Are you just getting started in the world of espresso machines? Or maybe you’ve been brewing home espresso for a while, but your basic machine just isn’t cutting it anymore. Whatever the reason, it’s clearly time to upgrade to an espresso machine with a built-in coffee grinder.
At a Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Espresso Machines with Grinder
Making the leap to a high-quality espresso machine with a built-in conical burr grinder is no easy decision. Espresso machines don’t come cheap, so it’s always important to do your research and take some time to decide what key features are truly important to you before you make a purchase.
When it comes to making a perfect cup of espresso, having the right equipment is essential. Many coffee enthusiasts favor espresso machines with grinders because they allow for more control over the brewing process. But with so many different models on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is right for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of machines available, the additional features you should look for, and the important things to keep in mind when making your purchase. So whether you’re a beginner trying to improve your brewing abilities or a seasoned double shot pro, read on for all the information you need to find the perfect espresso machine for your needs.
Quick Summary: Espresso Machines with Grinder
 | BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS |
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 | DE’LONGHI MAGNIFICA SUPER-AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO COFFEE MACHINE |
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 | CALPHALON TEMP IQ ESPRESSO MACHINE |
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 | SAECO XELSIS SUPER AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINE |
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 | GEVI ESPRESSO MACHINE & COFFEE MAKER |
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Breville Barista Express
Breville is a long-trusted name in the espresso machine space, and they offer a variety of machines for every budget and skill level. The Breville Barista Express espresso machine is a midrange workhorse with ample pressure that looks great on your counter and delivers quality, consistent cups of coffee every time! If you’re willing to put in the time and work to learn this machine thoroughly, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous daily cup of espresso!
Things We Like:
- The built-in coffee bean hopper capacity is eight ounces, so you’re unlikely to run out quickly!
- We love the consistency of this machine due to its digital temperature control!
- It’s got a stylish and classic coffee shop design, and it’s compact, so it will easily fit in most kitchens.
- The built-in steam wand allows you to take your milk frothing game to the next level.
Things We Don’t Like:
- There’s a bit of a learning curve with this machine, especially if you’re a beginner who’s only just begun pulling your own shots.
- It’s a single-boiler type of espresso machine, which means you can’t brew your espresso and prepare steamed milk simultaneously.
De’Longhi Magnifica
If you’re a fan of espresso looking for a small, simple, and easy-to-use espresso machine, all at an affordable price point, the De’Longhi Magnifica may be an excellent option for you! It’s a super-automatic machine at a much more reasonable price range than the competition, and its sleek, modern design and push-button control panel look great in any kitchen! It’s an intuitive machine that anyone can operate, regardless of experience or skill level!
Things We Like:
- It’s small and compact, so it’s sure to fit in your kitchen, even if space is limited.
- It’s a double boiler machine, so you can froth your milk and brew your coffee simultaneously, saving you energy and time!
- It’s relatively affordable, and the quality of the machine justifies the price.
- The 60-ounce removable water tank
Things We Don’t Like:
- The machine makes a lot of noise while brewing, which may be annoying or inconvenient for some users.
- The pump doesn’t work that well when dealing with finer grind settings, which is a bit of a disappointment.
Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine
For first-timers who don’t want to compromise on taste or efficiency, the Calphalon Temp iQ espresso maker delivers barista-quality espresso in an approachable and easy-to-use interface.
It does require a bit of hands-on operation since it’s not a super-automatic coffee machine. But, it’s nowhere near the level of manual operation that some of its midrange counterparts require. For a quality brew without the learning curve, go with the Calphalon Temp iQ!
Things We Like:
- This machine has a beautifully minimalist design with stainless steel finishes and a sturdy, premium build quality.
- Its intuitive interface is perfect for new homebrewers who may not have much experience with espresso!
- It can brew up to two espresso shots at once, which is perfect if there’s more than one coffee drinker in your household (or if you just love a strong cappuccino).
- The attached conical burr mill grinder has 30 separate grind settings for the perfect espresso every time.
