Most buyers should choose a burr-grinder machine like the Cuisinart DGB-800, because burr grinders produce more uniform grounds than blade grinders and the machine handles beans-to-cup in one step. If you want a smaller carafe setting and the highest buyer rating among the Cuisinart models here, the blade-based DGB-400NAS is the budget alternative.
A coffee maker with a built-in grinder stores whole beans in a hopper, grinds them just before brewing, and drops the grounds into the filter basket. It suits people who want fresher coffee without owning a separate grinder, a scale, and a drip brewer. The trade-off is more cleaning, because grounds and moisture collect around the brew basket and grinder area.
Our Winner: Cuisinart DGB-800 Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew, 12-Cup Glass, Silver
Based on the specifications, this model combines a burr grinder with a DirectFlow assembly that sends grounds straight into the brew basket. It adds regular, bold, and extra-bold strength options and a half-pound bean hopper with a sealed lid. Buyer ratings are mixed (3.7 out of 5), so it is a good fit for shoppers who value grind quality over a low price.
How We Compared These Models
This comparison relies on listing specifications and Amazon buyer ratings, not hands-on testing. The criteria were grinder type (burr or blade), carafe style and capacity, brew controls such as strength selection, and how much upkeep the design likely needs. Grinder type carries the most weight, because reviewers consistently note that burr grinders and adjustable settings give better flavor and more control.
| Product | Key Specs | Our Choice | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart DGB-800 12-Cup Glass | Burr grinder, 12 cups, glass carafe, 3 strength options, half-pound hopper. Rating 3.7/5. | Best Overall | |
| Cuisinart DGB-400NAS 12-Cup | Blade grinder, 12 cups, glass carafe, 1-4 cup setting, grind-off option. Rating 4.0/5. | Best Budget | |
| Cuisinart DGB-850 10-Cup Thermal | Burr grinder, 10 cups, thermal carafe, 3 strength options, half-pound hopper. Rating 3.0/5. | Best Thermal Carafe | |
| Cuisinart DGB-800C 12-Cup | Burr mill, 12 cups, thermal carafe, hands-free lid, strong/medium/mild. Rating 3.5/5. | Best Premium | |
| Coffee Maker with Grinder (B0HLKNJB3N) | Grinder type and capacity not listed. Rating 4.5/5. | Highest Rated |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Cuisinart DGB-800 Fully Automatic Burr Grind & Brew, 12-Cup Glass – Best Overall
Our Verdict: The best match for most households, because it pairs a burr grinder with a full 12-cup glass carafe and three strength settings.
The DirectFlow grind assembly dispenses grounds directly into the brew basket, which limits the mess of moving grounds by hand. The half-pound hopper has a sealed lid to slow stale beans, so you can load a few days of coffee at once.
The strength options (regular, bold, extra bold) let you adjust the cup without changing beans. Ratings average 3.7 out of 5, so expect some variation in buyer experience. Check the grind and strength settings against your taste in the first week.
Why We Like It
- Burr grinder for more uniform grounds than a blade design
- Sealed half-pound bean hopper
- Regular, bold, and extra-bold strength control
- 12-cup capacity suits families and guests
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Burr grinding with DirectFlow delivery
- Large carafe for multiple drinkers
- Fully automatic grind-and-brew workflow
Cons
- Mid-range buyer rating of 3.7/5
- Glass carafe sits on a hot plate, so coffee can taste stewed over time
- Hopper and basket need regular cleaning
2. Cuisinart Automatic Grind & Brew 12-Cup (DGB-400NAS) – Best Budget
Our Verdict: A practical entry point with the highest rating among the Cuisinart models here, but it uses a blade grinder.
This model grinds whole beans right before brewing and includes a grind-off option for pre-ground coffee. That flexibility helps when you want decaf or a specialty blend without emptying the hopper. The 1-4 cup setting suits small batches, and Brew Pause lets you pour a cup mid-cycle.
The blade grinder chops beans unevenly, so fine dust and larger chunks end up in the same basket. That can mean muddier or less balanced flavor than a burr design. Buyers who prioritize convenience over cup quality tend to be the best fit.
Why We Like It
- 4.0 out of 5 rating, the highest among the Cuisinart models listed
- Grind-off option for pre-ground coffee
- 1-4 cup setting for smaller batches
- Permanent gold-tone filter and built-in charcoal water filter
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flexible: whole bean or pre-ground
- Programmable with Brew Pause
- Reusable filter reduces paper waste
Cons
- Blade grinder gives less uniform grounds
- No grind size adjustment listed
3. Cuisinart DGB-850 Burr Grind & Brew 10-Cup with Thermal Carafe – Best Thermal Carafe
Our Verdict: The right pick if you sip coffee slowly and want it to stay hot without a hot plate, though buyer ratings are low.
