While a lot of people still go to their favorite coffee shops to get their caffeine fix, more and more individuals are starting to brew their own cups at home using their own coffee machine with grinder to save money.
With the emergence of different models of coffee maker with grinder in the market, you can now easily make your own cup of coffee that taste as good as, if not better than, the ones that you buy from your cafe.
A quick trip to any grocery store will show you that you can buy all sorts of coffee grounds that are ready to brew. These have been pre-ground for you to make your life so much easier.
But coffee aficionados will tell you to steer clear of these pre-ground stuff and just grind your coffee beans on your own. Why is this? One word – flavor. If you are fine with mediocre tasting coffee and is just interested in the jolt, these store-bought coffee ground should be fine. But, if you want the best cup of brew, buy the whole beans and do the grinding yourself.
Why Invest in The Best Coffee Machine With Grinder?
Coffee beans begin losing their flavor as soon as they are ground. The longer the ground stays in a container, even if it has been sealed, the worse it gets. The taste difference is very evident even after just a ten-minute delay. So, if you want to make the most of your carefully chosen, and probably expensive coffee beans, it is best to grind them just before you put them in your coffee maker.
Additionally, if the shop doesn’t clean their grinders that well, they may end up mixing your beans with the residue of somebody else’s.
This is another benefit of having your own grinder.
A lot of coffee lovers forgo grinding their own coffee beans because it is an additional step that many don’t have time for. With the invention of the coffee makers that grinds beans, this is no longer a problem. Everyone can get an expertly brewed cup with just a press of a button.
Choosing the perfect coffee machine with grinder can actually be very tricky because of all the available choices. And since it can be a little expensive, it is best that we do the testing for you so you don’t end up with a very pricey kitchen shelf decoration that will just gather dust. Let us look at your options for the best automatic coffee maker with grinder.
* Krups Coffee Maker with Built-in Burr Coffee Grinder
The first grind and brew coffee machine we checked out was made by Krups. This company started out in high-precision scale manufacturing in 1846. By 1850, they started manufacturing coffee bean grinders. It was only in 1961 that they came out with their very first electric coffee maker.
That’s over a hundred years of experience dealing with coffee. No wonder millions of people trust this brand for their cup of morning caffeine.
The Grind and Brew Auto Start Coffee Maker with built-in Burr Coffee Grinder is a beautiful machine that will fit well in any modern kitchen. Its black color, chrome accents, and pentagonal shape makes it appear modern and sleek. The exterior of the coffee makes it made from stainless steel combined with high-grade thick plastic.
Brewed coffee is collected in a glass carafe.
This has a curved spout designed for pouring accuracy so you won’t have to deal with spills when you pour your coffee. The machine has a short power cord. This can be an issue if your power outlets are far from your counter. You might need to use an extension cord to attach the machine to the power source.
It has two oscillating, serrated, stainless-steel plates, or burrs, that come together to grind and crush the coffee beans. Coffee experts say that burr coffee grinders are so much better than blade grinders because it enables you to produce uniformly-sized grinds. This allows you to extract oil and flavor from the grounds more evenly.
This particular coffee maker with burr grinderThis particular coffee maker with burr grinder allows you to adjust the distance between the burrs. It has 5 grind levels.
By letting you control the size and consistency of the grinds, you can experiment until you get the grind that produces the coffee flavor that you desire. So, you can choose between super fine to coarse coffee grounds. The burr’s conical shape makes sure that you achieve the consistent results without the risk of overheating your beans.
Some posts claim that the grinder doesn’t produce as uniform a grind as it promises. This could be an issue since the uniformity of the grind affects the flavor of the coffee. There are also some minor complaints about the size of the coffee bean reservoir. A few people dislike having to refill the beans every few days because the container is too small for them.
Additionally, there were some complaints about the grinder jamming. You will know if the grinder is jammed when you hear the grinder working but not much coffee grounds are produced. Unfortunately, you cannot fix this yourself. You have to contact Krups for this problem to be addressed.
The machine also boasts of having highly-intuitive controls and crystal-clear LCD display.
From the controls, you can choose how many cups to make, when to start brewing, and even control the intensity of the coffee flavor that it will produce. You can go for mild, medium, or strong coffee. You can choose to make from 2 up to 10 cups per cycle. You can also control how strong you want the brew to be.
