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These stylish and hands-free models make the freshest coffee. coffee mill grinder
Dana is an associate editorial director at Food & Wine, specializing in kitchen product reviews and lists. Dana joined the team in 2022 and has over seven years of experience writing about the world of food. Her work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, LA Times, New York Daily News, RedEye, Feast and Field, Chicago Magazine, Allrecipes, Food & Wine, and more.
The newest technology in coffee makers offers café-level quality from the comfort of your kitchen, but as any coffee expert will tell you, the perfect brew requires precisely ground beans. Enter built-in, programmable grind-and-brew coffee makers, designed to produce the freshest coffee imaginable. We tested over 20 models, ranging from espresso machines to 12-cup drip coffee makers, to help you find the best coffee maker with a grinder for your needs.
The Breville Grind Control stands out for its consistency and control. During testing, it crushed the beans uniformly for delicious-tasting coffee, and our editors have loved using it at home for years.
This coffee maker is easy to clean, and there are many customization options.
Make sure to read the instructions fully and calibrate your coffee grinder before using it.
The Breville Grind Control has impressed us for years, and it's one we keep coming back to time and time again. For those looking for a hands-off way to enjoy your morning brew, the Gind Control is ready to brew exactly when you want it. Programmable and precise, we found that from start to finish, including grind time, a full pot was ready in six minutes. The burr grinder is fully adjustable for any type of coffee extraction with Breville's "Steep and Release" technology, which adjusts brew temperature. During testing, we loved the grind control knob with the stages clearly visible on the LCD display. We just suggest calibrating the grinder first and following the included instructions to make sure you get the ratio right.
The best part? The easy customizability allows you to choose the amount of coffee you wish to drink that day. Choose between a tall cup, travel mug, or carafe using the display, which allows you to customize your coffee further by choosing the setting, strength, and time as well. This coffee grinder also includes a gold-tone filter, which is great for most grinds, and during testing, we liked how quiet it was. If you like your coffee very strong and fine, simply add in an extra paper filter to be sure no grinds escape.
"I have been using grind and brew coffeemakers for over 15 years, and the Breville is the best I have tested," says editor Jennifer Zyman. "It makes exceptional brews that will please any bold coffee lover. It is the only machine I will buy for my house after testing nearly all of the models on this list. And its price is hard to beat for the quality you receive." All in all, this is a well-built, reliable machine that is an easy choice for the freshest cup without hassle.
Coffee Type: Drip coffee | Grinder: Burr | Capacity: 12 cups | Size: 12.5 x 8.5 x 16.3 inches
This machine provides the ultimate customization options and we loved that there was virtually no cleaning.
The display and grinder were confusing to use at first.
This is the coffee maker for anyone who is serious about getting the perfect cup and wants to dedicate time to the minutiae of brewing. The machine connects to an app that can track and record water temperature and volume, grind strength and speed, and pouring patterns for endless customization, and a machine that remembers how to make your favorite cup. If you don't want to use the app, we had no trouble controlling the machine with the small knobs and easy-to-read screen on the front of the machine.
The thing we loved the most, though, was that there was nothing to clean. During testing, we were pleasantly surprised that there weren't any pieces to take apart and wash. This is because of the unique brewing method: the xBloom pods of whole bean coffee have barcodes on the bottom, which you can, and then pour the beans into the hopper before placing the pod in the brewing arm. The machine automatically grinds the coffee to the exact specifications needed for the beans, and the water is poured into the pods, which drips into your cup; there's no basket or carafe. There's also a reusable plastic pod that we used during testing to utilize our own beans and customize the grind; this was the only piece we washed.
We'd recommend this coffee maker for experienced home baristas; the display and grinder functions weren't intuitive. The included quick-start guide was helpful, but we still felt like we needed more instruction to get the hang of the controls.
Coffee Type: Pour-over | Grinder: Conical burr | Capacity: One cup at a time | Size: 8.5 x 6.9 x 16.9 inches
It's a super straightforward, easy-to-use and clean machine.
