Some of the best coffee makers have built-in grinders. What makes them the best? Models with grinders are pricey, but the sheer number of features they offer makes them worth it. Auto-start, programmable settings, multiple strength settings, and the ability to brew a cafe-quality cup of espresso and other coffee drinks are just a few of the perks that make a coffee maker grinder combo machine a desirable addition to your kitchen.
Experts agree that freshly ground coffee beans produce a cup of coffee with better flavor and aroma than pre-ground beans. Having a burr grinder (not a bladed grinder) as a removable component of the machine saves you the expense of having to buy a separate device and will make it easy to clean and save counter space.
Keep reading our buying guide to learn more about choosing the best coffee maker with a grinder.
Top Coffee Maker with a Grinders
#1 Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Coffee Maker
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll love the precise control that the programmable features of this system provide you. It also has a carafe with a twelve cup capacity so that you don’t have to worry about whether there will be enough for everybody to have a cup.
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- Fully programmable design
- Carafe with a 12-cup capacity
- Features an ergonomic design
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- Grinder might be a little loud
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You’ll enjoy having access to a 24-hour advance brew start. Other excellent features include a self-clean mode, auto shut-off between 0 and 4 hours, and more. These are easy to program to perfection once you figure out your personal preferences. However, if you’re looking for a peaceful, quiet option, you might want to look elsewhere. This model is known for having an incredibly loud grinder, which could be a dealbreaker for you.
You will grind the whole beans you use immediately before brewing. This allows you to receive the freshest, most flavorful brews possible. However, you can also pre-grind if that’s your preference. The carafe comes with an ergonomic handle that makes moving it around much more manageable. There is also a dripless spout, so you won’t drip coffee all over the place when you’re trying to fill up your cup in the morning.
#2 BLACK+DECKER CM5000B Coffee Maker
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: The QuickTouch programming will allow you to program the 24-hour brew system this model offers easily. You’ll also have several customizable options as far as brewing goes. The streamlined brewing system is another huge plus.
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- Streamlined grinding system
- Customized brewing options
- QuickTouch programmming
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- Can be difficult to clean
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If you have super busy mornings, this is a great model for you to go with. It offers QuickTouch programming, so you can easily set up the machine to begin brewing an hour or so before you even wake up. This makes it an efficient system that will help you find a little extra time in the morning. Unfortunately, multiple consumers have reported that this is a difficult model to clean. Grounds get stuck on, and it can be a challenge to scrub them off.
You’ll also have access to custom brewing features. This means that you can use a strength selector to ensure your brew is right up to standard. You can choose between regular, bold, and strong coffee. This can help you pinpoint the perfect morning cup as you try the different options. There is also a permanent filter, so you don’t have to worry about using messy paper alternatives. This saves a lot of time where clean-up is concerned.
#3 GEVI 10-Cup Coffee Maker
Award: BEST FOR LARGE VOLUME BREWING
WHY WE LIKE IT: The water reservoir can hold a large volume, so you can rely on it always to provide coffee when you need it. This system is driven by a powerful motor with 1500 watts of power packed right in.
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- 1.5 liter water reservoir
- 1500 watt motor
- Multiple brewing settings
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- Brews might be on the weak side
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A huge reservoir capacity is the hallmark of this model. You’ll have access to 1.5-liters of water so that the coffee can keep coming all day long. You’ll also be able to choose exactly how many cups you want, with the options being 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. However, lovers of the dark roast will not take to this model. It’s notorious for producing relatively weak coffee regardless of the beans you use.
It is straightforward to operate, and anybody will take to the system quickly. The optimum flavor is always just a brew away since you can control the brew settings by simply pressing a few buttons. There are a total of 3 strength options available. You can choose between strong, medium, or mild for your morning cup. Beyond this, you’ll also have 8 grind settings so that you have optimally ground coffee beans for your beverage of choice.
#4 KRUPS Grind and Brew Coffee Maker
Award: BEST FOR QUICK BREWING
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll enjoy the user-friendly design that this model offers. It has ergonomic features, such as the handle, that allow for comfortable handling. It can also automatically start brewing in the morning for your convenience.
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- Has a keep warm feature
- Automatically starts
- User-friendly design
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- Has inconsistent brewing strength
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This option provides 10 hot cups of joe every morning without fail. All you have to do is use the Auto Start future and you can schedule the brew cycle to begin right before you wake up. That means saving valuable time in the morning. Keep in mind that this model is pretty notorious for not providing the same quality in each cup. This inconsistent brew strength might be a dealbreaker for some consumers.
