I've been meaning to write a best espresso machine with grinder guide for quite some time. After all, these so-called hybrid espresso machines are hard to resist. I mean, what could be better than an espresso machine and a coffee grinder in one neat package?

I’ve been meaning to write a best espresso machine with grinder guide for quite some time. After all, these so-called hybrid espresso machines are hard to resist. I mean, what could be better than an espresso machine and a coffee grinder in one neat package?
The original trailblazers, and producers of some of the best espresso machines with grinders, were Breville and DeLonghi. However, it seems like just about every manufacturer under the sun is now getting in on the act. Plus, having tested machines from brands like KitchenAid and Ninja, I can tell you that hybrid espresso machines just keep getting better.
If you’re looking for an elegant, space-saving machine that can produce fantastic espresso and milk foam, this guide is for you. I’ll discuss the ins and outs of these machines, tell you about my current favorites and throw in some essential advice for getting the best results. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
Key Takeaways: Best Espresso Machine With Grinder
Given its advanced features, intuitive controls and superb performance, the best overall espresso machine with grinder is the Breville Barista Touch Impress.
An espresso machine with a built-in grinder requires more work on the part of the user. However, it’ll offer a more authentic home barista experience than a fully automatic espresso machine.
While cleaning and maintaining an espresso machine with grinder isn’t difficult, there are quite a few things to take care of, including the grinder itself.
Our Top Picks: 5 Best Espresso Machines With a Built-In Grinder
If you want to get really serious about espresso, you’ll find some great options in my guide to the best home espresso machines. However, if you’re set on buying an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, keep reading.
Before going any further, I should clarify the difference between hybrid espresso machines and fully automatic espresso machines. Essentially, the models in this guide are all semi-automatic espresso machines with burr coffee grinders attached. So, you’re responsible for moving the portafilter and adjusting settings like grind size and coffee dose. With that said, some of the best espresso machines with a built-in grinder offer a lot of guidance and automated features.
On the other hand, the best fully automatic espresso machines take care of everything. And while you can tweak some settings, you don’t have much control over the brewing process. What’s more, fully automatics aren’t capable of producing authentic espresso. However, you are able to brew drinks at the touch of a button.
Now that I’ve cleared that up, let’s take a quick peek at the espresso machines with built-in grinders I’ll be discussing today:
Breville Barista Touch Impress
Touchscreen interface
Assisted tamping
Automatic milk frother
KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Straightforward operation
Sleek design
Sturdy construction
DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro
Auto frother and steam wand
Beautiful design
Smart tamping
SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Dual thermoblocks
Professional portafilter
Gorgeous design
The Best Espresso Machines With a Grinder in Detail
Now that I’ve whet your appetite, it’s time to take a closer look at what each machine is capable of. As I mentioned earlier, there are more and more espresso machines with grinders being released all the time. What’s more, some manufacturers continue to blur the line between semi- and fully automatic machines.
I’ve done my best to select the best espresso machine with grinder picks for different user needs. With that in mind, you’ll notice a broad range of prices, features and functions. Still, the fact remains that I stand behind all these machines, seeing as I’ve personally tested each and every one. And in my opinion, any of the machines on my list is capable of producing top-quality espresso and wonderfully creamy milk foam.
Breville Barista Touch Impress: Overall Best Espresso Machine With a Grinder
Incredibly Intuitive Machine
Breville Barista Touch Impress
Breville has done it again
Intuitive touchscreen interface
Assisted tamping
Easy to use
Automatic milk frothing
Quick to heat
Limited adjustable settings
I have to admit that I was underwhelmed by the Breville Barista Express Impress, so I worried that the next machine in the Impress series would be equally disappointing. However, the Breville Barista Touch Impress proved to be a far superior machine, with the Aussies obviously having made improvements to the automatic dosing and tamping functions.
