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The 10 Best Espresso Machines with a Grinder Built-in | Ultimate 2021 Guide
Buying an espresso maker with a built-in grinder was the BEST decision I made when choosing which machine to buy.
There are two main reasons to purchase a machine with a built-in grinder: 1) convenience and 2) quality.
Often, the quality of grind with a built-in grinder will be superior to the grind on a separate machine. If you spending enough to get a machine with this feature, it is more likely to be well-made and durable.
When it comes to convenience, it is just so ridiculously quick and easy to have the machine do everything for you: store the beans, grind them and then automatically drop them into the portafilter. Boom, you’re done.
The Final Shot: The Breville Barista Express gets the top spot for its built-in grinder and overall experience if you’re looking for a semi-automatic. If a super-automatic with a hands-off experience is your preference, the De’Longhi Magnifica is the better choice.
To make choosing an espresso machine with a built-in grinder less of a wild goose chase, I’ve put together a list of my top contenders. Each of these machines includes a built in grinder and a range of other great features that make brewing pretty simple.
To make matters even easier for you, I’ll tell you which one is my favorite: the Breville BES870XL Barista Express. I own it, I love it, I swear by it. It completes my morning ritual and saves me a ton of unwanted hassle.
This machine also makes me something of a hero with my wife. I make her a latte every morning (sometimes while she is still in bed) and she still isn’t over the novelty of that. It’s a great way to make her morning a little brighter and score some serious brownie points.
Of course, while I love the Breville, it is a semi-automatic and a better pick for someone interested in a more hands-on brewing experience. There are a couple other solid options to keep in mind if you’re looking for a super-automatic that I’ve highlighted for home brewers looking for ultimate automation.
Contents
The 10 Best Espresso Machines with a Built-in Grinder in 2021
DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
Product Name- 4.1Rating
- $$$Price
- Super AutomaticMachine Type
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Product Name- 4.4Rating
- $$Price
- Semi-AutomaticMachine Type
Gaggia 1003380 Accademia Espresso Machine
Product Name- 3.8Rating
- $$$$Price
- Super AutomaticMachine Type
1. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
As I mentioned before, the Breville BES870XL is the machine I use at home, so I know firsthand what an absolute pleasure it is to brew with. And it’s not just me: this machine has nearly a thousand reviews on Amazon with a solid 4.4 rating, which is seriously impressive.
This is a perfect fully-integrated machine for the barista who likes to exert a little more control over their espresso set-up. It provides an intuitive user experience for those who like a hands-on, interactive approach to their espresso. You’ll be able to select grind amount, grind coarseness and of course you can select a one or two shot basket.
The grinder has worked like a champ with every bean I’ve used with it, though I do like to play with the grind coarseness based on the type of bean I’m enjoying. I’m a huge fan of Koffee Kult, so unless I’m feeling crazy, I usually leave my machine calibrated for this roast. It’s my go-to.
I also found the machine pretty easy to use despite all the different settings available to me. I was a true rookie when I started and after a good afternoon of playing with it, I felt like I could make just about anything I wanted to enjoy. Now, I could seriously use it in my sleep.
Clean up is pretty straightforward, though I do spend about 5 minutes doing a serious clean of the drip tray about once a week. It has a fun little feature where a yellow sign will pop up when the water level gets too high down there, which is really convenient.
The water reservoir is located in the back, so re-filling isn’t as easy as front or side located reservoirs, but I haven’t found this to be a big deal. It’s pretty large and holds water for several days, depending on how much espresso we are drinking.
The steam wand is also really well made and easy to use on this machine and I make lattes with it every single day. It’s smooth sailing.
If the reviews aren’t enough to convince you, then perhaps looks will: I, for one, think the Breville is the sleekest looking design of the all the options, and it’s set at a very competitive price point. All in all, this machine works well with a home barista who likes to be engaged in the brewing process.
Breville Barista Hot Features:
- 15 Bar Italian Pump and 1600W Thermo coil heating system
- Purge Function: Automatically adjusts water temperature after steam for optimal espresso extraction temperature
- Stainless steel conical burr grinder with 1/2 lb. sealed bean hopper
- 67 fl.oz (2L) removable water tank with handle
- 54mm tamper
- Hands-free grinding cradle
- Removable drip tray
2. DeLonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
If you’re looking for a less involved experience, the De’Longhi Magnifica is a super-automatic machine that can grind, pack, and extract a shot all on its own. This is a great if you’re a low maintenance barista with high expectations.
De’Longhi is also a trusted name in espresso machines, with this model holding a stellar 4.1 out of 5 stars with the Amazon community. For its relatively low price, users really liked how easy-to-use the interface is, as well as the overall quality of espresso the machine pulls. It’s an automatic process, but there is still room to customize your brewing options.
A huge part of what make espresso taste great is the freshness of the grounds, and with the DeLonghi’s so called beans-to-brew system, it’s designed to expel all old grounds to ensure each extraction is pulled from newly ground beans. Super-automatic espresso machines tend to process old grounds before turning through fresh beans, but the DeLonghi has intelligently worked around such a design flaw.
