10 Espresso Machines With A (Built-in) Grinder: Fresh Ground Makes A Difference

A cup of a delicious espresso brew is an amazing way to start your day. However, to achieve the freshest brewing results you need to use freshly ground coffee for every cup you make. That is why owning an espresso machine with a grinder is essential for every espresso enthusiast.

Here we gathered all the information about the 10 best models on the market, compared their designs and features, and singled out the one we believe will provide you with optimal performance and results.

The Rundown

Do Espresso Machines Grind The Beans?

Yes, but not all models. The only difference between “basic” ones and grinding models is that they come with a grinder that is built-in. The difference is also in price. While basic espresso machines cost up to 700 dollars, these models cost up to 1300 dollars.

Are There Different Types You Can Choose From?

Yes, in this case, you get to choose between semi-automatic and super-automatic models. The former comes with many programmable features and functions you can adjust to your liking and needs. The latter, on the other hand, also comes with versatile features and functions ut they are pre-programmed. To switch between them you simply need to push a button.

How Do They Work?

You need to add coffee beans into a hopper and then start the machine. It starts the grinding process. You get to adjust the coarseness of the grind size to your liking. For espresso, it should be fine ground level. Once this process is over, you select your preferred program and then the machine does everything that a basic espresso maker does including:

• heating the water
• pushing it through the coffee puck at a high pressure
• brewing a perfect espresso shot

How These Models Are Different From Bean-To-Cup Machines?

The difference between machines with a grinder and bean-to-cup espresso machines is that the bean-to-cup model does the whole job automatically. That means you need only to add coffee beans to the hopper and start the brewing process. The machine grinds the beans first and then brews espresso automatically just after that.

Are They Suitable For Home Use?

Yes, all models with a coffee grinder are great for home use. While you may need to invest a bit more money initially you will get amazing value for it.

Benefits Of Owning One

There are many benefits to owning such a machine:

• first of all, you get to enjoy the freshest brewing results
• since you are in control of the grind size you can try out brewing espresso with different grind coarseness
• they provide amazing consistency to ensure you can make the perfect espresso shot with every use
• there is no need to search for the best pre-ground coffee blend
• you get to experience different flavors and roasts
• no need to worry about burning your beans (something that often happens with separate 120 V grinders)

Apart from their many benefits, there are some possible downsides you may encounter:

• these machines are often bulkier and larger
• grinders are not cheap to replace so you might have to invest a bit more money to replace them if they malfunction

Onto Their Features…

Although these machines are an exceptional choice, there are some things you should consider before you go out and buy one:

Powerful Grinder

First things first, since you are buying a machine with a grinder you want to make sure that it is a powerful one. Conical burr grinders are the best choice as they don’t heat up during the grinding process, meaning, they do not burn your coffee beans.

Grinding Adjustments

Makes sure that the model you choose provides multiple grinding adjustments. That way you will be able to experiment with versatile coarseness levels until you find the blend that works perfectly for you and your needs.

Bean Hopper Capacity

Most machines come equipped with a bean hopper that features a sealed lid and is specially designed to keep your beans in their freshest condition. The standard capacity for a bean hopper is about 10 lbs, which is equivalent to approximately 400 cups.

Bypass Doser

While this is not the case for all machines, some do come with an additional bypass doser. It is designed for use with store-bought pre-ground coffee and provides you with the opportunity of brewing a decaf espresso.

Smart Features

There are some smart features you can look for when choosing a machine with a coffee grinder. This includes, for instance, light indicators that inform you when the bean level is low and you need to refill them.

Noise Levels

Grinders are not the quietest parts of an espresso machine, however, they do not need to be too loud either. You can easily find machines that feature grinders with a 70 DB noise level which is suitable for home appliances.

Generally About The Machines

Now that we covered all the important things about the grinders themselves, it is time we talk a bit about the machines in general:

Size & Design
It s very important that you consider the amount of space you have in your kitchen. If space is a premium, choose a somewhat smaller, 9.75 x 9 x 11.5-inch model. On the other hand, if you have plenty of space, a somewhat larger, 23.43 x 14.49 x 20.47-inch model might accommodate your needs much better.