Costing $1,429.95, the Barista Touch Impress features Breville’s trademark design language and high-quality build. What’s more, this powerful and versatile espresso machine sports a color touchscreen interface and a nifty assisted tamping function. Although this is a semi-automatic espresso machine, the Barista Touch Impress is set up to guide you through the espresso making process. Plus, it gives you feedback on your shots and offers tips for dialing in to perfection. Of course, you can take over and make your own adjustments, but this machine is tailored to those who aren’t overly concerned with the fine details.
The Breville Barista Touch Impress is equipped with a fantastic Baratza stainless steel conical burr grinder with 30 settings. Plus, the manufacturer’s Impress Puck System works really well; during my testing I found that it doses and tamps incredibly consistently. And that meant I was able to pull shot after shot of excellent espresso with this machine.
By the way, I should mention the automatic milk frother, which really delivers the goods. Seriously, I couldn’t believe how well this thing performs, delivering silky microfoam every single time.
In my opinion, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is everything a hybrid espresso machine should be. It;’s packed with thoughtful features, easy for anyone to use and produces superb results.
See Also: Breville Barista touch Impress Review
KitchenAid Semi-Automatic: Best Espresso Machine With Grinder for Beginners
A durable hybrid machine
KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine With Burr Grinder
There’s a lot to like
Sleek design
Durable construction
No-nonsense user interface
Easy to use
58mm portafilter
Limited grinder settings
Beginners looking for a solid and dependable espresso machine with a built-in grinder should seriously consider the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine. For just $699.95, the KitchenAid KES6551 represents seriously good value for money. And having tested this fantastic machine in the Coffeeness kitchen, I can tell you that it punches above its weight in terms of features and performance.
As you’d expect from this manufacturer, the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is really well-built, featuring durable metal construction. Plus, I happen to like its boxy, minimalist design.
Featuring a straightforward user interface comprising buttons, lights and dials, the KitchenAid KES6551 is really easy to use. Oh, and there’s even a handy manometer for monitoring pressure at the brew group. Best of all, this machine comes with everything home baristas need to get started, including a milk pitcher and a decent espresso tamper.
The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic’s stainless steel conical burr grinder is easy to adjust, and the timed dosing function works fairly well. I was particularly pleased by the anti-static technology, which means all the coffee ends up in your portafilter without any countertop mess.
While the machine’s steam wand might feel underpowered for pro baristas, it’s actually ideal for those learning how to steam milk. Oh, and I was able to create beautifully textured milk foam during my testing.
Finally, the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine is fitted with a thermoblock heater, so the thing is ready to go in seconds. What’s more, there’s an adjustable PID on board, with three brew temperature options. See – I told you this thing punches above its weight!
See Also: KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine Review
DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro: Best Espresso Machine With Grinder and Frother
wonderful hybrid espresso machine
DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro
A solid upgrade
High-quality appearance
Steam wand with plenty of power
Heats up quickly
Produces fantastic milk foam
Requires constant cleaning due to splashes when making espresso
When I tested the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro a few years ago, it was easily the best espresso machine with grinder I’d ever used. Since then, the market has changed dramatically, with tons of new models from a variety of manufacturers now available. However, I still feel like the La Specialista Maestro can compete with the best of them.
For starters, there’s no denying that the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is a joy to behold. I simply love its retro-futuristic stylings, as well as its rugged (and shiny) metal housing. I also love the user interface, which is a mix of digital and analog controls.
And while the control panel might look intimidating, the La Specialista Maestro is remarkably easy to use. With that said, this machine won’t appeal to those who don’t want to pick up barista training along the way. The machine will do a lot for you, but you also need to put in some work.
Featuring a stainless steel conical burr grinder with eight adjustment settings, the La Specialista Maestro is also equipped with an effective assisted tamping function. Plus, there are plenty of advanced features like digital dosing technology, dynamic pre-infusion and five temperature settings.
While the DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro is equipped with a fantastic manual steam wand, you also have the option to let the machine take over by using the automatic LatteCrema system. This will be a dream come true if you’re intimidated by the idea of steaming milk by hand.
