Real coffee lovers will admit that freshly ground coffee is richer in flavor and deeper in the aroma. Pre-ground coffee is never a match. Pre-ground coffee has the benefit of convenience; ready for use and requires a shorter brewing process.
If you are not in a hurry for your coffee, and you want it rich and smelling good, then you will always prefer to grind your coffee at the time you want to make the brew. This is why we have coffee makers with grinders – simply grind and brew.
But the challenge is that the market is awash with such machines. It becomes very difficult to know just which brands to choose. It seems as if all the brands are screaming at you that they are the best. As such, you should buy only from them.
We are coffee aficionados who were disappointed with the lack of proper reviews when we were shopping for the best coffee maker with a grinder. We, therefore, decided to write a comprehensive review of these grinders.
This is so that no one will have to suffer again as we did. We have also included a comprehensive buyers’ guide at the end of the review. This is to help you know the factors to consider when shopping for these machines. Belt up and let’s enjoy the ride.
How Was This List Made?
Creating this list took lots of hours of research, scouring through forums, buyer reviews, and online discussions. We read a plethora of reviews sites and compared the information with that on the manufacturer’s sites.
We also followed discussions on platforms such as Reddit and Quora. This was to have a clear perspective about every brand on this list. Also, I spent tens of hours reading Amazon reviews. They are always a true indicator of a real customer’s experience with the brand.
All this effort was to avoid the hearsay and present you with hard facts.
TOP PICK
Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine
The machine features a half dozen grind settings in its integrated conical burr grinder. This also features a dose control.
CHECK LATEST PRICEBest Coffee Makers with Grinders: Grind and Brew
1. Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine
Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine is reputed as one of the best coffee makers with grinder at present. This is not just a marketing gimmick. But a glance at the machine and a discovery of its range of features will confirm to you every word about this claim.
It is just what you need to make barista-grade coffee even if you have never brewed before.
The machine features a half dozen grind settings in its integrated conical burr grinder. This also features a dose control. It is what makes it possible for users to get precise amounts of freshly ground coffee into the portafilter for varying tastes.
With the digital temperature control, you are assured of precise espresso extraction when you invest in this machine. This is because this feature gives you total control over the temperature and the right amount of water. It will ensure that the espresso extraction process is as efficient as it can be.
For latte and cappuccino lovers, the performance of the steam wand will work magic in adding beauty to your cups. It will give you the versatility to hand texture micro-foam milk to not just bring out the flavors, but also allow you to make all manner of arts on your cup.
Also worth noting is the fact that the Breville the Barista Express Espresso Machine comes in a decent size. Though slightly bulky, it is not going to offset the countertop arrangement in your kitchen back at home.
Pros
- Multiple grinder settings for varying coffee texture
- Features precise espresso extraction
- Auto-start feature that can be programmed to brew coffee at specific times
- It comes with nice aesthetics.
Cons
- Comes with a relatively large footprint
- Strives to achieve too many things at the same time
Verdict: This coffee maker with grinder is an ideal choice for any drinker who is keen on great tasting and smelling coffee. It will also suit the needs of users who are comfortable with lots of functionalities.
If you are looking for something simpler, however, it may not be the right choice. Also, if you are in the market for the affordable best grind and brew coffee maker, it may not be the best. This is because it is towards the higher end – budget-wise.
2. DELONGHI Super Automatic Espresso Maker
This coffee maker with grinder scores very highly on looks and functionalities. It means that it will not just accentuate the aesthetics of your countertops, but also deliver incredibly delicious coffee all the time.
The design is intuitive, with all the controls easily accessible, and using it is also a breeze, even for newbies.
DELONGHI Super Automatic Espresso Maker features a professional burr grinder with a total of 13 adjustable settings.
This assures you of freshly ground beans for maximum aromas and flavors all the time. If you would love to use pre-ground beans, then the second chamber will be your best friend.
With the programmable menu settings, creating your ideal cappuccino or espresso will be a breeze. One admirable thing about this feature is that it will retain a memory of your preferences. The next time you have to craft a similar drink, you don’t have to start afresh.
On usability, this coffee maker comes with an intuitively designed control panel. From here, you can play along with the temperature, the cup sizes, and the coffee strengths. Simply input the settings you want and the machine will do the rest.
If you will be using milk in your brews, then you will most certainly fall in love with the manual frother. It is what you will need to perfectly mix the steam and the milk to give a rich and creamy froth. If you have been missing evenly textured drinks, this feature is all you need to create the difference.
Also, with the compact and extractable brew unit, cleaning this machine is very easy. Also, it will self-adjust after single or double shots of espresso.
