Espresso is a potent, flavorful shot of coffee magic in a tiny cup. But how do you make sure you have your magical shot every time you brew? By using a good grinder.
The problem is there are plenty of machine options with an integrated grinder, and not all of these have good burr grinders. I typically use an espresso machine with grinder to save space (perks of living in a city) so I was on a mission to find the best machines. My top choices are:
- Breville Barista Touch (top pick)
- DeLonghi La Specialista Arte (budget pick)
- Philips 4300 LatteGo (top super-automatic with a grinder)
I rounded up the seven best espresso machines with a grinder based on my experience and included a shopping guide, so you’ll have all the necessary info to choose the best espresso machine with grinder for you.
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Should You Buy an Espresso Machine With Grinder or Standalone Grinder?
Choosing a hybrid espresso machine (with a grinder) versus a separate machine and grinder comes down to a trade-off of convenience vs quality.
An espresso machine with grinder is all about convenience. The grinder is made specifically for your espresso machine and doses directly into your portafilter. It’s quicker, plus a built-in grinder saves on space. There’s only one outlet and it’s cleaner to make espresso without grounds falling when you move the coffee from the grinder to the espresso machine.
However, separate espresso grinders are higher quality than built-in ones. Standalone grinders have more precise burrs for more consistent grind size than built-in grinders. You won’t beat a high-end grinder like a DF64 or Eureka Mignon Specialita.
I’ve compared a standalone grinder with two Breville models:
Overall, it comes down to convenience. Get an integrated grinder machine if you’re fine with 80% of the quality and a fraction of the work. The good news is we’ve chosen super-automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines that balance quality against convenience and price.
The Top 7 Best Espresso Machines with Grinder: Full Reviews
1. Breville Barista Touch
Breville Barista Touch highlights:
- Semi automatic espresso machine
- ThermoJet heating system
- Baratza European Precision Burrs grinder
The Breville Barista Touch is my top choice of an espresso machine with a grinder. One of the biggest features of the Barista Touch is its ThermoJet heating system, which warms up the machine in a mere 3 seconds. This rapid heating capability eliminates the frustrating wait time that often accompanies espresso preparation. It’s a game-changer for those of us who crave our daily dose of caffeine without delay.
The integrated conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings is another standout feature. This grinder, equipped with Baratza European Precision Burrs, ensures consistent grind sizes. You can experiment with various coffee beans and extraction preferences. The ability to control grind settings from the intuitive LCD display simplifies the process, and the option to pause the dose mid-grind prevents messy spills.
Another feature that sets the Barista Touch apart is its low-pressure pre-infusion followed by a 9-bar extraction. This process guarantees precise extraction and optimal flavor from your espresso. The machine’s volumetric shot control is a user-friendly addition, offering the choice between 1-shot and 2-shot settings or manual control, ensuring that you get your ideal shot every time.
Barista Touch comes with the Dosing Funnel attachment, which reduces mess and waste during grinding and tamping. You place the portafilter under the grinder, tap it in, and get a preset amount of grounds. This means you don’t have to weigh the beans, grind, and then move the portafilter back to the brew head. This thoughtful addition enhances the overall user experience and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Who is it for? The Breville Barista Touch is the ideal espresso machine for espresso beginners and experienced baristas. The 30 grinder options combined with well-designed presets mean you’ll have a lot of room to develop barista skills and dial in without risking bad coffee.
Pros
Rapid heating system
User-friendly interface thanks to the LCD display
Low-pressure pre-infusion for more consistent and flavorful shots
Dosing funnel attachment for a cleaner workspace
Cons
You have to flush the brew head before every shot
No pressure gauge
2. DeLonghi La Specialista Arte
DeLonghi La Specialista Arte highlights:
- Conical burr grinder with 8 settings
- 3 infusion temperature levels
- MyLatteArt steam wand for great milk texture
The DeLonghi La Specialista Arte boasts a conical burr grinder with 8 precise grind settings. This machine offers excellent control over the consistency of your coffee grounds. It doesn’t have quite as many settings as the Barista Touch or even the 4300 LatteGo, but you can still get fine grinds for a rich espresso flavor.
One of my favorite features is the machine’s three infusion temperature levels, which adapt seamlessly to different bean varieties and roasting levels. This flexibility ensures that each cup is flavorful, no matter your choice of beans.
Another one of the standout features is the My LatteArt steam wand, which consistently produces silky milk textures essential for crafting perfect lattes and cappuccinos. The process allows you to explore your inner barista skills and work on latte art.
The La Specialista Arte includes a complete barista kit with a dosing funnel and tamping mat. These assist in eliminating mess while grinding and ensure precise tamping.
Finally, there’s also Active Temperature Control, which maintains your chosen temperature throughout the brewing process for optimal extraction and flavor. This level of control allows you to unlock the full potential of your coffee beans.
Who is it for? The DeLonghi La Specialista Arte is a great choice for coffee aficionados seeking precision and control. It’s one of the best espresso machines with a grinder for budding baristas who want to improve their brewing skills.