You’ll also enjoy 5 grind settings so that you can make any beverage of your choice. This is great for controlling the coarseness of your coffee grounds. Another fantastic feature is the Keep Warm setting. This automatically comes on after brewing has finished and will keep your coffee hot and fresh for up to two hours. If you choose this option, you’ll never have to worry about your next cup being cold again.
#5 PowerXL Coffee Maker
Award: BEST FOR COMPACT SIZE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model will automatically shut off after you’re done brewing to ensure overall safety. There is also a 2-in-1 auto programming option so you can have coffee brewing in the morning before you’re even awake.
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- Extremely compact design
- 2-in-1 auto programming
- Auto shut-off feature
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- Only makes a single cup
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If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, this is the perfect option to solve that problem. It’s also a great model for traveling since it’s small enough to easily fit in a suitcase or backpack. This compact model will provide 6 to 16 ounces of coffee in the morning. However, if you’re somebody who needs at least a couple of cups to get you going, this won’t be the best option. This system unfortunately only makes a single coffee at a time.
There is also a 2-in-1 automatic brew program. This allows you to choose between whole beans or coffee grounds. It’s easy to figure out how much water to add, as well, because of the ounce markings on the water reservoir. The grinder is commercial-grade and high-powered to ensure an even, thorough grind for your coffee. This totally even grind is a crucial component for getting rich, bold flavor notes in every cup you have.
#6 Delonghi ECAM22110B MagnificaS Coffee Maker
Award: BEST FOR DUAL BREWING
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll love that you can make two cups at once with this brewing system. This saves a ton of time in the morning. Beyond that, this multi-functional system can create any beverage you can think of.
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- Dual-brewing system
- Multi-functional design
- Professional-level beverages
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- Might be a bit bulky
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If you need to pull multiple shots of espresso or cups of coffee at a time, you’ve come across the best option for that purpose. This model is a multi-functional brewer that can deliver barista-style drinks with just a few button presses. You’ll be able to enjoy cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and so much more. While this is a highly powerful model made with professionals in mind, there are a couple of drawbacks. The biggest is that it might be too clunky for your storage system.
You’ll be able to use either coffee grounds or whole beans, depending on your preference. It’s a fully integrated system so you don’t have to worry about learning the technicalities involved in making coffee. Instead, focus on enjoying the resulting beverage and let the machine do the work. The grinder has 13 adjustable settings so you can get the perfect grind for the beverage of your choice. There is also a bypass doser, as well as a pump that generates up to 15-bar pressure.
Beginner’s Guide to Coffee Makers With Grinder
What are Coffee Makers With Grinders
A coffee maker with a grinder is essentially a traditional coffee brewer with an attached coffee bean grinder. With one of these machines, you can pour your coffee beans directly into the bean hopper and select the perfect coarseness needed for your selected brewing process. For example, if you have a model that can make espresso, you’ll need a fine grind, while drip coffee needs a medium grind. With freshly ground beans, you’ll be able to brew better quality coffee.
Some models will allow you to grind different amounts. In contrast, others will let you use coffee pods or pre-ground coffee if you occasionally want to opt for more convenience. If you’re trying to be environmentally friendly, models with a permanent filter will save you from having to buy paper filters, although you can find those that use both.
Coffee Makers With Grinders vs Standard Coffee Makers
The difference between a coffee maker with a grinder and a standard coffee maker is pretty simple — coffee makers with grinders have built-in grinders, while traditional models do not. If you prefer the flavor of coffee made with freshly ground beans, you’ll find they offer quite a bit more convenience than a coffee maker without a grinder since you won’t have to buy or store a separate grinding device.
Most traditional coffee pots can only perform one brewing method, usually the drip method. This can be true of a coffee pot with a grinder, but many models also provide the ability to make espresso, lattes, and other such drinks. Similar to standard coffee makers, these devices also come in a variety of capacities. You’ll find models that can make anything from a single shot of espresso to full-sized 12-cup carafes.
How Coffee Makers With Grinders Work
For the most part, coffee makers with built-in grinders work just like any other drip coffee machine or espresso maker. They are just equipped with a bean hopper into which you pour whole coffee beans. You can then set the ideal grind size for your brewing method before using them to brew a pot of coffee. Once ground, the beans are deposited into the filter basket so the brewing can begin. Of course, you can program the machine to grind just the right amount of beans for the amount of coffee you’d like to brew, from a single cup to an entire carafe.
Ideally, the grinder will use burrs to grind your beans in various amounts and at multiple coarsenesses, though you’ll generally find these on more advanced coffee makers. Burrs are preferred to bladed grinders because they produce a consistent grind. Bladed grinders don’t work well for coffee because they just slice and dice the beans without consideration for coarseness. They also generate a lot of heat as they grind, which can influence the flavor.
