In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?
In This ArticleView All
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
What to Know
Behind the Scenes
FAQ
Why Trust PEOPLE?
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
Photo:People / Russell Kilgore
People / Russell Kilgore
Coffee connoisseurs know that grinding whole-bean coffee is always the way to go for the best-tasting cup. Pre-ground coffeeloses its freshnessand flavor while sitting on a shelf. With coffee makers with built-in grinders, you don’t have the hassle of aseparate coffee grinderor the mess of transferring grounds from your grinder to yourcoffee maker— these machines are all-in-one.
Experts SayKathleen McCarthy, training manager at coffee giant Lavazza, says that some of the most important aspects to keep in mind when purchasing a coffee machine with a grinder are sharp, easy-to-clean burrs (the actual grinders) and “the ability to adjust seamlessly between grind settings.”
Kathleen McCarthy, training manager at coffee giant Lavazza, says that some of the most important aspects to keep in mind when purchasing a coffee machine with a grinder are sharp, easy-to-clean burrs (the actual grinders) and “the ability to adjust seamlessly between grind settings.”
Our Top PicksBest Overall:Breville The Grind Control Coffee Maker at Amazon$350Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker at Amazon$150Jump to ReviewBest for Espresso:Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine at Amazon$850Jump to ReviewBest for Large Batches:Gevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder at Amazon$160Jump to ReviewBest with Carafe:Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup Coffeemaker at Walmart$230Jump to Review
Best Overall:Breville The Grind Control Coffee Maker at Amazon$350Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker at Amazon$150Jump to ReviewBest for Espresso:Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine at Amazon$850Jump to ReviewBest for Large Batches:Gevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder at Amazon$160Jump to ReviewBest with Carafe:Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup Coffeemaker at Walmart$230Jump to Review
Best Overall:Breville The Grind Control Coffee Maker at Amazon$350Jump to Review
Best Overall:Breville The Grind Control Coffee Maker at Amazon$350
Best Overall:
Best Budget:Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker at Amazon$150Jump to Review
Best Budget:Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker at Amazon$150
Best Budget:
Best for Espresso:Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine at Amazon$850Jump to Review
Best for Espresso:Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine at Amazon$850
Best for Espresso:
Best for Large Batches:Gevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder at Amazon$160Jump to Review
Best for Large Batches:Gevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder at Amazon$160
Best for Large Batches:
Best with Carafe:Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup Coffeemaker at Walmart$230Jump to Review
Best with Carafe:Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup Coffeemaker at Walmart$230
Best with Carafe:
Best OverallBreville The Grind Control Coffee MakerPHOTO: Amazon$350 at Amazon$350 at Sur La Table$477 at Newegg.comStar QualitiesProduced smooth, consistent brewsHelpful digital displayInsulated carafe keeps coffee warmRed FlagsBulky design may not fit in all kitchensIn just six minutes, you’ll have a full, freshly brewed pot of coffee with the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker. The brew came out smooth and consistent, with no grounds at the bottom of the cup.The grinding and brewing processes worked well. Using this machine was easy and user-friendly, though some instructions on the water-to-bean ratio would have been nice. This machine is average-sized and a little bulky, but the carafe was insulated, which is a nice touch. It also comes with a stainless steel travel mug, making the morning commute a bit more pleasant.Any regular coffee drinker knows how long the wait can feel for that first cup in the morning, so we appreciated the digital display on this machine, which indicates the grind time and when it’s preheating. The display shows you exactly how long it will take to brew a pot of coffee. This model also earned our top score for ease of cleaning — it was very simple to take apart and wash (the removable parts are dishwasher safe!).Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:12.5 x 8.5 x 16.3 inches |Weight:16 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:12 cupsPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgoreBest BudgetCuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve CoffeemakerPHOTO: Target$150 at Amazon$150 at Target$116 at WalmartStar QualitiesEasy to useDoesn’t take up much spaceBrews a cup of coffee in just over a minuteRed FlagsNo grind setting optionsThere’s nothing like brewing cafe-quality coffee for a fraction of the price, which is exactly what you’ll get with this money-saving single-serve machine. Without taking up much space in your kitchen, this Cuisinart model makes smooth, freshly ground cups of coffee, one at a time. And it only takes a minute and 23 seconds per cup.We found that the coffee was smooth and silky, like a classic drip coffee. Another standout feature is its dual capability: It allows you to make a freshly ground cup from whole beans or coffee pods. This machine is not only easy to disassemble and clean, but it is also very functional without taking up too much real estate on your counter. While it doesn’t produce a variety of drinks and there aren’t adjustable grind settings, this machine is easy to use, easy to clean, and gets you out the door with a hot coffee fast.Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:11.02 x 7.28 x 12.67 inches |Weight:8.5 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:12 ouncesPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgoreBest for EspressoBreville Barista Pro Espresso MachinePHOTO: Amazon$850 at Amazon$680 at QVC$850$680 at Sur La TableStar QualitiesProduces a custom grindBrews espresso shots quicklyCafe-quality foamRed FlagsTamp can get locked into the machineIf you’re looking for anespresso machinerather than a drip coffee pot, consider this model. It produces shots that we believe rival the taste of freshly made espresso from a coffee shop. The espresso brews super-fast, and the machine has its own timer on the display.The includedmilk frotheris very easy to use and produces a nice cafe-quality foam, plus a frothing cup, which is an added convenience. The machine is easy to set up, but we did note that the tamp can get locked into the machine after use, so it’s hard to release it from the chamber.The higher price reflects the quality of this machine and its excellent grinding and brewing capabilities. The Breville Barista Pro produces a custom grind, and the whole thing is very easy to use once you get the initial process down. It’s easy to take apart and clean, too, which is always a plus.Coffee Type:Drip, espresso |Dimensions:13 x 12 x 13 inches |Weight:20 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:2 cupsPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgoreBest for Large BatchesGevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with GrinderPHOTO: Walmart$160 at Amazon$150 at WalmartView on Gevilife.comStar QualitiesProduces a bold brewOnly four minutes to brew a full potTwo-hour warming functionRed FlagsMust add the exact amount of water for brewing needsThis coffee machine was another crowd favorite in our testing. The grinding and brewing process is efficient and fast, though the grinder is very loud, so if the noise doesn’t wake you up, the bold coffee will. The machine works quickly. It can brew up to 10 cups of coffee in just over four minutes. It also has a two-hour warming function to keep your coffee warm if the machine is not unplugged.This no-frills model has a very straightforward design, but the instructions are not very clear. It’s easy to clean, but it’s particular: Be sure you add the exact amount of water for your brewing needs. Despite those downsides, we found that this model brewed one of the best drip coffees we tried, and the price only adds to its value.Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:14.33 x 10 x 18.9 inches |Weight:12 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:10 cupsPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgoreBest with CarafeCuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup CoffeemakerPHOTO: Walmart$230 at Walmart$230 at Crate & Barrel$240 at Kohls.comStar QualitiesDisplay shows amount of water and grounds requiredEasy to set up and cleanQuiet while brewingRed FlagsBrewing process somewhat slowThere’s just something about pouring a cup of coffee from a carafe that makes the Cuisinart Burr Grind and Brew Coffee Maker great for the nostalgic java drinker. We found favor with the easy setup process and easy-to-understand digital display, which made figuring out quantities and brewing functions pretty straightforward.We were happy with how quietly this machine functioned, even when it was softly beeping to let us know the brewing process was complete. However, the brewing time from start to finish was a bit slow, though that’s understandable due to the bigger vessel it has to fill as opposed to a single cup or shot.This machine may have fewer bells and whistles and not be as attractive as some of its companions on this list, but it’s easy to set up and clean, so it’s handy for a family of coffee enthusiasts or someone who runs on several cups a day.Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:8.5 x 11.4 x 16.3 inches |Weight:17.7 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:10 cupsPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore
