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Breville's Grind Control Coffee Maker is our top pick Cnc Tapping Center
Coffee connoisseurs know that grinding whole-bean coffee is always the way to go for the best-tasting cup. Pre-ground coffee loses its freshness and flavor while sitting on a shelf. With coffee makers with built-in grinders, you don't have the hassle of a separate coffee grinder or the mess of transferring grounds from your grinder to your coffee maker — these machines are all-in-one.
There are a few key things to consider when you're looking to make this addition to your kitchen. Kathleen McCarthy, the training manager at coffee giant Lavazza, says that some of the most important aspects to keep in mind when purchasing a coffee machine with a grinder are sharp, easy-to-clean burrs (the actual grinders) and "the ability to adjust seamlessly between grind settings."
Whether you're a drip coffee fan or more of an espresso machine type, we removed the guesswork for you by testing 20 different coffee makers with grinders for grind consistency, brew time, coffee temperature, taste, ease of cleaning, and more.
Insulated carafe keeps coffee warm
Bulky design may not fit in all kitchens
In just six minutes — including the bean grinding — you'll have a full, freshly brewed pot of coffee with the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker. The brew came out smooth and consistent, with no grounds at the bottom of the cup.
The grinding and brewing processes worked well. Using this machine was easy and user-friendly, though some instructions on the water-to-bean ratio would have been nice. This machine is average-sized and a little bulky, but the carafe was insulated, which is a nice touch. It also comes with a stainless steel travel mug, making the morning commute a bit more pleasant.
The thoughtful touches didn't end with the insulated carafe. Any regular coffee drinker knows how long the wait can feel for that first cup in the morning, so we really appreciated the digital display on this machine, which indicates the grind time and when it's preheating. The display shows you exactly how long it will take to brew a pot of coffee.
This model also earned our top score for ease of cleaning — it was very simple to take apart and wash (the removable parts are dishwasher safe!), a must for ensuring your cups of coffee stay as fresh as possible.
Coffee Type: Drip | Dimensions: 12.5 x 8.5 x 16.3 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Grinder Type: Burr | Brew Capacity: 12 cups
Coffee begins to lose its flavor immediately after grinding, which is why having a coffee maker with a built-in grinder is so helpful. If you choose to pre-grind your beans, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark location for up to two weeks for the best flavor.
Doesn't take up much space
Brews a cup of coffee in just over a minute
There's nothing like brewing cafe-quality coffee for a fraction of the price, which is exactly what you'll get with this money-saving single-serve machine. Without taking up much space in your kitchen, this Cuisinart model makes smooth, freshly ground cups of coffee, one at a time. And it only takes a minute and 23 seconds per cup.
We found that the coffee was smooth and silky, like a classic drip coffee. Another standout feature is its dual capability: It allows you to make a freshly ground cup from whole beans or coffee pods. It's ideal for on-the-go or small kitchens, and we highly recommend it for busy bees.
This machine is not only easy to disassemble and clean, but it is also very functional without taking up too much real estate on your counter. While it doesn't produce a variety of drinks (just a single cup of coffee) and there aren't adjustable grind settings, this machine is easy to use, easy to clean, and gets you out the door with a hot coffee fast.
Coffee Type: Drip | Dimensions: 11.02 x 7.28 x 12.67 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Grinder Type: Burr | Brew Capacity: 12 ounces
Tamp can get locked into the machine
If you're looking for an espresso machine rather than a drip coffee pot, consider this model. It produces shots that we believe rival the taste of freshly made espresso from a coffee shop. The espresso brews super-fast, and the machine has its own timer on the display.
The included milk frother is very easy to use and produces a nice cafe-quality foam, plus a frothing cup, which is an added convenience. The machine is easy to set up, but we did note that the tamp can get locked into the machine after use, so it's hard to release it from the chamber.
The higher price reflects the quality of this machine and its excellent grinding and brewing capabilities. The Breville Barista Pro produces a custom grind, and the whole thing is very easy to use once you get the initial process down. It's easy to take apart and clean, too, which is always a plus.
