Short on time? Our top pick is the Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker.
You don’t have to be a coffee expert to know that freshly ground coffee tastes the best.
But who’s got enough space on their kitchen counters for both a grinder and a coffee brewer?
What if I told you you could have both in one appliance?
I’ve done detailed research to find the best grind and brew coffee maker, so you don’t have to. In this article, I’ll give you my recommendations, as well as some tips on what to look for.
Keep reading!
The 10 Best Grind And Brew Coffee Makers
- Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker (Best Overall)
- Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew (Best Looking Machine)
- KRUPS Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker (Best For Small Spaces)
- BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffeemaker (Best Budget Option)
- Gevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker (Most Versatile Coffee Maker)
- De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica (Best For Espresso)
- Capresso 464.05 CoffeeTeam GS (Easiest To Use)
- Tchibo Fully Automatic Coffee Machine (Best Single-Serving Machine)
- Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Grind & Brew (Best Easy Maintenance Option)
- Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine (Best At-Home Barista Machine)
Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker
At first glance, you might think this grind and brew coffee maker has a rather high price tag.
But in all honesty, the stainless steel body is worth every cent. This is one of those appliances that you’ll pass down to your kids if taken proper care of.
This model really allows you to experiment with your coffee, and it gives you 8 strength settings to choose from. And if you simply get tired of it, you can always switch to pre-ground mode.
One thing that stands out with this model is the innovative Steep and Release technology. What this does is it grinds right before you brew in order to capture more flavor from the beans. Nothing beats the taste of freshly brewed coffee from freshly ground coffee beans.
Plus, the machine features a 12-cup double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe which keeps your coffee warm for up to 3 hours.
The only downside is that the grinder is quite difficult to clean. For a busy person who doesn’t have much time for cleaning, this could be an issue.
Pros
- Steep and Release technology grinds your coffee fresh for each brew
- Features a 12-cup dual wall stainless steel thermal carafe
- The water tank capacity is a whopping 60 ounces
- Burr grinder features 6 distinct settings that allow you to get the optimal grind
Cons
- The grinder is difficult to clean
Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker
Cuisinart DGB-900BC is made of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic, so it’s quite sturdy.
Its interface is pretty straightforward. With a couple of pressed buttons, you can choose the amount of coffee you want to make, ranging from 2 to 12 cups. Then, you can pick whether you want it to be strong, medium or mild.
The machine features an automatic burr grinder. It grinds the exact amount of ground coffee needed when you choose the number of cups.
However, you cannot control the grind size itself. That’s a bummer if you like to choose settings according to the grind, volume, and variety of beans.
Pros
- The 12-cup double-wall insulated stainless steel thermal carafe features a comfortable grip handle
- Thanks to the brew-pause function, you can grab a cup before the brewing is done
- 24h programmable, so you can schedule your brew in advance
- Comes with a charcoal water filter and a permanent gold tone coffee filter
Cons
- You cannot choose the grind size
KRUPS Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker with Built-in Burr Coffee Grinder
Burr grinders are expensive, so you don’t expect to find them in coffee makers on the lower end of the price scale.
Yet, KRUPS Grind and Brew is here to prove us wrong.
That feature alone makes this model one that’s definitely worth considering.
In a way, the design reflects the price. The whole construction is made of plastic. While it’s sturdy, it can’t compare to some steel models on this list.
But what’s really great about this coffee maker is that it’s very simple to use. You can choose between 5 grind settings and 3 strength options, meaning it’s quite versatile. As for the size, you can choose between 2 and 10 cups.
It has a glass carafe and a hot plate, so your coffee can remain at the same temperature for up to two hours.
However, the carafe is a bit flimsy. Pair it with the plastic body of the coffee maker, and you will get a machine that is not very durable as other machines made of steel.
Pros
- A conical burr grinder lets you choose between 5 grind settings, from coarse to fine
- You’re able to control the strength of your brew
- You can set the appliance to keep your coffee warm for up to 2 hours
- Comes with a removable gold filter
Cons
- The carafe is a bit flimsy
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffeemaker
Buying a grind and brew coffee maker doesn’t have to break the bank, and this model by Black and Decker is a good example.
