The Best Espresso Machine with Grinder: Full Buying Guide and Top Five Choices

Freshly ground beans are the most important part of good espresso, aside from the machine, which makes a good grinder extremely important to making espresso.

There are plenty of machine options with an integrated grinder, and not all have good burr grinders. I typically use an espresso machine with grinder to save space (perks of living in a city) and my top choice is the Breville Barista Pro.

I will review the five best espresso machines with a grinder based on experience, including the pros and cons. I’ll also talk about if you should buy an espresso machine with or without a grinder, which is an open debate.

Last, I’ll include a shopping guide, so you’ll have all the necessary info to choose the best espresso machine with grinder for you.

Image	Product Name	Features	Price
Top Pick	Breville Barista Pro	Semi automatic espresso machine ThermoJet heating system Advanced manual steam wand	Check AmazonCheck Breville
	DeLonghi Magnifica	Super automatic espresso machine Dual stainless steel thermoblock boilers Panarello steam wand	Check Amazon
	Gaggia Accademia	Super automatic espresso machine 7 programmable drinks Dual boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming	Check Amazon
	Espresso Works	Separate electric blade grinder Brews six drinks Can brew two cups at once	Check Amazon
	Calphalon Temp IQ with Grinder	Semi-automatic machine Affordable price 15 bar pump creates good crema	Check AmazonCheck Bed Bath & Beyond

Should You Buy an Espresso Machine With Grinder or Standalone Grinder?

You should buy an espresso machine with a grinder if you want convenience and savings. That said, standalone grinders are generally better than integrated options on espresso machines. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a quality integrated burr grinder, and I’ll elaborate more on the trade offs between the two choices.  

A separate grinder means extra work to make espresso, especially in the morning when you’re craving caffeine. You’ll need to measure and grind the beans, then transfer them to the espresso machine.

A separate grinder is also more expensive than getting an espresso maker with a built-in grinder. Standalone grinders cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a Baratza Encore to several hundred for a DF64 or Niche Zero. Also, they will eat more of your counter space. 

However, separate grinders are usually better quality and grind better than built-in ones. Standalone grinders have sharper burrs and more precise grinds compared to built-in grinders.

Some separate grinders are “stepless”, which means there’s infinite precision over the grind size. They give you more control over how many beans you grind and the level of coarseness. 

Meanwhile, an integrated grinder saves money and space. Plus, it’s easier to use! The grinder is made specifically for your espresso machine and doses directly into your portafilter. It’s a quicker process, especially with a super-automatic espresso machine, where the machine will grind, dose, and tamp the espresso.

Then again, don’t expect the same quality from an integrated grinder on an espresso machine.  They are better than blade grinders, but the integrated burr grinder tends to be the biggest complaint on these espresso machines.

Ultimately, it’s up to you. Think about your budget, free counter space, and how much work you want to do before sipping your espresso.

The Top 5 Best Espresso Machines with Grinder: Full Reviews

1. Breville Barista Pro

Breville Barista Pro highlights:

• Semi automatic espresso machine
• ThermoJet heating system
• Advanced manual steam wand

Check Amazon

Check Breville

Breville Barista Pro is one of our favorite espresso machines. It has an integrated conical burr grinder that produces consistent grind sizes. It has 30 grind size settings, which means you’ll have more flexibility when dialing in the espresso.

You’ll be able to experiment with different coffee beans and get the best grind for optimal extraction and espresso flavor. 

You can modify grinder settings from the LCD display and pause in the middle of the dose, which helps ensure you don’t end up with a mountain of grounds spilled all over the drip tray.

You can also get a preset amount of grinds. Just place the portafilter under the grinder and tap it in. This makes the espresso machine easy to use, as there’s no need to weigh the beans, grind, and then place them in the brew head. It also means less mess and less cleaning for you.

Besides the grinder, Breville Barista Pro has a ThermoJet heating system, which heats the espresso machine in three seconds. This is much faster than machines with a boiler system, which take around a minute.