Coffee Type: Drip, espresso | Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 13 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Grinder Type: Burr | Brew Capacity: 2 cups
Only four minutes to brew a full pot
Must add the exact amount of water for brewing needs
This coffee machine was another crowd favorite in our testing. The grinding and brewing process is efficient and fast, though the grinder is very loud, so if the noise doesn't wake you up, the bold coffee will. The machine works quickly. It can brew up to 10 cups of coffee in just over four minutes. It also has a two-hour warming function to keep your coffee warm if the machine is not unplugged.
This no-frills model has a very straightforward design, but the instructions are not very clear. It's easy to clean, but it's particular: Be sure you add the exact amount of water for your brewing needs.
Despite those downsides, we found that this model brewed one of the best drip coffees we tried, and the price only adds to its value.
Coffee Type: Drip | Dimensions: 14.33 x 10 x 18.9 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Grinder Type: Burr | Brew Capacity: 10 cups
Display shows amount of water and grounds required
Easy to set up and clean
There's just something about pouring a cup of coffee from a carafe that makes the Cuisinart Burr Grind and Brew Coffee Maker great for the nostalgic java drinker. We found favor with the easy setup process and easy-to-understand digital display, which made figuring out quantities and brewing functions (strictly ground or pre-ground drip coffee) pretty straightforward.
We were happy with how quietly this machine functioned, even when it was softly beeping to let us know the brewing process was complete. However, the brewing time from start to finish was a bit slow, though that's understandable due to the bigger vessel it has to fill as opposed to a single cup or shot. The carafe also kept the coffee nice and hot.
This machine may have fewer bells and whistles and not be as attractive as some of its companions on this list, but it's easy to set up and clean, so it's handy for a family of coffee enthusiasts or someone who runs on several cups a day.
Coffee Type: Drip | Dimensions: 8.5 x 11.4 x 16.3 inches | Weight: 17.7 pounds | Grinder Type: Burr | Brew Capacity: 10 cups
Sleek design looks great in a kitchen
Somewhat noisy while espresso is made
The Terra Kaffe TK-01 makes a silky smooth, incredibly good shot of espresso. The grinding and brewing capabilities on this model are excellent — the Terra Kaffe does exactly what you want it to do with just the press of a button. While the machine is a tad bit loud as it goes to work on your coffee, the noise doesn't last long. The milk frother is easy to use and produces a nice, smooth foam, though the process is a bit messy. You also have options for your milk-to-foam ratio on this machine, among other choices on the display, which is a nice luxury.
This sleek model would fit perfectly into the aesthetic of a modern kitchen. We loved that the digital display was extremely detailed. However, there was no compartment for the milk frother, making the accessory that much more likely to get lost. The machine is very large and long, so count on it taking up some space. However, it's easy to take apart and clean.
Coffee Type: Espresso | Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.6 x 14 inches | Weight: 23 pounds | Grinder Type: Burr | Brew Capacity: 1 cup
Exceptional number of drink options
May require prior knowledge of espresso-making
The De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine was dubbed a crowd favorite in our testing thanks to its delicious espresso shots, exceptional foam, and easy-to-use interface. Though this machine looks large and complicated, we found that it was incredibly easy to set up thanks to its comprehensive instruction manual. It's super quiet when running (a real plus in the morning!) and automatically tamps the grinds for you.
From several espresso-based coffee options to a state-of-the-art steam wand, there's much to love about this pro-level machine. However, as most professional-grade appliances do, this machine requires a bit of know-how before use. We needed to establish a base knowledge of espresso-making before using this model, though it's easy to catch on after you learn the general setup of the machine.
Coffee Type: Drip, espresso | Dimensions: 15 x 14.5 x 17.5 inches | Weight: 29.76 pounds | Grinder Type: Burr | Brew Capacity: 1 cup
Milk frother provided superior foam
One would typically associate luxury with attractiveness, and that's exactly what you get with the sleek Miele Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine. With drip coffee, espresso, and milk frother functions, this machine is a one-stop shop for some of the best brews around.
We especially loved its easy-to-read digital display and superb milk frother, which automatically frothed the milk to foamy perfection without needing to manually guide the valve, a feature we appreciated. We also adored the "classic espresso" that this machine produced and the quality of the brew for all functions, from froth level to the absence of grinds and acidity level.
