:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LeahRockewtto_Headshot-48a577aa94164d6cacda1f6bfcc87b7e.jpg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LeahRockewtto_Headshot-48a577aa94164d6cacda1f6bfcc87b7e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/headshots_FINAL_deane-biermeier-842c201b7d0244dbb856926dd97ed720.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_DSC3035-89e8764848db4aa6901d9451b9b15923.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-built-in-coffee-machines-tout-29905270f3aa473fbe61f2e806442d02-3cf04b48b9af4c2482070b16a4e0112a.jpg)
The Spruce
If you can’t function without grabbing yourself a hot cup of coffee every morning, you may just need a built-in coffee machine. Why? Because a built-in coffee machine integrates into a kitchen wall, freeing up valuable counter space for other appliances, and it even upgrades your daily cuppa joe. “Built-in coffee machines allow you to brew a wider variety of coffee brews, from espresso to cappuccino, latte, to coffee pot,” says Yoni Babitsky, owner of Enigma Coffee. “They will also have a compartment to fill with whole beans that the machine will grind right before it brews."
With coffee in hand, we got straight to work and researched built-in coffee machines, evaluating their beverage options, maintenance requirements, and added features.
Ahead, you’ll find our list of best built-in coffee machines so that you can enjoy your next delicious brew—without ever having to stop at the drive-thru.
Best Overall, Plumbed
Miele VitroLine CVA7845BW Built-In Plumbed Coffee System
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Miele-VitroLine-CVA7845BW-product-8846ef443c0347ec91ba77815d983628.jpg)
AJ Madison
Stores up to three types of coffee beans
Can brew up to eight cups with the coffee pot function
Available in four colors
Expensive
Must be professionally installed
Miele's VitroLine CVA7845BW 24-inch, built-in coffee machine is our absolute best pick for overall plumbed, because it practically does all of the work for you—with the touch of a button. With all of its high-tech wizardry, the machine has the ability to deliver espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, or regular coffee straight to your mug. And we mean that literally, thanks to the machine’s CupSensor, which recognizes the height of the cup and positions the spout accordingly.
Although it needs to be professionally installed to get started, cleaning the machine is just as easy as using it. As soon as the machine is switched on, the spouts are automatically rinsed, ensuring that a freshly cleaned and warm system is ready and waiting from the first cup. To access the capsules, bean containers, water tank, waste container, and the drip tray, just open the front door to the machine. Then toss these into the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
Though pricey, the Miele machine is available in four colors, so you’ll find a style to fit your kitchen’s decor. With a swipe of the screen, you can program up to 10 coffee profiles and dispense two cups simultaneously, saving you plenty of time in the morning for the important things—like seeing your kids off to school, grabbing breakfast, and maybe even a quick walk with the dog. And for those after-dinner parties, you can utilize the coffee pot function to brew up to eight cups of coffee all at once! Pretty soon, you’ll think of this machine as your own personal barista.
Price at time of publish: $5,799
Dimensions: 17.9 x 23.4 x 19.6 inches | Installation Type: Plumbed | Number of Beverage Types: 13 | Number of Bean Types: 3 | Double Cup Setting: Yes | Timer: Yes
Best Overall, Non-Plumbed
Smeg Smeg CMSU4303X Built-In Coffee System
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Smeg-CMSU4303X-product-34b1290d03cd45cfab184cd4cdea6ae0.jpg)
AJ Madison
Milk-frothing capabilities
Self-cleaning and descaling feature
Compatible with coffee beans and grounds
Coffee bean container is not front-loading
If you don’t mind having to constantly refill your water tank, take a look at Smeg’s CMSU6451X 24-inch, non-plumbed Classic Series Fully Automatic Coffee Machine. While it’s not plumbed like the Miele, this coffee machine allows you to customize your coffee’s temperature, intensity, and grind with ease, thanks to its soft touchscreen. The stainless steel machine has a removable 81-ounce water tank, as well as a milk tank that whisks and heats milk into a delicate foam for cappuccinos. If cappuccinos aren’t your thing, the milk frother allows you to make a variety of other coffee drinks or other types of hot beverages, such as tea or hot cocoa.
