6 Best Espresso Machines With Grinders, Tested and Reviewed
Freshly ground espresso doesn’t get much easier than this.
Expert consulted: Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
If you love a good espresso but want to skip the hassle of a multi-step brewing process, an espresso machine with a built-in grinder offers convenience and eliminates the need for trips to the coffee shop. A high-quality machine makes it easy to enjoy delicious espresso drinks at home.
Over the years, the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has tested over 60 espresso machines, ranging from those with built-in grinders to manual espresso machines, as well as all types of coffee makers. We've pulled over 180 espresso shots to find the best espresso machine with a built-in grinder.
Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine
Pros
- Smart dosing technology to ensure the correct amount of grounds
- Assisted tamping
- Frothing wand produces a thick layer of froth
Cons
- Filter baskets are difficult to remove from portafilter
Machine type: Semi-automatic | Dimensions: 14.9" x 12.9" x 16.1" | Number of grind settings: 25 | Hopper capacity: 8.8 oz | Milk frother: Built-in wand
This Breville espresso maker has been a Lab favorite ever since we gave it a Kitchen Gear and Coffee Award. It's easy to use with its intelligent dosing and tamping technology that lets you know if there are too many or too few coffee grounds in the portafilter and a lever that applies the correct amount of pressure to ensure the perfect pull of espresso.
It offers preset options for a single or double espresso. However, you can also customize your shot by adjusting the water volume and manual grind dosing. The built-in pressure gauge allows you to monitor the pressure while brewing so you can make adjustments as necessary. We love the dry puck feature which removes excess water after brewing, which helps the coffee come out as one solid circle. One of our Lab experts has owned this at home for the last few years without any issues.
How it performed in our tests: Our experts found the espresso tasty with a thick layer of crema on top. The milk frother also performed well, producing a thick, silky layer of froth on top of steamed milk.
Take note: We noticed that drier coffee beans created static after grinding, which caused some grounds to fall and stick to the counter, but a few spritzes of water onto the beans in the hopper helps keep that from happening.
Pros
- No need to manually grind or tamp espresso
- Option to brew espresso or a lungo
- Coffee grounds release easily in a clean, solid puck
Cons
- Coffee grounds can fall out of the machine onto the tray
Machine type: Automatic | Dimensions: 7.08" x 13.5" x 14.9" | Number of grind settings: 1 | Hopper capacity: 6 oz | Milk frother: None
The Baristina is one of the most convenient machines and it's just under $400, making it a great price for an automatic machine. It doesn't require any manual grinding or tamping, simply insert the portafilter, slide it to the right, push a button and in a few minutes you'll have an espresso or lungo from freshly ground beans. Plus, it has an extra shot feature if you want a double espresso.
Our pros appreciated that used coffee grounds come out in one solid puck. There's also a lever on the handle to help push the coffee puck out so you don't have to knock it against the trash can. The machine's compact size makes it easy to place almost anywhere, and its light weight makes it easy to move. It's available in black or a trendier beige color. You can also choose between a matching portafilter handle or one that's wood for a more design-forward look.
How it performed in our tests: This machine was very simple and easy to use. We appreciated the flavorful espresso with a light layer of crema.
Take note: One downside of this machine: We found that coffee grounds can fall out onto the tray after removing the portafilter.
Cafe Affetto Automatic Espresso Machine and Frother
Pros
- Compact design
- Bean hopper and water reservoir are hidden for a sleek look
- Can customize your drink
Cons
- Not recommended to use dark roasts or oily beans
Machine type: Automatic | Dimensions: 15.75" x 7.25" x 12.5" | Number of grind settings: 5 | Hopper capacity: 6.5 oz | Milk frother: Built-in wand
There’s no getting around the fact that espresso makers with grinders take up quite a bit of counter space, which is why we like Cafe Affetto’s espresso machine. It’s one of the smallest and most compact espresso makers with grinders we tested. We also love that the water reservoir and hopper are hidden inside the unit, which adds to the sleek look. Additionally, the built-in milk frothing wand is easy to clean with a quick wipe, and it’s removable for when you want to give it a deep clean.
