The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Coffee Maker with the Best Burr Grinder

Are you tired of bland, dull coffee that fails to excite your taste buds? If so, it's time to upgrade your morning routine with the best burr grinder coffee maker. Gone are the days of settling for mediocre grounds and lackluster brews. In this article, we will explore the world of coffee grinders and unveil a list of the top 13 options that will revolutionize your caffeinated experience. From budget-friendly choices to fashion-forward picks, we've got you covered. Get ready to elevate your coffee game to new heights!

The Smart Upgrade: The Baratza Virtuoso

The Baratza Virtuoso, priced at $250, is a significant improvement over the entry-level Encore. This high-end grinder offers a few additional features that make it worth the investment. The standout features include a digital timer that can be adjusted down to a tenth of a second and the ability to grind coffee directly into an espresso filter basket. With its sharper and sleeker burrs, the Virtuoso is capable of grinding coffee faster and with greater precision. While the Encore is suitable for standard drip machines, the Virtuoso is a valuable investment if you own an espresso machine or want to enhance your pour-over game.

Buying Guide for the Best Coffee Maker With Grinder

When it comes to selecting the best coffee machine with a grinder, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and consider various factors. Here's what you should keep in mind:

Size

For small kitchens, it's essential to consider the size of the espresso machine or coffee maker. Some high-end machines can take up significant counter space, so it's important to measure and ensure it will fit comfortably under your upper cabinets. Additionally, espresso makers are generally larger than drip coffee makers, so consider the size that suits your kitchen.

Grinder 

The grinder is a critical component of coffee machines, and it requires careful consideration. There are two main types to choose from:

• A blade grinder: Blade grinders are more affordable than burr grinders. They work similarly to food processors or blenders, chopping the beans. However, they can produce inconsistent coarseness, so keep that in mind when deciding.
• A burr grinder: Burr grinders ensure consistent grinding. Coffee makers with burr grinders are more likely to produce a consistent cup of coffee. Although they come at a higher price, they are worth the investment for their superior performance.

Capacity

Consider the number of coffee-lovers in your household and their daily coffee consumption when choosing a coffee maker. While some households may require a larger capacity, others may only need a single cup per day. Note that the "cups" measurement on coffee machines may differ from standard measurements. An 8-ounce American cup is considered 8 ounces, but coffee machine cups are typically between 4 and 6 ounces.

Filter

In addition to the primary function of brewing coffee, it's essential to consider the environmental impact of your coffee maker. Determine whether the machine uses recyclable filters or if you need to replace paper filters. Make sure to read all information before making a purchase.

Carafe Style

Most home drip coffee makers come with either a glass or thermal carafe. Here's what you need to know about each:

• Glass carafe: Machines with a glass carafe typically have a hotplate that keeps the coffee warm for a specific amount of time. They are more economical and suitable for those who prefer to drink their coffee immediately after brewing, as coffee can become bitter after 20 minutes.
• Thermal carafe: Thermal carafes are more expensive but offer better coffee preservation. They are made of stainless steel and have a double-walled design that keeps the coffee hot for hours without compromising the taste. Espresso makers, on the other hand, do not come with a carafe and pour the coffee directly into a cup or mug.

Highlighted Features

Coffee makers and grinders come with various features. It's important to thoroughly understand the features of your coffee machine before making a purchase. Compare the features to your preferences and requirements. If you need a water filter, take the time to search for a machine that offers that feature. Take your time and carefully consider your options before investing your money and time.

Blade vs. Burr

Coffee grinders use either blades or burrs to grind coffee beans. Here's what you need to know about each:

• Blades: Blade grinders are the most affordable option. They work similarly to food processors or blenders and chop the beans. However, they can produce inconsistent coarseness, which is fine for drip coffee but not ideal for espresso that requires a fine grind.
• Burrs: Burr grinders are the preferred choice for quality coffee bean grinding. Professional machines utilize burr grinders or mills that press the beans together with flat or conical burrs. They do not produce heat, preserving the flavor of the beans, and consistently produce the desired coffee ground texture. Burr grinders are typically found in higher-end machines.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning is crucial for preserving the lifespan and improving the productivity of your coffee maker. Coffee machines with blade grinders are generally more challenging to clean compared to those with burr grinders.

Price

Budget is an essential consideration when selecting a coffee maker with a grinder. If you have a flexible budget, a multifunctional and modern machine is worth the investment. However, even with a limited budget, you can still find a good coffee maker at a reasonable price.