Best OverallBreville The Grind Control Coffee MakerPHOTO: Amazon$350 at Amazon$350 at Sur La Table$477 at Newegg.comStar QualitiesProduced smooth, consistent brewsHelpful digital displayInsulated carafe keeps coffee warmRed FlagsBulky design may not fit in all kitchensIn just six minutes, you’ll have a full, freshly brewed pot of coffee with the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker. The brew came out smooth and consistent, with no grounds at the bottom of the cup.The grinding and brewing processes worked well. Using this machine was easy and user-friendly, though some instructions on the water-to-bean ratio would have been nice. This machine is average-sized and a little bulky, but the carafe was insulated, which is a nice touch. It also comes with a stainless steel travel mug, making the morning commute a bit more pleasant.Any regular coffee drinker knows how long the wait can feel for that first cup in the morning, so we appreciated the digital display on this machine, which indicates the grind time and when it’s preheating. The display shows you exactly how long it will take to brew a pot of coffee. This model also earned our top score for ease of cleaning — it was very simple to take apart and wash (the removable parts are dishwasher safe!).Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:12.5 x 8.5 x 16.3 inches |Weight:16 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:12 cupsPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore
Best OverallBreville The Grind Control Coffee MakerPHOTO: Amazon$350 at Amazon$350 at Sur La Table$477 at Newegg.com
Best OverallBreville The Grind Control Coffee Maker
PHOTO: Amazon
$350 at Amazon$350 at Sur La Table$477 at Newegg.com
Star QualitiesProduced smooth, consistent brewsHelpful digital displayInsulated carafe keeps coffee warmRed FlagsBulky design may not fit in all kitchens
Star QualitiesProduced smooth, consistent brewsHelpful digital displayInsulated carafe keeps coffee warm
Produced smooth, consistent brews
Helpful digital display
Insulated carafe keeps coffee warm
Red FlagsBulky design may not fit in all kitchens
Bulky design may not fit in all kitchens
In just six minutes, you’ll have a full, freshly brewed pot of coffee with the Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker. The brew came out smooth and consistent, with no grounds at the bottom of the cup.
The grinding and brewing processes worked well. Using this machine was easy and user-friendly, though some instructions on the water-to-bean ratio would have been nice. This machine is average-sized and a little bulky, but the carafe was insulated, which is a nice touch. It also comes with a stainless steel travel mug, making the morning commute a bit more pleasant.
Any regular coffee drinker knows how long the wait can feel for that first cup in the morning, so we appreciated the digital display on this machine, which indicates the grind time and when it’s preheating. The display shows you exactly how long it will take to brew a pot of coffee. This model also earned our top score for ease of cleaning — it was very simple to take apart and wash (the removable parts are dishwasher safe!).
Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:12.5 x 8.5 x 16.3 inches |Weight:16 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:12 cups
PHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore
Best BudgetCuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve CoffeemakerPHOTO: Target$150 at Amazon$150 at Target$116 at WalmartStar QualitiesEasy to useDoesn’t take up much spaceBrews a cup of coffee in just over a minuteRed FlagsNo grind setting optionsThere’s nothing like brewing cafe-quality coffee for a fraction of the price, which is exactly what you’ll get with this money-saving single-serve machine. Without taking up much space in your kitchen, this Cuisinart model makes smooth, freshly ground cups of coffee, one at a time. And it only takes a minute and 23 seconds per cup.We found that the coffee was smooth and silky, like a classic drip coffee. Another standout feature is its dual capability: It allows you to make a freshly ground cup from whole beans or coffee pods. This machine is not only easy to disassemble and clean, but it is also very functional without taking up too much real estate on your counter. While it doesn’t produce a variety of drinks and there aren’t adjustable grind settings, this machine is easy to use, easy to clean, and gets you out the door with a hot coffee fast.Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:11.02 x 7.28 x 12.67 inches |Weight:8.5 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:12 ouncesPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore
Best BudgetCuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve CoffeemakerPHOTO: Target$150 at Amazon$150 at Target$116 at Walmart
Best BudgetCuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffeemaker
PHOTO: Target
$150 at Amazon$150 at Target$116 at Walmart
Star QualitiesEasy to useDoesn’t take up much spaceBrews a cup of coffee in just over a minuteRed FlagsNo grind setting options
Star QualitiesEasy to useDoesn’t take up much spaceBrews a cup of coffee in just over a minute
Easy to use
Doesn’t take up much space
Brews a cup of coffee in just over a minute
Red FlagsNo grind setting options
No grind setting options
There’s nothing like brewing cafe-quality coffee for a fraction of the price, which is exactly what you’ll get with this money-saving single-serve machine. Without taking up much space in your kitchen, this Cuisinart model makes smooth, freshly ground cups of coffee, one at a time. And it only takes a minute and 23 seconds per cup.