Pros
- Versatile machine that can do more than just make powerful espressos
- Intuitive and easy to use control panel
- Smooth and quiet operations
Cons
- Beans may occasionally get stuck in the grinder. This can cause a lot of problems if it happens regularly.
Verdict: This is a highly recommended option if you are looking for a versatile machine that will make it easy for you to craft rich espressos and smooth cappuccinos and lattes. If you are tired of the loud operations by some coffee makers with grinders, this will be a perfect fit.
3. Cuisinart Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker
If you are looking for an affordable and reliable coffee maker with grinder suitable for both professionals and newbies, you will like the Cuisinart Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker. It features a very simple design and construction.
It comes packed with every element you may need to brew the perfect aromatic espresso. The design is sleek, with an ergonomic handle, a knuckle guard, and a dripless pour spout for precision when pouring your coffee.
With its 24-hour programmability, you have the versatility to set it and have your coffee ready by the time you wake up.
The control panel is not only nicely designed, but it is intuitive enough such that even a newbie can use it to craft a barista-grade espresso.
It comes with a versatile grind feature that can give various grades of ground beans for fresh and flavorful drinks. If, however, you prefer to buy pre-ground beans, all you have to do is turn off the grinder when using the machine.
This machine also has a brew-pause feature. This is ideal when you want to pour a cup of coffee while the brewing cycle is still on. Also, it comes with a separate grind chamber and a filter area with where you will find a gold-tone commercial filter and a water filter.
These allow for easy removal of impurities and also makes the cleaning process a breeze and less messy.
Pros
- Safe to use and operate
- 24-hour programming capabilities
- Has separate grinding and filtering chambers
- Compact design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some customers complained about various design flaws
- Can be a bit messy during the grinding process
Verdict: This is a very solid coffee maker and grinder. It is also one of the most affordable in this list. We would recommend it for both beginner and seasoned coffee drinkers who love to enjoy freshly ground coffee without having to spend a fortune on the machine.
Its small and compact design will ensure you don’t worry about setting a large space for it on your countertop.
4. Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal Automatic Coffeemaker
Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal Automatic Coffeemaker is very conspicuous in the list due to its thermally-insulated carafe. But this is not the only design feature that makes it stand out from the rest. It is also equipped with a double-walled container. This will ensure that your drink will stay hot for at least three hours.
It is a 24-hour fully programmable coffeemaker that comes in a decent size to help with space economy at your kitchen countertop.
It has an auto-shutoff feature that will switch if off following minutes of inactivity. It also comes with a brew-pause feature to enable you to serve your drink while the brewing process is still ongoing.
Its grinder is an automatic burr grinder with an 8-ounce bean hopper. This equips it with the capacity to hold up to half a pound of coffee beans – enough to make more than 12 cups of rich and aromatic coffee. To enable you to control how strong your brew is, the machine is fitted with a strength selector as well as a grind control. These two are what you need to control the intensity as well as the volume of the grinding and the brewing.
The inclusion of the gold-tone filter and the charcoal water filter will ensure that every drop of the drink that hits your cup will be the freshest.
Pros
- Thermally insulated carafe for convenience
- Double-wall design. Helps to keep your coffee hot for more than three hours
- Ability to adjust the brewing strength as well as the grind size
Cons
- Not everyone prefers the insulated carafe
- Can be messy during the grinding process
Verdict: Cuisinart Grind & Brew Thermal Automatic Coffeemaker boasts the perfect blend between price, quality of the drink and automation. Its unique features such as the double-wall design and the thermally insulated carafe make it an ideal option for users looking for reliability, and convenience in their coffee makers.
Program to brew your coffee then wait for up to three hours and you will still find it hot.
5. Capresso CoffeeTeam Digital Coffeemaker
Capresso CoffeeTeam Digital Coffeemaker features a bean-to-carafe design where whole coffee beans are automatically grounded before they are immediately used for the brewing process. This is how this machine manages to deliver incredibly flavorful coffee all the time.
Its design features conical burrs that produce minimal heat and sound during the grinding process. This leads to aromatic coffee, with a more uniform grind that leads to very rich flavors. The burrs have enough capacity to grind enough beans to make up to 20 cups of coffee.
Apart from the conical burr grinder, the machine also features a gold-tone filter. This helps prevent mess during the grinding process. They are more effective than paper filters and they are also dishwasher-friendly.
Since it is programmable, you can easily set it to automatically grind the coffee and have your brew ready at the precise time you need it. The programming interface is sleek and intuitive, adding more appeal to its beautiful aesthetics.