The buttons on the control panel on top of the machine are simple to use, with four options: espresso, americano, my cup or hot water. “My cup” is set to ristretto (smaller and stronger than espresso), but you can change the style in the SmartHQ app. If you want to customize your drink, the espresso maker connects with the SmartHQ app, where you can adjust temperature and grind dosage to your preferences.
How it performed in our tests: In our tests, the espresso was silky with a golden brown crema. It was also able to produce hot milk foam quickly.
Take note: The brand advises not using dark roasts or oily beans because they can stick to parts of the machine and cause damage. One of our staff members owns this machine at home and found that they needed to assist in pushing oily beans into the grinder.
KitchenAid KF8 Automatic Espresso Machine
Pros
- Responsive touchscreen
- Milk container detaches for fridge storage
- Automatically froths milk and adds it to your cup
Cons
- Expensive
Machine type: Automatic | Dimensions: 18.5" x 10.2" x 14.3" | Number of grind settings: 5 | Hopper capacity: 9.5 oz | Milk frother: Removable container
Make espresso, lattes and cappuccinos at the push of a button with this fully-automatic machine that has a built-in grinder. The KF8 allows you to pick from 12 espresso recipes and adjust them based on your desired temperature, body (light, medium or dark), order of coffee or milk, type of milk, coffee volume and milk volume. It can dispense frothed milk, warm milk and hot water as well.
This machine can look intimidating but our experts were impressed with how easy it is to use. The color touchscreen was highly responsive and easy to navigate without having to look at an instruction manual. If you’re craving a milk-based drink, like a cappuccino, the milk carafe froths the milk and adds it to your drink automatically. Our pros loved that the milk container was detachable, so any leftover milk could be stored in the fridge. The milk container is also easy to fill, detach and clean when finished.
How it performed in our tests: We found that this machine pulls hot espresso shots that are well balanced with a creamy crema. The hands-free frother makes excellent foam.
Take note: With all the features this KitchenAid offers it's no surprise this is espresso machine is expensive.
Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine
Pros
- Intuitive LCD screen
- 30 grind size settings
- Parts are easy to wash and wipe down
Cons
- 30 grind size options may be overwhelming for beginners
Machine type: Semi-automatic | Dimensions: 13.5" x 13.9" x 15.98" | Number of grind settings: 30 | Hopper capacity: 8.1 oz | Milk frother: Built-in wand
If you want to bring the barista experience home, the Breville Barista Pros Espresso machine is for you. It has 30 grind sizes to choose from and five temperatures. We loved the intuitive LCD display, and on top of making selections, it shows grinding and extracting progress animations. The built-in steam wand will allow you to froth your milk like a pro.
The portafilter is compatible with Breville’s single or double wall baskets, which come in single or double shots. The double-walled filters make it easy to produce a thick layer of crema with little effort.
How it performed in our tests: In our tests, our experts were impressed with how quickly the machine heated up compared to other models. We also appreciate that the parts are easy to wash and wipe down.
Take note: With 30 grind settings, we recommend starting with the default settings and then tweaking them as you go to produce your perfect espresso shot.
De'Longhi Rivelia Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Pros
- Large variety of drink options
- Comes with two hoppers to easily change beans
- Compact size
Cons
- There's a learning curve to fully customize drinks
Machine type: Automatic | Dimensions: 14.75" x 9.75 x 17 inches | Number of grind settings: 30 | Hopper capacity: 8.8 oz (comes with two hoppers) | Milk frother: Removable container
The Rivelia is one of De’Longhi’s newest machines and it practically became a Lab favorite since we unboxed it. It’s a fully automatic machine and can make 18 preset drinks such as lattes, cortados, coffee, iced coffee and more. You can choose from five intensity levels and four size options for drinks.
Not only does it offer a wide range of drink options, but it also stands out for its hopper system. It comes with two bean hoppers that can easily be switched out. (Most other espresso machines require you to fully finish grinding the beans in the machine before being able to use another type.)
How it performed in our tests: The default setting made a very strong espresso with a thick layer of crema which is great for someone who likes a bold drink. However, you can also customize the settings to your liking. The frother easily dispensed thick froth and steamed milk for cappuccinos.
Take note: We found the machine was easy to set up and use but there is a learning curve to fully customize preferences for someone who isn’t used to a fully automatic machine.
