Imagine waking up, and a perfect cup of coffee is waiting for you, already brewed, right in your kitchen counter. No more fiddling with filters or measuring grounds early in the morning! Built-in coffee makers promise this dream of effortless mornings. But when you start shopping, the choices can feel overwhelming. Do you need a plumbed-in model? Which one fits your cabinet space? Finding the right built-in machine that matches your taste and budget can quickly turn exciting into exhausting.
That’s why we created this guide. We cut through the confusing jargon and highlight the best features you truly need. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what makes a built-in coffee maker a great fit for your home. Get ready to transform your morning routine from a chore into a luxury experience.
Top Built In Coffee Makers Recommendations
- Coffee Choice - Our coffee maker has 13 different options to suit individual taste and selection – from Flat White to Latte to Macchiato.
- Self-Cleaning - The coffee maker has a self-cleaning function, and comes with a removable drip tray and a waste container for used coffee grounds.
- Complementary Design - Designed to match our Contemporary style Companion suite, this Coffee Maker has a stylish black finish with a polished metal trim.
- Coffee Your Way - With a programmable timer your favorite coffee can be memorized and set to start at the same time each day. The intuitive touch display includes refill, cleaning and maintenance data, while twin LED lights illuminate your beverages creating a welcoming glow on those dark mornings.
- Sized To Suit - Perfect for the compact kitchen, this Built-in Coffee Maker can be placed virtually anywhere. All our companion products can be installed at a convenient height to suit your kitchen design and preference.
- Customize and Brew Remotely: Tailor your drinks from anywhere
- Easy Cleanup: Hassle-free maintenance
- Save Up to 8 Personalized Drink Presets
- Quiet Operation: Enjoy peaceful mornings
- BARISTA QUALITY COFFEE - You can now make barista quality coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, espresso, and more in the comfort of your home and save money while doing it. A cup of your favorite coffee or espresso could cost as little as 25 CENTS!
- HUGE SELECTION - Choose from 19 fully customizable drink options. The Cafe Bueno will be sure to please with options including: espresso, lungo, americano, cappuccino, macchiato, latte, latte macchiato, flat white, warm milk, milk foam, and hot water. Double versions of these drinks are also available.
- SELF CLEANING - Make your life easy with four self-cleaning options: milk system clean, regular brewer clean, descaling, deep brewer clean. All of these options are only a button press away.
- EASY TO USE - Operating a Cafe Bueno is easier, and less work, than a traditional coffee pot. A large 7" touch screen makes it easy to see, and interact, with all of the options. Your favorite cup of coffee is only a button press away. Automatic notifications tell you when to add water, empty the coffee grounds, or add beans to the hopper.
- CUSTOMIZE EVERY DROP - Cafe Bueno's espresso machine allows users to adjust the amount of coffee grounds, the grind of the coffee bean (from very fine to coarse), temperature, amount of water used, milk foam, and warm milk.
- 3 MACHINES IN 1: Brew without limits with no guesswork espresso, well-balanced drip coffee, and rapid cold brew. 2 Espresso Styles — double shot or quad shot, 3 Drip Coffee Styles—classic, rich or over ice, and 2 Cold Brew styles— cold pressed espresso or cold brew coffee (drip coffee and cold brew available in 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 oz. sizes).
- BARISTA ASSIST TECHNOLOGY: Unlock the ultimate guided experience with customized grind size recommendations, weight-based dosing, and active brew adjustments for temperature & pressure for balanced flavor, deliver café-quality brews, no guesswork required.
- INTEGRATED GRINDER: The conical burr grinder has 25 grind settings to deliver a fresh, precise grind for versatile drink options for every type of bean.
- WEIGHT-BASED DOSING: Different drinks require different amounts of grounds. Our built-in scale does the work for you with weight-based dosing tailored for your chosen drink. Other machines simply grind for a set amount of time, and you need to manually weigh your grounds.