Construction Quality
Since machines that come equipped with a grinder fit the “high grade” category, forget about plastic models. Stainless-steel machines offer exceptional durability and ensure a much longer lifespan of the machine.

Extraction Pressure
This is something you need to look out for when buying any espresso maker. While a 9 bar pressure is usually considered to be some sort of a sweet spot when brewing espresso, a much higher, 15 to 20 bar pressure will allow you to make versatile specialized, barista-style beverages.

Steaming Wand
Most machines on the market come with a steaming wand that is specially designed to push high-temperature steam into the milk and create the perfect milk crema. Since the steam also creates air pockets in the milk, you will also get the top froth you are looking for when making cappuccinos or lattes.

Frothing System
On the other hand, models that come with an automatic milk system combine the milk with air at a high speed. As a result, they can not steam the milk but rather froth it into a texturized milk foam.

Programmable Features
There are versatile programmable features you can look for when buying an espresso machine. These include strength adjustments, cup size control, temperature controls for the brewing and the frothing system, etc.

10 Best Espresso Machines With A Grinder

While the first model we reviewed below offers a semi-automatic performance, the second one is a fully automatic brewer with pre-programmed settings for versatile specialized beverages. Read on to learn more about their differences.

Breville Barista Espresso Machine

Even though this stainless steel machine uses a somewhat lower, 9-bar extraction pressure, it still provides amazing performance. It is a semi-automatic model that allows you to dial in the desired grind size, choose the filter size, switch it from a single to a double serve, etc.

With its specially designed dose control grinding system, its grinder delivers the perfect amount of coffee grind straight into the portafilter. Combined with its precise temperature control, which delivers water at an optimal temperature level, you can count on amazing results with every use.

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Philips Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

The amazing thing about this home machine with a grinder is its intuitive control panel. It is located on the top front side of the machine to ensure that you can easily make the desired adjustments. While most of its functions are pre-programmed you can control the brew strength, size, and volume of the frothed milk.

This automatic latte machine comes with an AquaClean water filter. It is specially designed to ensure that you can descale the machine after about 5000 brewed cups, not before. Since it purifies the water inside the reservoir, each brew you make will have the freshest flavor possible.

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EspressoWorks Espresso Maker

This brewer under $300 allows you to choose whether you want to brew a single or a double shot of espresso at a time. The great thing is that both stainless steel portafilters come included in the package. Additionally, they are also compatible with ESE pods.

The main difference between this and the rest of the listed models is that this brewer comes with a separate 120 V grinder. The only downside of this is that it is not as powerful as burr grinders and it might accidentally burn your coffee beans as you grind them.

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De’Longhi Magnifica Espresso Machine

This machine under 1000 dollars features a high-quality stainless steel design that makes it suitable for both domestic and professional use. Its quick and efficient 60-second heat-up time ensures you can have a perfect brew ready in no time.

Its coffee grinder is located atop the machine to ensure that you can easily add your favorite coffee beans to it. Next to it is a highly convenient pre-ground/decaf coffee bypass doser that allows you to brew espresso using store-bought pre-ground coffee powder.

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Espressione Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Out of all models I reviewed in this post, this model comes in the most compact size. Thanks to this feature you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect place for it on your countertops. Its grinder is specially designed to produce the lowest noise levels possible and as a result, creates about 70 decibels while in use.

It features a specially designed boiler/Thermo block technology thanks to which the water is delivered at a precise temperature level during the brewing process. It also regulates the temperature between the brewing and frothing system. Combined with a high, 19-bar extraction pressure, it ensures amazing results.

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Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine

This is another 15 bar model that uses specially designed thermoblock heating technology. Its gentle pre-infusion system ensures a premium extraction of all the delicious coffee oils from the beans. With its 58mm portafilter, it can hold a somewhat larger amount of freshly ground beans.