It also comes with the other features you expect: a well-made frother, easy to clean set up and programmable menu settings.
A few reviewers noted the slightly outdated look, which is fair, the Magnifica does have a rather blocky appearance that’s no comparison to the Breville. But if you aren’t in it for looks, then there isn’t much not to like.
All-in-all, this machine is a top pick for the barista looking for a more automated experience.
De’Longhi Magnifica Hot Features:
- Patented “Cappuccino System” frother
- Easy-to-use rotary and push button control panel with programmable menu settings
- Grinds beans instantly with the patented, compact and easy-to-clean “Direct-to-Brew” system.
- Professional-quality, conical low-pitch burr grinder with adjustable grind fineness
3. Gaggia 1003380 Accademia Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Accademia is another super-automatic I thought I’d call attention to because it has a few neat features the De’Longhi lacks. And while this model is the most expensive, it’s a favorite for a sturdy build with easy to navigate settings. For the money, many find it’s a good investment for quality AND quantity.
The Gaggia is capable of filling anything from a two ounce demitasse to a large travel mug. The Breville doesn’t have that kind of range, which can be a little frustrating. Users also really like the machine’s clever milk design: it uses a detachable pitcher so the milk can be refrigerated when not in use, cutting down on waste and keeping milk fresh.
The grinder is a ceramic burr style, with the integrated hopper, like the Breville. It works like a dream and really makes the process smooth and seamless.
The pre-brewing system is also fantastic for quick pull times. It’s really convenient for hectic mornings and machines that are getting a lot of use by different family members. Not having that extra wait time is a great feature.
An important consideration for the Gaggia relating to the internal grinding system is that most machines with integrated grinders are only useful if the shot is using fresh grounds. The automatic system of this machine does tend to let grounds sit for some time, so the shot pulled isn’t guaranteed to be from a fresh grind. You may have to let the machine run through a shot or two before getting a fresh batch. This isn’t a huge concern, but it is a distinguishing factor from the De’Longhi.
Ultimately, this is a great option if you have the money to invest and prefer a super-automatic design over a semi-automatic espresso machine. Many of the Gaggia users tend to be those switching over from Jura, so if you’ve had a rough go with Jura this may be your solution.
The Gaggia tends to be a best bet for the discerning espresso lover with the budget for a few extra features.
Gaggia Accademia Hot Features:
- Adjustable telescopic coffee dispenser with a maximum height of a little over 6-1/2-inch to accommodate a wide variety of cup sizes
- Ceramic burr grinder with integrated bean hopper and double lid aroma saver
- Integrated coffee grounds container, removable from the front
- Programmable coffee quantity – from 7 to 10-cup
- Pre-brewing system for maximum flavor extraction
Whichever espresso machine you choose should be largely dictated by your lifestyle needs: if you’re looking for a lot of hands-on control, chances are you’ll make fast friends with the Breville. For me, there’s just no beating hand tamped espresso and a free pour presentation.
If you’re looking for a more automated process, the De’Longhi and Gaggia will both serve you well.
Thanks again for reading and I hope this has been a helpful walkthrough of machines with integrated grinders.
4. Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Anytime you see a Gaggia pop up on one of our lists, take note! These are awesome Italian machines and the Brera is the perfect mid-range option with a nice built-in grinder. If the Accademia is a little out of your price range, this is a solid alternative.
The Gaggia comes with all the essentials, including a 15 bar Italian pump, removable brew group, a front loading water reservoir and drag box, for easy handling, a simple user interface with basic controls, and a stainless Panarello steam wand for perfect latte and cappuccino making or for heating up water to enjoy an Americano.
The ceramic burr grinder offers 5 grind settings and includes a bonus bypass doser in case you want to brew from pre-ground beans. The hopper capacity is about 8.8 ounces so you aren’t constantly refilling. The Brera also comes with the Gaggia adaptive system which allows the machine to learn your preferences for full customization of grind to suit your favorite bean.
This is a great built-in option for the price range and one of the most affordable options on our list.
5. Jura 15097 E8 Espresso Coffee Machine
Ah, Jura. This is for all the high rollers out there. The E8 isn’t in most espresso lover budgets, but it sure is impressive to look at and read about.
If you have the funds to spend, this is where it’s at friends.
The E8 is top of the line and has every feature you could want in a super-automatic machine: Jura’s special pulse extraction process to pre-infuse the grounds for a perfect and aroma-filled optimized extraction every time, dual spouts for extracting two shots simultaneously, eight different brew intensity levels and 12 programmable specialty beverages, a height adjustable spout, automatic frothing of any milk-based beverage with fine foam technology and a techy color control display.
The built-in conical burr Aroma3 grinder has 6 grind settings and ensures the beans are optimally ground every time for both the machine and the bean type. A bypass doser allows you to use either whole beans or pre-ground coffee. The bean hopper size is also roomy at 10 ounces.
This is the Ferrari of coffee machines and is more like a coffee butler than a simple espresso maker.
6. Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Coming back down to reality, the 3200 from Philips is a sweet super-automatic for a healthy sized budget with a quality built-in grinder.
Offering a few less options than the Jura in terms of menu selection (only 5!), it still performs all the essential functions for a great cup of espresso. The feature list for this machine includes an aroma extract system to dial in brewing temp to perfectly balance aroma maximization with brewing heat, 3 aroma strength settings, 3 temperature settings, customizable coffee and milk size, a touch screen display and aqua clean filter.
The grinder is 100% ceramic burr style with a 12 step adjustment to fine tune your grind for perfect brewing.
The LatteGo milk system is one of my favorites on this list. Simply pour the desired amount of milk into the attached frothing chamber, the machine will automatically froth based on your beverage selection and dispense right into your cup at the perfect temperature. There are no tubes or small parts to clean, just a simple rinse of the carafe is all that’s needed.
7. Saeco Incanto Plus Super-Automatic Espresso Machine
This is a smaller model than most on our list and is a great all-inclusive machine that really takes the guesswork out of brewing. It comes in at a reasonable price point for automatics which makes it a more accessible option.
Operation is really straight forward with the Saeco and as an auto, you don’t have to worry about much skill-based use when it comes to brewing. Included features are a quick heat boiler for super fast extraction and very little waiting, a classic milk frother – this does require a little skill from you, but the quality design makes it easy to master, a digital display, side-mounted water tank, and simple push-button controls, and a dual spout for efficient extraction.
The grinder is a great upgrade for the Incanto. Like most of the others it is also ceramic to create an optimized grind while preventing overheating which can make coffee taste burned. It also has a knob inside the hopper to adjust the grind settings (there are 5) based on the bean you’re using. Total hopper capacity is 10 ounces.
8. Gaggia Anima Coffee and Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Anima is another mid-range option like the Brera with a solid feature list and user ratings.
Included in this model is a 15 bar pump, a removable brew group, low energy standby mode, a simple 6 button interface with LCD screen, re-infusion of the beans, programmable brewing options for espresso and lungo drinks, three temperature control settings, a removable 60 ounce water reservoir and a dual-spout.
The Anima also includes a chrome-plated, manual Panarello steam wand that requires only basic user knowledge and involvement to make all your favorite milk-based espresso beverages.
The built-in grinder includes a bypass doser for pre-gound beans and 5 grind settings using the knob inside the hopper. The hopper capacity is 8.8 ounces.
The build is primarily plastic casing with stainless steel and chrome detailing and the look is sleek and low-profile. Between the Anima and the Brera, this is an upgrade model, but all the major components are comparable.
9. Breville BES990BSSUSC Fully Automatic Espresso Machine, Oracle Touch
If you’re not a fan of high-end super-automatics and are looking for an automatic that you can be a little more hands on with, this is the one to buy.
Super pricey, but full of luxury features and performing like a professional grade, restaurant-level machine, the Oracle is a no-regrets purchase.
Let’s talk features – this little beauty of a Breville includes a triple heat system (a steam boiler, espresso boiler and heated group head), an over pressure valve which is a commercial feature limiting the max pressure through extraction to prevent bitterness, a 3 second heat up, digital temperature control technology, a techy dream of a touch screen with simple swipe for beverage selection – just like a smart phone, and 8 customizable coffee settings so you can pre-program your favorites.
Milk frothing is also next level with the Oracle, the stainless steel steam wand powered by its own boiler, textures the milk to your taste and temperature, capable of delivering cafe-level micro-foam for latte art. To top it off, after it’s done, it fully cleans itself.
The integrated ceramic conical burr grinder automatically grinds, doses and tamps, just like a commercial machine. The total hopper capacity is 1/2 lbs with adjustable grind control to fine tune your bean settings.
10. De’Longhi ECAM45760B Digital Super Automatic Espresso Machine
The list wouldn’t be complete without a luxury De’Longhi to round it out. A beautiful super-automatic, this is a great all-inclusive option if you are looking toward the higher-end of the pricing range.
This machine packs it all in, the feature list includes two separate heating elements to power the brewing and steaming capabilities individually eliminating wait times, a one touch intuitive display control panel, automated fine tuning for temperature and density, a compact, extractable brew unit for easy cleaning, self-adjustments for one or two shots of espresso, drink customization including temp, strength and milk to espresso ratio and 7 one touch recipes.
The LatteCrema system is automated to create perfect milk-based drinks like cappuccino and lattes using a side-mounted milk carafe and automatic frothing wand that also self-cleans.
The built-in burr grinder includes a bypass doser for a second chamber of pre-ground beans and includes grind customization based on your favorite bean type. The overall hopper capacity is the largest on the list at 14.1 ounces.
Questions? Leave a comment below!
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About the Author Michael York
I am a die-hard espresso fan. I love every form of the drink from straight espresso shots to lattes and cappuccinos. I currently use a Breville BES870XL Barista, it is an awesome machine. BUT, my dream machine is definitely an Italian Quickmill Andreja. Those bad boys make badass espresso. I love answering your questions, leave a comment or question below!
