coffee. Its $599.99 price tag may be a significant investment for casual drinkers, but for coffee aficionados willing to invest time and money, it offers unparalleled precision and versatility. The machine’s maintenance is straightforward, with a descaling mode and easily accessible components for cleaning. Overall, the Gevi 4-in-1 is a powerful tool for those passionate about coffee brewing, promising to elevate the home brewing experience with its advanced features and customizable settings.
Best K-Cup
Cuisinart Grind and Brew Plus
The Cuisinart Grind and Brew Plus is a versatile coffee maker that combines the convenience of single-serve brewing with the ability to brew a full carafe, catering to a wide range of coffee preferences. It features dual brewing options, with one side accommodating a 12-cup carafe and the other designed for single-serve K-cups. The built-in blade grinder allows for brewing with freshly ground beans, enhancing the coffee’s flavor and aroma, although it lacks the precision of a burr grinder. The machine’s user-friendly interface includes options for pod and carafe brewing, a bolder taste setting, a pre-ground coffee option, and more, ensuring ease of use even for those unfamiliar with high-tech appliances.
Despite its strengths in versatility and convenience, the Cuisinart Grind and Brew Plus requires frequent and detailed cleaning, particularly for the grinder and filter basket, which can accumulate moisture and coffee grounds. The grinder cannot be used for single-serve brewing, limiting fresh coffee options to the carafe side. Additionally, the blade grinder’s design can lead to steam buildup and sludge, necessitating thorough cleaning to prevent mold growth. While this machine offers significant flexibility and convenience, coffee purists might prefer alternatives with more precise grinders and lower maintenance requirements.
Best Ease of Use
Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 12 Cup Automatic Coffeemaker
The Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker aims to provide an all-in-one coffee brewing solution by integrating a burr grinder with a drip coffee maker. It boasts a modern design with brushed steel and black plastic accents, and a user-friendly control panel featuring a clear LCD display, grind control knob, and strength control button. The machine is highly programmable, allowing users to set brewing times and customize the strength of their coffee. Its thermal carafe keeps coffee warm for extended periods, and it includes a charcoal water filter to enhance coffee taste by removing impurities. However, its large size may not be suitable for smaller kitchens, and the grinding process is notably loud.
Despite its promising features, the Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew falls short in key areas. The coffee produced is consistently weak and lacks depth, primarily due to the machine’s inability to reach the ideal brewing temperature of 200°F, often only achieving 175°F. Maintenance is also cumbersome, requiring frequent cleaning of multiple parts, including the burr grinder and coffee chute. While the machine’s programmability and ease of use might appeal to those seeking convenience, the overall coffee quality and maintenance demands make it less attractive to serious coffee enthusiasts. The high price point further underscores its shortcomings, suggesting that separate devices for grinding and brewing might offer better value and performance.
Best Single Serve
Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffee Maker
The Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single-Serve Coffee Maker combines the convenience of single-serve pods with the rich flavors of freshly ground coffee beans. This compact machine, designed with modern aesthetics, features a conical burr grinder ensuring a consistent grind size for optimal flavor extraction. It offers multiple brewing sizes (4, 8, 10, and 12 ounces) and is compatible with whole beans, ground coffee, and pods, providing flexibility for various coffee preferences. Despite its plastic body, the inclusion of stainless steel and glass accents adds a touch of sophistication, making it a suitable addition to modern kitchens. The user-friendly control panel and easy setup process enhance its appeal, though the lack of a warming plate and adjustable grind settings might be drawbacks for some users.
Performance-wise, the Cuisinart Grind and Brew excels in delivering strong, rich coffee, particularly when using freshly ground beans. The machine’s reusable pods and removable grinder parts simplify maintenance and reduce waste, making it an eco-friendly option. While the grinder is louder than some models and smaller cup sizes may cause splashing, the overall flavor quality and versatility make it a standout choice. Online reviews praise its flavor quality and ease of use, though some users note minor issues with cup consistency. Compared to other coffee makers, it offers a richer taste and eco-friendliness, though it lacks features like a warming plate found in traditional drip machines. Overall, the Cuisinart Grind and Brew is an excellent investment for coffee enthusiasts seeking convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Best Extra-Hot Coffee
Capresso CoffeeTeam TS
The Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS is a grind-and-brew coffee maker that integrates a conical burr grinder for fresh coffee grounds, ensuring the preservation of essential oils and flavors for a superior coffee experience. Its sleek design includes both glass and thermal carafe options, catering to different user preferences for maintaining coffee temperature. The programmable features allow users to set specific times for grinding and brewing, enhancing convenience for busy mornings. Additionally, the machine’s adjustable aroma settings enable users to customize the strength of their coffee, providing flexibility to achieve the perfect cup every time.