Aside from the grinder, some machines have programmable features like auto-brew and auto-off, so you don’t have to do any of the guesswork yourself, and you can schedule your machine to make your coffee hours in advance. Just put the coffee beans in the grinding reservoir, and the coffee maker will measure the right amount of beans for your coffee.
You may also want to look into coffee makers with hot water dispensers because great coffee needs water that’s just the right temperature (195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit).
Why Should You Buy a Coffee Maker With a Grinder?
For those who prioritize great-tasting coffee, having a coffee maker with a grinder can enhance your experience. These fresh grounds allow the water to extract more flavor and aroma, so the coffee you drink tastes better than anything you could get using pre-ground beans.
Is a Coffee Maker With a Grinder Worth Buying?
- They make delicious coffee: Freshly ground beans make the best-tasting coffee. There’s simply no comparison between store-bought grounds and those you can make at home right before brewing a pot. It will taste much better, and you will immediately notice a difference.
- They’re convenient: People tend to avoid buying whole coffee beans because they have to grind them at the store before purchasing, or they don’t have a grinder at home. A coffee maker with a built-in grinder eliminates both of these problems and makes it easy to grind your own beans at home. You also won’t have to store or buy an extra device.
- They’re versatile: Many coffee makers with built-in grinders have programmable settings that make it easy for you to get the coffee you want. From single cup quantities to full carafes, you can grind just the right amount of beans every time. You’ll also enjoy auto-brew and auto-off capabilities that take all of the guesswork out of the process. Some can even brew coffee and espresso, so you have more drink options.
Why a Coffee Maker With a Grinder May Not Be For You
- They are expensive: A coffee maker model with a grinder is more expensive than traditional coffee makers and should be considered an investment. It’s a great option if you want better-tasting coffee, but it will cost you more upfront.
- They can be difficult to learn: Coffee makers with grinders have a steep learning curve. They have more complex controls and can be more challenging to use than a traditional coffee maker. Some who are used to a regular coffee pot won’t want to put in the effort to master it.
How Long Will a Coffee Maker With a Grinder Last?
It can be difficult to estimate how long your coffee maker with a grinder will last. Many times, it depends on the individual components. A flat steel burr grinder or a conical burr grinder can last through 500-1000 pounds of coffee, while ceramic burrs can grind up to 1500 pounds. That means the grinder will last between 5 to 7 years.
However, the coffee maker portion of your machine may last a shorter or a longer amount of time, based on how well it’s made. Coffee makers with built-in grinders are generally high quality and will last just as long as the grinder. Still, the more complicated their features get, the more you have to worry about digital components failing.
How to Choose a Coffee Maker With a Grinder
Choosing a coffee maker with a grinder can be difficult because there are so many options. You first need to consider what type of grinder you want, followed by features and the variety of drinks you want to make.
Coffee Maker With Grinder Key Factors
1. What kind of grinder should I get?
There are two types of grinders. Blade grinders are cheaper than burr grinders, but they don’t last as long. They also grind unevenly, causing a decrease in the quality of your coffee’s taste and flavor. Because they create a lot of friction during grinding, they generate heat that may negatively affect the flavor of your brew.
Burr grinders are preferred because they produce a more consistent grind, but they’re slower and more expensive. However, they last longer because they’re of better quality. They also generate a minimal amount of heat, leading to better-tasting coffee. Whichever you prefer, either will make a better brew than a standard coffee maker using store-bought grounds.
2. What additional features should I look for?
Other than an integrated grinder, pay attention to the range of sizes you can brew with your chosen machine. You’ll find models ranging from single-serve coffee makers to full-sized 12-cup carafes. If you normally only drink a cup a day but entertain guests frequently, you want some options. And if you plan to roam the country, check out the best coffee maker for an RV because there are some great compact coffee makers with grinders that take up very little space.
An auto brew function will measure out the bean quantities for you, taking the guesswork out of how much you need to grind at once. Also, consider the carafe. Models with thermal carafes will enhance the coffee’s flavor and aroma once it’s brewed by keeping it hot. Cheap plastic carafes can impart a strange flavor with prolonged contact, but an insulated, thermal carafe or double-walled glass carafe are great options.
If you like strong coffee, look for a coffee machine that allows you to change the strength according to your preferences. On machines like these, you can often choose a variety of grind size settings that further let you adjust the strength and flavor.
Lastly, if you still want the convenience of using store-bought grounds on occasion, look for a coffee maker with a grinder that you can turn off. This feature gives you even more versatility.
3. What types of beverages should I be able to make?
Not only do you have a wide variety of coffee makers with grinders from which to choose, but you can also shop for those that will also brew espresso so that you can make cappuccinos, lattes, and other beverages. You may even find machines with a milk frother.