The programmable machine is compatible with coffee grounds or coffee beans, which you can store in a 0.77-pound-capacity container. Because it’s not a front-loading container, loading your grounds or beans may not be as easy as with other machines, but don't let that deter you!
Maintenance couldn't be easier with the Smeg. The machine has a steam and water self-cleaning feature, as well as a descaling function to remove limescale deposits in the tank. Look for an automatic reminder system that informs you when it’s time for maintenance.
Price at time of publish: $3,399
Dimensions: 17.8 x 23.5 x 18.25 inches | Installation Type: Non-plumbed | Number of Beverage Types: 13 | Number of Bean Types: 1 | Double Cup Setting: Yes | Timer: Not listed
Best Value
JennAir JennAir Rise 24-Inch Built-In Coffee Machine
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Jennair-Rise-Coffee-Maker-and-Espresso-Machine-51ca6ccd663044af998079a0817fe420.jpg)
AJ Madison
Double spout brews two cups at once
Customizable coffee size, temperature, strength
Storage tray
Small coffee bean compartment
May leak
Although it’s still a bit pricey, the JennAir Rise 24-Inch Built-In Coffee Machine is packed with plenty of bells and whistles. It comes with numerous features that make it worthy of its price tag. It starts with an intuitive control panel that even novice coffee drinkers can operate. Through the LED panel, you can customize the coffee size, temperature, strength, and grind settings to ensure the perfect cup of brew. The machine also features an Auto-Start mode, which ensures the system is turned on and heated at the pre-programmed time.
In a rush? The double spout hastens your coffee brewing process and even allows you to brew two cups at once. There’s also a hidden, easy-to-access storage tray where you can keep bags of coffee beans or other coffee-related items, such as the included measuring scoop.
Made of stainless steel for durability, the JennAir is super easy to clean, whether you’re running the machine’s Descaling Mode or removing parts to wash by hand.
Price at time of publish: $3,199
Dimensions: 17.9 x 23.4 x 18.9 inches | Installation Type: Non-plumbed | Number of Beverage Types: 4 | Number of Bean Types: Not listed | Double Cup Setting: Yes | Timer: No
Best Smart
Bosch BCM8450UC 800 Series Built-in Coffee Machine
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bosch_builtin_coffee_machine_product-c7a900dd826e40e6a6993dcf0a064ad5.jpg)
AJ Madison
Uses Home Connect app
Safety lock to prevent accidental use
Energy-efficient
Small water tank
Bosch’s Built-in Coffee Machine isn’t your standard brewer. You can operate this sleek, stainless steel machine manually or through the Bosch Home Connect App. In addition to letting you brew a cup of coffee from anywhere, the Home Connect App allows you to read through the manual and call for a repair technician if you have an issue. You can even connect the machine to other appliances so they can work with each other. For example, you can sync the machine to start brewing when your alarm goes off in the morning.
But the app isn’t the only impressive feature. If you’re an espresso drinker, you might appreciate the machine’s Aroma DoubleShot technology, which simultaneously grinds and pours a larger amount of coffee to produce a stronger cup. If you’re not a fan of espressos, Bosch’s coffee maker can create a wide variety of drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and more. You can even store up to eight different beverages for quick and easy preparation. Just note that the water container only holds ⅝ of a gallon.
If you have young children who like to press all of the buttons, the machine has a childproof lock to prevent accidental brewing. The heating system activates only when needed, to maintain energy efficiency.