With this machine, you can make between 4 and 12 cups at a time. And in case a strong coffee craving occurs, you can remove the carafe and pour yourself a cup – no one will know. The machine stops for 30 seconds, allowing you to pour before it continues brewing. Handy!
My favorite feature is the 24-hour timer which allows you to set up your brew in advance. I just love to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.
What I don’t like is the fact this coffee maker has a blade grinder instead of a burr. Blade grinders slice the coffee bean instead of crushing it, which means less consistent grind. Plus, you cannot choose the grind size.
Pros
- One of the most affordable options on this list
- You can enjoy a cup while the coffee is still brewing, thanks to the sneak-a-cup function
- The all-in-one integrated grinder and permanent filter can be washed in the sink, while the brew basket can be washed in the top rack of a dishwasher
- Auto shut-off can be programmed at 0-2 hours
Cons
- Comes with a blade grinder, which doesn’t perform as well as a burr grinder
- You cannot choose the grind size
Gevi 10-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
If you’re nitpicky about your grind grade, then this is definitely a coffee maker you’ll want to check out.
From extra coarse to extra fine, this model offers 8 different options to choose from. For a newbie, this might be too much, but a real coffee lover will definitely cherish this.
The coffee maker allows you to choose between three strengths: mild, medium, and strong.
Once done, your coffee goes into a 10-cup glass carafe. Thanks to the warming plate, it will stay warm for 60 minutes, after which it shuts down automatically, thus saving you energy.
You can set the timer up to 24 hours in advance. That way, you can have your delicious coffee ready as soon as you open your eyes if you like.
What I don’t like about this machine is that the water tank is not easily accessible. You’ll need to pull the machine really far out and rotate it 90 degrees to access the tank.
Pros
- For a coffee maker with a burr grinder, this machine is very affordable
- The conical burr grinder lets you choose from as many as 8 grades, ranging from coarse to fine
- By pressing a grind-off button, you can use regular pre-ground coffee
- It can keep coffee warm at 172.4°F for 2 hours before it automatically turns off
Cons
- The water tank is not easily accessible
De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine
De’Longhi Magnifica is an espresso maker and a drip coffee machine in one, which makes it a bit pricey.
The machine features a burr grinder with 13 adjustable settings.
As if that’s not enough, you can also use pre-ground coffee in the second chamber.
With this machine, you can program things like the temperature, strength, and size of your coffee.
It has a manual steam wand, so you can make different drinks, like a creamy latte, macchiato, or flat white.
Some other cool features include a cup tray for keeping cups warm before use and a coffee thermostat.
The downside is that this machine is pretty noisy. So be ready to wake up the whole household if you brew your coffee early in the morning.
Pros
- It’s an espresso machine and a drip coffee maker in one
- There are 13 grind settings to choose from, as well as a pre-ground option
- Turns off automatically after 3 hours of idleness
- Decalcification indicator lets you know when it’s time to clean
Cons
- It’s a pretty loud machine
- Quite expensive for those on a budget
Capresso 464.05 CoffeeTeam GS
The thing I love the most about this Capresso coffee maker is that it lets you choose the type of carafe you want. When you think about it, it’s actually kind of annoying that most models offer only thermal or glass, thus affecting your final choice.
The machine comes with steel conical burrs, and you can choose from 5 grind settings.
Capresso 464.05 features a gold-tone filter, but can also be used with size 4 filter papers if that’s what you prefer.
It also comes with a charcoal water filter. And thanks to the electronic indicator, you’ll know when it’s time to replace it.
One thing that stands in the way of this coffee maker being the best is the noise it makes. In fact, it might as well double as a morning alarm.
Pros
- You can choose between a stainless steel or glass carafe
- An electronic indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace the charcoal water filter
- Removable upper coffee bean container, water tank, and upper burr make cleaning easy
- A 1-year limited warranty covers all defects in materials or workmanship
Cons
- It makes a lot of noise
Tchibo Fully Automatic Coffee Machine
Most models on this list make a large amount of coffee at a time. But if you only drink a cup or two a day, that’s a lot of wasted coffee.