However, you’ll have to flush water through the brew head to preheat, which takes up a little time. However, it’s still impressively fast, and there’s a short waiting time between brewing and steaming milk. 

This espresso machine also has low-pressure pre-infusion, which pushes water through the beans before the high-pressure extraction. This way, the tamped puck is in even better condition, and you’ll have precise extraction. 

Finally, there’s a high-pressure milk frother that can achieve good microfoam for latte and latte art.

Who is it for? This is a great espresso machine for beginner baristas who want something that’s easy to use and develop into.

The high-quality burr grinder gives you a lot of learning room. It’s also a good choice for experienced baristas, as you can program every part of the espresso shot.

2. DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300

DeLonghi Magnifica highlights:

• Super automatic espresso machine
• Dual stainless steel thermoblock boilers
• Panarello steam wand

Check Amazon

DeLonghi Magnifica is a super-automatic espresso machine. It has a conical burr grinder with 13 settings. It’s easy to control the grinder — there’s a dial next to the 8.8 oz bean hopper. While 13 settings are impressive, I noticed this espresso maker struggles to brew coffee with the finest two settings, so you won’t be using them much. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that the grinder is very loud, which can be an issue when you get an early morning or late-night coffee craving. However, this is a trade-off, as ESAM3300 is more affordable than DeLonghi’s newer models.

This espresso machine also has an option for pre-ground coffee, which is useful when you want a cup of decaf coffee.

The heating system is dual stainless steel thermoblock boilers, which means there’s a separate boiler for both brewing and steaming. However, you won’t be able to brew and steam simultaneously. Still, Magnifica has an Instant Reheat feature, so you can do these actions one after the other with almost no waiting time.

You can brew several cups of coffee one after the other, which comes in handy if you have several coffee-loving household, or use this espresso maker in a busy workplace.

Finally, the milk frother is a Panarello. This is an adjustable manual frothing where you can adjust steaming and frothing levels. There’s a patented cappuccino system, so you’ll have a rich froth for cappuccinos. 

Who is it for? Magnifica is a good option if you want an automatic espresso machine, but the latest tech isn’t very important. It’s one of the best fully automatic espresso machines at this price point. 

See our full DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 review.

3. Gaggia Accademia

Gaggia Accademia highlights:

• Super automatic espresso machine
• 7 programmable drinks
• Dual boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming

Check Amazon

Gaggia Accademia is another super-automatic espresso machine with a ceramic burr grinder with 8 grind settings. It grinds the coffee against rotating burrs, so there’s a consistent grind. There’s also a bypass doser for pre-ground coffee, which gives you more flexibility. 

You can brew up to seven programmable drinks by pressing one of the preset drink options. Each drink is customizable, so you can adjust the brew length, strength, or temperature, both before and during the brewing. 

I liked that Accademia has an adjustable telescopic coffee dispenser, so I could fit my travel mugs. 

This espresso maker has a dual boiler, so it can do simultaneous steaming and brewing. It also comes with the espresso plus feature, where you can regulate the flow speed with a knob. Lower the speed for full-bodied espresso with thick crema, or increase for a lighter flavor.

Gaggia Accademia espresso machine has both manual and automatic milk frothing. It comes with a removable milk carafe, so you can store it in the fridge after frothing milk. Or, you can froth the milk yourself when you want to work on your latte art skills. 

Accademia also has a self-cleaning function. However, keep in mind it blasts steam everywhere, so you’ll have to wipe down the machine after use.

Who is it for? Gaggia Accademia is a good option if you want a fully-automatic espresso machine that can brew several drinks with a touch of a button. You’ll have plenty of customizable features, so you can brew espresso according to your preferences.

Finally, it’s a good option if you want to work on your milk steaming, as it comes with a manual and an automatic option.

See our full list of best Gaggia espresso machines.

4. Espresso Works

Espresso Works highlights:

• Separate electric blade grinder
• Brews six drinks
• Can brew two cups at once

Check Amazon

Espresso Works is different from other espresso machines on this list. This espresso maker doesn’t have a built-in grinder, but it comes with a separate plug-in electric coffee grinder. You pour the beans into the grinding chamber, which has a maximum line, so you won’t overflow the chamber. 

