6 Best Coffee Makers That Grind Beans for You—and Brew a Better Cup, Based on the 12 We Tested
The easiest way to get freshly ground coffee every morning
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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Switching to whole beans is one of the simplest ways to get fresher, better-tasting coffee, and a coffee maker with a grinder is one of the easiest ways to get the most flavor with almost no extra effort, since it does the work for you.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker
- Best value: Black+Decker Mill and Brew Coffee Maker
- Best single-serve: Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single-Serve Coffee Maker
- Best for coffee and espresso: De'Longhi Magnifica Start Automatic Espresso Machine
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, we've tested more than 100 coffee and espresso makers over hundreds of hours, including many grind-and-brew models. We evaluate everything from grind consistency and brew temperature to how easy each machine is to program and clean. And yes—we taste the coffee, too. I've spent more than six years testing coffee makers in the Lab and have completed Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) training in brewing, barista techniques, and sensory evaluation, so every recommendation is backed by hands-on testing and expert knowledge.
Best Deal
Pros
- Top-performing grinder
- Six grind settings
- Easy-to-read digital display
Cons
- Recommended to hand-wash carafe
BEST FOR: Coffee enthusiasts who want convenience | SKIP IF: You want something budget-friendly
Breville's coffee maker with grinder was one of the best performers in our tests, and it's packed with little details that make busy mornings easier. The display is bright and easy to read, showing your brew size and strength setting, and I loved that the water tank has a front-facing indicator. It sounds like a small thing, but not having to lean over to check the water level was surprisingly convenient.
The burr grinder has six grind-size settings so you can customize your coffee or adjust them if you swap beans. You also won't need to refill your beans every time you brew coffee, since the hopper can hold up to a half pound.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I was impressed with the built-in grinder on this machine, as it was one of the few contenders that could produce fine, medium, and coarse grinds that were consistent with what you would get from a high-quality standalone coffee grinder. One minor downside is that the carafe is hand-wash only, but that's pretty common for thermal carafes.
TASTE TEST: It produced one of the tastiest cups of coffee: smooth without a hint of bitterness.
| Brew capacity | 12-cup |
| Grinder type | Burr |
| Hopper capacity | 8 ounces |
| No. of grind settings | 6 |
| Dimensions | 11" x 14.8" x 19.1" |
Pros
- Quietest built-in grinder
- Displays on screen how long it's been since the coffee brewed
- Produces consistent grinds
Cons
- No hopper to hold beans
BEST FOR: People who want a machine with a built-in grinder at a good price | SKIP IF: You don't want the hassle of refilling whole beans each time
If you want the convenience of a built-in grinder without spending a lot, this Black+Decker machine is a great option. It has a unique setup with the grinder integrated into the brew basket, which I found easy to clean. Another advantage of this setup is that you don't have to worry about the grinder getting clogged.
I also liked the on-screen display that shows how long it's been since the coffee was brewed, so there's no guessing the time it's been sitting around.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: The built-in grinder was one of the quietest I tested. Additionally, I found it produced a consistent grind, which is surprising for a blade grinder, even better than some of the more expensive machines.
TASTE TEST: In taste tests, it produced a flavorful cup of coffee with a pleasant aroma.
| Brew capacity | 12-cup |
| Grinder type | Blade |
| Hopper capacity | N/A |
| No. of grind settings | 1 |
| Dimensions | 10" x 13.5" x 15.5" |
Pros
- Grinds whole coffee beans for a single cup of coffee
- Can use a reusable capsule or a K-cup
- Easy to use
Cons
- Grinding and brewing is a two-step process
BEST FOR: Single-cup coffee drinkers | SKIP IF: You want a one-step process
This Cuisinart coffee maker stands out because it grinds whole beans for a single-serve reusable pod. It grinds just enough coffee for one mug, then deposits the grounds directly into the reusable capsule, which you load into the capsule holder like a regular pod and brew.
For rushed mornings, it also works with K-Cups and offers 8-, 10-, and 12-ounce sizes. The 48-ounce water tank detaches for easy refilling. The catch: It’s a two-step process, so you can’t just press a button and walk away. Still, this model makes single-serve coffee with whole beans much easier by grinding the precise amount directly into a reusable capsule.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I found this machine intuitive to use without having to read the instruction manual.
TASTE TEST: Overall, the coffee I brewed was entirely satisfying with a medium body and tasted much fresher than prepackaged pods.
RELATED: Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers for the Best-Tasting Cup
| Brew capacity | 8, 10 and 12 ounces |
| Grinder type | Burr |
| Hopper capacity | 3.5 ounces |
| No. of grind settings | 1 |
| Dimensions | 11" x 7.3" x 12.7" |
Pros
- Brews tasty coffee and espresso-style drinks
- Makes a 3-ounce concentrated coffee similar to espresso
- Six size options
Cons
- Bulky
BEST FOR: Households that want size and drink options | SKIP IF: You need a small machine
I was impressed with the De'Longhi TrueBrew Drip Coffee Maker for its convenience and versatility. This coffee maker offers six size options, ranging from 8 to 24 ounces. For those who want a full pot, there's a version with a thermal carafe that brews a 40-ounce pot.
