Despite the nuances between many coffee drinkers’ approaches to crafting the perfect cup of joe, many experts agree that a great-tasting cup of coffee starts with freshly ground coffee beans. This is why coffee makers with grinders are so convenient and popular among enthusiasts. Since coffee makers with grinders combine two kitchen appliances in one, they are often more expensive than regular coffee makers. However, combining your coffee maker with your coffee grinder in a two-in-one appliance is not only space-saving, but it’s also more cost-effective than purchasing two separate machines. You do have to think about how the machine will fit your space and what features you definitely need. With a compact profile and customizable options, Breville’s The Grind Control Coffee Maker takes some of the guesswork out of grinding and brewing the perfect cup, which is why it’s our top choice. “While design and aesthetics are important to some, I’d highly consider the ease of cleaning the built-in grinder and all of the coffee-making components. Grinding coffee releases oils, and over time these oils will build up inside your machine,” says Sahra Nguyen, founder and CEO of Nguyen Coffee Supply. “Ask yourself: Can you easily take things apart to clean? Are the instructions for cleaning and maintenance clear?” Like all things related to coffee, there’s a lot to know when it comes to choosing the right machine. Here are the best coffee makers with built-in grinders for whatever your needs are. Dimensions (LxWxH): 12.5 x 8.5 x 16.3 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 60 ounces | Hopper Capacity: 0.5 pound Anyone who is a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast has likely discovered the superior taste of coffee made with the correct water ratio and properly ground beans. However, getting everything right before your first-morning cup is a lot to handle. Thankfully, the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker offers you a great shortcut to the best morning coffee. With premium stainless steel conical burrs, the built-in grinder rivals other top-rated coffee grinders. The LED screen helps you customize the grind size and the machine will take into account the amount of coffee you want to brew. You can choose from seven cup sizes including brewing right into your travel mug. At only 8.5 inches wide, this brushed stainless-steel model will also look and fit nicely on most countertops. Dimensions (LxWxH): 14.8 x 11.9 x 17.8 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 60 ounces | Hopper Capacity: 0.75 cup Though you’ll likely use your coffee maker with a built-in grinder on a daily basis, you may want to test the waters with a budget-friendly model before splurging on the premium choices. For a reliable coffee maker on a budget, the Black+Decker Mill and Brew Coffee Maker does not disappoint. Able to brew up to 12 cups, this model features an integrated blade grinder inside the removable filter, and Sneak-A-Cup technology for sipping before the brewing is finished. Its programmable panel allows for easy adjusting between settings for the grind, brew strength, and auto-brew settings. It even has a 2-hour timer that keeps track of how long ago the pot was brewed, should you want to make a fresh one. It comes with a 5-year warranty should anything break. Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.7 x 10.75 x 15.9 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 64 ounces, 40 ounces | Cup Sizes: 8 ounces, 10 ounces, 12 ounces If you have a large family, you may be familiar with the struggle of sharing one coffee maker with the entire household. This can be challenging if you prefer your coffee a different way or if the capacity is not large enough for multiple coffee drinkers. The Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind & Brew Plus is ideal for larger households since it features both a 12-cup glass carafe and single servings. While the pot is brewing, other members of the household can brew one cup at a time using the single-serve brew chamber on the right side of the appliance. The water reservoir holds up to 40 ounces and cup size settings can be changed to brew 8, 10, and 12 ounces. While the carafe side has a built-in blade grinder, the single-serve side is compatible with coffee pods. Dimensions (LxWxH): 12 x 11 x 13.5 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 67 ounces | Hopper Capacity: 0.5 pound Clocking in at 23 pounds, this 1600-watt espresso machine with a built-in coffee grinder is hefty but you’ll want to display the brushed stainless steel design on your countertop. Though this model is not beginner-friendly, its many features and versatility are worth the learning curve. One of its main features is the ability to choose between automatic or manual operation for as little or as much control as you’d like. In addition to integrated conical burr grinders that precisely grind to the desired fine coarseness for good espresso, this coffee maker also features precise espresso extraction. From grinding to brewing, you’ll have your morning espresso in under a minute. “The Breville is a personal favorite of mine, and my very first home espresso machine when I was starting out on my self-taught barista journey,” says Nguyen. “This machine is a great foray into the world of at-home espresso because it has all the tools you need in one — the grinder, the espresso maker, and