It only makes one cup at a time.
Cuisinart has created a single-serve coffee maker that is a great example of form and function. It is super compact and straightforward. Just fill the sealed container with your preferred beans and grind them into a reusable K-Cup pod, or use single-use K-Cup pods for even more convenience. With a pre-programmed start time or the push of a button, each cup is ready to go. There are only a few pieces to clean, and all are top-rack dishwasher-safe.
The single-cup brewing method means that you can't make a whole pot for a crowd. However, the 48-ounce reservoir holds enough to make up to six cups before refilling; choose serving sizes between 8 to 12 ounces. Upon tasting, we noted that the coffee tasted smooth and silky.
Coffee Type: Drip coffee | Grinder: Conical burr| Capacity: One cup at a time| Size: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches
It's superior in many ways, with an integrated precision conical burr grinder, frother, tamper, and more.
There is certainly a learning curve, and it's an investment.
We've tested countless espresso machines over the years, and the Breville Express is our favorite. It can be operated automatically or manually, so you can choose how you wish to brew your drinks. The machine features countless customizable settings and an integrated frother, tamper, and, of course, grinder. Like all manually operated machines, it also comes with a stainless steel milk frothing jug and filter baskets.
During testing, we found the grinder to be extremely precise, producing the right amount of fresh grounds for your desired consistency. You can also choose your grind setting, and the grinder will alter its water pressure as you use it. The grinder can hold up to half a pound of beans.
The Breville Express has a classic design and looks sharp on any countertop. Its superior frothing capabilities and quick, seamless extraction make it an investment most people are happy they made.
Coffee Type: Espresso | Grinder: Conical burr | Capacity: One cup at a time | Size: 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches
It's easy to set up and use and allows for both single-serve or carafe brews.
The machine is on the larger side, so consider your counter space before buying.
We found the Cuisinart Grind & Brew incredibly easy to use. Simply add beans and water, then use the large LCD display to program how much coffee to brew and how strong to brew (regular, bold, or extra-bold). The burr grinder automatically kicks in and deposits the grounds into the brew basket, followed by the brew system, which brews anywhere from 4 to 12 cups at a time. Or use the proprietary brew pause to grab a cup before the pot finishes. Its carafe holds up to 12 cups easily, and a grind-off feature lets you use pre-ground beans, just in case. If you're not in the mood for multiple cups, the convenient single-serve option is also available.
Coffee Type: Drip coffee | Grinder: Burr | Capacity: 12 cups | Size: 10.75 x 11.73 x 15.93 inches
A fantastic-looking machine with superior brew technology. It can also make cold drip coffee.
It's super-automatic, meaning you won't be able to do anything manually if you prefer.
If individualized, precision-made coffees are the goal, then the Terra Kaffe-02 checks all the boxes. This sleek model makes drip coffee and espresso drinks to order with the touch of its LCD screen. We found the machine to be extremely quiet and easy to use while also offering a full range of coffee choices, including cold drip coffee. The milk warmer and frother work seamlessly, and it tested well with both cow and non-dairy milk. A sleek and self-contained design looks good on any countertop, and you have the choice between a sleek black or clean white. And while cleaning can be a pain in other super automatic models, this machine senses when to run rinse and deep clean cycles.
We also found it extremely customizable and easy to use with the app, which allows you to adjust the grind size, the coffee dosage, the water temperature, and the shot size. While we don't have much to say about this machine's drawbacks, it's priced at around $1600, which, to some, may be worth it if the quality of espresso, ease of use, and aesthetics are of utmost importance.
Coffee Type: Espresso, drip | Grinder: Conical burr | Capacity: 1 cup | Size: 17.5 x 10.4 x 14.3 inches
This feature is primarily designed for convenience, precision, and, of course, freshness. A built-in grinder takes the guesswork out of measuring beans and fumbling around with rogue grounds all over your kitchen counter. Having two appliances in one also helps clear up counter space. But the biggest benefit is the ability to brew just-ground coffee for ultimate freshness.
