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We Tested More Than 20 Coffee Makers With Grinders to Find the Best Options

Brew fresh, flavorful coffee every morning

Hand pouring coffee beans into the top of the Cuisinart DGB-850WS Grind & Brew 10-Cup Coffee Maker With Thermal Carafe

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Coffee-making has come a long way, evolving into a more personalized and refined experience with the invention of the latest gadgets and gizmos. I’ve experimented with nearly every piece of coffee equipment out there, including kettles, milk frothers, and grinders. Some mornings, when I’m too tired to deal with all the coffee accessories I’ve accumulated, I prefer to keep things simple and quick. That’s where coffee makers with built-in grinders come in handy.

In my experience, these coffee makers are a game changer. By grinding the beans and brewing the coffee in one seamless step, they save time without sacrificing flavor. I’ve used them regularly, and they’ve consistently made my mornings smoother and my coffee reliably delicious.

After rigorous testing, The Spruce Eats filtered out the best coffee makers with grinders so you can grind less and enjoy more.

What We Like
  • Precise burr grinder control

  • Adjustable brew and grind

  • Carafe keeps coffee warm for hours

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricey

  • Takes up a lot of counter space

Breville's The Grind Control Coffee Maker stands out among the 20-plus coffee makers with grinders we’ve tested through the years. This machine took our coffee game to a whole new level, delivering rich, flavorful cups every time. The burr grinder offered precise control over the grind size, making a noticeable difference in taste compared to basic blade grinders. We also loved the machine’s many customizable settings, including the programmable timer, adjustable brew strength, grind coarseness, and brew size. 

Whether we were brewing a single cup or up to 12, this machine did it all—and fast, brewing a full pot in just about six minutes. The sleek LED screen makes everything smooth and intuitive, with real-time updates. The stainless steel carafe was another highlight, keeping our coffee warm for hours without losing its depth of flavor. We also appreciated the built-in reusable gold filter, which saved us the hassle of buying paper ones.

Although it’s hand-wash only, this machine is still easier to take apart and clean than others, especially the grinder. Plus, it comes with a cleaning brush to make the process even easier. While the Breville is an investment and does take up a bit of space, its premium features and user-friendly design make it a must-have for any serious coffee lover.

Grinder: Burr | Bean Hopper: 8 ounces | Capacity: 12 cups (60 ounces) | Dimensions: 8.5 x 12.5 x 16.3 inches

What We Like
  • Consistent burr grinder

  • Adjustable grind and brew strength

  • Can brew a strong cup of coffee

What We Don’t Like
  • Carafe might leak

  • Slower brewing time

The Cuisinart Grind and Brew Thermal Coffeemaker is perfect for coffee lovers who want more control over their brew. The built-in burr grinder stood out during our testing, delivering consistent grounds, and offering customizable grind sizes. You can adjust the brew strength and use the 24-hour programmable timer to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee. The hopper holds up to a half-pound of beans, keeping them fresh, with an option to use pre-ground coffee if needed.

A bonus feature is the ability to grab a cup before the brewing cycle finishes—perfect for those who can’t wait for that morning jolt. In fact, everyone might find themselves getting a cup before it’s done since the full 10-cup brewing cycle was a bit slower, taking about seven minutes and 13 seconds.

We also tested its key features, including the stainless steel thermal carafe, which kept coffee warm for hours. The machine comes with a gold reusable filter and a water filter, ensuring the best-tasting water for a better brew. We found the flavor is exactly what you'd expect from a solid, classic coffee maker. Some customers have reported that the carafe leaks when pouring, but we didn’t experience this during our tests.

Grinder: Burr | Bean Hopper: 8 ounces | Capacity: 10 cups (50 ounces) | Dimensions: 8.27 x 11.61 x 16.34 inches

What We Like
  • Programmable timer feature

  • Easy cleanup design

  • Dishwasher-safe basket

What We Don’t Like
  • Loud grinder

  • Less consistent grinds

You can elevate your coffee game with the Black+Decker Mill and Brew without spending too much cash. This inexpensive coffee machine features an integrated blade grinder, which may lead to less consistent grinds and a slightly less refined cup. The machine is user-friendly, with clearly labeled buttons and a few handy programmable settings. You can set a timer to wake up to freshly brewed coffee, adjust the brew strength, and choose how long you’d like to keep your coffee warm.

