Ever feel like your morning routine is missing that cafe-quality kick? Maybe you’ve been eyeing up an espresso machine without grinder, and honestly, it’s a brilliant choice for a lot of us. This type of machine skips the built-in burrs, giving you total freedom over your beans. You get to pick the grind size yourself, which is a game-changer for flavor. It means you can experiment with different roasts from your favorite local shop without being locked into one setting.
In this review, we’re gonna dive deep into what makes these machines so special. We’ll look at the pros, the cons, and help you figure out if ditching the integrated grinder is the right move for your countertop. Get ready to find your perfect brew.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Espresso Machine Without Grinder
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker…
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9.6 |
Read Review |
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Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
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9.2 |
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atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure…
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9.0 |
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CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with LCD Display, Espresso Maker…
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8.8 |
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CASABREWS 5418 PRO Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Upgraded Espresso…
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8.5 |
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XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk…
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8.3 |
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CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel…
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8.1 |
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Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL, 10.25 x 12.5 x…
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7.9 |
Read Review |
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De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 15-Bar Pump…
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7.7 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Espresso Machine Without Grinder
CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Compact Espresso Maker with Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with 34oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men, Silver
The CASABREWS CM5418 Espresso Machine is a compact, 20-bar system designed to bring authentic cafe-style espresso into your kitchen. Its stainless steel construction gives it a sleek, durable look that fits well in any space, from a small apartment to a busy office. At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure pump, which is key for extracting the full, rich flavor and fragrant aroma from your coffee grounds, producing a shot with a beautiful layer of crema.
A helpful built-in pressure gauge lets you monitor the extraction, giving you control to adjust for your personal taste preferences. This machine is a true 2-in-1 espresso maker, featuring a powerful steam wand for milk frothing. This wand allows you to texture milk into creamy microfoam, essential for crafting lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. It opens the door to customizing your drinks and even trying your hand at simple milk foam art.
The 34-ounce removable water tank is a practical feature, letting you brew several cups before needing a refill and making it easy to fill and clean. The kit includes both one-cup and two-cup brewing filters, a portafilter, and a tamper with a spoon, providing everything you need to start. Operation is straightforward. You can have a single or double shot of espresso ready in just minutes.
Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL is designed for those who want to move beyond basic coffee and into the world of third wave specialty espresso at home. It focuses on what Breville calls the four keys formula: the right dose, optimal water pressure, precise temperature, and microfoam milk. This machine aims to give you control over each of these elements. It starts with precise extraction.
The digital PID controller allows for temperature adjustment in 2°F increments, which is crucial for pulling a balanced shot. A built-in pressure gauge gives you visual feedback, helping you stay in the ideal extraction range. The low pressure pre-infusion feature is key; it gently wets the coffee puck first to ensure flavors are drawn out evenly, leading to a more consistent and tastier cup. You have flexible shot control.
You can choose a programmed one-shot or two-shot volume at the touch of a button. If you prefer full manual control, there’s an override option so you can stop the pour exactly when you want. This versatility means you can dial in your espresso just the way you like it, whether your using a light or dark roast. For milk-based drinks, the high-power 1650W thermocoil heats up quickly for steaming.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Bambino Espresso Machine BES450BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel, is designed for those who want a genuine cafe-quality experience at home without the complexity of a large machine. It focuses on the core elements needed for a great shot and perfectly textured milk, all in a compact footprint. At its heart is a 54mm portafilter that holds up to 19 grams of coffee. This size is key for full flavor extraction, giving you the foundation for a rich, balanced espresso.
The machine uses a precise digital temperature control (PID) to deliver water at the exact right heat, which is critical for optimal flavor. It also employs a low pressure pre-infusion. This technique gently wets the coffee puck before full pressure kicks in, helping to draw out all the flavors evenly for a more consistent and tastier cup everytime. One of the most significant features is the automatic steam wand for milk texturing.