Price at time of publish: $3,699
Dimensions: 17.9 x 23.4 x 14 inches | Installation Type: Non-plumbed | Number of Beverage Types: 8 | Number of Bean Types: 1 | Double Cup Setting: Yes | Timer: No
Best With Milk Frother
Fulgor Milano F7BC24B1 Built-In Coffee Machine
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Fulgor-Milano-F7BC24B1-product-8d55ec7bb8764457b0cfdeee78998205.jpg)
AJ Madison
LED lighting
Limescale filter
Automatic circuit-cleaning cycle performed after every 10 cups of coffee
Limited beverage selections
Think of the Fulgor Milano as the equivalent of having a small café in your own home. This high-quality coffee machine will warm and froth milk for one of five coffee selections: espresso, coffee, white coffee, latte macchiato, or cappuccino. Of course, you can use the milk froth function to enhance hot tea, hot chocolate, or any hot beverage your taste buds desire.
To further perfect your drink, choose from five coffee strengths and mug sizes, as well as three temperature settings. The two sliding telescopic rails make it easy and convenient to access the machine to refill the coffee bean and water containers.
The machine’s standby mode saves energy to keep your power bill down. Similarly, LED lighting illuminates the coffee machine without driving up your spending on energy costs.
Price at time of publish: $3,099
Dimensions: 17.9 x 23.5 x 16.25 inches | Installation Type: Non-plumbed | Number of Beverage Types: 5 | Number of Bean Types: 1 | Double Cup Setting: Yes | Timer: No
Best for Entertainers
Wolf EC3050CM/B 30" M Series Contemporary Coffee System
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Wolf-EC3050CM-B-30-M-Series-Contemporary-Coffee-System-575cd062596e4a8f851ec74c45350f68.jpg)
Maytag
Brews 25-ounce coffee pot or six 9-ounce cups
Save orders within six user profiles
10 beverage options
Not available for online orders
Expensive
Regular hosts will appreciate the amount of coffee that Wolf’s built-in machine can brew. In addition to espresso shots and standard beverage sizes, the Wolf M series can dispense a 25-ounce coffee pot. Or, if your dinner guests want to choose between one of the 10 coffee options, the easily accessible water reservoir holds 84.5 ounces. That's enough for six 9-ounce cups of coffee!
In addition to brewing for crowds, the Wolf coffee machine brews to your personal specifications. You can easily customize your beverage type, strength, temperature, quantity, and milk preference. Then, you can save it all within one of six user profiles.
Price at time of publish: $4,575
Dimensions: 17.8 x 29.8 x 19 inches | Installation Type: Non-plumbed | Number of Beverage Types: 10 | Number of Bean Types: 1 | Double Cup Setting: Yes | Timer: Not listed
Best for Hard Water
Thermador TCM24PS 24-Inch Built-in Coffee Machine Plumbed with Home Connect
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Thermador-TCM24PS-24-Inch-Built-in-Coffee-Machine-7c932e66a52f408cab83afb8857fc553.jpg)
AJ Madison
Filters out impurities and limescale
Saves eight personalized beverages by name
Can be operated via Home Connect app
No pot function
Expensive
If your water line contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, you should look for a coffee machine that has a built-in filter. Fortunately, that’s just one of the amazing features on the Thermador TCM24PS 24-inch Built-in Coffee Machine Plumbed. In addition to filtering your water and the ability to set the water-hardness level, the Thermador’s coffee machine has an automatic-rinse program that runs during turn-on and turn-off, so it's always ready for the next fresh-tasting pour. There's also a descaling program that rids your machine of limescale, or hard, chalky deposits of calcium carbonate.
But it isn’t just the cleanliness that makes the Thermador a top machine. Its coffee customization settings store up to eight personalized beverages that can be saved with names, so you can enjoy your go-to drink with total ease. The machine also uses ceramic discs to (quietly) grind the beans to a consistency that guarantees smooth, consistent texture and flavor.
If that weren’t enough, you can even use your phone to control the Thermador TCM24Ps and connect via the Home Connect app.