In our test kitchen, we performed side-by-side testing on 20 coffee makers with built-in grinders.
When finished, we rated each machine based on their performance during the grinding and brewing processes, design quality in terms of looks and functionality, and ease of cleaning.
As with all coffee makers, the ones with built-in grinders run the gamut of available features, including types of coffee, speed, and overall value. For this test, we looked for coffee makers that differed in price, size, and types of coffee output. We chose top-of-the-line machines from top brands like Breville, De’Longhi, and Miele to see how they stacked against each other. We also tested a few espresso machines for those who prefer espresso over a standard cup of coffee. These range in level of intervention, so we tested machines from semi-automatic to super-automatic, depending on how hands-on you wish to get with your machine.
Invest in the functions you will actually use. Bean-to-cup coffeemakers run the gamut. They can be as simple as one-button operations for a limited number of options, to a full at-home barista experience (with your own coffee station equipment) that enables you to add in milk and customize each cup. Thinking about how many functions you need will help you narrow your choices in this ever-growing field of options. If you only want to make your simple espresso, double espresso, and Americano without the need to froth milk or create specialty coffees, you will be able to get a machine that is practically plug-and-play, with operations that are simple enough for a child to perform. If you want the ability to create a large number of coffee drinks or to pre-set and customize things like brew strength or temperature, you will need to research which of those capabilities are most important to you and let that guide your final choice.
A quality grinder makes all the difference. And a good one often comes at a price. In general, coffee makers with grinders will either feature a flat or conical grinder. A flat grinder features two flat plates that rotate against each other to grind the beans. The gap between the two plates determines the grind size, and they are known for consistent and uniform grind sizes. They do tend, however, to be more expensive and can be loud. On the other hand, conical burr grinders have cone-shaped burrs that come together at a point. While quieter and more affordable, they aren't as consistent in grind size as flat burr grinders and can therefore produce an inconsistent extraction.
Capacity is a true personal preference. Whether it is the size of the water reservoir or the bean capacity, some units will require filling much more often than others. The strongest recommendation is to think about the number of cups you might need all at once and let that be the place you start. If you have a family of five and everyone wants a large morning cup, or if you and your spouse or partner both need that wake-up cup and the ability to fill a large travel mug to head to the office, you don't want to have to refill water or beans halfway through your morning routine. Same if you entertain a lot and want to be able to offer coffee after meals. If it is just you, or your household tends to only need a quick single espresso each to start your day, you might not need a large capacity machine.
The cleanup is just as important as the setup. From emptying spent grounds to cleaning reservoirs to descaling the interior of the machine, some machines are a bit more complicated to keep clean than others. If you are concerned about cleaning, look for a machine that comes with a filter to prevent deposits or models that have simple cleaning procedures. Many units have specialty cleansers or tablets for cleaning, and you might want to explore whether using those products is required or just recommended. Certain cleaning techniques, like putting pieces of the machine through the dishwasher, can invalidate the warranty unless the parts are specifically labeled safe for the dishwasher. The frequency of cleaning can also be a factor to consider, some might only need cleaning after a certain number of cups, and some are recommended after a certain number of weeks.
"Grinding your own coffee is well worth it," says Paul Melotte, owner of Mōzza Coffee Roasters, a wholesale and retail specialty coffee roaster based in Spartanburg, SC. "After the beans themselves, the grind of your coffee is the most important factor in achieving the flavor you crave. Freshly ground coffee retains more essential oils and aromatic compounds. These begin breaking down almost immediately after grinding due to oxidation. Beyond freshness, grind size and consistency directly impact extraction. When you buy ground coffee off the shelf, you buy coffee beans prepared for a drip coffee maker. If used for espresso, it will be too weak; in a French press, it will be too bitter. By grinding your own beans, you take control to make every cup as flavorful and balanced as possible."