User experience with the CoffeeTEAM TS highlights its intuitive interface and efficient performance. Despite some initial challenges in finding the ideal grind and water settings, the machine consistently produces high-quality coffee with rich flavors. The machine’s ability to maintain optimal brewing temperatures, along with the option to use pre-ground coffee, adds to its versatility. Maintenance is straightforward with a reusable gold-tone filter and easy-to-clean components. Overall, the Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS is praised for its convenience, quality, and versatility, making it a valuable addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen.
Best Splurge
De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Espresso Machine
The De’Longhi Dinamica Plus is a highly versatile, fully automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine designed to provide a barista-quality coffee experience at home. It features a 3.5-inch color touchscreen, an integrated LatteCrema system for milk frothing, and a conical burr grinder with 13 settings. The machine offers 16 different drink options, including espresso, cappuccino, and iced coffee, with customization options for strength, volume, and temperature. Its sleek, compact design, intuitive user interface, and robust build quality make it a stylish and durable addition to any kitchen.
The Dinamica Plus excels in performance, producing rich, aromatic espresso with a thick crema, and beautifully textured milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It offers additional functions such as brewing a pot of coffee and making iced coffee, enhancing its versatility. Daily use and maintenance are simplified by the automatic cleaning cycles and easily accessible removable parts. Users appreciate its ease of use, consistent quality, and ability to deliver personalized coffee drinks. Despite its higher price tag, the Dinamica Plus is considered a worthwhile investment for coffee enthusiasts seeking a premium home coffee experience.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right coffee maker with a built-in grinder can greatly enhance your coffee experience, offering the convenience of freshly ground beans and customized brewing. The variety of options available means there is a machine to suit every preference and budget, from high-end models like the Breville Grind Control and DeLonghi Dinamica Plus to budget-friendly options like the Black + Decker 12 Cup Mill and Brew. Each model offers unique features, such as programmable settings, different grind sizes, and varying brew capacities, allowing you to tailor your coffee to your exact taste. Investing in a coffee maker with a grinder not only saves counter space but also ensures that you enjoy the freshest, most flavorful coffee possible. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a reliable machine for your morning brew, there’s a perfect coffee maker with a grinder to elevate your coffee game.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Coffee Maker with Grinder
When purchasing a coffee maker with a built-in grinder, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you get the best machine for your needs. Below are insights gathered from three comprehensive reviews on the topic:
Grinder Type
- Burr Grinders vs. Blade Grinders: Burr grinders are generally preferred over blade grinders because they provide a more consistent grind size, which is crucial for the quality of your coffee. Burr grinders also produce less heat, preserving the coffee’s flavor.
- Grind Settings: Machines with multiple grind settings offer more control over the grind size, allowing you to customize your coffee to your taste. Some high-end models can have up to 30 grind settings, while others might only have one.
Carafe Type
- Glass vs. Thermal Carafe: Glass carafes are lightweight, often dishwasher-safe, and less expensive. However, thermal carafes can keep coffee hot for hours without the need for a warming plate, which helps preserve the coffee’s flavor and prevent burning.
Capacity and Size
- Brew Capacity: Consider the number of cups you need the coffee maker to brew. Some models offer single-serve options, while others can brew up to 12 cups or more.
- Hopper Capacity: A larger hopper means you won’t need to refill beans as frequently. However, it can also make the machine bulkier.
Special Features
- Programmability: Machines with programmable features allow you to set the grind size, coffee strength, and brewing time in advance. This is especially useful for having fresh coffee ready in the morning.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for machines with removable grinders and brew baskets for easier cleaning. Some machines also come with self-cleaning features.
