A coffee maker with a built-in grinder can simplify your morning routine by grinding whole beans just before brewing. The right model depends on how much coffee you make, whether you prefer a full pot or a single cup, and how much cleaning and grinder noise you’re willing to manage. These five options range from straightforward drip machines to flexible single-serve brewers.
| Product | Best for | Brewing style | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 10-Cup | Smaller households | Drip coffee | Programmable brewing and grind-off option |
| Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup | Regular full-pot brewing | Drip coffee | 12-cup capacity and reusable filters |
| Breville Grind Control | More control over your brew | Drip coffee | Adjustable grinder and thermal carafe |
| Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single Serve | Custom-size single servings | Single serve | Conical burr mill and over-ice setting |
| Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker + Grinder | Ground beans, ground coffee, or pods | Single serve | Works with whole beans and compatible K-Cup pods |
Our Picks: Best The Coffee Maker With Built In Grinder reviews
1. Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 10-Cup: A Programmable Drip Pick
This Cuisinart combines a blade grinder and drip brewer in one programmable machine. It holds up to 10 cups and can grind whole beans before brewing. If you sometimes use pre-ground coffee, the grind-off feature lets you skip the grinder.
A permanent gold-tone coffee filter and built-in charcoal water filter are included. Brew Pause lets you pour a cup before the brewing cycle finishes, which can be handy when you don’t want to wait for the whole pot. Its straightforward setup suits people who want a familiar drip-coffee routine without a separate grinder on the counter.
The trade-off is the upkeep that comes with an integrated grinder. Grounds can collect in the grinder area, so it needs attention before you set up the next brew. Some owners also find the grinding noise noticeable, especially in a quiet home. Take care not to fill the water reservoir above its marked limit.
Compared with the 12-cup Cuisinart, this model is a better fit if you don’t need the larger capacity. It doesn’t offer the Breville’s adjustable grinder settings, but its programmable drip format keeps the process simple.
Pros:
- Grinds whole beans before brewing
- Programmable operation and Brew Pause
- Grind-off option for pre-ground coffee
- Includes reusable coffee and charcoal water filters
Cons:
- The grinder and brew area need regular cleaning
- Grinding can be loud
Verdict: Choose this 10-cup model if you want a programmable drip machine with fresh grinding and don’t need a larger pot.
2. Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup: More Room for a Full Pot
This 12-cup Cuisinart is designed for households that regularly make a larger pot. Its blade grinder automatically processes whole beans before brewing, while the grind-off option lets you use pre-ground coffee instead. A programmable timer, auto-shutoff, and self-clean feature add convenience to the drip setup.
The machine includes a permanent filter and a charcoal water filter. Brew Pause gives you the option to pour before the cycle ends. Owners often appreciate that the grinder is built into the machine and say that cleaning the removable parts takes only a short time when done regularly.
There are practical limits to consider. The grinder can be loud, and its bean compartment may not hold enough beans for a full pot at some preferred coffee strengths. In that case, you may need to add ground coffee separately. Like the 10-cup model, this is a blade-grinder machine rather than a model with adjustable burr-grinder settings.
Choose it over the 10-cup Cuisinart if you often brew for a group or want extra capacity. If you value a thermal carafe or more control over grind size, the Breville is the more feature-focused alternative.
Pros:
- 12-cup drip capacity
- Programmable, automatic brewing
- Can brew whole beans or pre-ground coffee
- Includes reusable coffee and charcoal water filters
Cons:
- Grinder noise may bother light sleepers
- You may need extra ground coffee for a full pot, depending on strength
Verdict: This is a practical choice for people who want an all-in-one machine for larger batches and are comfortable cleaning the grinder area.
3. Breville Grind Control: Adjustable Grinding with a Thermal Carafe
The Breville Grind Control is a drip brewer for coffee drinkers who want more say in how their beans are prepared. Its integrated grinder has adjustable grind size and output, and the machine offers eight strength settings. You can brew into the included thermal carafe, a tall cup, or a travel mug.
