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Anyone who has owned a home espresso machine can tell you the importance of a good coffee grinder. Grinding your espresso beans fresh is one of the best ways to achieve the highest quality espresso possible.
There are many popular espresso machines on the market that do not include grinders, and many customers are disappointed by the fact that they have to spend more money on a separate coffee grinder. Fortunately, there are many high-quality home espresso machines on the market today that are conveniently designed with high-quality built-in coffee grinders.
We have highlighted five of the best espresso machines with a grinder on the market today, and taken a closer look at the most important features of each to help simplify the shopping process.
at a glance: Our Top 5 Espresso Machines with a Grinder
Choosing the Right Espresso Machine With a Grinder
Espresso enthusiasts all over the world agree that one of the most important keys to the perfect cup of espresso is knowing how to grind your beans to just the right texture.
There are many different options when it comes to espresso machines with built-in grinders, and choosing the best option comes down to looking at these important factors.
Price and Value
It is important to choose an espresso machine that fits squarely within your budget, as owning and operating an espresso machine each morning comes with some additional costs. There should be plenty of money left in your espresso budget for high-quality fresh espresso beans.
When it comes to espresso machines featuring built-in grinders, the majority of options will fall into the higher end of the price spectrum. Integrated grinders are high-end luxury features that up until recently were only available on commercial-grade professional-level machines.
For those looking for a more economical solution, there is nothing wrong with purchasing a more simple and straightforward espresso machine that does not feature a built-in grinder, and instead opt to purchase a small coffee grinder separately.
Most high-end espresso machines with built-in grinders will fall somewhere between $500 and $1000 in terms of price, and nearly every option features a “top down” espresso bean hopper design that lets gravity naturally pull more beans downward as the supply lowers.
It is also important to distinguish the difference between price and value, as both play an important part in large purchase shopping for different reasons. The word price simply refers to how much an item costs, while value refers to the amount of worth something has for that cost.
For example, there can be two very different espresso machines that both share a price of $500. One may have basic features, while the other showcases the latest and greatest technology and features. In this case, the prices of the machines are the same, but the high-tech version presents a much better value.
Value is also sometimes referred to as “bang for your buck,” and choosing an espresso machine that is of good value comes down to comparing different models on the market, and comparing the features and quality of each compared to their price points.
Features and Design
When it comes to comparing and shopping for a new espresso machine, it is a good idea to take a look at all of the features showcased on some of the more high-end models on the market, and determine which, if any, of them are important to you.
While high-tech features like Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity may seem like neat features at first, there are many customers who have reported not using these more intricate “bells and whistles,” and most people tend to only use the most basic features of espresso machines.
Another thing to consider when shopping for one of these home appliances is the coffee and hot beverage consumption habits of your household. While some simple espresso machines are only designed to brew espresso beans, others are much more versatile.
There are certain machines that are designed to brew both high-quality espresso and traditionally brewed coffee, which make great options for large households and those with different coffee preferences in the morning.
For those who drink a lot of tea, or have children who enjoy hot cocoa beverages, keep an eye out for machines that have a dedicated hot water spout. While this feature was designed with Americanos in mind, it can be very helpful for making everything from hot tea to instant noodles.
Size and Weight
One of the most overlooked factors when it comes to shopping for a new espresso machine in many instances is the size of the machine itself. Many people tend to get hung up on the features and design of machines and forget to measure out the space where they intend to place it.
The first thing that you should do when shopping for a new espresso machine is to take a tape measure or ruler and measure out the length, depth, and height of the area where you intend to place your new espresso machine. Be sure to keep these measurements on hand throughout the shopping process.
The most high-end machines on the market tend to also be the largest and most bulky, as a significant amount of space is needed to accommodate a wide variety of different features. These machines are great for those who have ample kitchen space, but virtually impossible for others to own in practice.
Some of the more simple and more straightforward machines on the market are designed to be sleek and compact, making great options for those living in city apartments or generally lacking in overall kitchen space.
These small and slim machines can easily be placed in a cupboard or cabinet between uses, and oftentimes they are also the easiest to clean.
Many people opt to “split the difference” and choose a medium-sized machine that is small enough to fit their kitchen while showcasing some more high-end features.
Style and Aesthetic
There are many different approaches that manufacturers take when it comes to designing high-quality home-based espresso machines with built-in grinders. Some companies choose to use high-tech led and touchscreen displays, while others use simple and more classic designs.
Nowadays, many new kitchens are being designed with a minimalist aesthetic that showcases clean lines and open spaces. There are certain espresso machines that blend perfectly with this aesthetic, while others would stick out like a sore thumb.
It is important to take a good look around your kitchen at home and determine what the overarching “theme” or “mood” the decor and space gives off. While it is easy to put up a new coat of paint or re-arrange shelving, an espresso machine is an expensive purchase that can not easily be swapped out.