List of 13 Best Coffee Maker With Grinder Reviews

1. Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker

Cuisinart machines, though relatively new in the coffee industry, are popular choices for coffee makers with built-in grinders. The DGB-900BC is our top choice from the brand's range for several reasons. This solid coffee maker features a quiet stainless steel burr grinder and impressive programmability. It offers three brew strength options (mild, medium, and strong) and volume control for customizable cup sizes ranging from 2 cups to 12 cups. With its 24-hour programming, you can enjoy a fresh pot of coffee every morning. The double-walled thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot for hours without relying on a hotplate. However, it's worth noting that cleaning the chute can be difficult and may require a separate fine brush. Additionally, the grind size is not adjustable, but the preset size strikes a balance between preventing clogging and extracting good flavor.

2. KRUPS Grind and Brew Auto-Start Maker with Builtin Burr Coffee Grinder

KRUPS offers great coffee makers at a reasonable price, and the Grind and Brew with Automatic Burr Grinder is no exception. This machine can make 10 cups of drip coffee and includes a conical burr grinder with five grind settings for the perfect grind. It also allows you to select the brew strength and features an auto-start function and a keep-warm function that lasts up to 2 hours. The glass carafe may be a drawback, as it doesn't offer the same coffee preservation as a thermal carafe. However, considering its brand reputation and value for the price, it's our top choice in this category.

3. Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control Coffee Maker

The Breville BDC650BSS may seem expensive, but it offers excellent affordability compared to other machines in its class. It features a stainless steel burr grinder, an LED display, and a patent-pending step and release technology that enhances the flavor and aroma of the coffee beans. This standout machine offers six grind options and eight brew options, allowing you to customize your coffee experience. Despite its appearance, which may not be as inspiring as others, it performs exceptionally well and will fit seamlessly into most kitchens.

4. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

Breville's BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to grind their own coffee beans. This machine features a conical burr grinder that ensures the beans are perfectly prepared for brewing. The operation is simple thanks to its combination of buttons and rotary dials, making it suitable for those who prefer a more straightforward approach. This machine can also make espresso and steam your coffee with its steam wand. With Breville being a trusted brand in the market, there's no doubt about the quality and exceptional performance of this machine. Despite its reasonable price, it's a worthwhile investment.

5. BLACK DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffeemaker

The Black Decker Mill and Brew coffee maker combine grinding and brewing into one machine, offering convenient functionality. With QuickTouch programming, you can speed up the grinding and brewing processes. This coffee maker allows you to brew 12 cups at a time with three different strength options and 24-hour programming. Additionally, it features a pre-ground mode for when you run out of fresh beans. The easy-to-use interface, large buttons, and backlit display make this machine user-friendly. The inclusion of a permanent filter, grinder, and brew basket facilitates easy cleaning, as these parts can be removed and washed without much effort. However, it's important to note that this machine uses a blade grinder instead of a burr grinder, which may result in uneven coffee grounds and affect the coffee quality. Nevertheless, it's a suitable option for those who value convenience.

6. Capresso 465 CoffeeTeam TS 10-Cup Digital Coffeemaker with Conical Burr Grinder

The Capresso 465 is a sturdy and long-lasting coffee maker comparable to Cuisinart. It features a stainless steel conical burr grinder and a 10-cup brewing capacity. The standout feature is its grind settings, which can be adjusted to accommodate the oil differences between dark and light roasts. This enhances the machine's lifespan and reduces maintenance. Additional features include a thermal carafe with stainless steel outer casing and temperature-regulating inner casing, a brew-pause setting, a pre-ground mode, and a digital control panel. The only drawback is that the grinder can be noisy, and the 6-ounce bean hopper is slightly small.

7. De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine

The De'Longhi ESAM3300 is a unique grind and brew machine that offers both single and double espressos, as well as long-term drinks. It features a built-in burr grinder with a rotary dial for control and adjustable microfoam levels. With its double boiler system, you can froth milk while brewing coffee. This machine simplifies the process of making great espresso drinks. However, if you're looking for interactive and barista-style features, this machine may not meet your expectations. Nevertheless, it offers exceptional performance and represents a good value for the quality of coffee it produces.

8. Chefman Grind and Brew 4 Cup Coffee Maker and Grinder

If you have limited kitchen space, the Chefman Grind and Brew 4 Cup Coffee Maker and Grinder is a fantastic choice. Its compact design and sleek appearance make it ideal for small families or households with limited space. This machine can quickly brew 4 cups of coffee for a fresh start. It includes a blade grinder, making it an affordable option. However, cleaning can be difficult, affecting its productivity and lifespan. Nevertheless, its compact design and affordable price make it the best option for small families.

9. Breville BCG820BSS Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Bean Grinder

The Breville Smart Grinder is an excellent choice for those who want to grind their own coffee beans. With its brushed stainless steel body, it offers both durability and performance. This grinder boasts over 60 grind settings, allowing you to customize your coffee to your preferences. It features an 18-ounce bean capacity, making it suitable for quick brews. The Breville Smart Grinder also comes with multiple accessories, including two portafilters (50 mm and 58 mm), a grinder container with a lid, a sealing cap, and a small brush for cleaning. Its grind options allow you to grind directly into a portafilter, filter basket, or airtight container for convenience. The Precision Timer and the LCD screen offer a premium user interface, allowing you to set your grind and brew preferences precisely.

