A 12-cup grind-and-brew coffee maker can grind whole beans just before brewing, saving you the step of using a separate grinder. The right choice depends on more than capacity: grinder type, brew scheduling, strength settings, cleaning needs, and whether you sometimes use pre-ground coffee all matter. Below, we compare four options and explain what to check before choosing one for your kitchen.
| Product | Grinder | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart DGB-400NAS 12-Cup Grind & Brew | Blade | 24-hour programming, 1–4 cup setting, grind-off option | Simple scheduled brewing |
| Elite Gourmet 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Grinder | Blade | Coarse and fine settings, adjustable keep-warm time | Flexible warming and easy cleanup |
| Kenmore Elite Grind and Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker | Burr | Six brew sizes, three strength options, half-pound hopper | More control over grind and batch size |
| Kenmore Elite 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Burr Grinder | Burr | 2–12 cup controls, strength settings, listed five-year warranty | Programmable brewing with adjustable strength |
Our Picks: Best 12 Cup Grind And Brew Coffee Maker reviews
1. Cuisinart DGB-400NAS: A straightforward programmable pick
The Cuisinart DGB-400NAS combines a blade grinder and drip coffee maker in one machine. It grinds whole beans before brewing, but a grind-off option lets you use pre-ground coffee when that is more convenient. The controls are designed for everyday use, with 24-hour programmability and a setting for smaller 1–4 cup batches.
A permanent gold-tone coffee filter and a built-in charcoal water filter are included. Brew Pause lets you pour a cup before the full cycle finishes. The listed capacity is 12 cups, with each cup defined as about 5 ounces, so the carafe’s stated capacity is smaller than twelve standard mugs.
The blade grinder keeps the setup simple, though it offers less control over grind consistency than the burr grinders in the Kenmore Elite options below. There are no listed grind-size or brew-strength adjustments, so this model suits shoppers who value scheduled brewing and straightforward operation over detailed customization.
Pros:
- 24-hour programmable brewing
- Small-batch 1–4 cup setting
- Can brew either whole beans or pre-ground coffee
- Includes permanent coffee and charcoal water filters
Cons:
- Blade grinder offers less grind control than a burr grinder
- No listed brew-strength or grind-size settings
Verdict: Choose the Cuisinart if you want a familiar, programmable machine with a small-batch option and do not need advanced grinder settings.
2. Elite Gourmet: Flexible warming and easy-care parts
This Elite Gourmet model pairs a built-in blade grinder with a glass carafe and programmable 12-cup brewing. Its controls offer coarse and fine grind choices, along with a brew-only mode for pre-ground coffee. You can schedule a brew up to 24 hours ahead, which is useful if you want coffee ready around a regular morning routine.
One notable feature is the adjustable keep-warm function. The listed settings range from 30 minutes to four hours, and you can turn warming off. The machine also has Pause & Serve, a visible water-level indicator, and a reminder light that signals when it is time to descale after 60 brew cycles.
The glass carafe, lid, and filter basket are listed as top-rack dishwasher safe, which may make routine cleanup easier. The trade-off is that this is still a blade-grinder machine; the two grind choices add some flexibility, but they do not make it equivalent to a burr grinder with more precise grinding control.
Pros:
- Coarse and fine grind choices, plus a brew-only option
- Programmable brewing up to 24 hours ahead
- Keep-warm duration is adjustable or can be switched off
- Several removable parts are listed as dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Uses a blade grinder rather than a burr grinder
- Listed capacity is 12 cups, but cup size is not specified in the supplied product details
Verdict: This is a good fit if adjustable warming and dishwasher-safe components matter more to you than the finer grind control of a burr grinder.
3. Kenmore Elite with burr grinder: More batch-size choices
This Kenmore Elite grind-and-brew model stands out for its burr grinder and its range of batch sizes. Rather than brewing only a full pot, it lets you select 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 cups. That range can help reduce leftover coffee when you are brewing for one or two people.
The product details list a half-pound bean hopper, an airtight design, and a grind-size selector. You can also choose mild, medium, or strong coffee, set an automatic brew time, or switch the grinder off to use pre-ground coffee. A built-in charcoal water filter is included.
This option offers more control than either blade-grinder model, but the extra settings may take more attention than a simple one-button routine. The supplied details do not specify the exact grind-size increments or the carafe material, so check the product listing if either detail is important to your setup.
Pros:
- Burr grinder with a grind-size selector
- Six selectable batch sizes from 2 to 12 cups
- Mild, medium, and strong brew choices
- Half-pound airtight bean hopper and charcoal water filter
Cons:
- More settings may feel less simple than a basic programmable machine
- Exact grind-size increments are not specified in the supplied details
Verdict: Pick this model if you want a burr grinder and the ability to brew several different batch sizes, rather than defaulting to a full pot.
4. Kenmore Elite 12-Cup with burr grinder: Strength settings and a long listed warranty
This programmable coffee maker combines a built-in burr grinder with a 12-cup maximum capacity. Its listed controls let you brew from 2 to 12 cups and choose mild, medium, or strong coffee. A grind-off setting also gives you the option to use pre-ground coffee instead of whole beans.
