The best drip coffee maker with grinder lets you go from whole beans to a fresh pot of coffee with almost no effort. Freshly ground coffee tastes noticeably better because coffee starts losing aroma within minutes of grinding. A drip coffee maker with grinder, often called a grind-and-brew machine, combines both steps in one appliance.
However, a built-in grinder is not always the best choice. In this guide, we explain the pros and cons, what to look for, and when a separate grinder makes more sense. We also feature the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker, a highly rated drip machine with four brew styles and a built-in frother. It does not include a grinder, so it works best when paired with a quality burr grinder.
Best Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder: Top Picks Compared
Our top pick is the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker.
Pros
- Four brew styles, including a specialty concentrate for espresso-style drinks
- Built-in frother works with dairy and non-dairy milks
- Six brew sizes from single cup to full carafe
- Dishwasher-safe components and removable water tank for easy maintenance
- One-hour auto shutoff for safety and peace of mind
Cons
- Glass carafe is prone to breakage if mishandled
- Fold-away frother is best for single servings; making multiple frothed drinks takes extra time
- The machine's 15-inch height may be too tall for low kitchen cabinets
The Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker is designed for home baristas who want coffeehouse-style drinks without leaving the kitchen. It suits anyone who enjoys everything from a quick cup of black coffee to lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee, and it works with any ground coffee, eliminating the need for pods.
Its defining feature is the Specialty Brew mode, which creates a concentrated coffee that pairs perfectly with frothed milk. The built-in fold-away frother is surprisingly capable, turning both dairy and non-dairy milks into smooth foam, while the Over Ice mode ensures cold drinks hold their strength without dilution.
With six brew sizes, from a single cup to a full 50-ounce carafe, the CM401 adapts to solo mornings and group gatherings alike. The removable 40-ounce water tank refills easily, and the glass carafe, permanent filter, frother whisk, and other parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup convenient.
The build feels solid for its price, though the glass carafe demands a steady hand, and the machine's 15-inch height may not fit under all cabinets. The frother is best for one or two drinks at a time, so large batches of specialty beverages will require some extra effort.
Overall, the Ninja CM401 delivers impressive versatility at a reasonable price. If you want to make café-quality hot and iced drinks at home without pods or complicated equipment, this coffee maker is a strong contender.
Brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty Brew. Brew sizes: Cup, XL Cup, Travel Mug, Multi-Serve Travel Mug, Half Carafe, Full Carafe.
Capacity: 10-cup glass carafe. Water reservoir: 40 oz. removable. Wattage: 1550 watts. Voltage: 120 volts.
Dimensions: 12"D x 8.75"W x 15.04"H. Weight: 9.2 pounds. Color: Black. Model: CM401.
Included: coffee maker, glass carafe, fold-away frother, permanent filter, Ninja Smart Scoop, removable water reservoir, quick start guide.
Our Best Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder Picks Reviewed
A drip coffee maker with grinder saves counter space and time. You add beans and water, and the machine grinds and brews automatically. Many models also let you program the brew the night before.
A separate grinder offers more control. You can choose a high-quality burr grinder, adjust the grind more precisely, and replace either appliance independently. Pairing a separate grinder with a versatile brewer, such as the Ninja CM401, gives you excellent flavor and flexibility.
How to Choose the Best Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder
The right choice comes down to grinder type, grind settings, brew options, and capacity.
- Grinder Type: Burr grinders crush beans evenly and produce a consistent grind, which improves flavor. Blade grinders chop beans unevenly and can create bitter or weak coffee. If you buy a drip coffee maker with grinder, choose one with a burr grinder whenever possible.
- Grind Settings: Look for several grind settings so that you can adjust strength and flavor. More settings give you more control over your brew.
- Brew Options: Some machines offer strength control, small-batch settings, and iced coffee modes. The Ninja CM401, for example, offers Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty brew styles, plus a fold-away frother for lattes.
- Capacity: Most grind-and-brew machines make 10 to 12 cups. The CM401 brews up to 10 cups and also makes single servings.
- Cleaning: Built-in grinders need regular cleaning to prevent old grounds and oils from building up. Choose a model with a removable grinder chamber.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: fresher coffee, less counter clutter, and a convenient programmable routine.
- Cons: more parts to clean, a higher price, and the risk of needing to replace the whole unit if the grinder fails.
For more grind-and-brew options, read our guide to the best rated grind and brew coffee maker. If you prefer iced drinks, see our picks for the best cold drip coffee maker.
Tips for Better Drip Coffee
- Use fresh, whole beans roasted within the last few weeks.
- Use a medium grind for most drip machines.
- Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water.
- Clean the brew basket and carafe daily, and descale monthly.
Final Verdict on the Best Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder
If convenience is your top priority, a drip coffee maker with grinder is a great choice, especially one with a burr grinder. If you care most about flavor and flexibility, pair a separate burr grinder with a versatile brewer. The Ninja CM401 is an excellent brewer for that setup because it offers four brew styles, a 10-cup carafe, and a built-in frother for café-style drinks.
Drip Coffee Maker with Grinder FAQs
Common questions from buyers include “Is a coffee maker with a built-in grinder worth it?”, “Does the Ninja CM401 have a grinder?”, and “What grind is best for drip coffee?”.
Is a coffee maker with a built-in grinder worth it?
Yes, if you want fresh coffee with minimal effort. Choose a model with a burr grinder for better flavor.
Does the Ninja CM401 have a grinder?
No. The Ninja CM401 is a drip coffee maker with a frother, but it does not include a grinder.
What grind is best for drip coffee?
A medium grind, similar to sand, works best for most drip machines.
How do I clean a built-in grinder?
Empty the chamber, brush out old grounds, and wipe the burrs regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Burr or blade grinder: which is better?
A burr grinder is better because it produces a consistent grind and a more balanced flavor.
For more coffee gear, browse our best coffee makers category.
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