Some people commented that even if they use the mild setting, the coffee still comes out strong. Maybe the difference between intensities is not that significant so it is hard to differentiate. This would be a problem for people who prefer their cups a bit on the mild side.
It also has a keep-warm feature that will let you drink hot coffee two hours after it finished brewing. Another feature is the pause-and-serve function. This allows the user to remove the carafe to pour a cup or two even before the brewing cycle has finished. It prevents the coffee from dripping into the warming plate underneath the carafe.
Do you want to enjoy a freshly-brewed cup of coffee as soon as you wake up?
This machine makes that possible with its programmable auto-start function. You can input what time you want the machine to start brewing your coffee the night before so you wouldn’t have fiddle with it so early in the morning.
With complex machines such as this, one of the things users worry about is the clean-up. Krups made it a little easier by providing a gold-toned coffee filter. It catches the used coffee grounds and is easily removable so you can clean it faster. The carafe, the lid, and the basket must be hand-washed because they are not dishwasher-friendly.
For the price, this coffee maker with burr grinder is a little expensive. You might think that the price is steep but it is actually just equivalent to roughly one hundred trips to the coffee shop if you only get regular coffee there. If you buy a cup every day, you would break even in a couple of months.
Here are the pros and cons of buying the Krups Grind and Brew Auto Start Coffee Maker with Built-in Burr Coffee Grinder:
Pros:
- It can brew up to ten cups.
It has a sleek and modern look.- It is made of durable materials.
- It is not bulky.
- It features a conical burr grinder.
- It has programmable auto-start feature.
- It has a 2-hour keep warm feature.
- It has an auto shut-off function.
- It is very affordable.
Cons:
- It can be difficult to clean.
- The reservoir for coffee beans is a little small.
- The grinder has a tendency to jam.
- There are complaints of uneven grinding.
* DeLonghi Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
Delonghi is a brand that has long been associated with coffee. They have been producing high-quality products for over a century now. Just like Krups, they started out as a small workshop but eventually expanded to manufacture small kitchen appliances.
Delonghi is committed to providing every household machines that not only produce superior coffee flavor but also encapsulate the authentic Italian experience.
When it gets delivered, you will find an instruction DVD that you can use to find out how you can brew the best cup of coffee using this espresso machine with grinder. It also comes with a manual. It is advisable to go through that manual first before even attempting to brew your first cup.
With the DeLonghi ESAM 3300, you can make latte drinks, cappuccino, espresso, or just regular coffee. The bean-to-brew model grinds the coffee beans just before it starts brewing so you can be sure that you only use the freshest grounds for your drink. The burr grinder is a tactile, 13-step grinder that can be set to specific settings so you can achieve the perfect grinding level for your beans.
The unit itself is a little big for personal home use but it is actually one of the most compact models for a single cup coffee maker with grinder in the market today. It is made from high-quality thick plastic and stainless-steel. The design is perfect for most modern kitchens.
The front panel of the unit allows for easy access to the controls. There’s the on and off switch and the adjusting knobs for the quantity of water and coffee grounds to be used per cycle.
This way, you can adjust the amount and intensity of the coffee that is produced. There are also light indicators to tell you if the water reservoir needs to be refilled, if it is time to empty the grounds tray, or, if the general warning light is on, if there is something wrong with the machine. This usually indicates that the water reservoir is not closed properly.
There is also an indicator for when it is time to descale the machine.
If you want to use pre-ground coffee instead of grinding the beans yourself, you can also do so by pressing the pre-ground coffee button at the end. Note that there is no LCD display. While some find this inconvenient, others claim that it helps make the machine more durable.
You can start brewing by filling the large reservoir with water. This is a slide-out, front-loading reservoir that can hold 28 ounces of water, enough water for 14 cups. You will also need to fill the beans reservoir with your chosen beans. The bean reservoir has a capacity of 8.8 ounces.
If you decide to use pre-ground coffee, simply scoop your grounds into the bypass doser and hit the button with the scoop on top. Remember to use only one scoop of your preferred grounds to avoid clogging the system. For one espresso shot, you need to press the button with one cup above it. For an extra shot on your drink, press the button with two cups above it.
This single cup coffee maker with grinder has an instant reheat function that keeps the machine at the ideal temperature for brewing an espresso any time you feel like having one. The automatic coffee maker with grinder also comes with a Panarello steam wand.