It uses a professional-style burr grinder with the DirectFlow assembly, a sealed half-pound hopper, and regular, bold, and extra-bold strength control. The thermal carafe holds temperature without a heating plate, which avoids the burnt taste that can build in glass carafes.
The 3.0 out of 5 rating is the lowest in this group. Read recent verified reviews on the Amazon page before buying, and confirm the return window.
Why We Like It
- Burr grinder with uniform dispensing
- Thermal carafe for long-lasting heat
- Three strength levels
- Brew Pause and charcoal water filter
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Burr grinding plus thermal carafe
- Sealed hopper for bean freshness
- Permanent filter included
Cons
- Lowest buyer rating here at 3.0/5
- 10-cup capacity is smaller than the 12-cup models
4. Cuisinart DGB-800C Fully Automatic 12-Cup Burr Grind & Brew – Best Premium
Our Verdict: A burr-grinder machine with a thermal carafe and 12-cup capacity, but its listed price was the highest in this group.
The integrated burr mill grinds beans just before brewing and feeds them through a hands-free lid. Strength control offers strong, medium, or mild. Pairing a thermal carafe with a 12-cup capacity suits households that brew once and drink over several hours.
At a 3.5 out of 5 rating and a much higher listed price than the other Cuisinart models, the value case is weaker. Compare it against the DGB-800 and DGB-850 before paying a premium.
Why We Like It
- Burr mill grinder
- 12-cup capacity with a thermal carafe
- Strength control (strong, medium, mild)
- Hands-free lid design
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Burr grinding and thermal carafe together
- Large capacity
- Simple three-level strength control
Cons
- Highest listed price in this group
- Rating of 3.5/5 does not justify the premium on its own
5. Coffee Maker with Grinder (ASIN B0HLKNJB3N) – Highest Rated
Our Verdict: It has the highest rating in this group at 4.5 out of 5, but the listing data is too thin to recommend it over the Cuisinart models.
The data available for this product includes only a generic title and a rating. It does not list the grinder type, capacity, carafe style, brand, or features. We cannot confirm whether it has a burr or blade grinder or any adjustable settings.
Before buying, open the Amazon page and check the grinder type, capacity, return policy, and the number of ratings behind the 4.5 score. A high average from few reviews is less reliable than a moderate average from thousands.
Why We Like It
- 4.5 out of 5 buyer rating, the highest here
- Listed as a coffee maker with a grinder
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strongest average rating in this group
Cons
- Grinder type, capacity, and features are not listed in the data
- Brand and review volume are unverified
What Is the Best Coffee Maker with Grinder Combo?
The best combo machine has a burr grinder, adjustable grind or strength settings, and removable parts that are easy to clean. Reviews consistently favor machines that balance grind quality, brew temperature, convenience, and upkeep over a low price alone. Some combo machines taste flat when grind quality or brew temperature is poor, even if they are convenient. For broader context, see Serious Eats on whether to buy a coffee maker with a built-in grinder.
Burr Grinder vs Blade Grinder
A burr grinder crushes beans between two abrasive surfaces, which produces more uniform particles. A blade grinder chops with a spinning blade, leaving a mix of dust and chunks. Dust over-extracts and turns bitter, while chunks under-extract and taste sour.
- Burr: more consistent grounds, better flavor control, usually a larger hopper.
- Blade: simpler and cheaper, but uneven grounds and less control.
In this group, the DGB-800, DGB-850, and DGB-800C use burr grinders. The DGB-400NAS uses a blade grinder.
Features That Matter Most in a Grinder Combo
- Grinder type: burr over blade when flavor is the priority.
- Grind or strength settings: the DGB-800 and DGB-850 offer regular, bold, and extra bold.
- Capacity: 10 or 12 cups for households, a 1-4 cup setting for small batches.
- Carafe: thermal keeps heat without a hot plate, glass is easier to see through.
- Programmability: useful for waking up to fresh coffee.
- Footprint: combos are taller because of the hopper, so measure under-cabinet clearance.
- Cleaning access: removable basket, hopper, and carafe parts.
Best Top 5 Coffee Makers with Grinders by Use Case
| Model | Grind Type | Capacity | Carafe | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DGB-800 | Burr | 12 cups | Glass | Family carafe, daily use |
| DGB-400NAS | Blade | 12 cups (1-4 setting) | Glass | Budget, one or two drinkers |
| DGB-850 | Burr | 10 cups | Thermal | Slow sippers, two drinkers |
| DGB-800C | Burr | 12 cups | Thermal | Large households wanting thermal |
| B0HLKNJB3N | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Verify details first |
Which Coffee Machine with Grinder Is Best for Daily Use?
