Grind and brew coffee makers are great for coffee lovers who want their beans freshly ground just before brewing.
These machines are a real time-saver because they automatically grind your favorite coffee bean blend, then dispense the grounds into a filter where they’re ready to be brewed. You can also choose between freshly grinding small amounts of beans or larger quantities, which is great if you like to make more than one pot of coffee at a time.
Grind and brew machines are also popular because they allow you to easily adjust the coarseness or fineness of the grinds (believe me, this is super handy for anyone who enjoys a French Press) as well as letting you choose how much water you want to use. This means that you can choose to make either a single cup of coffee or an entire pot, all at the touch of a button.
So, we’ve established that grind and brew coffee makers are a good thing. But what should you look for when buying one?
Well, this quick and simple guide covers all the main points that differentiate a mediocre grind and brew coffee machine from an exceptional one.
So, pull up a chair, grab a cup of Joe, and let’s get started.
Grind & Brew Coffee Machine Features
It figures that the more you spend, the more you get so top-end grind and brew coffee machines will usually sport more features than your basic model. However, you really should look for the following core features when buying any machine.
Freshness timer: the best grind and brew coffee makers come with freshness timers that let you keep track of when your beans were ground. Now, you may be asking yourself, “What’s the point of that?” Well, if you don’t plan on using them immediately after grinding, especially if you’re making a large grind that will sit around for more than a day or two, then it pays to keep track of the freshness! No one wants stale coffee!
Grind size control: I always look for a machine that comes with a grind size control that will let you set the coarseness of your ground beans. This enables you to best match how they’ll be used! For example, if you’re using a drip/filter coffee maker, it’s best to stick with a finer grind, whereas a cold brew is best served with a coarser grind.
Timers: if you want your best coffee maker to serve you perfect coffee when YOU want it then buying one with a timer is a great idea! A decent timer will let you set the machine to grind and brew your coffee before you head out to work in the morning or have your favorite brew ready for you when you get back from a long, stressful day in the office.
Automatic shutoff: we always recommend that you opt for a machine with an automatic shut-off. These are great because, as you might imagine, they’ll turn off the machine for you if it’s been left on. This is best as a precautionary measure, especially in homes with small children or pets that might get into problems around a hot coffee and possibly injure themselves!
Strength control: great coffee is all about control. That’s why the best Grind and Brew Coffee Makers come with strength controls which are great because they let you adjust how much flavor comes through your drink so you can customize it to your own liking. Having this control means you can tailor the strength to your taste and means you aren’t tied to the standard, default settings that lesser machines impose on you.
Interchangeable Filter type: you should, if possible, try and buy a machine that comes with different filters, so it’s important to know which one will best suit your needs. The ability to change the filter is actually a big deal when it comes to coffee perfection. In fact, its one of the most important taste influencers (probably after the bean selection) as the filters don’t just keep the grounds out of your coffee, they also affect the amount of oil that comes from the beans and can change the taste even if you use the same blend all of the time.
Ease of cleaning: owning a coffee machine that is easy to clean can save you a lot of time and effort. If you are a busy person then try to avoid those complicated grind and brew coffee machines that require special tools and opt for one that is self-cleaning if you can find one!
Conclusion
When looking for the best grind and brew coffee maker, it’s important to think about what you’ll be using it for. If you want a machine that can do everything, there are many great options on the market! However, if you’re looking for something specific like automatic shut-off or grind size control, make sure to read through our best-rated grind and brew coffee maker reviews.
Now that you’ve best the best of the best, get out there and start looking for one to best suit your needs!