Costing $1,199.95, the La Specialista Maestro ain’t cheap. Still, given its advanced features and performance, it’s certainly priced fairly.
See Also: DeLonghi La Specialista Maestro Review
SMEG Semi-Automatic: Best Retro Espresso Machine With a Grinder
A real winner!
SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Beautiful and functional espresso machine
Sturdy construction
58mm portafilter
High-quality tamper
Dual thermoblocks
Huge water tank
Rather pricey
I’ll admit that I didn’t have high hopes for the SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, having been disappointed by a couple of the manufacturer’s previous releases. However, during my testing I quickly realized that the Italians had seriously upped the ante with this gorgeous hybrid espresso machine.
Costing $999.95, the SMEG Semi-Automatic ain’t cheap. But I can tell you that it’s worth every penny. For starters, there’s no denying that this espresso machine with grinder is gorgeous to look at. Featuring SMEG’s trademark retro stylings and premium stainless steel construction, this baby will definitely steal the show in your kitchen. What’s more, the SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine comes with a collection of high-quality accessories, including a wonderful metal tamper and a commercial-style 58mm portafilter.
Of course, that’s all fine and dandy, but what really matters is how the machine performs. Fortunately, the SMEG Semi-Automatic is capable of producing superb espresso and silky milk foam. Sure, the built-in grinder has limited adjustment settings, but it’s obviously been carefully calibrated for espresso. Plus, I experienced minimal static retention during my testing.
While the SMEG’s control panel is rather minimalist, you’re able to tweak important settings like dose, temperature and pre-infusion time. What’s more, there’s a pressure gauge to help you monitor your espresso extraction. And while it does take time to dial in the ideal dose amount with this machine, I found that the extra effort was well worth it.
Overall, if you’re a fan of SMEG’s retro appliances, you’ll be more than happy with this wonderful espresso machine.
See Also: SMEG Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine Review
Ninja Luxe Cafe: Best Value Espresso Machine With Grinder
Very Impressive
Ninja Luxe Cafe Espresso Machine
This machine has it all
Sleek design
Multiple brew options
Innovative special features
Makes superb espresso
Great value
Could seem overwhelming to newbies
I simply had to include the Ninja Luxe Cafe on my best espresso machine with grinder list. Because in my opinion, this should be one of the most successful espresso machines of all time.
Priced at an astonishingly reasonable $N/A, the Ninja Luxe Cafe looks fairly intimidating. However, this hybrid espresso machine is actually ideal for beginners. Trust me, the digital control panel is extremely intuitive, and the machine has been designed to hold your hand throughout the espresso-making process. And best of all, the Luxe Cafe can make drip coffee and cold-pressed espresso too!
Featuring an imposing modern vibe, the Ninja Luxe Cafe’s aesthetic might not be to everyone’s taste. Still, I can tell you that it feels very solid and well-built. Best of all, this espresso machine is jam-packed with super cool features. For starters, the unique portafilter has been designed to accommodate different styles of filter basket, depending on the style of drink you’re making. What’s more, the Luxe Cafe includes Ninja’s Barista Assist Technology, which suggests the correct dose and grind size based on the last shot you pulled.
Oh, and this thing features weight-based dosing, which is a stunning inclusion on a machine costing so little. Add in the fact that you get a spring-loaded tamper and nifty dosing collar, and you have to wonder how Ninja can make money off this machine!
As for its performance, the Luxe Cafe can produce exceptional espresso and very decent drip coffee. Plus, there’s even an automatic milk frothing option, although steaming manually produces better results. Overall, I can see the Ninja Luxe Cafe appealing to every level of barista. Seriously, it’s that good!
See Also: Ninja Luxe Cafe Review
How to Pick the Best Coffee Beans for Your Espresso Machine With a Grinder
Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend
High-quality beans through direct trade
Notes of Chocolate & Hazelnut
Easy on the stomach
Freshly roasted right in Brooklyn
Medium roast
When it comes to choosing coffee beans for your hybrid espresso machine, everyone has different tastes. However, I always encourage you to purchase high-quality, freshly roasted beans from a reputable independent roaster. Then again, not everyone has the luxury of living near a boutique coffee roastery. So, check out my guide to the best coffee beans on Amazon if you’re out in the sticks.
