Best Grind Brew Makers for a Heavenly Fresh and Rich Cup of Coffee

How to Pick the Best Grind Brew Coffee Maker

While grind brew coffee makers offer convenience, they can also make your head spin when trying to pick a proper model.

The variety is impressive, and sometimes it can be hard to settle on one machine only.

To narrow the options down and understand what you need, consider the following factors:

• Grinder type. As you know, you’ve got 2 options: blade and burr. While being more costly, burr grinders are more effective and allow for grind uniformity. It’s harder to achieve a more consistent grind with blade models (you may even have to pause and stir the grounds for better results). Additionally, blade grinders tend to overheat, which can affect the beans and your coffee quality. So, if your budget allows for it, it’s better to invest in a machine with an integrated burr grinder. If you stick with a blade one after all, you might have to stop it occasionally to prevent the blades from emitting too much heat.
• Carafe type. Larger capacity grind brew makers typically come with a carafe. Here, you have 2 options: thermal and glass. The latter relies on the hotplate to keep coffee warm. As for thermal carafe coffee makers, they use insulated stainless steel, which eliminates the need for a warming plate. Because a hotplate can make the coffee taste burnt, thermal carafes are more popular (and more expensive). However, if you decide to pick a model with a glass carafe, make sure you don’t leave it on the warming plate for too long.
• Price. There are many factors that can affect coffee maker’s price, including the grinder type (with burr being more expensive), capacity, materials used, and functionality. Typically, plastic models are cheaper than stainless steel ones, but you should choose the latter if you want increased durability. Machines with pre-programmed brewing settings also tend to be pricier. If you want to consider more options for different budgets, check out our guide to the best coffee makers that belong to different price categories.
• Capacity. Depending on how much coffee you drink daily, you need to consider the machine’s bean and water capacity. A larger bean basket will require fewer refills. The same rule applies to the water tank. However, bear in mind that an overly large water reservoir can make your coffee taste flat as the water can turn stale without regular refills. Another way to avoid stale water is to buy a top-notch coffee maker with a water line. These machines connect to your house water supply and pump the amount of water needed for brewing instead of keeping it in the reservoir.
• Serving size. Grind and brew coffee makers come in variations of serving sizes. Some models brew a single cup at a time, others can make a full carafe. If you aren’t sure how much coffee you may need on any given day, you may consider some of the best dual coffee makers that support both single-cup and carafe brewing. However, if you are a solo user who wants their coffee fast and fresh, check out the single-serve coffee machines here. They are efficient and easy to use but can offer great coffee quality nonetheless. The most popular models for avid coffee drinkers and families are 10- or 12-cup brewers. Couples typically choose among the top-rated 5-cup coffee makers, as such a quantity is usually enough for 2 people to get through the day.
• Footprint. Grind and brew coffee makers tend to be a bit bulkier (or sometimes taller) than regular models. So, it’s better to measure your kitchen space before finalizing your purchase. Remember that larger capacity means a larger footprint. If your kitchen is too small, perhaps it would be better to consider a different type of coffee machine. For instance, some of the best Keurig coffee makers are typically very compact and function the same way most grind and brew makers – with a touch of a button.
• Functionality. Simpler models grind the beans and brew regular drip coffee. However, if you want more than that, you can look into more advanced machines. For instance, good automatic pour-over coffee makers have a special water distribution system that allows for optimal coffee saturation and flavor. You can also check programmable machines that brew coffee automatically on a set time. Some models allow for temperature regulation or brew strength controls, ideal for more demanding users. However, don’t forget that such bells and whistles will be more costly. You can also check some of the best SCAA-certified coffee makers, as those maintain an ideal brewing temperature and meet the highest coffee making standards.
• Milk frother. This accessory is a necessity if you love lattes or cappuccinos. Some grind and brew machines have integrated steaming wands or automatic milk frothers, which makes them a good option for those who want an all-in-one coffee maker.
• Cleaning. One of the main issues users have with coffee machines is difficulty cleaning. Therefore, if you don’t want your new coffee maker to end up somewhere in storage, pick a model that is easy to maintain. Some machines have removable dishwasher safe parts, others feature a self-clean mode, which helps users save both time and effort.