Things We Don’t Like:
- The initial setup can be a bit time-consuming and a little frustrating, but it’s easy to use and operates efficiently and reliably after that.
- It’s a bit loud, which could be annoying if noise bothers you.
Saeco Xelsis Espresso Machine
If you’re willing to pay a premium price for the very best when it comes to your coffee, then a Saeco Xelsis may be worth a look! This is the perfect machine for those who want quality espresso at the touch of a button, with no brewing skill required! With a fully automatic touchscreen interface and quality build, this is the only espresso machine you’ll need in a lifetime!
Things We Like:
- The ceramic burr grinders are durable and provide an even, consistent grind for a great cup of espresso each time.
- The easy and intuitive touchscreen interface means you can easily and effectively customize your cup however you like.
- This machine is excellent if you’ve got multiple coffee drinkers in your household since it gives you the ability to set programmable menu settings for each user!
Things We Don’t Like:
- The premium price can make this machine prohibitively expensive for many coffee lovers.
- Saeco’s customer support service may leave something to be desired, which is a disappointment at such a high price point.
- While the coffee it produces is flavorful, the crema is not as impressive as it could be.
Gevi Espresso Machine & Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for cafe-quality coffee with all the options of a more expensive machine but on a budget, the Gevi espresso maker is definitely worth a look. It’s also a highly customizable machine, perfect for either single users or larger groups. With an abundance of grind settings and the ability to brew multiple shots at once, this machine is a workhorse that can handle anything you need it to do!
Things We Like:
- Thirty-one adjustable grind settings will give you all the range you need to get the perfect grind every time!
- Depending on how much coffee you plan to make, you can manually adjust the grind volume for individual cups or larger capacity.
- The price point is incredibly reasonable given the number of features and quality of the brew.
Things We Don’t Like:
- The Gevi is a bit large and takes up more counter space than we’d like. The design is not quite classic and not quite minimal, but somewhere in between.
Espresso Machines and Built-in Grinders: What to Know
Why Should You Get an Espresso Machine with a Built-In Grinder?
There are a lot of espresso machines on the market. So, why should you specifically get one with a built-in grinder? There are a few key reasons that built-in grinders are a worthy investment:
- Convenience: First, it means you don’t have to buy a separate grinder. That can save you a lot of money in the long run since grinders can be quite expensive.
- Freshness: When you grind fresh beans right before you brew espresso, you’re ensuring that you’re getting the freshest cup possible. Grinding them yourself gives you more control over the grind’s coarseness than buying pre-ground beans, which leads to a better cup of espresso.
- Consistency: A good integrated grinder will give you a more consistent grind, which is important for making espresso. If the grind is too coarse or too fine, it will affect the taste of your coffee.
- Time: You don’t have to spend time grinding beans every time you want to make a cup of espresso. If you’re always in a rush in the morning, you know that every second counts.
A Quick Guide to Coffee Grinders
There are a lot of coffee grinders on the market these days, and it can be tough to determine which one is the best for you. What’s the difference between a blade grinder and a burr grinder? And why is it so important to use a good coffee grinder in the first place?
We’ll start by discussing the different types of coffee grinders available on the market. Then we’ll talk about the benefits of using a good coffee grinder and explain why it’s so important.
Burr Grinders: Burr grinders are more expensive, but they crush the coffee beans instead of slicing them, which results in a more consistent grind. If you’re serious about making espresso at home, a burr grinder is a must-have.
There are two main types of burr grinders: conical and flat. Conical burr grinders consist of two cones with blades facing towards each other. As the bean falls through the conical grinder, it’s chewed up. Flat burr grinders have two grinding plates that crush the beans between them.
Blade Grinders: Blade grinders are the most basic and cheapest type of grinder. They consist of a motor with a blade at the top that spins around, chopping up the coffee beans. This type of grinder is not very consistent and can produce coffee grounds that are too fine or too coarse. Blade grinders are the more affordable option but tend to produce a lot of heat, which can make your espresso taste burnt.