At this point, I just have to call attention to my Coffeeness Signature Espresso Roast. A blend of specialty beans from Brazil, this equitably sourced and traded blend is what I always use to test out espresso machines. And all the models on today’s list did a great job highlighting its chocolate, caramel and hazelnut notes.
In my opinion, the best espresso beans have usually been carefully blended by the roaster to provide an espresso shot with body, complexity, sweetness and a long finish. However, I’m not against experimenting with single origin coffees. In fact, I’ve prepared some stunning espresso using single Latin American coffees and African coffees.
With that said, I’m not a fan of making espresso with light roast coffee beans; I find the results overly acidic and too thin.
On the flip side, I’ve found that even the very best espresso machine with a grinder will struggle to make good espresso with super dark roast coffee. So, I’d recommend using beans with a medium or medium-light coffee roast profile.
How to Calibrate Your Espresso Machine With a Built In Grinder: Tips and Tricks
In a perfect world, you’d pull your espresso machine out of the box, set it up and start pulling fabulous shots. However, I’ve never been that lucky. Rather, it takes time and patience to correctly calibrate your espresso machine with a grinder. Although many models have features in common, every machine is different. And while I can’t give you a comprehensive tutorial, I can give general advice for getting the best results.
If you’re lucky enough to own a machine like the Breville Barista Touch Impress, you’ll have a leg up. That’s because it’ll hold your hand while offering tips and feedback. Although other models require more skill from the user, it’s easy to quickly get the hang of things.
I’d say that starting with the manufacturer’s recommended grinder setting is your best bet. Once you start making espresso, you’ll likely need to make adjustments based on the results. However, only make very small changes! Trust me, they can make a huge difference.
The majority of hybrid machines feature timer-based dosing, which I find to be imprecise and hard to dial in. Plus, you have to start over every time you make a grind setting change. That’s why I always recommend using the best coffee scale possible. By doing so, you can monitor exactly how much coffee is arriving in the portafilter. Plus, you can use the scale to weigh your shots as they’re brewing. Start with a 1:2 brew ratio. So, if your dose is 15 grams, look for a 30-gram shot of espresso with a 25-30 second extraction time.
Once you get more comfortable, feel free to start experimenting with parameters like temperature and pre-infusion time. That is, if your machine has the option. I encourage you to play around just for the fun of it!
How to Clean Your Espresso Machine With a Built In Grinder
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining an espresso machine with a built-in grinder, you have a little more to take care of than with a regular semi-automatic. Still, you aren’t going to be spending hours cleaning the thing. That is, as long as you get into a regular cleaning routine.
In general, there are three areas to take care of: the coffee system, the milk system and the grinder. Let’s take a closer look at what’s required to keep each area spick and span.
Cleaning the Coffee System
As with all semi-automatic espresso machines, you should always rinse out the portafilter basket after every shot. Then, take a moment to wipe off the dispersion screen and flush the group head with hot water. Finally, make sure to do a similar, but deeper clean of all the espresso components at the end of each day’s use.
Once a week, I’d recommend backflushing the machine using espresso machine cleaning powder. This won’t take long, and you’ll find instructions in the user manual.
As it happens, most hybrid machines have cleaning alerts but I’d recommend sticking to the schedule I just gave you. That said, don’t ignore the descaling light! When the machine asks to be descaled, go ahead and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for doing so.
Cleaning the Milk System
If your espresso machine with grinder has an automatic steam wand, it may also have a self-rinsing function. Otherwise, make sure to keep a dedicated damp cloth handy for wiping off the steam wand after each use.
Once a week, or so, you should soak the steam wand in water for a few minutes. Heck, you can even go the extra mile and use a little dairy cleaner if you want. Oh, and don’t forget to remove the steam wand tip every so often. That way, you can give it a good rinse and clean the steam holes with a pin.