The product information describes an airtight bean hopper, removable parts, a charcoal water filter, and a digital timer. It also lists a five-year warranty and dedicated support. Since warranty terms can depend on the seller and the exact product, confirm the coverage details before purchasing.
There is a naming detail worth checking: the product title identifies the machine as Kenmore Elite, while the description uses the name “Kanmore” and the supplied brand field says Koolatron. That inconsistency makes it sensible to verify the manufacturer, model, and warranty information on the listing before you buy. The supplied details also do not state grind-size settings.
Pros:
- Burr grinder with a grind-off option for pre-ground coffee
- Brews 2–12 cups and offers three strength choices
- Programmable timer and charcoal water filter
- Product description lists a five-year warranty
Cons:
- Product naming and brand information are inconsistent in the supplied details
- Grind-size settings are not specified
Verdict: Consider this model for its burr grinder, batch-size range, and strength controls, but confirm the product identity and warranty terms before placing an order.
How to Choose a 12-Cup Grind-and-Brew Coffee Maker
Choose the grinder type that fits your priorities
These machines use either blade or burr grinders. A blade grinder chops beans, while a burr grinder is designed to grind them between grinding surfaces and is generally valued for more uniform results. In this group, the Cuisinart and Elite Gourmet have blade grinders; the two Kenmore Elite listings describe burr grinders. If grind control is a priority, compare the burr models closely and check what specific settings each one offers.
Check what “12 cups” means to you
A coffee maker’s cup measurement may not match the size of your usual mug. The Cuisinart listing defines a cup as about 5 ounces, while the other supplied product descriptions do not state a cup measurement. Consider how many people you serve and how much coffee they drink. If you often make smaller amounts, look for selectable batch sizes: the Cuisinart has a 1–4 cup setting, and the Kenmore Elite models list options that start at 2 cups.
Look at the brew controls, not just the capacity
Programmable brewing can be useful when you want a pot ready on a schedule. The Cuisinart, Elite Gourmet, and both Kenmore Elite listings describe automatic or timed brewing. Strength controls are listed for the two Kenmore Elite models, while the Elite Gourmet lists coarse and fine grind choices. If you prefer a simple routine, fewer settings may be easier to use; if you like to adjust your brew, look for controls that match the changes you actually plan to make.
Make sure it can handle pre-ground coffee
A grind-off or brew-only setting lets you use pre-ground coffee without running the built-in grinder. That can be handy if you run out of beans, want to use a different coffee, or need a simpler brewing option. All four products in this comparison list a way to brew without grinding, though the control names differ.
Consider warming and serving features
Keep-warm settings affect how long the machine continues warming brewed coffee. The Elite Gourmet stands out here because its listed warming time is adjustable from 30 minutes to four hours and can be turned off. Brew Pause or Pause & Serve can let you pour before the full cycle ends. Think about whether you drink coffee right away, serve it over time, or would rather switch warming off.
Plan for cleaning and routine care
Grind-and-brew machines have parts that come into contact with both beans and brewed coffee, so cleaning is an important part of ownership. The Elite Gourmet lists several top-rack dishwasher-safe parts and a descale reminder after 60 brew cycles. The Cuisinart includes permanent filters, while the Kenmore Elite descriptions mention removable parts. Check the product instructions for cleaning steps and filter care before deciding which setup suits your routine.
Verify product and warranty details
Product descriptions can leave out details such as exact grind settings, carafe measurements, or warranty conditions. This is especially important for the fourth option here, whose supplied title, brand field, and description do not use the same name. Before buying, confirm the model identity, included accessories, and warranty coverage in the current product listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a grind-and-brew coffee maker use whole beans?
Yes. These machines have a built-in grinder that can grind whole beans before brewing. The models in this comparison also list a way to bypass the grinder and use pre-ground coffee.
Is a burr grinder better than a blade grinder?
A burr grinder is generally valued for producing a more uniform grind and offering more control. A blade grinder can keep the machine simpler, but the two types do not provide the same grinding approach. The right choice depends on whether grind consistency and control are priorities for you.
Do 12 cups mean 12 full-size mugs?
Not necessarily. The Cuisinart listing defines a cup as about 5 ounces, which is less than many standard mugs. The other product details provided here do not specify their cup measurement, so check the product listing if serving size matters.
Can I brew a smaller amount in these machines?
Yes, though the available options differ. The Cuisinart lists a 1–4 cup setting, and the Kenmore Elite models list selectable amounts starting at 2 cups. The Elite Gourmet description does not specify smaller batch settings.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in a grind-and-brew machine?
All four products listed here describe a way to turn off or bypass the grinder. That lets you brew pre-ground coffee instead of whole beans.
What does a charcoal water filter do?
The Cuisinart and both Kenmore Elite descriptions list a charcoal water filter intended to filter water for brewing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and replacement, since the supplied details do not state replacement intervals.
Final Recommendation
For a simple programmable machine with a small-batch setting, the Cuisinart DGB-400NAS is the most straightforward choice. The Elite Gourmet offers more control over warming time and dishwasher-safe components. If you prefer a burr grinder and more batch-size or strength options, compare the two Kenmore Elite models, taking care to verify product details—especially the inconsistent naming on the fourth listing—before you buy.