Then, secure the lid, align the arrows, and hold the lid for 30 seconds, and you’re done. You can use a measuring spoon to scoop out the grounds and tamp them in the portafilter. A stand-alone grinder is easier to clean compared to a built-in one.

However, this is a blade and not a burr grinder. Blade grinders can’t produce consistent grinds as well as burr ones. 

Espresso Works includes everything you need to pull a shot: portafilter, single and double shot baskets, measuring spoon, and a tamper. It even comes with a stainless steel milk frothing cup and two porcelain cups, so essentially the only thing you need to get is coffee beans. 

Keep in mind that this isn’t a super-automatic espresso machine, so you’ll have to turn the dial to start and finish pouring the espresso. 

Espresso Works can brew six different types of drinks: espresso, flat white, café Latte, Cappuccino, Americano, and Macchiato. You can brew two cups at once by choosing double shot mode. There’s even a cup warming tray, so you’ll have hotter drinks. It heats up in just 45 seconds, thanks to the thermoblock heating system, so there’s not a long wait time. 

Who is it for? Espresso Works is a good option if you want an espresso machine that’s easy to use and doesn’t have a lot of complicated dials and buttons. It’s a compact size, so it won’t take up a lot of space, even with a separate grinder.

Plus, it comes with all necessary accessories, including mugs, so you won’t have to make any additional purchases.

5. Calphalon Temp IQ with Grinder

Calphalon Temp IQ with Grinder highlights:

• Semi automatic espresso machine
• 58mm portafilter
• Volumetric shot control

Check Amazon

Check Bed Bath & Beyond

Calphalon Temp IQ comes in two versions: with or without a grinder. We reviewed the Temp IQ without a grinder and the grinder option includes a burr grinder with 30 grind settings, which gives you plenty of scope to dial in the perfect grind and achieve the best coffee extraction. 

This espresso maker comes with two non-pressurized single and double-wall filter baskets. Pressurized baskets are a good choice for beginner baristas, as they give you more leeway with grind sizes. But, if you’re an experienced barista, you’ll love the single-wall baskets. 

There’s also a 58mm portafilter that’s 2.5 in deep. This is the standard for commercial espresso machines. You’ll have even water dispersion, optimum extraction, and a robust espresso flavor. However, I wish the portafilter bottom was stainless steel instead of plastic.

Calphalon Temp IQ comes with thermoblock technology, which heats the water quickly, so you won’t have to wait long before getting your espresso. There’s also the PID control which regulates temperature and ensures consistent extraction. 

The volumetric shot control lets you choose between single and double shots by turning the dial. The machine will pour the exact amount of water needed for the shot and automatically stop.

This means less work for you — there’s no need to dial in the shot. You can also change the volume and get a bigger or a smaller shot.

Finally, there’s a manual, commercial-grade steam wand. It achieves high pressure, so you can even get microfoam for lattes. The frothing is very quick — I was done frothing the milk in 30 seconds.

Who is it for? The Calphalon Temp IQ espresso machine is a good option if you want an entry-level espresso machine that brews good espresso and achieves creamy froth for cappuccinos. It’s also a good option if you want to work on your latte art, as it comes with a powerful milk frother.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Espresso Machine with Grinder

Here are the main factors to consider before buying.

Semi-automatic vs. Fully-automatic Espresso Machine

A semi-automatic espresso machine requires more work and clean-up, but gives you more customizability and control over the espresso-making process.

Many professional baristas prefer semi-automatic espresso machines, and they believe they produce better espresso flavor. Semi-automatic machines may or may not have a built-in grinder.

Super or fully automatic espresso machines brew espresso with a touch of a button. They are easier to use and require little input from you. Although some automatic espresso makers have programmable settings, you have significantly less control. All automatic espresso machines have a built-in grinder.