For daily use, the DGB-800 is the most balanced choice here. It has a burr grinder, a large carafe, and strength options. Here is a simple worked example using the common coffee-maker convention of roughly 5 ounces per cup:
- One drinker (about 10 oz): the DGB-400NAS 1-4 cup setting fits, accepting the blade grinder.
- Two drinkers (about 20 to 30 oz, 4 to 6 cups): the DGB-850 thermal carafe keeps a half-batch hot.
- Family carafe (about 60 oz, 12 cups): the DGB-800 or DGB-800C handles a full pot.
Which Coffee Grinder Machine Is Best for Freshness and Flavor?
Burr models with a sealed hopper offer the best freshness here: the DGB-800, DGB-850, and DGB-800C. Whole beans stay protected in the sealed hopper and are ground just before brewing. Load only a week of beans at a time, since a hopper is not airtight storage.
How to Use a Cuisinart Coffee Maker with Grinder
Steps vary by model, so check the booklet, such as the Cuisinart DGB-400C instruction booklet. The general flow is:
- Fill the water reservoir to the cup level you want.
- Place the permanent gold-tone filter (or paper filter if the model uses one) in the basket.
- Add whole beans to the hopper, or use grind-off with pre-ground coffee where available.
- Select the number of cups and strength.
- Press the grind-and-brew button, or set the timer for later.
How to Clean a Cuisinart Coffee Maker Grinder
Cuisinart guidance says to unplug the machine first and never immerse the base in water. Removable grinder and brew-basket parts can be washed in warm, soapy water or on the dishwasher’s upper rack. Some models use a vinegar-and-water cycle followed by a rinse cycle with fresh water, and on certain models a 16-ounce grind cycle can clear leftover beans. For step-by-step visuals, see The Spruce guide to cleaning a Cuisinart coffee maker.
Cuisinart Cleaning Checklist
- Daily: empty the carafe, rinse it, wash the brew basket and filter, wipe the grounds chute and lid.
- Weekly: wash removable parts thoroughly, brush the grinder area, wipe the hopper, and empty it if beans sit unused.
- Monthly: run a vinegar-and-water cycle if your manual calls for it, then a fresh-water rinse cycle, and check the water filter.
How Often Should a Built-In Grinder Be Cleaned?
Wipe the grinder area and chute every few days and deep clean weekly if you use oily dark roasts. Old oils turn rancid and affect flavor.
Are Coffee Maker and Grinder Combos Harder to Maintain?
Yes, usually somewhat. Combos need more cleaning than a standard drip machine because grounds and moisture collect around the brew basket and grinder area. Steam rising into the hopper can also clump grounds.
Common Problems
- Clogging: fine grounds or oily beans can block the chute. Clean and brush regularly.
- Weak coffee: try a bolder strength setting, more beans, or a finer grind where adjustable.
- Moisture: wipe the lid and hopper area, and avoid leaving the lid damp.
- Stale grounds: do not leave beans in the hopper for weeks.
Should I Buy a Coffee Maker with Grinder or a Separate Grinder?
| Factor | Combo Machine | Separate Grinder + Brewer |
|---|---|---|
| Counter space | One footprint | Two appliances |
| Convenience | One-button, timer-ready | More steps |
| Flavor control | Limited | Greater, with a dedicated grinder |
| Cleaning | More upkeep per unit | Easier to clean separately |
Choose a combo if you value space and automation. Choose separate machines if you want maximum flavor control or a repair that does not take the whole unit offline. The Good Housekeeping roundup of coffee makers with grinders offers more model comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coffee maker grinder combo?
The Cuisinart DGB-800 is our top pick for its burr grinder, 12-cup capacity, and strength options.
Which coffee grinder machine is best?
A burr grinder machine, such as the DGB-800, DGB-850, or DGB-800C, will produce more uniform grounds than the blade-based DGB-400NAS.
Coffee machine or grinder: which should I buy?
Buy a combo for convenience and space savings. Buy a separate grinder and brewer if flavor control matters most to you.
How to clean a Cuisinart coffee maker grinder?
Unplug it, wash removable parts in warm, soapy water or on the dishwasher’s upper rack, wipe the base with a damp cloth, and never immerse the base in water.
Do coffee maker with grinder reviews favor burr or blade?
Review sources consistently note that burr grinders and adjustable settings give better flavor and control.
Conclusion
For most buyers, the Cuisinart DGB-800 is the best coffee maker with grinder here, thanks to its burr grinder, 12-cup glass carafe, and strength options. The DGB-400NAS is the budget choice with the highest rating among the Cuisinart models, while the DGB-850 and DGB-800C suit buyers who prefer a thermal carafe. Verify the unlisted details of the fifth model before buying, and plan on regular cleaning with any grinder combo.
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