We found that the coffee was smooth and silky, like a classic drip coffee. Another standout feature is its dual capability: It allows you to make a freshly ground cup from whole beans or coffee pods. This machine is not only easy to disassemble and clean, but it is also very functional without taking up too much real estate on your counter. While it doesn’t produce a variety of drinks and there aren’t adjustable grind settings, this machine is easy to use, easy to clean, and gets you out the door with a hot coffee fast.
Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:11.02 x 7.28 x 12.67 inches |Weight:8.5 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:12 ounces
Best for EspressoBreville Barista Pro Espresso MachinePHOTO: Amazon$850 at Amazon$680 at QVC$850$680 at Sur La TableStar QualitiesProduces a custom grindBrews espresso shots quicklyCafe-quality foamRed FlagsTamp can get locked into the machineIf you’re looking for anespresso machinerather than a drip coffee pot, consider this model. It produces shots that we believe rival the taste of freshly made espresso from a coffee shop. The espresso brews super-fast, and the machine has its own timer on the display.The includedmilk frotheris very easy to use and produces a nice cafe-quality foam, plus a frothing cup, which is an added convenience. The machine is easy to set up, but we did note that the tamp can get locked into the machine after use, so it’s hard to release it from the chamber.The higher price reflects the quality of this machine and its excellent grinding and brewing capabilities. The Breville Barista Pro produces a custom grind, and the whole thing is very easy to use once you get the initial process down. It’s easy to take apart and clean, too, which is always a plus.Coffee Type:Drip, espresso |Dimensions:13 x 12 x 13 inches |Weight:20 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:2 cupsPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore
Best for EspressoBreville Barista Pro Espresso MachinePHOTO: Amazon$850 at Amazon$680 at QVC$850$680 at Sur La Table
Best for EspressoBreville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
$850 at Amazon$680 at QVC$850$680 at Sur La Table
Star QualitiesProduces a custom grindBrews espresso shots quicklyCafe-quality foamRed FlagsTamp can get locked into the machine
Star QualitiesProduces a custom grindBrews espresso shots quicklyCafe-quality foam
Produces a custom grind
Brews espresso shots quickly
Cafe-quality foam
Red FlagsTamp can get locked into the machine
Tamp can get locked into the machine
If you’re looking for anespresso machinerather than a drip coffee pot, consider this model. It produces shots that we believe rival the taste of freshly made espresso from a coffee shop. The espresso brews super-fast, and the machine has its own timer on the display.
The includedmilk frotheris very easy to use and produces a nice cafe-quality foam, plus a frothing cup, which is an added convenience. The machine is easy to set up, but we did note that the tamp can get locked into the machine after use, so it’s hard to release it from the chamber.
The higher price reflects the quality of this machine and its excellent grinding and brewing capabilities. The Breville Barista Pro produces a custom grind, and the whole thing is very easy to use once you get the initial process down. It’s easy to take apart and clean, too, which is always a plus.