A single-serving model might be a better option for you, like this one by Tchibo.
This compact, elegant, and relatively expensive machine can make both espresso and regular coffee. It features a spout with adjustable height so you can match it to the size of your cup.
Another amazing thing about this fancy coffee maker is that it cleans itself!
It has rinsing and descaling features that do all the dirty work. The only thing that’s left for you to do is to rinse off the brewing unit, water tray, and drip bowl every once in a while.
However, if you are a fan of real espresso with thick crema, forget about it. Although this machine brews a decent espresso, it’s still somewhat watery than it should be.
Pros
- The water tank holds approximately 40 ounces of water, meaning you don’t have to refill it every time you’re making coffee
- An automatic descaling and rinsing feature saves you the trouble of cleaning manually
- You can choose between espresso and regular coffee options
- You can adjust the height of the coffee spout to match the size of the cup
Cons
- The espresso it brews is a bit more watery than it should be
Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker
Kudos to Cuisinart for making machines for different pocketbooks. If you’re set on getting a machine from a popular appliance brand, but don’t want to break the bank – this model might be what you’re looking for.
The DGB-550BKP1 comes with a blade grinder, which is the more affordable option. However, it’s a big downside compared to burr grinders when it comes to consistent grinding.
The machine comes with a glass carafe, which is another reason this model is so affordable. To keep your coffee warm, it features a warming plate that shuts down 1-4 hours after brewing has finished.
The control panel comes with an LED indicator and is simple to navigate. It features an audible signal when the coffee has finished brewing and at the end of the programmed auto-shutoff period. This means you’ll know your coffee is done even when you’re in another room.
Pros
- 12-cup glass carafe features an ergonomic handle and markings for 2-12 cups
- Gold tone commercial filter and charcoal water filter ensure your drink is free of impurities
- You can set the warming plate to automatically switch off after 1-4 hours of idleness
- The grinder basket lid and carafe can be placed in a dishwasher
Cons
- Comes with a blade grinder, the weaker of the two grinder types
- It’s rather loud
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Breville Barista Express has everything you need as a home barista. But, for that reason, this machine is on the expensive side.
It is a built-in conical burr grinder that grinds the right amount needed for your brew each time. Plus, you can choose the grind size among 18 grind settings.
Barista Express features a digital temperature control system (PID). This system delivers water at the right temperature, so you get optimal espresso extraction every time.
The machine has a manual steam wand for milk frothing. The good side is that you will have full control over the frothing, so you will be able to make microfoam for specialty drinks.
However, manual steam wands require a bit of practice before you can make a decent froth. If you are a beginner or aim for something more simple, it’s better to choose a machine with an automatic wand or built-in milk system.
Pros
- A built-in conical burr grinder grinds the right amount of coffee for each brew
- 18 grind settings give you a lot of options when it comes to the grind size
- PID system ensures optimal espresso extraction at the right temperature
- The manual steam wand lets you make a microfoam for specialty drinks
Cons
- A manual steam wand requires a bit of practice to master
How To Choose The Best Grind And Brew Coffee Maker: A Buying Guide
As you’ve seen, grind and brew coffee makers come with all kinds of features.
So how do you choose one?
Here are the things you should pay attention to when buying a coffee maker.
Type Of Grinder
You’ve got two options to choose from – blade or burr.
Burr is generally a better option because it crushes coffee beans instead of slicing them. A blade doesn’t make the grind consistent in size, which affects the coffee taste once brewed.
What’s more, blades emanate heat when grinding. They don’t get searing hot, but they get heated enough to burn the oil in your coffee beans during the process. This is another thing that affects the final outcome.
Type Of Machine
As you probably know, there are tons of different coffee machines out there. Those that offer an inbuilt grinder as a feature are usually either drip or espresso coffee makers.
A drip coffee maker creates the traditional type of coffee most of us drink religiously. They usually make anywhere from 2 to 12 cups, depending on the model.
These coffee makers all work on the same basic principle: beans are ground and poured into a filter, where hot water runs over them. The water then drips into the carafe below, and, after several minutes, you get your daily dose of coffee.