The bean hopper holds up to half a pound, and the water tank holds 60 ounces. The machine also has a pre-ground coffee option, so you’re not limited to beans. A gold-tone filter and cleaning brush are included. Its thermal carafe may suit you if you prefer to keep brewed coffee in an insulated vessel rather than rely on a glass carafe.
More settings can mean more choices to manage, and this machine takes up a little more counter width than the Cuisinart drip options. It also costs more to consider than a basic grinder-and-brewer setup, though live prices can change. The supplied product details list a one-year limited warranty, so check the current warranty terms before buying.
Compared with the Cuisinart 10- and 12-cup machines, the Breville’s main appeal is its adjustable grinder and flexible serving options. It’s a stronger match for people who like to tune their coffee than for anyone seeking the simplest possible controls.
Pros:
- Adjustable grinder size and output
- Eight strength settings and a pre-ground option
- Brews into a thermal carafe, cup, or travel mug
- Large bean hopper and 60-ounce water tank
Cons:
- More settings may take time to dial in
- Wider than the two Cuisinart drip machines listed here
Verdict: Pick the Breville if adjustable grinding and a thermal carafe matter more to you than basic, low-fuss operation.
4. Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single Serve: Burr-Grind Brewing for Custom Sizes
This Cuisinart is a single-serve machine with a built-in stainless steel conical burr mill. It grinds whole beans before brewing and offers serving sizes from 8 to 24 ounces. The removable water reservoir holds 58 ounces, and the drip tray adjusts to fit taller drinkware.
Its controls include adjustable brew strength, a grind-off setting for pre-ground coffee, and an over-ice function. The removable hopper, mill, brewing chamber, and drip tray are designed to make cleaning easier, although the manufacturer notes that grounds should be cleared out after each use. The hotter-brewing design may appeal if you want a single cup without making a pot.
This model is a better fit for individual servings than for a household that wants a carafe. The required cleanup after brewing is worth factoring in if you prefer a machine that can be left ready for the next day. Compared with the other single-serve Cuisart listed here, it offers a wider range of drink sizes and an over-ice function, but its product details do not list pod compatibility.
Pros:
- Conical burr mill grinds whole beans
- Brews servings from 8 to 24 ounces
- Adjustable strength and over-ice setting
- Removable parts support cleaning
Cons:
- Grounds need to be cleared after each use
- Not designed to brew a pot for several people
Verdict: Choose this Cuisinart if you want a burr-grinder single-serve machine with flexible cup sizes and don’t mind cleaning it after each brew.
5. Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker + Grinder: Beans or Pods in One Machine
This compact Cuisinart combines a conical burr grinder with a single-serve brewer. It can grind whole beans directly into its reusable filter cup, brew pre-ground coffee, or work with compatible K-Cup pods. That flexibility is useful if different people in your home prefer different ways to make coffee.
The machine offers 8-, 10-, and 12-ounce serving sizes, a removable 48-ounce water reservoir, and a removable drip tray for travel mugs. A charcoal water filter is included. Its size and single-cup format make it a better fit for one or two coffee drinkers than for anyone who regularly serves a group.
Some owners find that grinding can leave a small amount of grounds around the filter cup, so you may need to tidy the area after use. Filling the bean hopper can also take a little care. Compared with the newer single-serve Cuisinart in this list, this model’s key advantage is its stated compatibility with K-Cup pods; the other model offers a larger range of serving sizes.
Pros:
- Works with whole beans, pre-ground coffee, and compatible K-Cup pods
- Three serving sizes from 8 to 12 ounces
- Removable water reservoir and drip tray
- Compact single-serve design
Cons:
- Grounds may spill around the filter cup during grinding
- Limited to single servings rather than a full carafe
Verdict: This is a versatile pick if you want the choice of fresh-ground coffee or pods in one single-serve machine.