You can adjust both the milk temperature and texture level to suit your preference. With the press of a button, it creates barista-quality microfoam hands-free. This microfoam is essential for lattes and cappuccinos, as it enhances the sweetness of the milk and is the perfect canvas for latte art. It takes the guesswork and technique out of steaming, making it incredibly accessible. Speed is another major advantage.
atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Pressure Espresso Maker, with 44OZ Removable Tank, Compact Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Home, Office, Latte, Cappuccino, Gift for Women or Men
The atatix Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is designed for anyone who wants genuine cafe-style coffee at home, without the complexity of commercial machines. It’s a compact, stainless steel unit that fits easily on a kitchen counter or office breakroom, making it a practical choice for daily use.
At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure pump system. This is key because it consistently delivers the optimal 9-10 bars of pressure needed during extraction.
This pressure fully saturates your coffee grounds, pulling out richer, more nuanced flavors and creating that signature layer of golden crema on top of your espresso. It’s the foundation of a truly great shot.
Temperature stability is another crucial factor, and this machine adresses it with an NTC precision control system. It heats up to the ideal brewing range of 90-96°C in about 30 seconds and locks in that temperature.
This consistency means your light roast will keep its bright, fruity notes, and your dark roast will deliver its full, rich body, shot after shot. No more guessing or sour, uneven extractions.
For milk-based drinks, the steam wand is purpose-built. It produces a powerful, dry steam that quickly turns cold milk into velvety microfoam.
CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with LCD Display, Espresso Maker with Powerful Milk Frother, Customizable Brewing Temperature, Provides Barista-Level Lattes and Cappuccinos, Gift for Men & Women
The CASABREWS Ultra Espresso Machine with LCD Display is designed for anyone who wants genuine cafe-style coffee at home. It’s a semi-automatic machine that gives you control over the process, helping you craft lattes and cappuccinos that rival your favorite coffee shop.
At its core is a professional 20-bar pressure system, powered by an Italian pump.
This high pressure is crucial for properly extracting the rich flavors and aromatic oils from your coffee grounds, ensuring a full-bodied espresso with that classic crema on top. The 1350W boiler heats up quickly to support this, providing consistent results for every shot.
One of the standout features is the customizable brewing temperature. You have four settings to choose from, allowing you to tailor the heat to your specific beans or personal taste.
This level of adjustment can really bring out different notes in your coffee. Please note, this temperature control applies specifically to the espresso brewing function.
The integrated milk frothing system is where you can get creative. The powerful steam wand lets you texture milk into either velvety microfoam for latte art or a lighter froth for cappuccinos. It’s this tool that turns a simple espresso into a luxurious latte or a creamy flat white.
CASABREWS 5418 PRO Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Upgraded Espresso Maker with Powerful Steam Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine with Fast Heating System for Cappuccino, Latte, Silver
The CASABREWS 5418 PRO Espresso Machine is designed for coffee lovers who want professional quality and speed at home. It’s built around a powerful 20-bar pump system, which is the key to extracting rich, full-bodied espresso with a smooth layer of crema. A pre-infusion function gently saturates the coffee grounds first, ensuring a balanced and refined flavor in every shot.
You can even monitor the pressure with the built-in gauge to fine-tune your brew exactly how you like it.
What really sets this machine apart is its incredible speed. The Flashheat Technology gets the system to the perfect brewing temperature in under five seconds, so you’re not waiting around. Even more impressive is the 3-Second Rapid Steam Switching.
When you want to make a latte or cappuccino, it switches from brew mode to steam mode in just three seconds, and then back again just as fast. Traditional machines can take 30 seconds or more for this switch, so this feature is a genuine time-saver for your morning routine.
For milk-based drinks, the pro steam performance is a standout. It delivers powerful, PID-controlled steam that creates a velvety microfoam.
XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine, Compact Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Coffee Machine for Cappuccino&Latte, 42oz Water Tank, Visible Pressure Gauge, Home&Office, Silver
The XIXUBX 20Bar Espresso Machine is a compact, stainless steel coffee maker designed to bring a genuine cafe experience into your kitchen or office. Its professional 20-bar pressure system is the heart of the machine, ensuring a full extraction of your coffee grounds for a rich, aromatic espresso with that beautiful layer of crema we all love.