"Cleaning your coffee equipment is crucial for the quality of your coffee and the health of your machine," says Melotte. "I like to use natural, biodegradable cleaning tablets that remove residue and coffee particles from the burrs. Start by emptying and brushing out the grinder—use a small brush to remove leftover grounds. For the coffee maker itself, you can use one of the commercial products used in coffee shops. Alternatively, you can use the age-old method of a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar to remove mineral buildup. You will run this through a brew cycle, then flush it with fresh water a few times. Don't forget to wash the brew basket, carafe, and any removable parts with warm, soapy water to prevent residue buildup. If your machine has a water filter, replace it as the user manual recommends."
"Coffee makers with built-in grinders offer convenience, but whether they're simpler depends on your priorities," says Melotte. "With an all-in-one machine, you eliminate the extra step of grinding separately and save a bit of counter space. Many models even have programmable settings, allowing you to wake up to freshly ground and brewed coffee with little effort. But this convenience comes with trade-offs — you have less control over grind size compared to a standalone burr grinder, and cleaning can be more involved since oils and fine grounds accumulate in hard-to-reach places. If simplicity means fewer steps and a streamlined process, then yes, they're easier. But if precision and customization are a priority, a separate grinder and coffee maker might be better."
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine ($1000 at Williams Sonoma)
This coffee machine has a quick setup and a nice, large, colorful digital display. We liked that it shows you on display if there is an error, why it happened, and that it will automatically correct itself. However, the tamper locks in tightly and is a little difficult to release.
Calphalon Espresso Machine with Coffee Grinder ($800 at Amazon)
We found the instructions aren't for novice espresso makers, although they are fairly clear if you are familiar with the process. We liked the multiple grind settings and found it easy to clean. However, the milk frother doesn't come with a carafe, it is extremely noisy, and it takes two hands to operate function.
De'Longhi Dinamica Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine ($800 at Amazon)
This machine's grinder is quiet and has a rinse cycle setting to clean on its own. That said, there are many steps and buttons, so prior knowledge of espresso-making is required. While the initial setup was difficult, once completed, you don't have to tamp down the grind (it automatically does it), so this machine would be best for those who don't care about doing the espresso process.
Terra Coffee TK-01 Super Automatic Espresso Machine ($ 895 at Terra Coffee)
We really liked the sleek, modern design with a large, detailed digital display, which gives you full details on each drink option. We found it easy to use since everything is automatic and hidden within the machine. We found it a tad loud, but the noise doesn't last for very long. It is also very long in size, so a large countertop is required.
Miele CM 5310 Silence Automatic Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine Combo ($1699 at Amazon)
The milk warmer and frother work seamlessly and can make two coffee drinks simultaneously. However, it can only froth cow's milk, which was a deterrent for us.
Although we liked (and would recommend!) plenty of the models we tested, a few fell short during testing. Among some of the brands we tested were Capresso, BLACK+DECKER, Philips, KRUPS, and more. Some machines proved to be overly complicated to use, had problems with functionality, created a messy workstation, were too difficult to clean, or simply produced less-than-good-tasting coffee, whether coffee that was too weak or strong or bitter and acidic.
In order to keep our recommendations as fresh and up-to-date as possible, we’re always trying out more coffee makers with grinders. Currently, we are looking into the Café Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker. We are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use built-in grinder, a range of functional brewing options, a superior thermal carafe, and most importantly, the detachable water reservoir that has a higher volume than our original Café drip coffee Fave. While we don’t have solidified insights quite yet, the results are brewing.
grinder for espresso Associate Editorial Director Dana Fouchia wrote this piece using our most recent tested insights. Dana is a kitchenware shopping expert with over ten years of experience writing for publications like the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Allrecipes, and more. For this piece, she spoke with Paul Melotte, owner of Mōzza Coffee Roasters, a wholesale and retail specialty coffee roaster based in Spartanburg, SC.