One drawback we found with this coffee maker is the loud grinder, so if you have a light-sleeping household, it might not be ideal. On the bright side, the combined filter and grinder are fully removable, making cleanup easy and eliminating the need for special cleaning tools. Additionally, the brew basket is top-rack dishwasher-safe, further simplifying the cleaning process.

Grinder: Blade | Bean Hopper: Designed for one full carafe | Capacity: 12 cups (60 ounces) | Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 16 inches

What We Like
  • Café-quality espresso

  • Silky microfoam wand

  • Adjustable burr grinder

  • Sleek, illuminated design

What We Don’t Like
  • Slight learning curve

The Breville Barista Express stands out for making fresh, high-quality espresso at home. We found that while the machine has a slight learning curve—especially with dialing in the grind and mastering the steam wand—once you get it right, the results are near café-quality. The milk frothing wand was a favorite feature during testing, creating silky microfoam perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and even latte art.

The conical burr grinder, located on top of the machine, impressed us with its consistent grind. You can easily adjust the grind size using the built-in dial for different espresso styles. The sleek design and illuminated control panel made it a joy to use, especially during early mornings. After much practice, we confirmed that this machine delivers exceptional espresso, making the high price worth it. The included 1-year warranty adds peace of mind.

Grinder: Burr | Bean Hopper: 8 ounces | Dimensions: 9.3 x 16.9 x 13.7 inches

What We Like
  • Hybrid single/full brew

  • Easy-to-use interface

  • Fresh grounds each brew

  • Bold, hot coffee 

What We Don’t Like
  • Loud grinder

  • Long brewing time

The Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind & Brew Plus is perfect for those who enjoy both single cups and full pots of coffee. We found the hybrid design convenient, allowing you to use coffee pods for single servings or brew a full pot when needed. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to customize brew strength and pot size, and the built-in grinder adds the benefit of fresh grounds for every cup.

During testing, we found the blade grinder to be a bit loud and less ideal for achieving the best flavor when compared to burr grinders. However, it still provided freshly ground beans for a satisfying cup. The coffee was bold and served piping hot, reaching 188 degrees Fahrenheit—the hottest temperature we tested. The only downside was the brewing time, which took about nine minutes for a full pot. Overall, we found this machine to offer great value for its versatility.

Grinder: Blade | Bean Hopper: 7 ounces | Capacity: 12 cups (60 ounces) | Dimensions: 10.75 x 11.73 x 15.93 inches

What We Like
  • Fully automatic design

  • Fast, quiet brewing

  • Multiple user profiles

  • Self-cleaning feature

What We Don’t Like
  • Could use a larger water reservoir

The Miele CM5310 Silence impressed us with its ease of use and fully automatic features. This upgraded version of the CM5300 Series handles the entire drink—from grinding and tamping to frothing milk—and even includes a self-cleaning feature that activates after each use of the milk frother. 

We tested its ability to make 10 different coffee beverages, and we found it impressively quiet and fast when brewing espresso shots. The machine’s sleek, minimal design fits seamlessly into any kitchen, and multiple users can save their coffee preferences, making it ideal for families or shared spaces. It can also brew up to a 40-ounce pot if you prefer larger servings, though we wished the reservoir could handle more water.

Although super-automatic machines can seem overwhelming, we found this model to be intuitive and easy to navigate. While it’s a significant investment, we concluded that it’s well worth the cost for its convenience and delicious drinks.

Grinder: Burr | Bean Hopper: 7 ounces | Dimensions: 9.5 x 14.25 x 18.125 inches

Final Verdict

Breville’s The Grind Control Coffee Maker stands out for its sleek design, customizable features, and quality components. Its built-in burr grinder and various settings, displayed on a stylish LED interface, deliver consistently delicious coffee. For espresso enthusiasts, we recommend The Barista Express, also from Breville. The café-quality espresso it produces makes it well worth the higher price tag.