So, why is it so essential to get the right grinder for your espresso? A grinder designed explicitly for espresso will give you a more consistent grind and, therefore, a better cup of espresso. Grinders designed for espresso will almost always be conical burr grinders since they’re designed specifically for grinding coffee beans into the small, even size necessary for making espresso.
What to Look for in an Espresso Machine and Grinder
When you’re shopping for an espresso machine and quality built-in grinder, there are a few things you should look for.
Build Quality: You’ll want to find an espresso machine made with high-quality, durable materials. It should also have a high wattage so that it can produce a great cafe-quality shot of espresso.
Grind Sizes: The coffee will taste watery and weak if the grind size is too coarse. If the grind size is too fine, the coffee will be bitter and over-extracted. By having a wide variety of grind sizes and adjustable grind control, you’ll be able to control your grind and, therefore, your espresso.
Burr vs. Blade: Always, and I do mean always, go with a burr grinder over a blade grinder, especially when it comes to espresso. Blade grinders simply cannot grind the beans as fine as they need to be for a quality espresso.
Are More Expensive Espresso Machines Worth It?
If you’ve got a more flexible budget but you’re looking to score a deal, you may be wondering if it’s really worth it to pay more for an espresso machine. Do all the fancy features and premium finishes actually make a better cup of coffee?
If you are a serious coffee lover and drink shots of espresso daily, then an expensive machine is probably worth the investment. However, if you only drink espresso occasionally, a less expensive machine will do the job just fine.
You must also consider customization and control over the outcome of your single shot of espresso. If you want a machine that is easy to use and produces consistent results, then a less expensive model may be a better fit for you. However, if you are looking for a machine that has more bells and whistles, or offers advanced customization options, then you may need to spend a bit more money.
Also, remember that any espresso machine with a built-in burr grinder will cost much more upfront than a standard machine without a grinder. But the higher cost can be worth it because you’re getting a quality grinder that will work for the life of your machine, meaning you won’t have to replace or upgrade it.
FAQs
Do all espresso machines come with a built-in grinder?
There are plenty of espresso machines on the market that don’t come with a built-in grinder. While they may be cheaper upfront, you will have to purchase a grinder, adding to the cost.
A high-quality ceramic burr grinder can easily cost an additional $100. A coffee bean grinder with a large hopper or a wide range of grind size settings can cost even more. It may be cheaper to look for a budget or mid-range espresso machine with a built-in grinder.
Why get a grinder for your espresso machine instead of pre-ground coffee?
The obvious advantage of a built-in grinder is that you’ll get the freshest beans possible since you can grind them seconds before brewing. With pre-ground coffee beans, your coffee will begin to lose freshness almost immediately and can go stale quickly. You can also grind in small quantities at a time, keeping your bag of coffee fresher in the long run.
How do you grind beans for the best espresso?
Grinding your own beans for espresso is the key to making the perfect cup. First, choose beans that are dark-roasted specifically for espresso. Whether you choose caffeinated or decaf, a dark roast will give you the deep, complex flavor you want without the acidity.
Then, choose a fine grind, but be careful not to grind too fine. Beans that are too finely ground will produce a weak and watery cup, while too coarse beans will produce a gritty and unpleasant cup. The ideal grind size for espresso is somewhere in between, depending on the coffee bean and machine being used.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when choosing the perfect espresso machine. Whether you’re just starting out and looking for the complete package, or you’re looking to upgrade from your beginner espresso machine, there are so many reasons to consider an espresso machine with a built-in grinder.
We’ve given you a lot to think about when it comes to which espresso machine is right for you, and there’s no one perfect machine for everyone. But our top pick is the Calphalon Temp iQ due to its easy and approachable interface and classic design.
It’s an all-around excellent coffee maker with a balance of affordability, ease-of-use, and build quality and makes a great starter machine for most home baristas.
Whichever machine you decide to go with, remember that the right espresso machine for you will be the perfect balance of build quality, automation, features, and consistency.
Happy Caffeinating!