- HANDS-FREE FROTHING: Whether using dairy or plant-based milk, creating hot or cold microfoam, the Dual Froth System combines steaming and whisking at the same time to effortlessly create perfectly textured microfoam. Removing the trial-and-error from manual frothing with 4 preset programs including steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth and cold foam
- 𝟐-𝟏𝟎 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 - Drip coffee maker with built-in grinder allows you to brew 10 cups, or use the programming button "POWDER 2-10" 2 cups to adjust to 10 cups to balance the coffee with water.
- 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 - This black and silver coffee machine uses specialized pre-brew technology to meticulously hydrate the coffee grounds through precise temperature control before brewing.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 - This coffee maker with built-in burr grinder allows you to customize coffee strength and grind with 3 levels and 8 settings. Grind whole coffee beans before brewing to create fresh, delicious coffee.
- 𝐑𝐞𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 - This coffee machine with grinder comes with a reusable filter. The filter can be rinsed clean with water.
- 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 - The dimensions of the coffee machine are 12.36"D x 8.38"W x 16.93"H. Please measure your cabinets to determine whether the height is high enough to place it.
- [Freshly Ground Coffee] We firmly believe that only freshly ground coffee has soul. The fully automatic grinding coffee machine preserves the rich and delicious flavor of coffee to the greatest extent. The built-in grinder makes every cup taste so fresh. The timed brewing function can be set so that you can enjoy a fragrant cup of coffee every morning as soon as you wake up.
- [Easy to Operate]The coffee maker with grinder with a delicate and compact design, it combines grinding and brewing in one machine. It offers three working modes: fully automatic grinding and brewing, brewing with coffee powder, or just grinding coffee beans into powder. A pot of coffee can be brewed in just 3 minutes and kept warm for 30 minutes.
- [Multiple Grind Settings] The coffee grinder wheel of this grind and brew coffee maker is made of precision steel and offers three levels of grind size for finer coffee powder, richer taste, and better aroma. The pure copper motor ensures more stable and durable operation.
- [Integrated Control Panel] This coffee machine with grinder, which combines grinding and brewing, is equipped with a responsive touch panel, allowing you to set brewing mode, coffee strength, temperature, number of cups, and coffee intensity. It also supports pre-scheduling for fully automatic operation. The grind and brew coffee maker offers capacity options from 1 cup (4.4 fl oz) to 5 cups (21.98 fl oz), making it perfect for personal use, small to medium households, small offices, or meetings.
- [Easy to Clean] This coffee maker with a built-in grinder features an automatic shut-off function and a removable filter for easy cleaning, which can be done in just one minute and is reusable for a long time.
- 5 ONE-TOUCH RECIPES: Enjoy Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino, Espresso, Coffee, and Hot Water at the touch of a button. Easily adjust the intensity to fit your preference.
- PERFECT GRINDING: 13 grind settings means all of your bean varieties are optimally prepared for extraction. The conical burr grinder delivers a precise, consistent dose of freshly ground coffee for all your favorite espresso beverages.
- LATTECREMA SYSTEM: De'Longhi's proprietary technology textures both milk and milk alternatives. The automatic system delivers creamy frothed milk leaving you with a perfect result. The milk carafe can be stored in the fridge to keep fresh when not in use.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable and dishwasher-safe parts for easy clean up.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Built-In Coffee Makers
Built-in coffee makers are fantastic additions to any modern kitchen. They save counter space and give your kitchen a sleek, high-end look. Choosing the right one, however, requires knowing what to look for. This guide will help you pick the perfect machine for your morning routine.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on features that match how you drink coffee. Think about convenience and customization.
1. Brewing Capacity and Speed
- Carafe Size: Do you make coffee for one or a whole family? Look for models that hold enough water for your needs (e.g., 10-cup or 12-cup).
- Brew Time: Some machines brew a full pot in under 10 minutes. Check reviews for actual brew times versus manufacturer claims.
2. Customization Options
- Strength Settings: Good machines let you choose between a light, regular, or bold brew.
- Temperature Control: The best coffee brews between 195°F and 205°F. Ensure the machine can hit these temperatures.