How to Choose a Coffee Maker With a Built-In Grinder
Decide Between a Carafe and Single-Serve Brewer
Start with how much coffee you make at a time. A 10- or 12-cup drip machine is more suitable if you regularly pour several cups or serve more than one person. A single-serve model makes more sense if you want one drink at a time, need to fit a travel mug, or prefer different cup sizes. Capacity labels refer to the machine’s stated brewing capacity, not necessarily the size of your favorite mug.
Consider the Grinder Type and Its Settings
The Cuisinart drip machines in this list use blade grinders, while the Breville and two single-serve Cuisinart models list burr grinders. The Breville adds adjustable grind size and output, which gives you more control over preparation. If you want fewer decisions, a machine with a simpler grinder setup may be enough. Think about whether you want to adjust the grind or simply have the machine grind beans automatically.
Check How You Can Brew Pre-Ground Coffee
A grind-off or pre-ground option gives you flexibility when you run out of beans or want to use a specific ground blend. The drip Cuisart machines and Breville include a pre-ground option, and both single-serve models can brew ground coffee. The pod-compatible Cuisinart also accepts compatible K-Cup pods, making it the most flexible choice for people who switch between beans and pods.
Match the Machine to Your Counter and Routine
Built-in grinders save you from needing a separate grinder, but they add components to clean. Look at the machine’s dimensions and consider how much space it will use. If you plan to program your brew ahead of time, make sure you’re comfortable cleaning and setting up the grinder area regularly. Some models need grounds cleared after each brew, and grinder noise may be noticeable in a quiet home.
Think About the Carafe and Serving Options
A glass carafe suits people who want to see how much coffee is left, while the Breville’s included thermal carafe is designed to hold brewed coffee in an insulated vessel. If you usually drink coffee on the way out, a machine that brews directly into a travel mug may be more useful. Single-serve machines are convenient for individual cups but can’t replace a full-pot brewer when you’re serving a group.
Account for Cleaning and Replacement Parts
With a grinder built into the brewer, coffee grounds can collect in parts that need regular cleaning. Check which pieces are removable and whether the machine includes a reusable filter. If you want to minimize daily upkeep, consider how easy it will be to reach the grinder and grounds area. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and water-filter care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are coffee makers with built-in grinders worth it?
They can be a good fit if you want to grind beans and brew coffee in one machine, or if you want to save counter space by skipping a separate grinder. The trade-off is extra cleaning around the grinder, and some machines can be noisy while grinding.
Which option is best for brewing a full pot?
The Cuisinart 12-cup model is the largest stated drip option in this group. The Cuisinart 10-cup model may suit a smaller household, while the Breville offers a thermal carafe and the option to brew into a cup or travel mug.
Which models can use pre-ground coffee?
All five products list a way to brew coffee without grinding whole beans. The drip Cuisinart models have a grind-off feature, the Breville has a pre-ground setting, and both single-serve Cuisinart machines can brew ground coffee.
Can a built-in grinder be loud?
It can be. Some owners of the Cuisinart drip machines note that the grinding sound stands out in a quiet home. If you make coffee early or share a small space, consider whether that noise will bother you.
Which single-serve machine works with pods?
The Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker + Grinder, model DGB-2SS, is listed as compatible with K-Cup pods. It also grinds whole beans and can brew pre-ground coffee.
Do these machines need special filters?
Filter needs vary by model. The drip Cuisinart machines include permanent gold-tone filters, the Breville includes a gold-tone filter, and the single-serve machines use their own brewing components. Check the product details and instructions for the correct filter and care routine.
Final Recommendation
For a straightforward full-pot brewer, the Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup offers a useful balance of capacity and automatic grinding. Choose the Breville Grind Control if adjustable grinder settings and a thermal carafe matter more to you. For individual cups, the pod-compatible Cuisinart is the most flexible option, while the other single-serve Cuisinart offers a wider range of drink sizes. Whichever style you choose, weigh the convenience of fresh grinding against the noise and cleanup it adds to your routine.