However, you do want to make sure you're an avid coffee drinker before you purchase the Miele, as this machine is on the heavy side and has the highest price on our list.
Coffee Type: Drip, espresso | Dimensions: 18.1 x 9.5 x 14.2 inches | Weight: 21 pounds | Grinder Type: Burr | Brew Capacity: 5.5 cups
It may sound like a no-brainer, but consider how many people in your household will be using the coffee maker (and how much each person drinks) when deciding between a model that brews a full pot, like the Gevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker, and one that makes single servings, like the Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind & Brew Plus. Single-serve coffee makers with grinders will ultimately take a bit more time to brew, meaning you and your family or guests won't be able to sit down and enjoy a warm cup of coffee at the same time.
Our winning coffee makers with grinders either make drip coffee or espresso — not both. The triumphant drip machine was the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker, whereas our favorite espresso model was the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine. A coffee maker with a grinder is an investment to be used daily, so consider which type of coffee you like to drink most often.
Typically, the higher the price, the more bells and whistles you'll find on a coffee maker with a grinder. Espresso, milk frother, and touchscreen selections for various types of drinks all tend to come with a higher price. Other features include the size of the cup and the strength of the brew the machine produces. Think about how often you'll use the machine and what sorts of beverages you plan to make on a regular basis to determine the value for your specific needs.
As part of our testing process, we took apart all of the coffee makers to find out how easy it was to wash the carafe and grinder and to remove and clean the interior parts of the machine. All the top products we tested were easy to clean, but our top winner, the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker, was the easiest to clean and maintain.
Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for cleaning guidance for your specific coffee maker with grinder. Some may require frequent descaling, and others may have replaceable filters that eliminate that cleaning step. Since the grinders in these coffee makers are built-in, cleaning is often limited to a simple brush or wipe with a cloth.
We tested 20 coffee makers with grinders, including drip coffee makers and espresso machines, from Breville, Cuisinart, De'Longhi, and more.
You should grind your coffee beans according to the specific instructions for your coffee machine. For example, a medium to coarse grind works best if you're using a French press or a drip coffee maker, while a fine grind is ideal when making coffee in siphon and espresso machines. "Essentially, finer grinding will slow down the brewing process, allowing the water to remain in contact with the coffee grinds for a longer time," McCarthy states. This will, in turn, make the grounds somewhat stronger in both taste and acidity — a preference that is entirely up to the drinkers themselves.
Generally, yes, but coffee strength is also impacted by how it's prepared. "This will 100 percent depend on the consumer's definition of 'stronger' coffee," says McCarthy. "For some, strength is equivalent to intense taste or bitterness, while for others, strength is equivalent to a complex set of flavors or a heavy mouthfeel, or some combination of all of these."
Espresso, for instance, is made with a low water-to-bean ratio and a high-pressure machine that forces water over finely ground, tightly packed coffee to make it strong. On the other hand, using finely ground beans in a drip coffee maker can give the coffee a bitter taste.
According to McCarthy, the answer is a resounding no. "Coffee grinders are meant only to grind coffee from its whole bean form; coffee that has already been ground is very likely to clog and could even potentially break a grinder," she says. If you prefer to use pre-ground coffee instead, then you should check the specifications for the device you're considering to see if it's possible to brew pre-ground coffee. For example, two of the coffee makers with grinders on our list — the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker and the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine — can be used with pre-ground beans.
As a commerce writer for PEOPLE, Alyssa Brascia covers beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle products. She has also written for InStyle, Shape, and Southern Living. For this piece, she compared the features, benefits, and uses of some of the market's most popular all-in-one coffee makers with grinders. She compared models based on their cost, size, capabilities, ease of use and maintenance, time to grind and brew, quality of the brew, and more. For additional insight on some key aspects to remember when purchasing all-in-one coffee makers with grinders, Brascia interviewed coffee expert Kathleen McCarthy.
Kathleen McCarthy is the corporate training manager for international coffee giant Lavazza.
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