10. Gevi Grind and Brew Automatic Coffee Machine

The Gevi machine offers versatility by allowing you to use pre-ground beans or fresh beans with its conical burr grinder. With its brew button or auto-start function, you can easily enjoy up to 10 cups of delicious coffee. This machine also offers three strength control settings and eight grind sizes for a customizable coffee experience.

11. Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker

The Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Grind & Brew Automatic Coffeemaker offers the convenience of grinding whole beans prior to brewing. It delivers a fresh and delicious cup of coffee. The machine includes brew-pause functionality, automatic shut-off after 0-4 hours, and separate grinder chamber and filter for easy cleaning. In the set, you'll find a charcoal filter and a gold-tone filter, enhancing your brewing experience. This simple and affordable coffee maker is perfect for those who want a hassle-free option.

The Budget Choice That Still Gets the Job Done: Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

For coffee enthusiasts starting their journey and seeking a quality grinder without spending over $100, the Oxo burr grinder is an ideal choice. Priced at , it offers a simple and intuitive design while delivering consistent grind quality for home use. Like Fellow grinders, the Oxo bean grinder features a numbered dial to adjust the grind from ultrafine to coarse, though the range is limited to 15 settings. While Fellow grinders default to a 30-second grind, the Oxo grinder allows you to adjust the grind time on a separate windup timer, which maxes out at 30 seconds. So, for larger batch brews, you may need to repeat the process. Though it achieves a fine grind for espresso, it doesn't directly grind into a portafilter, which may result in a messy transfer process. Nevertheless, it's a reliable and affordable grinder for passionate but uncomplicated coffee drinkers.

The Fashionable Yet Functional Picks: Fellow Ode and Opus Conical Burr Grinders

If you're in search of a high-quality burr grinder that not only performs well but also adds a stylish touch to your kitchen countertop, look no further than Fellow's modern burr grinders: the Ode and the Opus. The Ode Gen 2 ($345) has even won the prestigious Best New Product award from the Specialty Coffee Association in 2021. It's a compact and user-friendly grinder that allows you to easily adjust the grind size using a dial and a button. Plus, it operates quietly, so you won't disturb the peace in your kitchen. Bon Appétit's food director, Chris Morocco, personally uses this model at home and praises its ability to contain mess and chaff, especially for fans of light roast coffees. With its stainless-steel flat burrs, the Ode Gen 2 guarantees a cafe-quality grind for your at-home brews. The only drawback is that it's not suitable for grinding coffee finely enough for espresso. But if you prefer pour-over, drip, or French press coffee, this grinder is definitely a top choice.

Fellow Gen 2 Ode Brew Grinder

For those looking for an electric coffee grinder at a lower price point, but with more grind settings, including espresso, the Opus is the ideal choice. Chris describes this grinder as if it had descended from heaven itself. Priced at $195, the Opus offers 10 grind settings, ranging from fine espresso to coarse cold brew. Its minimalist design and functional features make it a worthy upgrade from the Baratza Encore. Notable features include a catch cup that aligns magnetically for easy use, as well as a smaller "dosing cup" that simplifies the transfer of grounds for a single espresso shot. Unlike the Encore, which is designed for storing larger quantities of beans, the Fellow models focus on grinding individual doses. This feature is perfect for households with different coffee preferences. Whether you enjoy a dark espresso roast or a light roast for pour-overs, these sleek machines will ensure that everyone is satisfied with their freshly ground coffee.

The Best Hand Grinder for Espresso: Flair Manual Espresso Grinder

If you're looking for a manual coffee grinder that delivers an excellent espresso grind while giving your arm a workout, Chris recommends the Flair Manual Espresso Grinder. This compact device is his top pick for espresso enthusiasts. It features conical steel burrs and offers an impressive 72 fine-grind settings, allowing you to customize your espresso grind to perfection. The grinder has a comfortable silicone body with an easy-to-grip design and a thumb rest for a seamless grinding experience. Best of all, it won't take up much counter space. While specifically designed for espresso, this hand grinder can also be used for other brewing methods that require a finer grind, such as the Aeropress, Turkish coffee, or coffee made in a Moka pot. Whether you're going camping with your Aeropress or enjoy the occasional espresso, this grinder is a reliable choice.

Grinders that didn't make the cut 😔

The world of grinders is highly competitive, with constant advancements and updates. Designs that were impressive in 2020 might already be outdated less than a year later. In the interest of transparency, here is a list of grinders that were considered for this article but didn't make it to the final selection. If you have any questions about these grinders, feel free to explore the links provided. The models are listed from cheapest to most expensive.