- Programmability: A timer lets you wake up to fresh coffee. This feature is a must-have for busy mornings.
3. Water Source
- Direct Water Line Connection: Higher-end models connect directly to your home’s water supply. This means you never have to refill a tank.
- Reservoir Tank: Simpler models use a removable tank. Make sure the tank is easy to access and clean.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials used affect how long your machine lasts and how good your coffee tastes.
Internal Components
- Heating Element: Stainless steel heating elements last longer than plastic ones. They also maintain a more consistent temperature.
- Water Lines: If the machine connects to a water line, look for copper or high-quality, food-grade plastic tubing.
Exterior and Carafe
- Stainless Steel Housing: This looks great and resists fingerprints better than glossy plastic.
- Carafe Material: Glass carafes show you how much coffee is left. Thermal (insulated stainless steel) carafes keep coffee hot for hours without burning it.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few details greatly impact the final taste of your cup.
What Improves Quality?
- Showerhead Design: Look for machines with a wide showerhead that evenly wets all the coffee grounds. This ensures a balanced extraction.
- Permanent Filter Baskets: These often allow more coffee oils into the cup, which enhances flavor compared to paper filters.
What Reduces Quality?
- Hot Plates: If your machine uses a hot plate to keep coffee warm, the coffee often tastes burnt after 30 minutes. Thermal carafes are better.
- Plastic Water Tubs: Plastic can sometimes impart a slight taste to the water, especially when new.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use the machine most often.
Installation Considerations
Since these are built-in, installation is key. Measure the space carefully. Ensure you have access to an electrical outlet nearby. Some high-end models require professional plumbing for the direct water line hookup.
Daily Use Scenarios
- The Busy Professional: You need fast brewing and strong programming features so coffee is ready the moment you walk into the kitchen.
- The Entertainer: You need a large carafe and excellent temperature retention so that coffee stays fresh during brunch or after dinner.
- The Minimalist: You want a machine that blends seamlessly into cabinetry and offers simple, one-touch operation for basic brewing.
Built-In Coffee Maker FAQ
Q: How hard is it to install a built-in coffee maker?
A: Installation difficulty depends on the model. Simple plug-in models are easy. Models that require a direct water line connection often need a plumber or electrician to install correctly.
Q: Do built-in models take up cabinet space?
A: Yes, they are designed to fit into standard cabinet openings, usually replacing a section of upper or lower cabinetry. Always check the exact cutout dimensions before buying.
Q: Are built-in coffee makers as good as freestanding ones?
A: Often, they are better. Built-in models usually belong to the premium category, meaning they use higher-quality components and offer more advanced features like direct water lines.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee instead of whole beans?
A: Most built-in models that feature a grinder accept pre-ground coffee. If the machine only has a grinder, you must use whole beans or bypass the grinder feature if available.
Q: How often should I clean a built-in machine?
A: You should run a cleaning cycle (using vinegar or descaling solution) every 1 to 3 months, depending on how hard your water is. Daily rinsing of the carafe and brew basket is essential.
Q: What is the difference between a thermal carafe and a glass carafe?
A: A glass carafe sits on a heating plate that keeps coffee warm but can “cook” it over time. A thermal carafe uses insulation to keep the coffee hot for hours without altering the taste.
Q: Do these machines usually include a grinder?
A: Many high-end built-in units do include an integrated burr grinder. This feature ensures the freshest possible flavor for every cup.
Q: What if my kitchen cabinets are an odd size?
A: Built-in coffee makers are designed to fit standard cabinet sizes (like 24 or 30 inches wide). If your cabinet is non-standard, you might need custom carpentry work to make it fit perfectly.
Q: Do built-in coffee makers waste more energy?
A: Models with constant hot plates use more energy. Programmable models that only heat water when brewing are more energy efficient.
Q: Are replacement parts hard to find for built-in units?
A: Since these are often premium appliances, finding parts for newer models is usually easy. For very old or discontinued models, replacement parts might require contacting the original manufacturer directly.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!