Other espresso machines with grinders we tested and liked (but may not be for everyone)
• De'Longhi La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine: This sleek-looking machine is a steal for an espresso maker with grinder at just under $800, but keep in mind that there may be an initial learning curve to get the correct grind size for your ideal shot.
• Philips Kitchen Appliances 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine: This is one of our favorite espresso machines that grinds and automatically froths milk for under $1,000. Testers commented the drinks are flavorful but this machine was edged out by the Philips Baristina which is under $500.
• De'Longhi Dinamica Plus Fully Automatic Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine: You can scroll through 16 drink options on the control screen, including flat espresso, flat whites, regular coffee and more. Our experts found that this machine pulls tasty, hot espresso shots with a thin and creamy crema.
• Spinn: With unique options for coffee such as nitro-like cold brew, this machine stands out among the rest. However, it’s out of stock but we look forward to testing the Spinn 2.
How we test the best espresso machines with grinders
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab we have tested over 25 coffee grinders and over 55 espresso machines, including those with and without grinders, pulling more than 75 shots of espresso. In order to test espresso machines with grinders, we evaluate each for ease of use and performance.
✔️ Ease of use test: We note if the water tank is removable and easy to fill. We assess the responsiveness of the control panel and whether it’s easy to read and navigate. We examine the hopper and note the capacity, number of grind settings and if it's easy to pour in beans.
✔️ Performance test: We test the time, temperature and volume of multiple espressos made consecutively to evaluate the espresso taste after numerous uses and consistency. If the machine has a frother we test it with both whole milk and nut milk to compare the froth to milk ratio and if it’s able to produce a silky smooth froth without large bubbles.
✔️ Taste test: We also taste each espresso and rate the flavor, acidity, bitterness, body and crema color and texture. Our top machines are easy and intuitive to use, clean and produce a quality cup of espresso.
What to look for when shopping for the best espresso machine with grinder
✔️ Size: Espresso makers with grinders often take up more counter space than a typical coffee maker so you’ll want to consider how much space you have and the size of the machine.
✔️ Price: Having extra features such as a built-in grinder, frother and automatic functions will likely cost more than a simpler machine. However, some basic espresso makers with grinders may seem more costly if they make a perfect shot of espresso due to the higher-quality materials, more effective heaters, milk frothers or technology.
✔️ Milk frother: Machines equipped with milk frothers either have a frothing wand or container that will automatically make froth at the push of a button. With a manual frothing wand, you can easily control the amount of milk and froth, however, it does take some practice to learn how to froth milk properly. An automatic frothing attachment takes out the effort and guesswork, giving you a made to order drink, though these often come with a higher price tag.
✔️ Hopper capacity: You’ll want to note the hopper size which will affect how often you’ll need to refill. A larger hopper might be able to hold a full one-pound bag of beans, making it good for someone who wants to dump a bag of beans in and not refill for a while. Look for a hopper that’s airtight and with a UV-blocking tint. Some coffee aficionados argue that beans remain fresher when stored in a cool, dry place away from light. If this is your preference, you’ll want to look for a smaller hopper.
✔️ Number of grind settings: If you like to change your beans and fine tune your grinds to get the optimal flavor out of your beans then you’ll want to look for a higher number of settings. For those who don’t change beans often or leave the machine on the same grind setting, this is less important.
Do all espresso machines grind coffee beans?
No, not all espresso machines grind coffee beans. Some espresso machines have a built-in grinder, while others require pre-ground espresso. If the espresso machine doesn’t include a grinder, you’ll want to keep in mind that a separate coffee grinder or pre-ground espresso is required.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all testing and content related to cooking and making drinks (including espresso makers with grinders) and uses at least one espresso machine daily. Her favorite machines are easy to use and clean and — most importantly — deliver a rich and balanced cup of espresso.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in product development and manufacturing. She tests and writes about everything coffee related year-round, including espresso makers with grinders, espresso makers, coffee grinders, drip coffee makers, French presses and more. She has a passion for coffee and has completed rigorous coffee courses from the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) in coffee brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting. She regularly tests and contributes her knowledge as a judge in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
The Best Ice Cream Makers
The Best Automatic Espresso Machines
The Best Smart Refrigerators
The Best Countertop Dishwashers
