Researching and buying your first espresso machine can feel like a bit of a mountain. There’s so much that goes into the process of selecting the right option for your skill level, budget, and kitchen. Many new espresso enthusiasts are met with that “oh no” moment when they realize that they’re also going to need a way to grind the beans. While you may feel tempted to start with preground coffee while you shop for a grinder, we promise you buying them together is a better way. This doesn’t just ensure that you have everything you need for your setup, it’s also key to taking your espresso game to the next level.
In This Article
Why the Grinder Matters as Much as the Machine
If you’ve found yourself asking what the best espresso machine without a grinder is, let us caution you. While big, expensive, flashy machines make it seem like the grinder is an afterthought, your choice here almost matters more than the brewer. At the end of the day, espresso extraction is a chemical process, and the quality of a shot is heavily reliant on the proper grind size. Consistent grinding at the level of fineness that espresso requires is not something that all grinders are capable of. A cheap blade grinder is a bat fit for any coffee, but they absolutely will not work for espresso. These grinders chop up the beans into large chunks, which a pressurized brew method will push water through with no bonding of water to coffee molecules. A grinder that grinds great for press but can’t grind fine enough for espresso will run into a similar problem. There are other features like stepless adjustment vs. stepped that can factor into your choice, but the key is purchasing a grinder that’s designed for espresso.
As noted above, preground is not a good option for your shiny new machine. It tends to go stale quickly and you won’t have any control over the flavor profile. It can also be very tricky to make work depending on the exact machine that you have. Instead, picking up a grinder that will work great with your machine on day one will ensure that you have a solid foundation to grow your hobby from.
Related: Not sure what to prioritize in a grinder? Start with How to Choose an Electric Espresso Grinder.
What to Look for in an Espresso Machine & Grinder Combo
The best espresso machine with grinder combination for you depends on several factors. For one, you’ll want to pair a machine and grinder in the same budget band. You don’t need to jump into home espresso with a $1,500 machine and a $1,200 grinder by any means, but understanding what grinders are built for what type of machine is important. You’ll also want to make some decisions about your machine too, do you want to steam manually? Are you looking for some automation? What’s your skill level? Will the machine and grinder fit together on your countertop well? With these questions in mind, we have some great combos that take the stress out of purchasing your first machine and grinder.
Shop the pairings: Browse all of our matched espresso machine & grinder bundles in one place.
The Best Espresso Machine & Grinder Combos We Recommend
Already worked behind a bar? Check out our picks for the Best Espresso Machine + Grinder Combos for Former Baristas.
Breville Bambino Plus & Baratza Encore ESP
For brand new home espresso users that don’t want to break the bank, the combination of the Breville Bambino Plus and the Baratza Encore ESP is a fantastic starting point. The Bambino Plus has handy first-time user features like automatic milk steaming and simple, no frills operation. Meanwhile the Encore ESP offers 40 simple stepped grind settings with a focus on espresso. This means you won’t have to worry about the challenges of dialing in with a stepless grind adjust (even if that does offer finer control). FInally, this pair is countertop conscious with a minimal footprint. The Bambino Plus and Encore ESP makes for a great package for the new user who wants a budget friendly way to get started without a steep learning curve. Picking these up in our bundle is a great way to save, is convenient, and gives you the peace of mind that there are real people on the other end to help you if you get stuck!
Best for first-time espresso buyers who want real results without a steep learning curve.
Diletta Mio & Eureka Mignon Notte
For users wanting to make a bit more of an investment in their first pair of machine and grinder, the Diletta Mio and the Eureka Mignon Notte are an excellent option. The Mio has a bit more punch than an entry level machine without being too difficult to learn on. The Notte, on the other hand, is an affordable way to get into stepless grinding, which can be trickier to learn but provides a high degree of precision. If you don’t want to learn to use a stepless adjust at first it’s understandable, but this is also a good skill to develop as you take your hobby further. Another benefit of the Notte is its quiet grinding, a real plus in apartments or homes with roommates or family members. These machines look great together too - an important consideration for some users!
Best for the enthusiast-curious buyer who wants real control and quiet operation in a smaller space.
Diletta Bello+ & Eureka Mignon Specialita
The Diletta Bello+ and Eureka Mignon Specialita are a great pairing for those who want to start with a prosumer setup. The Bello+ offers PID controlled temperatures, pre-infusion, and very high-end build quality that will eliminate the need to upgrade anytime in the near future. On the grinder side, the Specialita builds on the benefits of the Notte and adds 55mm flat steel burrs for faster, more consistent grinding. It’s definitely important to consider the fact that this combo is both more expensive and has a higher learning curve, so it may not be a fit for you, but it is an excellent choice for the home barista who’s already sold and wants to jump into the deep end. While the dedicated user could start here, it’s not a bad idea to have a basic understanding of the espresso process and pull a few shots before you go big on this level!
Best for the home barista ready to go deep and refine their shots on gear they won’t outgrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best espresso machine without a grinder?
Even the best espresso machine still needs a grinder to make good espresso. Espresso extraction depends heavily on grind size and consistency, so pairing your machine with an espresso-capable grinder from day one sets you up to pull good shots right away.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in an espresso machine?
It’s not a great option. Pre-ground coffee goes stale quickly, gives you no control over the flavor profile, and can be tricky to make work depending on your machine. A grinder that pairs well with your machine gives you a much better foundation.
Why can’t I use a blade grinder for espresso?
Blade grinders chop beans into large, uneven chunks. A pressurized brew method pushes water straight through those chunks without properly bonding water to the coffee, so you can’t get a good extraction. Espresso needs a burr grinder that grinds fine and consistently.
Should my espresso machine and grinder be in the same budget tier?
Yes. Pairing a machine and grinder in the same budget band keeps your setup balanced. You don’t want to put a $40 grinder behind a $1,200 machine. Buying a matched combo takes the guesswork out of compatibility and tiering.
What’s the difference between a stepped and stepless grinder?
Stepped grinders have set click-to-click increments, which makes them simpler to dial in for beginners. Stepless grinders adjust continuously for finer control and precision, but they take more practice to learn. Both can grind well for espresso.
Take the Guesswork Out of Pairing
Browse our curated espresso machine and grinder bundles and get a matched setup that’s ready to pull great shots from day one.
Shop Espresso Bundles Still picking a grinder? Read our guide →