One feature that sets this machine apart is its ability to brew a 3-ounce espresso-style shot, making it easy to whip up lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks at home. It also has a built-in burr grinder with a wide hopper that's easy to fill with whole beans. Just keep in mind that it's larger than some of the other models on this list and comes with a higher price tag.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In our Lab tests, I found the machine easy to use and brewed flavorful coffee quickly. I also appreciated the range of sizes and coffee types.
TASTE TEST: The coffee was tasty, and I was amazed that the "espresso" drink is strong enough that it won't taste diluted in an Americano or cappuccino.
RELATED: I Test Espresso Machines for a Livinbg, and Lavazza’s Newest Single Serve Completely Surprised Me
Pros
- Coffee comes out piping hot at the right temperature
- Makes tasty coffee
- Thermal carafe keeps coffee warm
Cons
- Not a large difference between grind sizes
- Grind settings are not labeled
BEST FOR: Anyone who likes their coffee extra hot | SKIP IF: You switch between very fine and very coarse grinds
If you like your coffee piping hot, this Capresso machine is worth a look. It brewed some of the hottest coffee in our tests while still staying within the ideal brewing temperature range. The thermal carafe also does a great job of keeping coffee warm (and can be placed on the table), making it a good choice if you like to sip throughout the morning.
The machine has a conical burr grinder with five settings. I found the settings easy to change, but they weren't labeled, so it's easy to miss them. The hopper holds 6 ounces of whole beans, which is enough to make approximately 20 cups of coffee.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: One of the first things I noticed about this machine was the steaming hot coffee, and it had the highest temperature of the group we tested. In our tests, I found there wasn't a significant difference in size between the smallest and largest grind settings.
TASTE TEST: In addition to delivering very hot coffee, it was also one of the tastiest of the bunch.
RELATED: Best Coffee Thermoses
Pros
- Brews both coffee and espresso
- Easy to use
- Built-in milk frother
Cons
- The default settings may brew weaker coffee than some people prefer, so you may need to tweak them
BEST FOR: Espresso lovers who also want a coffee option | SKIP IF: You want traditional drip coffee
This De'Longhi machine is a great choice for anyone who wants both coffee and espresso in one appliance. While it doesn't brew traditional drip coffee, it still has options for coffee, along with Americanos and espresso shots at the touch of a button.
It also lets you adjust the coffee strength and choose from 13 grind settings, so it's easy to customize each cup to your liking. The built-in manual milk frother is a nice bonus for making lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee-shop-style drinks at home. While it's on the expensive side, it offers excellent value for an automatic machine that also brews espresso and includes a built-in frother.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I found this machine very easy to use, with a control panel that has icons and text. It brewed consistent coffee and espresso. In fact, we liked it so much that it earned a spot in our Kitchen Awards.
TASTE TEST: This machine made delicious coffee and espresso. I found the default settings a tad weak for the coffee beans I was using, but after some adjustments, it turned out tasty.
RELATED: Best Espresso Machines With Grinders
| Brew capacity | Customizable sizes for espresso, coffee or Americano |
| Grinder Type | Burr |
| Hopper capacity | 8.8 ounces |
| No. of grind settings | 13 |
| Dimensions | 14" x 17" x 9.25" |
Others we tested
- Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine: We’ve loved this machine for a long time, and it’s remained a top pick on our list of espresso makers, thanks to its rich, flavorful shots and smart features, including Intelligent Dosing technology and a built-in tamping lever that applies the perfect amount of pressure. However, some of our at-home testers have noted the machine can require occasional fiddling after a few years of use.
- Cuisinart Grind & Brew Plus: This model offers customization and convenience in one machine, allowing you to make fresh coffee from whole beans, pre-ground coffee, or pods. This Cuisinart machine didn’t rank highest in our taste test, with a score slightly below average, but it’s a good choice for those who prioritize convenience and want the option to brew full pots of coffee or use pods.
- De'Longhi Dinamica Plus Fully Automatic Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine: This De'Longhi coffee and espresso machine has been a longtime favorite among our Lab experts, thanks to its ease of use, which handles all the work for you by grinding, brewing, and milk frothing. We still love it and continue to use this De'Longhi, but it doesn't make true drip-style coffee.
- Gevi Coffee Maker with Built-in Burr Grinder: This is easy to use and has a bloom function. The performance is decent, but not better than our other picks, and it's more expensive than our Black+Decker best value pick.
How we test coffee makers with built-in grinders
To determine the best coffee makers with built-in grinders, the experts in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen & Cooking Lab collected and analyzed over 270 data points.
✔️ Brew test: We first test the models exactly as we test drip coffee makers. We brew at least two full pots of coffee in each drip machine and record the brew time, brew temperature, and how well the coffee stays warm over a two-hour period.