Pros
Steam wand achieves silky milk textures for perfect lattes and cappuccinos
Comes with a barista kit for clean and precise grinding and tamping
Maintains precise temperature during the brewing process
Cons
Learning curve for new baristas
Grinder doesn’t have as many settings as other espresso machines
3. Philips 4300 LatteGo
Philips 4300 LatteGo highlights:
- Ceramic grinder with 12 settings
- 2 user profiles
- 8 preset coffee drinks
Another standout contender in the realm of espresso machines with grinders is the Philips 4300 LatteGo. With a ceramic grinder that can churn out a staggering 20,000 cups of coffee, this machine is built to last, ensuring your investment in great coffee is a long-term one.
Philips LatteGo 4300 LatteGo is a 12-step grinder adjustment, which allows you to finely tune the coffee to your exact taste preferences. Whether you prefer a coarse grind for a mellow brew or an ultra-fine grind for a bold espresso, this machine has you covered.
The LatteGo milk solution makes it easy to whip up lattes, cappuccinos, and more with creamy, velvety milk froth. You can enjoy a total of 8 different beverage options, which is a wide range of choices to suit your mood and cravings.
Moreover, 4300 LatteGo has a coffee customizer feature that lets you adjust the aroma and volume of your brew, ensuring each cup is tailored to your liking. This level of customization is a coffee lover’s dream come true.
The Aroma Extract system is another highlight. It balances brewing temperature and aroma extraction. This feature keeps the water temperature between 90 and 98°C while regulating the water flow rate, which ensures that every cup of coffee is packed with delicious flavor.
Who is it for? The Philips 4300 LatteGo is an excellent choice for beginners looking for an easy-to-use machine. It offers room for experimentation with different coffee styles and flavors thanks to its grinder settings and customization options. It’s also a good choice for experienced baristas who will love the grinder’s precision and the ability to fine-tune every aspect of their coffee.
See our full Philips 4300 LatteGo review.
Pros
Durable ceramic grinder
Automatic milk frothing
Dishwasher safe parts
Cons
Expensive
Bulky
4. DeLonghi Dinamica
DeLonghi Dinamica highlights:
- 40-second heat-up time
- Brews smooth, full-bodied coffee over ice
- Steel burr grinder with 13 settings
The DeLonghi Dinamica sleek and modern machine combines cutting-edge features with ease of use, making it a top contender for the best espresso machine with a grinder.
One standout feature is its Iced Coffee Technology. The Dinamica produces a smooth, full-bodied iced coffee that never gets watered down. The machine achieves this by brewing at a lower temperature and allowing for pre-infusion of coffee grounds. This is a game-changer for hot summer days when all you crave is a refreshing iced coffee.
The 40-second heat-up time is impressive and ensures that your coffee cravings are satisfied almost instantly. It’s a convenient feature for those busy mornings when time is of the essence.
What sets the Dinamica apart is its 13-setting adjustable built-in steel burr grinder. This means you can have fresh coffee with the perfect grind every single time. This is a conical steel burr grinder. Steel grinders last a long time and can grind your beans to a uniform size. I also liked the machine’s coffee management system — there’s a tubeless grinding chamber, which grinds the perfect amount of coffee together with the burr grinder. There are none or a minimum of leftover coffee grounds for the next shot.
It’s worth noting that the grinder can be a bit on the loud side, which might be a consideration for early risers.
Customization is a breeze with programmable brew strengths and sizes, allowing you to create one-touch drinks tailored to your preferences. Whether you like your coffee extra strong or prefer a milder brew, the Dinamica has you covered.
Who is it for? The DeLonghi Dinamica espresso machine is a fantastic choice for coffee lovers who want to press a button and get a drink in seconds. It’s also one of the rare espresso machines that makes iced coffee, so it’s a great option if you can’t survive without cold coffee drinks.
See our full DeLonghi Dinamica review.
Pros
Conical burr grinder with 13 settings
Iced coffee technology for iced coffee without dilution
Programmable brew options for personalized brew strengths and sizesad
Cons
Grinder can be quite loud
Can’t brew and steam simultaneously
5. Breville Barista Express Impress
Breville Barista Express Impress highlights:
- Assisted tamping and automated dosing
- Integrated stainless steel conical burr grinder with 25 settings
- Low-pressure pre-infusion
Breville Barista Express Impress is an updated version of the coffee lovers’ favorite Breville Express espresso machine. The Express Impress looks to automate the espresso-making process without stepping completely into the realm of super-automatic espresso machines.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Barista Express Impress is its Impress Puck System. This intelligent dosing system takes the guesswork out of making the perfect espresso. It offers precise central grinds, loading, and assisted tamping at 22lbs every time.
However, a big downside of automated tamping is the impossibility of doing advanced distribution. It’s physically impossible to remove the portafilter from the cradle before tamping, so I can’t use my WDT tool. I admit I didn’t have issues with the consistency, but I’d still like to use my WDT.