This is an auto-frothing steam wand to make frothed milk for your cappuccino. If you decide to use the steam wand, you have to do it before you brew as the machine cannot perform both functions at the same time.
The coffee spigot is adjustable so you can use anything between a tiny espresso cup to a tall coffee mug. This unit even has a cup tray that keeps the cup warm before use.
Cleaning is made easy with the Delonghi espresso machine and grinder.
First off, the water reservoir and the drip tray can be pulled out completely. You can rinse these off under running water. It also has an automatic rinse program to clean the inside. The boiler is removable and can also be rinsed by warm water.
The wand can be cleaned by wiping the end with a damp cloth and then expressing steam to remove traces of milk. It also has a decalcification feature that automatically descales your machine.
Some people advice using filtered or bottled water with the Delonghi machine as the calcium build-up may not be completely removed during the decalcification process. This build-up can eventually lower the quality of the brew being produced.
This single cup coffee maker with grinder has quite a high starting price. While the cost may seem really high, it is actually one of the more affordable espresso machines with the same capabilities. Other brands cost significantly more. Nevertheless, it is still a big purchase that you should consider carefully.
Here are the pros and cons to buying a Delonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine:
Pros:
- It has a sleek and modern look.
- It is made of high-quality, durable materials.
- It features a tactile, 13-step burr grinder.
- It comes with a built-in steam wand for milk frothing.
It works with both beans and grounds.- Each espresso cup is automatically brewed consistently.
- The coffee amount and intensity are adjustable.
- It comes with easy-to-use knobs.
- There are indicators for water reservoir, various doors, and grounds tray.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- The knobs can be tight and a little difficult to turn.
- You have to readjust the settings repeatedly.
- It is very expensive.
* Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Brera is one of the best-selling super-automatic espresso machine. It is made by Gaggia. This Italian company has been making espresso and cappuccino machines since 1947. It is a division of the electronics giant known as Philips.
This automatic coffee machine with grinder combines automatic bean grinding and brewing capabilities with easy milk frothing to help you make the perfect cup of coffee each and every time.
It is the perfect high-end coffee machine for beginners because, even though it offers settings to help you customize your drinks, it doesn’t have too many confusing options.
With its elegant brushed stainless-steel panel and black plastic casing, it would definitely fit right in a modern kitchen. It is pretty compact and can be easily stored in a kitchen cabinet after using. It can actually stay on your counter if you drink coffee on a daily basis because it doesn’t take too much space.
The water tank can be accessed from the front.
This is a good development that is being applied to almost all of the newly-released coffee makers. The tank has a capacity of 40 oz, which should be more than enough for home use. Expect to refill the reservoir every other day.
The espresso machine with grinder comes equipped with a burr grinder made out of ceramic. Its design ensures that the coffee beans are ground uniformly and does not suffer too much from heat transfer. This results in a more aromatic and flavorful coffee. It has five settings that dictate how fine the beans are ground.
The Gaggia Adapting system adjusts the RPM and grind time automatically so that you get the desired amount of coffee grounds every time you run it.
You get consistent results whether you are using light, medium, or dark coffee beans. Some users claim that the machine is not as effective when it comes to grinding oily beans. This is a minor issue as you can choose to use non-oily beans for your coffee machine.
If you choose to use pre-ground coffee, you can scoop your chosen grounds in the bypass doser chamber and press the bypass button so it won’t start grinding beans. Again, when you are using pre-ground coffee, limit it to one scoop or risk clogging your doser.
The machine has a programmable Optidose function.
It customizes the aroma, intensity, and the volume of each espresso shot. By pressing the brew button twice, you can even get double shot for your drink. It also has a timer that allows you to create a stout shot by using the long pull timer. After 18 seconds, you’ll have your rich shot of caffeine. You can also brew larger cups using the short pull option.
It features easily navigable LED display and buttons to customize your cup of coffee. The cafe lungo and espresso volumes are programmable and these settings will be remembered by the machine so you won’t have to input them again for your next cup.
The dispensing spout can be adjusted so that users can use the machine with their tall mugs or the small demitasse cups that are popular for holding espresso shots.
You can pull down the spigot so you can avoid splashing.