Budget

Generally, espresso machines with a built-in grinder are more expensive. However, I’ve included options at different price points, so you can find something in your budget. 

Keep in mind, an espresso maker with a built-in grinder will be less expensive than buying the machine and a separate grinder, so you’ll save money long-term.

Durability and Build

Look for stainless steel espresso machines. These espresso makers are the most durable and can last for years. Plus, stainless steel machines maintain better heat levels. However, they are more expensive compared to plastic espresso makers.

Generally, a plastic espresso maker is still good-quality if it’s made of durable plastic that doesn’t scratch or break easily. But, don’t go for an espresso machine with a lot of plastic parts.

For example, a plastic tamper or a portafilter with a plastic bottom will negatively affect your espresso flavor. It’ll break more easily, so you’ll have to invest in replacing them. 

As for the size, think about how much counter space you have available. The more space you have, the larger the machine you can go for. Super-automatic espresso machines usually have a larger footprint compared to semi-automatic ones.

Also, the larger the machine, the larger its components, such as the drip tray and water reservoir, which makes it easier to use — you won’t have to refill and empty as much.

Steam Wand and Drink Options

Another consideration when choosing the best espresso machine for you is how many drink options it can brew. For example, can it only make espresso, or does it come with a steam wand for making lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos? 

All the machines I listed have a milk frother, so you can brew milk-based drinks, including flat whites, cortados, and more.

Steam wands can be automatic or manual. You’ll have to froth the milk yourself with a manual steam wand. This requires more work on your part, but it’s an opportunity to work on your milk frothing skills.

An automatic milk frother will froth the milk with a press of a button. However, most automatic frothers can’t froth milk needed for lattes and flat whites, as these drinks need thin microfoam.

Ease of Use

I talked about how super-automatic coffee makers are easier to use compared to semi-automatic ones. Still, every coffee and espresso machine is a high-maintenance device, so consider how easy it is to use.

For example, are you fine with measuring, grinding, tamping, and pulling the shot, or do you want the machine to do all the work?

Cleaning is another consideration when it comes to ease of use. A stainless steel coffee machine is easy to clean. You can just wipe down the exterior. 

Also, think about the machine components, such as the drip tray and water tank. They should be removable. Some are even dishwasher safe.

Finally, you’ll have to clean the steam wand. Detachable milk carafes are easy to clean. Just rinse them underwater. On the other hand, manual steam wands usually have more parts, and cleaning is a more complicated process.

Grinder Quality

I already mentioned that fresh coffee beans are crucial for a good-quality espresso, so the espresso machine should have a quality coffee bean grinder.

A burr grinder can be a conical or flat shape. The conical grinder has two cone-shaped burrs with ridges that grind the coffee beans. The flat plate burr grinder has two serrated, parallel rings. The beans get drawn in between the burrs and are crushed. Both of these grinders are good quality and can create a uniform grind.

On the other hand, blade grinders don’t gride as consistently. Their blade is similar to a propeller that chops down coffee beans.

The grinds vary from powder to chunks, which creates uneven extraction and mixed flavor. The blade grinder also heats the grounds, which burns volatile compounds in coffee that add most flavor notes.  

I strongly recommend choosing a burr grinder, either flat or conical burrs.  Look for a grinder that has more settings which helps get the very fine grind needed for perfect espresso drinks.

Espresso Quality

Apart from the grinder, espresso quality is also determined by the machine’s heating system. 

Some espresso machines have dual boilers that allow you to brew and steam simultaneously. Most of them have a thermoblock heating system, where the water goes along the heated pipes. Thermoblock machines are heated in seconds. 

Also, high-quality machines have PID temperature control. PID ensures the temperature is stable and doesn’t go up and down. This results in consistent extraction, so you won’t end up with burned espresso.

Final Thoughts

All of the espresso machines I listed can pull a flavorful espresso shot, and they have good grinding capabilities. Consider your budget and how much control over the brewing you want when making your decision.

If you’re set on an espresso maker with a built-in grinder, you should also check our selection of the best super-automatic espresso machines available.