- Cuisinart DBM-8: A budget-friendly option often recommended for beginners. While it has a cute appearance, it lacks consistency and doesn't allow for intense flavor extraction.

- Bodum Bistro: Though it has a unique design and a nice glass catch cup, this grinder's particle distribution is below average, particularly for coarse grinds.

- 1Zpresso Q2: This compact burr grinder is great for travel or users with small hands. However, it didn't make the list due to the Timemore C2 offering similar performance at a more affordable price.

- Xeoleo Ghost Burr Grinder: The ghost teeth burrs of this grinder prevent it from grinding fine. Additionally, pour-over coffee made with it doesn't taste as expected.

- Breville Smart Grinder Pro: Despite its cool features, this grinder is plagued by an issue with the impeller, causing clogging in the grind chamber. Unfortunately, Breville doesn't offer replacements.

- Baratza Virtuoso Plus: While this grinder is excellent, its higher price is primarily due to the timer feature, which may not be essential for most users. A cheaper alternative is installing the M2 burr in the Baratza Encore.

- Wilfa Uniform: This grinder offers great performance, but it's only available in Europe and not compatible with 110V power, limiting its use outside of certain regions.

- Comandante C40: Known for its excellent grind consistency and attractive design, this grinder is somewhat expensive compared to other options that offer similar results.

Why Should You Get a Serious Coffee Grinder?

There are numerous misconceptions surrounding the importance of burrs in coffee grinders. However, the reality is that they are vital tools for achieving uniform particle size, whether it's for coffee beans, grains, nuts, or other food items. In the case of coffee, a narrow particle size distribution is essential for an even extraction of the beans. The majority of the particulates should fall within the range appropriate for your chosen brewing method, while avoiding extremely fine particles (fines) that contribute bitterness and very coarse particles (boulders) that bring sourness to the final cup.

Conical Burrs vs Flat Burrs

Flat burrs and conical burrs side by side for comparison.

Burrs come in various shapes and materials, and it's difficult to determine one superior option. It ultimately depends on the specific use case and the manufacturer's design considerations. While flat burrs are more commonly found in professional equipment due to their suitability for high-volume settings and reduced boulder production, conical burrs are frequently used in entry-level electric and hand grinders. Conical burrs generally deliver a better mouthfeel in espresso but have a slower operation due to their smaller diameter. Meanwhile, flat burrs are popular in large, professional espresso grinders for their speed and efficiency, although they retain more grounds and can be more challenging to fine-tune. For a more in-depth exploration of flat and conical burrs, refer to this article.

Ceramic vs Steel Burrs

Ceramic burrs are typically more affordable than steel burrs and are commonly used in manual grinders in the sub $100 price range. However, they are generally less sharp than their steel counterparts, requiring more effort to grind beans manually. Electric grinders rarely utilize ceramic burrs due to their fragility, as they can shatter if they come into contact with small stones accidentally mixed with the beans. Nevertheless, some espresso grinder manufacturers, such as Baratza, incorporate ceramic burrs. Ceramic does offer the advantage of being rust-resistant and stainless, unlike budget steel grinders. However, in 2021, steel burrs are generally considered a better choice. They provide greater convenience and reliability in coffee grinding.

How to Clean a Burr Grinder?

If you're wondering about cleaning your burr grinder, there's a dedicated article available here that covers frequency and important considerations.

FAQ

What is the Best Coffee Grinder to Buy?

The best coffee grinder to buy is subjective and depends on your specific needs. If you want to brew espresso, a grinder capable of achieving a fine grind is essential. For more guidance, refer to this post.

Are Burr Grinders Really Better?

Yes, burr grinders are superior to blade grinders in terms of consistency. This consistency is crucial for achieving optimal coffee extraction.

Are Manual Coffee Grinders Better than Electric?

No, manual grinders are not necessarily better than electric ones. However, they do offer more value for the money, as they are often less expensive while still providing decent grinding capabilities. This topic is thoroughly explored in this post.

Is a Coffee Grinder Worth It?

Absolutely, investing in a coffee grinder is highly recommended for brewing top-notch coffee at home. For further insight into why it's worthwhile, check out this post.

References:

In conclusion, if you're a true coffee connoisseur and want to take your morning brew to the next level, investing in a high-quality burr grinder coffee maker is a smart upgrade that will revolutionize your caffeine experience. From the top-of-the-line Baratza Virtuoso to the budget-friendly Oxo Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, there are options for every coffee lover. And let's not forget the stylish and functional picks like the Fellow Ode and Opus Conical Burr Grinders. Even hand grinder enthusiasts will find their perfect match with the Flair Manual Espresso Grinder. So why settle for mediocre coffee when you can have a truly exceptional cup every morning? Upgrade your coffee game today and savor the difference.