The machine allows for two-cup brewing option. This makes the coffee machine run through two brewing processes, not simultaneously though. What’s amazing is that each shot is exactly the same as the other. This type of consistency is much valued by coffee lovers because you want each coffee experience to be the same as the previous one.
This espresso machine with grinder heats up faster than its larger counterparts. It can brew your coffee just a few minutes after you turn it on. This makes it perfect for people who are always on the go and do not have the time to wait around for the machine to warm up. A
ll you have to do is pre-fill the hopper so you can have beans ready to go any time. Some users find the hopper too small for their liking. Since it can only accommodate a pound of coffee beans at a time, you may find yourself refilling it often.
It makes use of a Rapid Steam Technology that enables you to immediately steam after brewing each shot. The attached Pannarello steam wand aerates milk perfectly for that luxurious cappuccino texture.
For those who long for the actual coffee shop experience, the coffee machine also comes with a latte art wand. For auto-frothing, you can also use the cappuccinatore instead.
It even has a cup-warming surface to keep your cups and mugs warm until you are ready to use them. Gaggia really thought of everything to make your coffee experience enjoyable.
It comes with a water filtration system.
It works with a Mavea water filter to ensure that you only use the best water for your espresso. The water undergoes four filtration stages so you get the best tasting water, plus it prevents build-up of hard water scale inside the water reservoir of your machine.
Cleaning is a breeze. The machine actually walks you through the descaling process. All the essential parts, known as the brew group, can be removed from the front. All you have to do is rinse those parts in warm water, dry them up, then put them back in their places. It is pretty self-sufficient for a machine. It will let you know should it need water refilling, emptying of its grounds tray, and so much more.
The price may be a little daunting for an espresso machine with grinder, but with all its features and special functions, you can say that it is affordable for its kind. It costs almost have the DeLonghi machine. You can choose to look at it as equivalent to a hundred trips to the coffee shop where you buy fancy coffee.
Again, if you buy coffee on a daily basis, you will have broken even in a little over three months. On top of that, the Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine uses less energy than other coffee machines of its kind. This makes it very earth-friendly. It also has an automatic switch-off feature that puts itself on standby after being inactive for one hour.
Note that, to keep the machine in top condition and protect your investment, you need to strictly follow the maintenance steps indicated in its manual. You have to have a supply of descaling fluid so you can descale the machine when needed. Remember that this is a very expensive machine and if you do not take care of it, you would be wasting all that money.
Here are the pros and cons of buying the Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine:
Pros:
- It has a sleek and modern look.
- It is very compact.
- It is made of high-quality, durable materials.
- It a ceramic burr-grinder that ensures uniform grinding.
- It comes with a built-in steam wand for milk frothing.
- It works with both beans and grounds.
- Each espresso cup is automatically brewed consistently.
- The coffee amount and intensity are customizable.
It comes with easy-to-use buttons.- There are indicators for water reservoir, various doors, and grounds tray.
- Easy to clean.
- It has an auto shut-off feature.
Cons:
- The water reservoir and bean hopper have small capacities.
- It requires a lot of maintenance and descaling.
- It is slightly expensive.
* Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Breville is an Australian company that began manufacturing small appliances in 1932. Known for their ground-breaking innovation and design, their coffee makers soon began making waves in the coffee world. Let’s see how their espresso maker stacks up against the other models which we have reviewed already.
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is one of the top choices when it comes to semi-automatic espresso makers . It is the perfect starting machine for beginners who want to explore the different flavors of this beloved drink. However, just because it is easy to use doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a lot of features.
Its customizing functions can make even the most experience baristas happy. There are many reasons why this model won the 2013 Best New Product Award from the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
When it gets delivered, you will see that the box comes with basically everything you need to produce the best-tasting coffee you’ve ever had. It has the sealed bean hopper, a tamper, a steaming wand for making frothed milk, and it even comes with the frothing pitcher that you see many baristas use at the coffee shops.
It also has the stainless-steel grinder, a removable water tank that can carry a whopping 67 ounces of water, plus a thermocoil heating system.
The only thing missing is the espresso beans!
Appearance-wise, the Breville is by far the most impressive looking of the four machines reviewed. It is made of brushed stainless-steel. It is not plastic clad like the others so you know that the machine is pretty sturdy. The steel look is perfect for most modern kitchens.
It is pretty compact and is surprisingly lightweight. It also has a non-slip pad underneath to prevent it from sliding off the shelf when you operate the grinder.