✔️ Taste test: As part of our brew tests, we conduct a sensory test and get as many people as we can to sample each coffee and share their tasting notes.
✔️ Ease of use: We assess this by scoring several factors, including whether the user guide is straightforward to follow and how easy it is to operate the controls, access the water tank and brew basket, read the markings on the tank and carafe, clean the carafe, and more.
✔️ Grinder test: After fully testing each coffee maker’s brewing capabilities, we then evaluate the built-in grinder. We analyze grind size accuracy, grind uniformity, and grind consistency using a sifter to determine ground coffee particle sizes down to the micrometer level.
We also assess how easily the hopper can be filled, record the loudness of the grinding process using a decibel meter, and note the variety of grind sizes available.
What to know when shopping
✔️ Type of coffee maker: Most coffee makers with built-in grinders brew traditional drip coffee, but there are other options to consider. Single-serve grind-and-brew machines are ideal for brewing one cup at a time, while automatic espresso machines can make espresso-based drinks and, in some cases, coffee. Just keep in mind that the coffee setting on an espresso machine won't produce the same style of coffee as a traditional drip coffee maker.
✔️ Grinder type: Coffee makers with built-in grinders have either blade or burr grinders. Blade grinders work like food processors, with the blades spinning to chop coffee beans. Burr grinders are similar to pepper mills, so two metal or plastic grinding surfaces mill the coffee into ground pieces. Blade grinders tend to be less expensive than burr grinders, but this often comes at the cost of only one grind size setting. If you like to adjust your grind settings, pricier built-in burr grinders often offer more options.
✔️ Hopper capacity: Hoppers can hold different amounts of beans; consider a larger hopper, such as eight ounces or larger, if you don't want to refill often. Also, note that if the machine does not have a hopper, you’ll need to fill the coffee maker with beans each time you brew.
✔️ Number of grind settings: If you like to fine-tune the grind size of the coffee, look for machines that have multiple grind settings. The grind size affects the taste of the coffee, bringing out different flavors in the beans or altering the strength of the brew.
✔️ Carafe type: Glass and thermal carafes each have their pros and cons. Glass carafes tend to be less expensive, lightweight, and easy to clean as they are often dishwasher-safe. Thermal carafes are typically more expensive but can keep coffee hot for hours without the need for a warming plate, which means you don't have to worry about whether you've shut the coffee maker off. You can bring the carafe directly to the table. They are also usually hand-wash only.
✔️ Customization and convenience: Beyond grind-size settings, coffee makers with grinders may also have customization options such as coffee-cup size and strength. More advanced machines can produce coffeehouse-style drinks, like lattes, with the push of a button, eliminating the need for manual tamping or frothing. However, you'll often pay much more for this amenity. A general rule of thumb: The more convenient and hands-off the coffee machine, the higher the price. Be sure to pay attention to which features are worth the extra money to fit your lifestyle.
Is it better to have a separate coffee grinder?
Having a separate coffee grinder may be better for some people, but not for others. Coffee enthusiasts may prefer a stand-alone grinder for making coffee beyond drip coffee, such as pour-over or French press, because it offers more grind settings. The downside is that it's an extra step in making coffee, which isn't as streamlined as a coffee maker with a built-in grinder, and it's also an added purchase.
Coffee makers with built-in grinders offer the convenience of grinding the beans and often automatically starting the brewing process. It's ideal for those who want to save time and effort by having freshly ground beans and coffee at the push of a button. Just note that if the machine or grinder breaks down over time, you'll need to replace the entire machine. Plus, switching beans is more challenging since you'll need to wait until the hopper is completely empty before adding new beans.
Does coffee taste better with a grinder?
Whether you choose to purchase a separate coffee grinder or a coffee maker with a built-in grinder, grinding beans just before brewing results in a fresher, more flavorful cup of coffee. Pre-ground coffee loses its flavor more quickly because the increased surface area exposed to air causes the coffee to degrade faster.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Ueda's first job at the Good Housekeeping Institute was testing a variety of consumer products, including drip coffee makers. Since then, she has tested and written about many kitchen-related and cooking tools, especially drip coffee and espresso makers and coffee accessories. She has a passion for coffee and has completed rigorous SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) courses in coffee brewing, barista skills, and sensory tasting. She is regularly a judge for our annual Kitchen Awards.
Nicole Papantoniou is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she oversees all testing relating to cooking and drinking equipment, including coffee makers with grinders. Over the years, she's tested numerous coffee makers and continues to road-test them daily. She reviewed this article and contributed expert insights.
More top-tested coffee machines and appliances
Nicole (she/her) is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She oversees all content and testing related to kitchen products, food, and recipes. She has worked at GH since 2019, and is a trained cook, published recipe developer, and seasoned product tester with nearly 15 years of experience. She has worked in test kitchens for national magazines and kitchen appliances brands, where she also helped develop products for the home cook. She earned a degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz, graduated with a Grand Diplome in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and studied culinary nutrition at the Natural Gourmet Institute (both now part of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.)
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