the milk frother. For its power, it’s a perfect size and can sit on most counters — even my small Brooklyn brownstone apartment. Best of all, there’s no plumbing involved, so it’s a very easy plug-and-play setup!” It comes with everything you need to get started including two sizes of filter baskets, an integrated tamper, a stainless steel frothing pitcher, and a cleaning disk. The versatile machine can also brew barista-worthy beverages complete with micro-foam milk texturing for latte art. Dimensions (LxWxH): 10 x 9 x 17 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 50 ounces | Hopper Capacity: 200 grams Entering the vast world of brewing your own coffee at home can be intimidating, especially when you graduate from the drive-thru coffee shop to grinding your own beans. Coffee enthusiasts can confirm that the extra time and effort put into brewing your own coffee is worth it for the full spectrum of flavors and notes. For beginners, the Gevi Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder is a great starting point. Holding up to 10 cups of coffee, the Gevi compact coffee maker is especially easy to operate. Choose between grinding your own coffee beans with the burr grinders or simply use coffee grounds. With three strength control settings and eight coffee grind control settings, you can brew your coffee just the way you like it by making your selection on the operation control panel. Once you’re done brewing, the pot will automatically stay warm for two hours. Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.25 x 7 x 8 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 20 ounces The Chefman Grind and Brew 4-cup Coffee Maker has a unique and space-saving design, making it perfect for small kitchens. The small design does translate to a smaller brewing capacity with this model making up to four cups of coffee at a time. Compatible with fresh coffee beans and coffee grounds, this Chefman option allows you to choose the type of coffee that is most convenient for you. If grinding your own beans, note that this model uses an integrated blade. It also uses a permanent mesh filter, which eliminates the need for disposable paper coffee filters. The one-button operation makes this model easy to use and the auto shut-off feature is handy for safety.
What to Look for When Buying a Coffee Maker with Grinder
Burr vs. Blade Grinders
There are two main types of coffee grinders: conical burrs and flat blades. While both do the same job—transform coffee beans into coffee grounds—they do it differently and can affect the resulting cup of coffee. “When it comes to the grinder itself, opt for burr grinders if possible,” says Nguyen. “Burrs will grind your coffee beans more evenly than blades, offering a more even extraction and cup of coffee.” If you’re on a budget, coffee makers with blade grinders tend to be more affordable. While coffee experts and enthusiasts cling to the noticeable difference that burrs make, casual coffee drinkers may not notice the difference enough to justify the jump in price.
Features
Certain features can take your coffee process to the next level. Some are fully customizable, giving you precise control over grind size, temperature, and even latte foam art. Other features are for pure convenience, such as a large carafe, single-serving options, and automatic shut-off. If certain features are important to you, this can help narrow down your choice.
Maintenance
A coffee maker with a built-in grinder has more parts than a regular coffee machine, which means more parts to care for and clean. Some are easier to clean than others and even include cleaning accessories such as cleaning tablets and a cleaning brush. Most coffee machines are not made with dishwasher-safe parts, so you’ll have to maintain them by hand. You can clean the water tank by “brewing” without coffee grounds. This will heat up the water and it will run through a cycle. You can also descale with vinegar. The exterior can be wiped down with a microfiber cloth. If your chosen machine is made of stainless steel, you can use stainless steel cleaning wipes to restore its shine.
How long do coffee beans stay fresh in a hopper?
A hopper acts as a short-term storage solution for your coffee beans until you are ready to grind them. However, it’s not designed for long-term storage. For maximum freshness, use your beans within 2-3 days of placing them in the hopper. For best results, grind them and use right away.
Is it bad to pre-grind coffee beans?
Pre-grinding your coffee beans the night before using them is an option for those who prioritize convenience. However, this does sacrifice some freshness. As soon as coffee beans are ground, they start to lose some flavor and aroma. Pre-grinding coffee beans may cause them to become stale. If you choose to grind your coffee beans in advance, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. Try to use them as soon as possible.
Do you need to wash coffee beans before grinding?
No, coffee beans do not need to be washed before grinding. They will absorb moisture and this will affect the outcome of your coffee.
Why Trust Simply Recipes?
Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer with a specialty in food and drink topics and a passion for kitchen gadgets. She has an impressive collection of small kitchen appliances and tools, including her beloved single-serve coffee maker. Read Next: The Best Milk Frothers