Although it doesn’t have LCD display, the control buttons are very intuitive and user-friendly. You can easily set the water volume, brewing temperature, and filter size using the knobs and buttons.
We already know that in order to make a great espresso, the coffee beans must be ground quickly into very fine particles. This is made possible by the integrated conical burr grinder and wide hopper of this particular espresso machine with grinder.
The maximization of the surface area of the bean grind extracts the most of the coffee flavor. The motor of the grinder is very powerful. It can grind beans in a matter of seconds. This allows you to brew your espresso in mere minutes.
The grinder comes with varying settings to allow you to experiment with grind sizes and amounts. Because the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine grinds and doses directly into the portafilter, surplus espresso grinds collect and end up in the drip tray. This creates a sludge than can be a little difficult to clean out.
The filters can be pressurized or non-pressurized to allow you to play with the tampering pressure and dictate how your coffee will taste. The pressurized filter is best for beginners who are just starting out in their coffee-making journey. For experienced baristas who want to see which pressure level to use with his or her chosen beans, the non-pressurized option may be better.
The Breville espresso maker features a thermocoil heating system.
This ensures accurate control of the water temperature. Combined with the pre-brew function, it ensures that the coffee is optimally distributed through the machine’s coffee pluck.
With the digital temperature control feature, you can be sure that the espresso you pull always has that balanced flavor rather than the ashy, brunt flavor that we all hate. Coffee consistency is very important because you want to be able to recreate the delicious drink that you were able to make before.
As mentioned, the machine comes with a manual milk frother. This wand produces the perfect velvety milk foam that is great for making latte art and adds a layer of complexity to the coffee drink. You can also use this for heating water for your other drinks.
The unit is very easy to clean and even comes with a storage compartment for all the cleaning tools that goes with it. The water tank and the drip tray are easily removable to you can wash them under running water in the sink. This is important because, as previously mentioned, coffee ground sludge may form in the drip tray.
It may seem, but looking at other automatic espresso machines, the price is on the low side. The stainless-steel casing alone should have ramped up its price. If we factor in all of the accessories that come with it coupled with the features that is has, the price is actually pretty reasonable.
Here are the Pros and Cons of buying the Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine:
Pros:
- It has a sleek and modern look.
- It is very compact.
It is made of high-quality stainless-steel.- It a burr-grinder ensures uniform grinding.
- It comes with a built-in steam wand for milk frothing.
- It works with both beans and grounds.
- The coffee amount and intensity are customizable.
- It comes with easy-to-use buttons.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- It requires a lot of maintenance.
- The surplus grounds create a sludge in the drip tray
- It is very expensive.
Features of the Best Coffee Machine with Grinder at a Glance:
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the important features of each grind and brew coffee machine. This might help you decide which one to get for your home.
| | Krups Grind and Brew | DeLonghi ESAM3300 | Gaggia Brera Super | Breville BES870XL |
| Item Dimensions | 13.78 x 11.57 x 17.52 inches | 15.3 x 11 x 14.4 inches | 10 x 15.5 x 11.5 inches | 13.2 x 12.5 x 15.8 inches |
| Weight | 13.23 lbs. | 27.4 lbs | 22.8 lbs. | 23 lbs. |
| Material Type | Plastic and stainless-steel | Plastic and stainless-steel | Plastic and stainless-steel | Stainless-steel |
| Rating | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 | 3.7 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 |
Conclusion – Which Is the Best Coffee Machine with Grinder?
Any of the four models that was featured in this review would be an excellent addition to your kitchen. Being able to grind your coffee beans right before brewing is a great way to improve the quality and taste of your coffee drink.
With the grinder built into each coffee machine, you are spared the hassle of buying and maintaining a separate grinder. Can you imagine the mess you would probably make if you have to transfer your freshly-ground coffee into a coffee maker when you have just woken up?
If you are on a budget and just want a simple coffee maker with burr grinder, you can opt for the cheapest model, which is the Krups Grind and Brew coffee maker. It enables you to regulate the grind size so you can change this depending on the kind of beans that you get.
If you want to make espresso, cappuccino, or any other specialized coffee-based drinks, the cheapest option is the Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Maker. The machine automatically adjusts the grind size and amount to help you make the best coffee drinks based on your preference.