How We Tested Coffee Makers with Grinders

We purchased 10 espresso machines and 14 drip coffee makers and tested them side by side. We analyzed each machine's attributes, placing extra importance on the quality of the coffee and how easy the machine was to use and customize. Specifically, we paid attention to the following:

  • How the grinder performed: Whether it was a burr or a blade, the grinder is a critical component with these coffee makers. We noted the noise level, settings, and if they led to a great cup of coffee.
  • Brew quality: To accurately assess the coffee quality, at least two kinds of beans were brewed in each machine. We focused on our taste tests on the coffee’s body, aroma, clarity, and strength.
  • What features the brewers had: We pressed all the buttons, and examined every customization available on the machines, including "strong brew" and drink options. We then noted what was useful, and what was not.
  • Functional machine design: The devil’s in the details, so we scrutinized every machine’s design, including how it was to be filled with water and beans, and if it can fit under most kitchen cabinets.

About Our Testers

  • Our team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
  • Cheyenne Elwell is a writer specializing in food and coffee. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Insider, MSN, and her own coffee blog BakedBrewedBeautiful.com. She tested the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Grind Control, both of which were later tested in our lab.

What to Look for in a Coffee Maker with a Grinder

Grinder Type and Size 

When choosing a coffee machine with a built-in grinder, understanding how the grinder type and grind size impact your coffee is key. Burr grinders are preferred in the craft coffee realm because they grind whole beans evenly and at a consistent size, which improves the overall flavor extraction. Blade grinders, on the other hand, chop beans unevenly, leading to inconsistent grounds and potentially weaker or over-extracted coffee.

While some machines allow you to adjust the grind size, others offer only one grind option. Even if your machine has a fixed grind setting, it’s important to check that the grind size works effectively with the machine’s brewing process. To do this, grind a small amount of beans and spread them on a flat surface. The grounds should be relatively uniform. If you notice a mix of large chunks and fine powder, the grind may be inconsistent, which can affect flavor.

Machines with a fixed grind setting typically aim for a medium grind, suitable for standard drip coffee makers. If you find the coffee tastes weak or bitter, consider experimenting with factors like the amount of coffee used or water temperature (if adjustable) to optimize results. For the best control and flavor, machines with adjustable burr grinders are often the better investment.

Capacity

The brewing capacity of your coffee machine is a key factor to consider when choosing a coffee maker with a grinder. For larger households or those who enjoy a full pot to sip on throughout the day, a 12- to 14-cup capacity may be best. However, if you typically drink just a single cup or a smaller batch, consider single-serve machines or models with a 1- to 4-cup capacity for greater convenience and reduced waste.

FAQs

What is the difference between a blade grinder and a burr grinder?

Though both blade and burr grinders provide fresh coffee, their grind quality sets them apart. Blade grinders chop beans unevenly, often resulting in inconsistent grounds that can lead to a weaker, less-refined cup. Burr grinders, on the other hand, produce a more uniform grind and are often adjustable on coffee machines, allowing you to customize the grind size for your preferred drink—whether it’s coarse for an espresso or for a full pot of drip coffee.

What grind size should I use for my coffee maker? 

The ideal grind size for your coffee maker depends on the type of drink you're making and the flavor strength you prefer. For standard drip coffee makers, a medium grind—similar to granulated sugar—works best, as it allows for balanced extraction. If your machine has adjustable settings, you can experiment with finer grinds for a stronger brew or coarser grinds for a milder cup. Specialty machines, like espresso makers, require specific grind sizes for specific drinks. Understanding your machine’s needs will help you achieve the perfect cup every time.

How do I clean the coffee grinder? 

Cleaning a grinder in a coffee machine with an integrated grinder is different from cleaning a standalone grinder. Some machines have a removable grinder, while others have a built-in one that cannot be taken out. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.

For machines with removable grinders, cleaning is simpler. Blade grinders can be wiped with a damp towel, while burr grinders should be cleaned with a dry cloth or soft brush to remove coffee grounds. Routine cleaning helps prevent stale flavors, ensures better-tasting coffee, and keeps the machine running smoothly.

If your grinder isn’t removable, use a brush to remove any loose grounds and chaff from the top. The brush that came with your machine or a small toothbrush works well for this.

Why Trust the Spruce Eats?

Cheyenne Elwell, founder of Baked Brewed Beautiful, is a coffee expert and food journalist with extensive experience testing and reviewing coffee grinders and machines. With years of hands-on testing and research, she provides informed recommendations to help readers find the right equipment for brewing great coffee at home.

Originally written by
Donna Currie
Donna Currie
Donna Currie is a food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets. She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and is the author of Make Ahead Bread.
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