Price at time of publish: $4,429
Dimensions: 17.9 x 23.4 x 14 inches | Installation Type: Plumbed | Number of Beverage Types: 10 | Number of Bean Types: 1 | Double Cup Setting: Yes | Timer: Yes
For a barista-like experience, we recommend the Miele VitroLine CVA7845BW for its ability to program drink orders and brew two beverages simultaneously. Plus, it’s easy to clean, thanks to an automatic spout rinser and dishwasher-safe components. For a non-plumbed option, the Smeg CMSU6451X is hard to beat. With this stainless steel machine, you can customize your coffee’s temperature, intensity, and grind with ease.
What to Look for in a Built-In Coffee Machine
Installation Requirements
A built-in coffee machine is supposed to integrate seamlessly into your kitchen’s walls, freeing up valuable counter space. That means there is little, if any, wiggle room when it comes to measurements. It also means that you have to factor in the placement of your water line, depending on whether you get a plumbed or non-plumbed machine.
Yoni Babitsky, the owner of Enigma Coffee, tells The Spruce that a plumbed coffee maker directly connects to a water line. Once installed by a professional plumber, it provides a continuous flow of water to the machine. A non-plumbed machine, on the other hand, utilizes a water reservoir that you must fill regularly in order for the coffee maker to operate. Though that can be tedious, most built-in coffee machines have large water reservoirs, so it is only something you’d have to do every few days.
“With a non-plumbed machine, you save a lot of money on installation,” says Babitsky. “And you save more money if you move, since a plumbed-in machine would be an entire project to disconnect.”
With either version, you need to be mindful of whether your water source is filtered. “You need a pretty specific type of water not to ruin your plumbed machine and get the best out of your espresso,” explains Babitsky. “You probably want to look into reverse osmosis filtration for plumbed options. If that sounds complicated, then don’t worry about it, and go for the non-plumbing option.”
Beverage Types and Customization Options
A built-in coffee machine acts as an in-house barista, meaning it can brew a variety of beverages. Most can make basic coffee and espresso, as well as hot water for tea and cocoa. If you want more options, consider looking for a machine that can also make lattes, macchiatos, and more. That's why we love Miele's VitroLine CVA7845BW 24-inch built-in machine. It practically does all of the work for you with the touch of a button. Plus, it has the ability to make 13 different kinds of drinks, including espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, or regular coffee straight into your favorite morning mug.
Similarly, some coffee makers allow you to alter your coffee strength, size, and temperature, and save them within a user profile to make drink “ordering” easier. Keep in mind that these elements will likely make the built-in coffee maker a bit more expensive.
Cleaning and Rinsing Settings
It goes without saying that maintaining your coffee maker will help extend its use. But cleaning a built-in machine is no easy task. When buying a built-in coffee machine, ask these questions: Does the machine have an auto-cleaning function? Does it only clean the coffee spouts and pipes? What about a descaling function that removes limescale, a hard, chalky deposit that can disrupt water flow, temperature, and taste over time? Remember, the deeper the clean, the less work for you.
Safety Features
A safety feature, like locking or automatic shut-off, may seem unnecessary at first. But hot water flowing unnecessarily onto the floor seems like a huge headache waiting to happen, and can be hazardous. If you have young children at home or just want an extra security measure for yourself, consider a built-in coffee maker with safety features that make it a little more tricky to turn on.
Standout Features
Coffee Pot Function
As its name suggests, a coffee pot function allows you to make a pot of coffee rather than several cups individually. This is different from a double-cup setting, which enables the machine to make two individual cups. People who like to host are more likely to benefit most from this feature.
Beverage Setting Storage
Beverage setting storage allows you to create user profiles, under which you can save your favorite drink orders and easily ask the machine to make them again. This is a great feature for people who live in multi-person households, are often in a hurry, or have a few different caffeine go-to's. Depending on your machine, this may be known as programming, personalizing, or setting storage.