Many high-end espresso machines are designed as a direct homage to the traditional Italian espresso machine. These large industrial machines are often made from stainless steel and can be found behind the counter at some of the best coffee shops in the world.
Some people prefer the sleek look and convenience of a more cutting-edge design, and there are many different models on the market to fill this need. Certain machines feature touchscreen technology, allowing customers to simply push which coffee drink they would like while the machine does the rest of the work.
Company Reputation
Due to the fact that espresso machines are fairly large purchases, many people feel more comfortable choosing a well-established brand for their homes. This is always a good practice, as larger companies have established reputations for customer service and selling replacement parts as time goes on.
While it may be tempting to choose a machine with similar features from a less-known brand that is priced much lower than the industry standard, this is a risky proposition. Even the best warranties and guarantees are rendered useless if a small company folds and is no longer in business down the road.
Three of the best companies on the market today when it comes to producing quality machines are Breville, De’Longhi, and Gevi. All three of these brands have been in business for many years, and have earned good reputations for both quality and customer service.
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Espresso Machines with a Grinder
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Breville Barista Express |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | De'Longhi La Specialista |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Gevi 20 Bar Espresso Machine with Grinder |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Breville Barista Touch |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
Top 5 Espresso Machines With Grinders
1. Breville Barista Express
Pros
- Features a sleek metallic finish that acts as a centerpiece in many kitchens
- High-quality pressure gauge is prominently displayed on the front of the machine
- Simple and straightforward milk steaming wand heats up quickly
- Integrated grinder on top of the machine can hold more espresso than some competitors
- Simple “Grind Amount” gauge on the front of the machine makes it simple to adjust the texture
- A straightforward machine that features a traditional design
Cons
- Not all customers enjoy how bright and eye-catching the machine is
- Does not have the ability to brew traditional coffee or iced beverages
- Some customers prefer the simplicity of the upgraded “touch” version
2. De’Longhi La Specialista
Pros
- Considered by many to be the industry standard at the $700 and under price point
- De’Longhi is one of the top brands in the coffee and espresso industry
- Eight different grinder settings allow customers to fine-tune their grind texture
- Dedicated hot water spout is ideal for making Americanos, tea, and espresso drinks
- High-quality steam wand is perfect for frothing milk in latte drinks
- Integrated pressure gauge on the front of the machine makes it simple to operate properly
Cons
- There are other options on the market that feature more grinder settings
- The bright metallic look does not fit in well with all kitchen design themes
- Does not feature any high-tech features like pre-loaded drink options
3. Gevi 20 Bar Espresso and Coffee Machine
Pros
- One of the strongest machines on the market in terms of pump pressure
- 30 different grind settings allow for maximum grind flexibility
- Thoughtfully designed with an integrated holder on top for the tamper tool
- Comes with all tools needed for latte art including stainless steel foaming cup
- Three different extraction temperatures to achieve the best quality pull
- Gevi has a great reputation and is one of the most respected brands in the industry
Cons
- One of the higher priced options when there are no sales running
- Some people prefer the convenience of the newer touchscreen styles of machine
- Buttons are backlit with a blue light that can not be changed or turned off
4. Breville Barista Touch
Pros
- High-tech machine with a touch screen and pre-loaded drink options
- Simple to operate as the machine acts as a coffee robot building complete beverages
- A complete coffee station that is capable of making everything on a coffee shop menu
- One year warranty is one of the best in the industry
- All drink settings can easily be adjusted to meet your preferences
- ClaroSwiss water filter purifies the water for the best possible taste
Cons
- One of the highest-priced options on the market as it is full of the top technology
- Some people prefer the look and simplicity of a machine with analog controls
- Those who are not great with technology may not enjoy the touchscreen controls
5. Gevi 20 Bar Compact
Pros
- One of the best options for traveling or stowing away in a cupboard
- Features the same industry-leading pump pressure as the full-sized version
- 35 different grind settings allow for industry-leading grind flexibility
- One of the more affordable high-quality espresso machines on the market
- Heats very quickly and can have a hot drink finished in under one minute
Cons
- Grinder is not built into the espresso machine as this is a “compact” version
- Off white color scheme does not fit in well with the look of some kitchens
- Does not feature a dedicated hot water spout for Americanos and tea drinks
Final Thoughts
While there are many different high-quality options on the market today when it comes to choosing an espresso machine with a grinder, the best option for the widest variety of people is the De’Longhi La Specialista. It features all of the necessities for a high-quality espresso machine and is capable of making all necessary drinks in a sleek and well-designed package.
Click here to take a look at this industry-leading espresso machine, and see for yourself if it is a good fit for your home!