Cleaning the Grinder
Seeing as the grinder is such an integral part of a hybrid espresso machine, it’s vital that you keep it in good working order. So, once a week, remove the burrs before brushing them off to remove buildup. And while you’re at it, you can vacuum out the burr chamber as well as the dosing chamber. Just remember that it’s a really bad idea to clean the burrs using water!
Finally, don’t overlook the machine’s bean hopper. Coffee oils can accumulate in here and turn rancid, so wipe the thing out with a paper towel from time to time.
See Also: Coffee Maker Cleaning and Descaling
Verdict: The Best Espresso Machine With Built In Grinder
If you’ve made it through the entirety of this best espresso machine with grinder guide, I hope you’ve found a machine that takes your fancy. As we’ve seen, there are plenty of fantastic options out there, and you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune.
To be honest, it’s hard to argue against buying an espresso machine with a built-in grinder. Especially if space is tight in your kitchen and you don’t want to compromise on drink quality. I mean, rather than the approximation of espresso produced by fully automatics, all the hybrid machines on my list can make “authentic” espresso. What’s more, you’ll be able to whip up superb microfoam – something that fully automatic machines just can’t manage.
Chances are, I’ll be adding new machines to this guide, so feel free to bookmark the page. After all, exciting machines are dropping on a regular basis. Let’s just hope that means prices continue to fall as manufacturers duke it out!
What’s the best espresso machine with grinder in your opinion? Is there a machine that should be on my list? Feel free to let me know in the comments section!
Methodology & Criteria: How We Tested the Best Espresso Machine With a Grinder
At this point, I’ve reviewed dozens of espresso machines with built-in grinders. Trust me, I’ve put in the hours testing out models from a variety of different manufacturers. And any time I get hold of a new machine from Breville, DeLonghi or any of the others, I make sure to test it over several sessions. I mean, my job is to provide you with the most authentic and informative reviews possible, so I want to be as thorough as possible.
Here are the criteria I stick to whenever I’m evaluating an new espresso machine with grinder in the Coffeeness kitchen:
Build quality and design: As soon as I pull a machine out of the box, I start evaluating its overall build quality. And once I’ve set it up, I can assess its overall design and suitability for your kitchen.
Ease of use: I’m aware that many of my readers are looking to buy their first espresso machine. With that in mind, I pay special attention to each model’s user friendliness as well as how easy it is to set up out of the box.
Espresso quality: I only use 100% Arabica coffee beans when I’m testing any espresso machine. What’s more, I pull countless shots of espresso, tasting each one to evaluate its complexity, balance and body. I also test out any adjustable parameters and evaluate their usefulness.
Consistency: Over several days, I put any given machine through its paces, taking note of its performance. I award extra points if a machine is consistent in terms of temperature stability, pressure, heat-up time and more.
Special features: If an espresso machine with a built-in grinder has special features like assisted tamping and automated milk frothing, I make sure to evaluate their ease of use and effectiveness.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance: I know about the importance of espresso machine cleaning and maintenance. For that reason, I pay close attention to the ease with which any given model can be cleaned. And if there are automated cleaning functions, I assess their effectiveness.
Price/performance ratio: Any espresso machine with a grinder represents a substantial investment. That’s why the machine’s price/performance ratio is always at the forefront of my mind during testing. And if I feel like the machine’s features don’t justify its asking price, I’ll make it clear in my review.
Espresso Machine With Coffee Grinder FAQs
In my opinion, espresso machines with grinders are most definitely worth the investment, especially if you have limited space in your kitchen.
Finding the best espresso machine with grinder for your needs will depend on your budget and skill level. You should also think about how much time and effort you’re willing to put into learning espresso preparation. Finally, compare different machines to get a better idea of which model might work best for you.
A built-in grinder comes as part of the espresso machine and can’t be removed. On the other hand, a separate grinder is exactly what it sounds like – a standalone device that’s separate from your espresso machine.