Price
- Budget: The price range for coffee makers with grinders varies significantly. High-end models can be quite expensive but often offer superior features and build quality. Decide your budget based on how much you value convenience, customization, and build quality.
Noise Level
- Quiet Operation: If you are sensitive to noise, look for models known for their quiet grinders. Some machines integrate soundproofing to minimize noise during the grinding process.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Coffee Maker With Grinder
Advantages:
- Convenience: These machines offer a one-stop solution for grinding and brewing, saving time and effort.
- Space-Saving: Having a built-in grinder reduces the need for an extra appliance on your countertop.
- Freshness: Grinding coffee beans just before brewing ensures maximum flavor and aroma.
- Versatility: Many models allow for adjustments in grind size and brew strength, catering to personal preferences.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces the use of single-use coffee pods, which are harmful to the environment.
Disadvantages:
- Noise: Lower quality grinders can be quite noisy and may deliver inconsistent results.
- Size: These machines are often bulky, taking up significant counter space.
- Maintenance: They can be more challenging to clean and maintain compared to separate units.
- Cost: Higher initial investment compared to basic coffee makers or separate grinders.
- Learning Curve: It may take time to find the perfect balance between grind size, brew strength, and the machine’s settings to achieve the desired coffee taste.
FAQ: Best Coffee Makers with Grinder
1. What are the benefits of having a coffee maker with a built-in grinder?
Answer: A coffee maker with a built-in grinder ensures that you get freshly ground coffee every time, enhancing the flavor and aroma of your brew. It also saves counter space and the hassle of using a separate grinder.
2. What types of grinders are available in coffee makers?
Answer: Coffee makers typically come with either blade grinders or burr grinders. Blade grinders are usually less expensive but can produce uneven grounds, while burr grinders offer a more consistent grind and better control over grind size, which is essential for optimal flavor extraction.
3. Are there coffee makers with both grinder and brewing settings?
Answer: Yes, many advanced coffee makers come with adjustable settings for both grinding and brewing. These settings allow you to customize the grind size, brew strength, and brewing time to suit your taste preferences.
4. How do I clean a coffee maker with a grinder?
Answer: Cleaning a coffee maker with a grinder usually involves emptying and rinsing the grind container, brushing out the grinder mechanism, and running a cleaning cycle. Some models have removable parts that are dishwasher safe. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.
5. Can I use pre-ground coffee in a coffee maker with a grinder?
Answer: Yes, most coffee makers with grinders allow you to use pre-ground coffee. This is useful if you prefer a specific grind or type of coffee that isn’t available in whole bean form. Look for a machine that offers a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee.
6. What features should I look for when buying a coffee maker with a grinder?
Answer: Key features to look for include the type of grinder (blade or burr), grind size settings, brew strength control, ease of cleaning, capacity, programmable settings, and additional functionalities like a timer, automatic shutoff, and built-in water filter.
7. Are coffee makers with grinders more expensive than regular coffee makers?
Answer: Generally, coffee makers with built-in grinders are more expensive than those without. The added cost is due to the integrated grinding mechanism, which adds to the convenience and ensures freshly ground coffee for every brew. However, they offer better value for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the improved flavor of freshly ground beans.
8. Do coffee makers with grinders make a lot of noise?
Answer: The noise level can vary depending on the model and type of grinder. Burr grinders tend to be quieter than blade grinders. While some noise is inevitable during the grinding process, many modern coffee makers are designed to minimize noise.
9. How long do coffee makers with grinders typically last?
Answer: The lifespan of a coffee maker with a grinder can vary based on the brand, model, and how well it is maintained. On average, a well-maintained coffee maker with a grinder can last between 5 to 10 years. Regular cleaning and descaling can help extend its lifespan.
10. Can I adjust the grind size on a coffee maker with a grinder?
Answer: Yes, most coffee makers with grinders allow you to adjust the grind size. This is an important feature as different brewing methods require different grind sizes for optimal extraction. For example, espresso requires a fine grind, while French press requires a coarse grind.