Whether you prefer a straight shot, an americano, or a milky drink, this pressure is key for flavor.
One of the standout features is it’s instant heating technology. Unlike older boiler machines, you can switch between brewing espresso and frothing milk without annoying waits for the system to cool down or reheat. This means you can make drinks for everyone quickly.
The powerful temperature control helps maintain the coffees original flavor, especially if you preheat your cup.
The integrated milk frothing system, with its 360-degree adjustable steam wand, lets you texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It produces dense, microfoam to enhance your drink. Just remember to clean the steam wand right after each use to prevent clogs—it’s a simple but crucial step for longevity.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless Steel Cappuccino & Latte Machine with Steam Frother for Home, 43.9oz Water Tank, Coffee Gift for Women & Men, Silver
The CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine is designed for anyone who wants real espresso at home without the complexity of a pro machine. It’s a straightforward, compact appliance that focuses on giving you the core tools you need for a great cup.
At its heart is a 20-bar pressure pump system. This is the key to proper espresso, as it forces hot water through tightly packed coffee grounds to extract all the rich flavor and oils.
The result is a shot with that signature fragrant aroma and creamy crema on top. The 1350-watt motor ensures it heats up quickly and maintains that pressure consistently for each brew.
Alongside the espresso function is a dedicated steam wand. This isn’t just for heating milk; it’s for texturing it. With a little practice, you can create that velvety, microfoam milk that’s essential for lattes and cappuccinos.
It’s what allows the milk to blend smoothly with the espresso and, yes, lets you try your hand at some simple latte art. The wand gives you control over the texture, whether you prefer a drier foam for a cappuccino or a silky pour for a latte.
We appreciate the practical design. The machine has a stainless steel finish that looks smart in any kitchen, big or small. The 43.9 ounce water tank is removable, which makes filling and cleaning it under the tap very easy.
Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL, 10.25 x 12.5 x 13.25 Inches, Black Sesame
The Breville Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL is designed for those who want to approach professional-quality espresso at home. It focuses on the four keys to great coffee: dose, pressure, temperature, and milk texture. This machine helps you manage each of these elements with thoughtful features, giving you control over your daily cup. It starts with precise espresso extraction.
The digital PID controller allows for exact temperature adjustment in two-degree increments, which is crucial for flavor. A low-pressure pre-infusion feature wets the coffee puck gently before full pressure is applied, helping to draw out a more even and balanced extraction. The built-in pressure gauge provides visual feedback, guiding you to adjust your grind or tamp for optimal results.
You can choose between single or double shots with volumetric control, or take full manual override for complete personalization. For milk-based drinks, the machine has a high-power 1650-watt thermocoil heating system. This means fast heat-up times for the steam wand. The wand itself is manual, giving you the control needed to texture milk and create the fine microfoam essential for latte art.
De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 15-Bar Pump & Temperature Control – Barista Coffee Maker Kit for Espresso, Latte, Cappuccino & Iced
The De’Longhi Classic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is designed to bring a genuine cafe-style experience right to your kitchen counter. It combines professional-grade pressure with user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for both beginners and those looking to refine their home brewing.
At its core is a 15-bar Italian pump. This is the pressure standard used in many coffee shops, and it’s key for optimal extraction.
It pushes hot water through your coffee grounds evenly, pulling out the full, rich flavor and that signature creamy crema on top. Whether your making a straight shot, an espresso martini, or an iced caramel drink, this pump provides the consistent foundation you need.
Temperature stability is just as crucial as pressure, and thats where the Thermoblock technology comes in. It heats up quickly to the perfect brewing temperature and maintains it steadily.
This means each cup starts with water at the right heat, which prevents bitter or sour notes from inconsistent temps. You get a balanced, flavorful espresso every time you press the button.
The adjustable steam wand is your tool for milk-based drinks. With two settings, it adapts to what your making. One setting produces silky, steamed milk perfect for lattes and hot chocolates.
