The Best Espresso Machines with a Built-In Grinder
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A machine with a built-in grinder saves counter space and saves you from choosing a separate espresso grinder, which is the step that confuses most new buyers.
The trade-off: the grinder and machine are one unit, so if one part fails you lose both, and dedicated grinders usually offer finer adjustment. For most home users, the convenience wins.
Our picks at a glance
- Breville Barista Express: Best overall
- Breville Barista Pro: Best upgrade all-in-one
- Breville Barista Touch: Best touchscreen
- De'Longhi La Specialista Arte: Best mid-range grinder combo
- Ninja Luxe Café Premier: Best 3-in-1
- Philips 3200 LatteGo: Best push-button
The picks
The best-known all-in-one: grinder, pressure gauge and steam wand in one unit.
Watch out: Slower to heat up than the newer Barista Pro.
Heats up in seconds and has a digital display with a shot timer, which makes repeating good shots easier.
Watch out: Sits in a higher tier than the Barista Express.
Touchscreen with guided drinks and an automatic steam wand, so milk drinks are hands-free.
Watch out: One of the more expensive options here, and you pay for convenience features.
Built-in grinder at a mid-range tier, with a simple layout.
Watch out: Smaller 51 mm portafilter and fewer advanced controls.
Makes espresso, drip-style coffee and cold brew, with guidance on grind and dose and hands-free frothing.
Watch out: Bulky, and it uses brand-specific parts rather than standard ones.
Fully automatic: grinds and brews at the press of a button, with an easy-to-clean milk system.
Watch out: Not for people who want to control each shot.
Side by side
| Machine | Type | Grinder | Milk | Price tier* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Barista Express | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Manual steam wand | Premium |
| Breville Barista Pro | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Manual steam wand | Premium |
| Breville Barista Touch | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Automatic steam wand (set temp and texture) | Premium |
| De'Longhi La Specialista Arte | Semi-automatic with built-in grinder | Yes, conical burr | Manual steam wand | Mid-range |
| Ninja Luxe Café Premier | Semi-automatic with grinder (espresso, drip and cold brew) | Yes, conical burr | Hands-free frothing system | Premium |
| Philips 3200 LatteGo | Super-automatic (bean to cup) | Yes, ceramic burr | LatteGo automatic milk system | Premium |
*Price tier is a rough guide. Click through for today's price on Amazon.
Tips before you buy
Check the height
The bean hopper sits on top, so measure the space under your kitchen cupboards before you buy.
Use fresh beans
A built-in grinder only helps if the beans are fresh. Look for a roast date and use beans within a few weeks of it.
Clean the grinder
Old coffee oils build up. Brush out the burrs regularly and avoid very oily dark roasts in automatic machines.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, design features and patterns in published owner feedback. We do not accept payment from brands for placement. More about how we work.
FAQ
Is a built-in grinder as good as a separate one?
For most home users, yes. Separate espresso grinders usually offer finer adjustment and can be upgraded on their own, which matters more to enthusiasts.
Which all-in-one heats up fastest?
Of the machines here, the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Touch use the ThermoJet system, which is ready in seconds.
Bean-to-cup or semi-automatic with grinder?
Bean-to-cup (like the Philips 3200) does everything for you. A semi-automatic with grinder (like the Barista Express) needs you to tamp and steam, but gives more control and usually better espresso.
More buying guides
- Best Espresso Machines for Beginners
- Best Budget Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Lattes and Cappuccinos
- Best Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machines for Small Kitchens
- Best Espresso Machines for Latte Art
- Espresso Machines That Fit Under Kitchen Cabinets
- Best Espresso Machines for Families and Busy Households
- Best Premium Espresso Machines
- Best Mid-Range Espresso Machines
- Espresso Machines That Heat Up in Seconds
- Best Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
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- Breville Barista Express vs Breville Bambino Plus
- Breville Barista Express vs Breville Barista Express Impress
- Breville Bambino vs Breville Bambino Plus