Coffee Type:Drip, espresso |Dimensions:13 x 12 x 13 inches |Weight:20 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:2 cups
PHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore
Best for Large BatchesGevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with GrinderPHOTO: Walmart$160 at Amazon$150 at WalmartView on Gevilife.comStar QualitiesProduces a bold brewOnly four minutes to brew a full potTwo-hour warming functionRed FlagsMust add the exact amount of water for brewing needsThis coffee machine was another crowd favorite in our testing. The grinding and brewing process is efficient and fast, though the grinder is very loud, so if the noise doesn’t wake you up, the bold coffee will. The machine works quickly. It can brew up to 10 cups of coffee in just over four minutes. It also has a two-hour warming function to keep your coffee warm if the machine is not unplugged.This no-frills model has a very straightforward design, but the instructions are not very clear. It’s easy to clean, but it’s particular: Be sure you add the exact amount of water for your brewing needs. Despite those downsides, we found that this model brewed one of the best drip coffees we tried, and the price only adds to its value.Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:14.33 x 10 x 18.9 inches |Weight:12 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:10 cupsPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore
Best for Large BatchesGevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with GrinderPHOTO: Walmart$160 at Amazon$150 at WalmartView on Gevilife.com
Best for Large BatchesGevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder
PHOTO: Walmart
$160 at Amazon$150 at WalmartView on Gevilife.com
Star QualitiesProduces a bold brewOnly four minutes to brew a full potTwo-hour warming functionRed FlagsMust add the exact amount of water for brewing needs
Star QualitiesProduces a bold brewOnly four minutes to brew a full potTwo-hour warming function
Produces a bold brew
Only four minutes to brew a full pot
Two-hour warming function
Red FlagsMust add the exact amount of water for brewing needs
Must add the exact amount of water for brewing needs
This coffee machine was another crowd favorite in our testing. The grinding and brewing process is efficient and fast, though the grinder is very loud, so if the noise doesn’t wake you up, the bold coffee will. The machine works quickly. It can brew up to 10 cups of coffee in just over four minutes. It also has a two-hour warming function to keep your coffee warm if the machine is not unplugged.
This no-frills model has a very straightforward design, but the instructions are not very clear. It’s easy to clean, but it’s particular: Be sure you add the exact amount of water for your brewing needs. Despite those downsides, we found that this model brewed one of the best drip coffees we tried, and the price only adds to its value.
Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:14.33 x 10 x 18.9 inches |Weight:12 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:10 cups
Best with CarafeCuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup CoffeemakerPHOTO: Walmart$230 at Walmart$230 at Crate & Barrel$240 at Kohls.comStar QualitiesDisplay shows amount of water and grounds requiredEasy to set up and cleanQuiet while brewingRed FlagsBrewing process somewhat slowThere’s just something about pouring a cup of coffee from a carafe that makes the Cuisinart Burr Grind and Brew Coffee Maker great for the nostalgic java drinker. We found favor with the easy setup process and easy-to-understand digital display, which made figuring out quantities and brewing functions pretty straightforward.We were happy with how quietly this machine functioned, even when it was softly beeping to let us know the brewing process was complete. However, the brewing time from start to finish was a bit slow, though that’s understandable due to the bigger vessel it has to fill as opposed to a single cup or shot.This machine may have fewer bells and whistles and not be as attractive as some of its companions on this list, but it’s easy to set up and clean, so it’s handy for a family of coffee enthusiasts or someone who runs on several cups a day.Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:8.5 x 11.4 x 16.3 inches |Weight:17.7 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:10 cupsPHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore
Best with CarafeCuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup CoffeemakerPHOTO: Walmart$230 at Walmart$230 at Crate & Barrel$240 at Kohls.com
Best with CarafeCuisinart Burr Grind & Brew Thermal 10-Cup Coffeemaker
$230 at Walmart$230 at Crate & Barrel$240 at Kohls.com
Star QualitiesDisplay shows amount of water and grounds requiredEasy to set up and cleanQuiet while brewingRed FlagsBrewing process somewhat slow
Star QualitiesDisplay shows amount of water and grounds requiredEasy to set up and cleanQuiet while brewing
Display shows amount of water and grounds required
Easy to set up and clean
Quiet while brewing
Red FlagsBrewing process somewhat slow
Brewing process somewhat slow
There’s just something about pouring a cup of coffee from a carafe that makes the Cuisinart Burr Grind and Brew Coffee Maker great for the nostalgic java drinker. We found favor with the easy setup process and easy-to-understand digital display, which made figuring out quantities and brewing functions pretty straightforward.
We were happy with how quietly this machine functioned, even when it was softly beeping to let us know the brewing process was complete. However, the brewing time from start to finish was a bit slow, though that’s understandable due to the bigger vessel it has to fill as opposed to a single cup or shot.