The integrated conical burr grinder boasts 25 grind settings, which is a lot of flexibility, especially compared to many other espresso machines with built-in grinders. What’s more, if your dose needs a slight tweak, the intelligent dose system remembers your last dose and tamp outcome, making automatic corrections for the next brew. This level of precision ensures you consistently achieve the perfect dose, no matter your coffee bean selection.
In terms of temperature control, the Express Impress uses a thermocoil heating system with PID temperature control. While it’s great that the machine uses a PID, I’d prefer it if Breville opted for the newer ThermoJet instead of the older Thermocoil, as the newer system has better temperature stability.
Who is it for? Breville Barista Express Impress is for coffee enthusiasts and seasoned baristas looking for a machine that offers both precision and convenience. If you don’t want to worry about making a perfect puck, this espresso machine with grinder is a top-tier choice.
See our full Breville Barista Express Impress review.
Pros
Beginner-friendly thanks to assisted tamping and dosingy
Customizable grind thanks to 25 grinder settings
Precision measurement auto-corrects the next dose
Cons
Auto-tamping means you can’t redistribute the grounds or use a WDT tool
6. Gaggia Accademia
Gaggia Accademia highlights:
- Super automatic espresso machine
- 19 programmable drinks
- Dual boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming
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.
The Academia recently got a facelift, and the new version is the most modern-looking super-automatic on this list. The machine features a large touchscreen whch you use to choose your drink.
You can brew up to impressive 19 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.
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.
Pros
Ceramic burr grinder with 8 settings
Simultaneous brewing and steaming
Has both manual and automatic milk frothing
Adjustable coffee dispenser fits travel mugs
Cons
Expensive super-automatic espresso machine
Lukewarm milk frothing
Small drip tray
7. Jura E8
Jura E8 highlights:
- 6 grinder settings
- 17 specialty drinks
- Pulse Extraction Process
The final choice of the best machine with a grinder is the Jura E8. As a super-automatic espresso machine, the E8 simplifies the entire coffee-making process.
The Jura E8 has automatic milk frothing, which consistently produces creamy and velvety froth for lattes and cappuccinos. The LED color display is not only aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive, allowing you to effortlessly navigate through its extensive menu of 17 coffee specialties.
The Aroma G3 conical burr grinder ensures that your coffee grounds are just right for a perfect cup every time. The grinder has six settings, which is the lowest on this list. Still, Jura equipped the machine with a conical burr, so you’ll have excellent results every time. Plus, the grinder is made of steel and is extremely durable.
This espresso machine doses up to 16g of beans in one grind cycle, which is more than other espresso machines. Another benefit is that you can have a double espresso or two cups of coffee after one grind cycle. This is on par with commercial machines.
The Pulse Extraction Process, which is fancy-named pre-infusion, further enhances the extraction process, extracting the full depth of flavor from your beans.
Who is it for? The Jura E8 is an ideal choice for those who value convenience and crave café-quality coffee without the fuss. It’s perfect for busy individuals seeking a super-automatic espresso machine that can deliver a wide range of coffee specialties with minimal effort.
See our full Jura E8 review.
Pros
Puck container holds 16 pucks
Six grinder settings allow good customization
Pulse extraction extracts maximum flavors from the coffee beans
Cons
Can’t brew and steam at the same time
More expensive compared to comparable espresso machines with grinders from other brands
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Espresso Machine with Grinder
Here are the main factors to consider before buying an espresso machine with a built-in grinder.
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. Keep in mind that not all semi-automatic machines 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. For example, La Specialista Arte is the best semi-automatic with a grinder if you’re on a budget. If you have more to spend, check out the Barista Touch or Philips 4300 LatteGo.
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.
Also, check what material are the accessories made of. 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.
Generally, a plastic espresso maker is still good-quality if it’s made of durable plastic that doesn’t scratch or break easily. Jura E8 and Philips 4300 LatteGo are made of durable plastic that can withstand years of use.
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 and latte art 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. This also means no option to practice latte art.
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. Think about the machine components, such as the drip tray and water tank. They should be removable. Some are even dishwasher safe (as on the Barista Touch).
Finally, you’ll have to clean the steam wand. Detachable milk carafes as on the 4300 LatteGo 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 or a thermojet heating system, where the water goes along the heated pipes. Thermojet is a newer technology, is more stable, and heats the machine 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.
FAQ
What Is the Best All in One Espresso Machine With Grinder?
The best all-in-one espresso machine with grinder is Breville Barista Touch. It has 30 grinder settings, an intuitive touchscreen display, and a powerful steam wand.
Is It Better to Get an Espresso Machine With a Grinder?
It’s better to get an espresso machine with a grinder if you want convenience, are short on space, or are on a budget. An espresso machine with a separate grinder produces better results but costs more compared to built-in grinders.
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 want do to minimum work, choose 4300 LatteGo or E8. If you want more control over your brew and a top-notch grinder, go for the Breville Barista Touch. If you’re on a budget, choose La Specialista Arte.
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. If you are ready to put in the work and reap the rewards, check out the best grinder for espresso.