An espresso machine comes with a larger price tag, but these are big semi-professional coffee makers that offer way more features.
The brewing process is slightly more complex. Once ground, coffee beans go into a portafilter, where they are brewed with the help of high-pressure steam.
If you can’t decide between the two, don’t worry. There are certain machines that can do both!
Grind Settings
Everyone has their preference when it comes to coffee. That’s why coffee makers come with different grind settings. From extra fine to extra coarse, there are models that do them all.
What do these grind settings mean?
The size of the grind you choose affects how water filters through them. Each of them is more or less suitable for a specific type of coffee. Espresso, for example, requires a fine grind.
For a drip coffee maker, medium-fine grind settings are the most important, and the ones you should look for in a machine.
Special Features
Some machines have special features such as 24-hour programmability and auto shut-off. I’m a big fan of both.
Not a lot of things can make a morning as freshly brewed coffee. But grinding and brewing coffee fresh can take some time, which you don’t always have in the morning.
That’s why 24-hour programmability is so important.
You can set the timer, and the next day you’ll have your coffee freshly brewed before you’ve even gotten out of bed.
Moreover, I’m an advocate for all the security features, including auto shut-off.
I know I’m not the only one that keeps forgetting to turn off appliances once I’m done with them.
This leads to more energy consumption, high electricity bills, and in some cases, short circuits.
Having this feature will give you peace of mind, especially when leaving the house in a hurry.
Build & Capacity
Most coffee machines on the market use either plastic or stainless steel for the body and parts.
Steel is, obviously, way more durable than plastic, but it comes at a higher price.
The choice comes down to how often you will use the appliance.
As for the size, you can’t expect a grind and brew coffee machine to be small and compact. In fact, the smallest one on our list, the Black and Decker coffee maker, is 10×13.5×15.5 inches.
When it comes to capacity, consider how many members of the household will use the machine.
If you have a large family, bean hopper and water reservoir sizes are also something worth considering. These affect how frequently you’ll need to refill, so you’ll want to make sure they aren’t too small.
Maintenance
Some of the machines have an auto-cleaning feature, which is handy. But, all of them require manual cleaning of a grinder.
Maintenance differs slightly depending on the type of grinder you have.
You can wipe a blade grinder with a damp cloth, but make sure to always use a dry one for the burr grinder. What’s more, you need to get rid of any loose grounds in order to keep the machine running well in both cases.
As for burr grinders, maintenance is slightly different. You need to disassemble the whole thing, then scrub it with a dry toothbrush.
PRO TIP
I’ve seen people clean their blade grinder with a simple trick – fill it with a quarter cup of rice and let it grind until you get a fine powder. Then, empty it out and wipe it with a wet cloth.
FAQ
Have any questions?
I’m sure you do.
Here are the answers to some questions that might’ve popped into your head.
Is It Better To Have A Separate Coffee Grinder?
Yes and no.
A separate coffee grinder allows you to grind coffee for different brewing methods, whether it’s espresso, French press, etc.
But, if you’re looking for a space-saving, convenient option, a 2-in-1 solution might be better.
Why Is Fresh Ground Coffee Better?
Freshly ground beans release their flavor right into your cup.
When grounds are exposed to light and air, they start losing some of that aroma and flavor.
That’s why you should always keep your coffee in a vacuum-sealed bag or container, in a dark, dry cupboard.
How Does Grind Size Affect Flavor?
The finer your beans are ground, the more surface area there is to be exposed to the water.
If you get your grind size wrong, the coffee can end up either over-extracted or under-extracted.
In the first case, your coffee will taste bitter and burnt. In the second, you’ll have a sour or sharp-tasting drink.
The Final Verdict
Nothing compares to fresh coffee brewed from freshly ground beans
But you don’t have to own two appliances to achieve that, with all the 2-in-1 grind and brew coffee makers on the market!
The Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker topped our list as the coffee maker that has everything you might need. That includes a high-quality body and lots of strength and grind options.
But the other models on the list come pretty close, so whichever you pick, it’s sure to be a good choice.