The top of this machine works as a convenient cup warming tray thanks to which your espresso can pour out in a heated cup. As a result, your espresso will remain at its optimal temperature level for a much longer time.

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Saeco Xelsis Espresso Machine

Because of its completely programmable performance, you will be able to control how strong/mild and large/small your brew is. More importantly, this personal brewer also has six different personalized profiles you can use to customize each drink to your liking.

Since it comes equipped with double Thermo blocks, it provides accurate temperature controls for both the brewing and the steaming process. This means that you will get exceptional results both while brewing espresso and steaming the milk.

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Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine

It is worth knowing that this prosumer machine features an intuitive display. It shows you both grinding and extracting progress animations to ensure that you can track both processes. It also helps you adjust the desired grind size and set the desired shot size.

Because of its innovative ThermoJet heating system, this brewer provides you with highly efficient heating performance. It can reach the optimal extraction temperature in about 3 seconds and almost instantly switch from brewing to steam mode.

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Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine

The amazing thing about this machine is that it comes with a grinder, bean hopper, and an additional bypass doser. Its hopper comes with a sealed lid that will keep your favorite coffee beans fresh for a much longer time.

Even though this is a super-automatic espresso machine, it comes with a steam frothing wand. It provides great frothing performance thanks to which you can make lattes, macchiatos, perfect cappuccinos, and other espresso/milk-based beverages. The machine’s bottom drip tray is precisely placed to ensure that it catches all accidental drips or spills.

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De’Longhi Dinamica Espresso Machine

It is worth knowing that this model under $2000 comes with around 18 pre-programmed recipes that will help you find your perfect coffee blend in no time. It also offers my menu personalization. This means that you can choose one recipe, adjust its strength, size, and amount of milk according to your liking, and save the customized settings.

This is another machine with a built-in grinder that comes with a fully automatic frother. You only have to make sure that the milk reservoir is full. The machine will automatically froth the milk and dispense it directly into your mug. The best thing is that it has a cleaning system.

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Step By Step To A Perfect Brew

You won’t have any trouble achieving a perfect brew with any of these machines. Here is a step by step guide we hope will help you perfect your brewing skills:

1. Add beans to the grinder and dial in the desired coarseness level. To ensure that the grinder provides the best performance possible, avoid using oily coffee beans.
2. Add the perfect amount of grounds into the portafilter (depending on whether you are brewing a single or a double shot) and tamp them down with a sufficient amount of pressure.
3. Make sure that the machine has reached the perfect temperature (between 195 and 205°F for the brewing process).
4. Once you complete all these steps, adjust the brewing parameters to your needs (i.e. brew strength, cup size, etc.) and start the brewing process.

Can You Use Any Grinder For Espresso?

Yes, you can but you should not. As we explained earlier, conical burr grinders are the best option. However, if you do not have one available, make sure that the one you have can grind beans into a fine coffee powder that is needed to pull a perfect espresso shot.

What About Machines That Come With A Separate Grinder?

Their only downside is that they use two small blades and easily get heated during the grinding process. As a result, you can often burn your beans and get stuck with a burnt espresso flavor.

What Grind Size Is The Best For Espresso?

While you can experiment with versatile coarseness levels, to achieve the most perfect espresso brew you should use a fine coffee powder.

Maintenance Level: How To Properly Clean The Grinder?

Grinders are not as difficult to clean as you might think:

1. Make sure that the grinder is empty (to do that simply run it and wait for the grounds to run out).
2. Take off the top itself, turn the handle to unlock, and remove the bean hopper from the machine.
3. At this point, you want to use a vacuum to remove all the leftover shells and beans around the burrs.
4. Remove the top burr by lifting a small handle on the grinder and rotating it clockwise.
5. Take a small brush and your vacuum and remove the bean leftovers.
6. Once you complete all the steps, it is time to reinstall the grinder:

Do All Of These Machines Come Also With A Steamer?

Not all machines come with a milk steamer, however, the ones that do not, have a frothing mechanism that provides you with a perfect froth for cappuccinos, lattes, and similar specialized beverages.