This machine may have fewer bells and whistles and not be as attractive as some of its companions on this list, but it’s easy to set up and clean, so it’s handy for a family of coffee enthusiasts or someone who runs on several cups a day.
Coffee Type:Drip |Dimensions:8.5 x 11.4 x 16.3 inches |Weight:17.7 pounds |Grinder Type:Burr |Brew Capacity:10 cups
PHOTO: People / Russell KilgorePHOTO: People / Russell Kilgore
It may sound like a no-brainer, but consider how many people in your household will be using the coffee maker (and how much each person drinks) when deciding between a model that brews a full pot, like theGevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker, and one that makes single servings, like theCuisinart Coffee Center Grind and Brew Plus.Single-serve coffee makerswith grinders will ultimately take a bit more time to brew, meaning you and your family or guests won’t be able to sit down and enjoy a warm cup of coffee at the same time.
Our winning coffee makers with grinders either make drip coffee or espresso — not both. The triumphant drip machine was theBreville Grind Control Coffee Maker, whereas our favorite espresso model was theBreville Barista Pro Espresso Machine. A coffee maker with a grinder is an investment to be used daily, so consider which type of coffee you like to drink most often.
Typically, the higher the price, the more bells and whistles you’ll find on a coffee maker with a grinder. Espresso, milk frother, and touchscreen selections for various types of drinks all tend to come with a higher price. Other features include the size of the cup and the strength of the brew the machine produces. Think about how often you’ll use the machine and what sorts of beverages you plan to make on a regular basis to determine the value for your specific needs.
As part of our testing process, we took apart all of the coffee makers to find out how easy it was to wash the carafe and grinder and to remove and clean the interior parts of the machine. All the top products we tested were easy to clean, but our top winner, theBreville Grind Control Coffee Maker, was the easiest to clean and maintain.
Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for cleaning guidance for your specific coffee maker with grinder. Some may require frequent descaling, and others may have replaceable filters that eliminate that cleaning step. Since the grinders in these coffee makers are built-in, cleaning is often limited to a simple brush or wipe with a cloth.
We tested 20 coffee makers with grinders, including drip coffee makers and espresso machines, from Breville, Cuisinart, De’Longhi, and more.
For each machine, design, ease of cleaning, and performance were all evaluated and scored to determine our winners.
You should grind your coffee beans according to the specific instructions for your coffee machine. For example, a medium to coarse grind works best if you’re using a French press or a drip coffee maker, while a fine grind is ideal when making coffee in siphon and espresso machines. “Essentially, finer grinding will slow down the brewing process, allowing the water to remain in contact with the coffee grinds for a longer time,” McCarthy states. This will, in turn, make the grounds somewhat stronger in both taste and acidity — a preference that is entirely up to the drinkers themselves.
Espresso, for instance, is made with a low water-to-bean ratio and a high-pressure machine that forces water over finely ground, tightly packed coffee to make it strong. On the other hand, using finely ground beans in a drip coffee maker can give the coffee a bitter taste.
According to McCarthy, the answer is a resounding no. “Coffee grinders are meant only to grind coffee from its whole bean form; coffee that has already been ground is very likely to clog and could even potentially break a grinder,” she says. If you prefer to use pre-ground coffee instead, then you should check the specifications for the device you’re considering to see if it’s possible to brew pre-ground coffee. For example, two of the coffee makers with grinders on our list — theBreville Grind Control Coffee Makerand theBreville Barista Pro Espresso Machine— can be used with pre-ground beans.
Alyssa Brasciais a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE who covers beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle products. She has also written for InStyle, Shape, and Southern Living. For this piece, she compared the features, benefits, and uses of some of the market’s most popular all-in-one coffee makers with grinders. She compared models based on their ease of use, brew time, brew quality, and more. For additional insight on some key aspects to remember when purchasing all-in-one coffee makers with grinders, Brascia interviewed coffee expert Kathleen McCarthy.
Shopping writerRennie Dyballis the original author of this article.
Our Expert PanelKathleen McCarthyis the corporate training manager for international coffee giant Lavazza.
Kathleen McCarthyis the corporate training manager for international coffee giant Lavazza.
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source: people.com