Pros
- Direct-feed conical burr grinders
- User-friendly and intuitive interface
- Compact design, hence, saves on space
- Can grind enough beans to grind up to 20 cups of coffee
Cons
- Some past buyers complained of some parts getting damaged easily
Verdict: This is a decent, but not a very robust coffee maker that grinds beans. With the ability to grind enough beans for up to 20 cups of coffee, it is a great choice for use in large families or by those who consume a lot of coffee in detail. However, it is not suitable for day to day use, and it is highly recommended for only occasional use for brewing lots of coffee.
A Buyer's Guide: What to look for in your coffee Machine With Grinder
Now that you have a couple of choices that you can consider when searching for the best coffee machine with grinder, you should also know what factors to consider if you are not pleased with our recommendations above.
That is the essence of this buyers’ guide. It will equip you with the knowledge of what to look at when shopping for the best single cup coffee maker with grinder or any other type of coffee maker with grinder. With this guide, you will be a pro at making your selections. You will always have higher chances of making the right choice the first time and getting your real money’s worth.
The type of grinder
There are two main types of grinders when it comes to coffee grinder brewer combo. They include blade grinders and burr grinders. Blade grinders work by spinning around and crushing up the beans in the process.
Though cheap, they don’t result in a consistent grind. This is because of the crude way that the grinding is done.
The process also generates a lot of heat and friction which may not just be a threat to the longevity of the machine but also may interfere with the quality of the beans.
Burr grinders, on the other hand, are more effective but costly. They are available in many shapes and sizes. They are the preferred type by the majority of coffee gorillas because of the consistency they give in the grinding process.
They feature a disc that spins to generate motion and force to grind the beans against a disc. They have a slow but consistent operation. They also don’t generate a lot of heat and friction.
With the foregoing about grinder type, take time to evaluate the type you think would suit your unique brewing needs.
The heating mechanism of the grinder
In most of the grind and brew coffee maker reviews you will come across, you will learn that there are also two types of heating mechanisms. The first one is the use of a hot plate beneath a glass carafe.
The other option is a double-walled thermal heating mechanism. If you will be taking your drink immediately after brewing, then grinders with a hot plate underneath a glass carafe will be the most ideal.
However, if you won’t be taking your drink instantly, or you love to make the brew in advance and take it after some time, then the best option would be double-walled thermal heating mechanisms.
The type of carafe
Machines with glass carafe will make it easy for you to closely monitor how your brew is coming along. Their only downside is that they are fragile and they will do very little to keep your brew warm for long.
Coffee makers with thermal carafes, on the other hand, usually feature stainless steel construction. As such, they offer very good thermal insulation. Your drink will remain hot for a couple of hours after the brewing is done.
However, they make the cleaning process a very tedious one. You can’t also clean them in the dishwasher. Therefore, make a well-considered choice when choosing the carafe type.
The dimensions of the coffee maker with grinder
Most people usually go for 2-in-1 grind and brew machines. This is usually a versatile option that is also known to save a lot of space in the kitchen.
The size of the coffee maker you choose, however, should be determined by the amount of space you have at home.
If you are extravagant with space, then you can choose the huge ones. But if you don’t have enough space, always go for the compact ones.
The machine’s capacity
If you will be brewing for many people or you know you are a guzzler when it comes to coffee consumption, then you will not do yourself any favor by choosing a smaller capacity best coffee maker with a grinder.
Apart from considering the amount of coffee you will be producing, also consider the number of beans you will want to grind in one go.
The filters
Proper filtration is sometimes the difference between a barista-grade coffee and a sub-par beverage. Consider if replaceable filters will work for you.
Though they are not friendly to the environment and they will introduce recurring costs as long as you are still taking coffee, they are available in a variety of types and quality, with very satisfying results.
You can also opt for machines with permanent filters if you don’t like the prospects of changing them now and then. Whichever option you go for, however, always use high quality water for better brews.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
One of the common reasons why coffee makers sometimes fail is the lack of proper and consistent cleaning. Most people use the daily but fail to clean them daily, allowing them to gather dust and other debris.
For a good experience, go for machines that are easy to clean, and which will not become a nuisance if you don’t clean for a couple of days. Check it out to see if it has some parts that can be easily removed and cleaned thoroughly.
Also, check if any components are dishwasher friendly. Only buy a machine you know you will clean and maintain with ease.
Buying the best coffee maker with a grinder is never a walk in the park. With our reviews above and the brief buyer guide, we hope that you won’t have any difficulties getting a decent maker with a grinder.
However, from the list above, we would highly recommend Cuisinart Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker (third on the list). It is relatively affordable, packed with lots of features, including 24-hour programmability and it also features a compact and decent size.
Additionally, it has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon. This is a good indication that so many people are pleased with it and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.