Milk Frother
Having a milk frother built into your machine can elevate your coffee experience. This feature creates a foam out of milk, which adds a layer of texture and taste to even the most traditional coffee orders. There are some drinks that require a layer of foam milk, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos, so a milk frother is essential if these are your go-to beverages. For our pick of best with milk frother, we chose the Fulgor Milano built-in coffee machine, because it will warm and froth milk for any of five coffee selections, including espresso, coffee, white coffee, latte macchiato, or cappuccino. You can use the milk froth function to enhance hot tea and hot chocolate, too!
-
How do built-in coffee machines work?
Built-in coffee machines work like other coffee makers, but they are built into your wall rather than resting on a countertop. In simplest terms, Babitsky says that the broiler is filled with water from either a water line (plumbing) or an attached reservoir (non-plumbing). Once filled, the broiler will heat the water to 200 degrees and allow you to brew coffee—just like at a coffee shop. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of being able to program your machine, so you can get every cup just how you like it.
-
Do built-in coffee machines use pods?
Babitsky says that most built-in coffee machines don’t use pods. That’s because most of them require coffee grounds or have a built-in grinder that will grind fresh beans every time you brew. But manufacturers do offer built-in machines that can use pods.
-
How do I know if a built-in coffee machine is for me?
Built-in coffee machines are a definite splurge, so be prepared to spend some serious hard earned cash. There are a few things to consider when choosing to buy a luxe machine, according to experts. First, ask yourself whether you have the budget. This machine is pricey, and then there's maintenance expenses. All of that doesn't even count the coffee beans, or the installation, if you choose a plumbed model. Second, and this is a big question, do you consume a lot of coffee? Is coffee kind of your daily thing? Third, are you in love with craft coffee drinks, because a mug of Folgers just won't do? And, last, but not least, do you have the extra space in your kitchen for another built-in kitchen appliance? If you answered yes to all of these, then, a built-in coffee machine might seem like a dream come true.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Leah Rocketto, a freelance lifestyle writer and editor for The Spruce. To select the best built-in coffee machines, she sorted through dozens of reviews to zero in on the best coffee makers out there. She has written and edited for INSIDER, Romper, Bustle, WomansDay.com, and POPSUGAR.
She also spoke with Yoni Babitsky, owner of Enigma Coffee, to understand more about how built-in coffee machines work and what to consider when buying one.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-coffee-maker-cleaners-and-descalers-6826739-73843a12b0164e4b94c6daaeecc14df3.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-kegerator-tout-8fd59bc449a741579f9d3756bb82082a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spruce-best-water-coolers-tout-059c830c95a4416990785cb2f6f53a3c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-mini-fridges-of-2023-for-any-drink-or-room-tout-ba5d2f89fc8343c0987f7dc3d92d2f44.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/white-noise-machines-to-buy-4118603-5eb12b9f3b2d4095b0ea8c68d2e78b11.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-landscape-edging-products-tout-1b47dbce128b4a899582c50185e218cc.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-side-by-side-refrigerators-4177171copy-97db322524f74b1693af8b2ca7e6519f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Refrigerators-66186a7a6fd7475e8ad7c9311675d5b9.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-dishwasher-brands-tout-e8c30501132e430c8c426ed9f6752ca4.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-9-best-oil-diffusers-to-buy-4111921-019c957ce4c044b3b9a97c2b9063e9ce.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-storage-shelves-basements-tout-ef8df375db8b47d79b192176d1a71b62.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-narrow-refrigerators-4158689-e42417ee75b34930a9a3853cd8ed2b5f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Wine-Refrigerators-SPR-tout-4e7c71ff802f4692b6ccb0c3903ecd6a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-ice-makers-tout-7609bb3c8c394c58b8714bfbe1e0f279.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-5-what-is-a-counter-depth-fridge-4118311-01-4540550bac0f465eae04aace9a055d1d.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-11-best-beer-fridges-of-2022-tout-9e84f753007a489db2362d6613de4354.jpg)