Espresso Machine Without Grinder Buying Guide
An espresso machine without grinder is a dedicated brewer that relies on you to supply the coffee grounds. This setup gives you incredible control over your coffee’s freshness and flavor profile, since you can choose any grinder you like seperately. Key things to look at include the machine’s pressure system, how much control it offers, and how easy it is to keep clean.
Pressure System Type
This is the heart of the machine. Most home models use a pump system, with 15 bars being a common spec. But more important than the maximum number is consistency. A good machine will deliver stable pressure during the entire shot, which is crucial for extracting that rich, creamy crema. Some higher-end models let you even adjust the pressure profile, which is a dream for tinkering.
Boiler and Heating
How your machine heats water affects your workflow. A single boiler heats water for both brewing and steaming, but you have to wait in between. A heat exchange boiler lets you brew and steam milk simultaneously, which is a huge time-saver for milk drinks. Thermoblock systems heat water on-demand and are generally faster to start up from cold.
Manual Control vs. Automation
Do you want to be the barista? Manual machines, like lever or semi-automatic types, put you in charge of starting and stopping the shot. You decide the exact yield. Super-automatic machines do it all at a button press, but that’s not what this category is about. With a machine without a grinder, you’re already hands-on, so a semi-automatic offers a great balance of involvement and convenience.
Portafilter Size and Basket
Check what size portafilter comes with the machine. The 58mm size is a professional standard and gives you the widest accessory options, like precision baskets. Some models use a 54mm portafilter. Both can make great espresso, but available aftermarket upgrades might vary. Also, see if it comes with both single and double shot baskets for flexibility.
Steam Wand Performance
If you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos, the steam wand matters a lot. Look for a wand that is fully articulated (moves easily) and has enough power to texture milk quickly. A panarello wand with a sleeve is simpler for beginners, but a bare metal wand gives you more control over creating microfoam once you get the hang of it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Espresso Machine Without Grinder
What is an espresso machine without a grinder?
It’s a machine that brews espresso but doesn’t grind coffee beans. You need to supply your own pre-ground coffee or use a separate coffee grinder. This gives you more control over the coffee’s fineness.
Why would I choose one without a built-in grinder?
You might choose it for a few reasons. They are often less expensive. More importantly, thay let you use a high-quality separate grinder, which is key for great espresso. It’s a popular choice for people who want to upgrade their gear step by step.
What else do I need to buy with it?
You will need a good burr coffee grinder. A grinder made for espresso is best because it creates the fine, consistent powder you need. You’ll also want to buy fresh coffee beans and a tamper if one isn’t included with your machine.
Is it harder to use than a machine with a grinder?
It involves one extra step—grinding the beans yourself. This means a bit more work, but it also means you can adjust the grind size to get the flavor just right. Once you get the hang of it, the process becomes simple and rewarding.
Can I use pre-ground coffee from the store?
Yes, you can use pre-ground espresso. However, coffee starts losing its flavor quickly after grinding. For the best tasting cup, fresh beans you grind just before brewing makes a real noticeable difference. Store-bought ground coffee can work in a pinch though.
What should I look for in a machine?
Look for a machine with a good pump (15 bars is standard) and a portafilter that uses standard size baskets. A steam wand for making milk drinks is very handy. Also check if it has features you want, like a temperature control or a hot water spout.
Are these machines cheaper?
Generally, yes. Because they don’t include a grinder, you often get more brewing features for your money. You can invest that savings into a better separate grinder, which is a smart move for improving your coffee’s taste.
Our Final Words
We hope this guide helps you see your options more clearly. Choosing teh right machine is about what fits your routine and your countertop. Think about how many drinks you make each morning and what features you’ll really use. A good machine should feel like a helpful tool, not a complicated project. It’s okay to start simple and learn what you like.
Remember, picking an espresso machine without grinder gives you control. You can choose any coffee bean you want and grind it fresh for each shot. This path asks for a bit more effort, but the reward is in that perfect cup. Take your time deciding, and soon you’ll be enjoying a great coffee at home. We’re confident you’ll find a machine that makes your morning routine a little better.