The Best Built-In Coffee Maker: Our Top 4 Picks

For coffee lovers and experienced baristas, a built-in coffee maker makes all the difference when trying to brew the perfect cup.

Why? Well, despite their steeper price tags, built-in coffee machines from known brands like Smeg, Bosch, Wolf, etc. offer convenience, customization, and prestige like no other, thus elevating the coffee drinking experience for any user.

Because it’s such a big investment, though, you want to make sure you purchase only the best. To help you out, here’s some information on our favorite built-in coffee machines below!

4 Best Built-In Coffee Machines

1. Bosch Built-In Coffee Machine – Best Overall

Key Features

• Offers 12 drink options
• 12-16 cup capacity
• Can store up to 8 drink preferences
• OneTouch Double Cup feature
• Integrated with Nest, Amazon Alexa, and Amazon Dash Replenishment
• Works with Bosch’s Home Connect app
• Automatic cleaning and descaling
• Advanced Aroma Pro system
• Silent Ceramic Drive Grinding system to minimize noise

This German brand is well known for its high-quality appliances, and its built-in coffee machine is no exception.

Highly durable, functional, and stylish, it’ll make you question why you ever considered a regular drip coffee maker for your kitchen.

Right off the bat, this built-in coffee machine impresses with its OneTouch Double Cup feature: With literally one touch on the screen, it can simultaneously prepare two espresso beverages for you and your partner, so there’s no need to wait for your turn in the morning.

We love that it’s fully automatic too—from grinding whole beans to steaming and frothing milk, it’s got you covered.

In fact, with Aroma Pro technology, it even makes sure your beverage is never bitter and always flavored just right.

Just make sure to refill the water tank and dual coffee chamber once it alerts you that levels are low.

In terms of customization, you’ll appreciate that this appliance has multiple controls for cup size, temperature, and strength, so you always get your drink just the way you like it.

Save your favorite setting too, so it will be much quicker to make it next time.

Ready for the coolest feature? Well, the brand lets you sync to their HomeConnect app, which allows you to remotely brew a cup of joe anytime and anywhere.

Just imagine—you’re getting the convenience of instant coffee with ten times the quality. Sign us up for that!

Pros

• Hassle-free installation and use
• Offers remote access through a phone app
• Customizable settings
• Very convenient
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• Pricey

This Is Best For:

Coffee lovers who want to feel pampered throughout the entire experience.

2. Thermador 24″ One-Touch Function Built-In Coffee Machine – Best Value

Key Features

• Can make 9 different beverages
• Can store up to 8 drink preferences
• Can brew 2 drinks at once
• One-Touch feature
• LCD color screen
• Built-in sensors for maintenance
• Height-adjustable dispenser
• Built-in milk frother

Looking for something sleek, shiny, and elegant to fit your kitchen design? Consider Thermador’s One-Touch built-in coffee machine, which isn’t just practical but also very aesthetically appealing.

With 9 different menu setting options, storage for 8 drink preferences, and a hassle-free One-Touch feature, it won’t be difficult to be a barista at home.

Its easy-to-read screen and simple push buttons also make it very user-friendly for beginners experimenting with coffee.

Another thing we like about this built-in coffee machine is you can adjust quantities to your liking—since the dispenser’s height isn’t fixed, you can fit all kinds of vessels such as a large tumbler, an average-sized mug, or a tiny espresso cup.

Worried about maintenance?

Fortunately, the machine has sensors that automatically alert you when it’s out of hot water or beans. It even has steam-cleaning and descaling programs, so it’ll stay as good as new for longer.

Pros

• Easy controls suitable for beginners or seasoned baristas
• Multifunctional
• Easy to maintain
• Adjustable dispenser for flexible brewing

Cons

• Pricey
• Technology isn’t so advanced

This Is Best For:

Those looking for a low-maintenance option that doubles as a kitchen design element too.

3. Smeg 24″ Built-In Coffee Machine with Milk Frother – Best Budget Pick

Key Features

• Can brew 5 coffee strengths
• Dual-dispensing spouts
• Has adjustable coffee intensity and temperature
• Built-in grinder
• Low-level alerts
• 15-bar pump for espresso

Another well-trusted brand for many kitchen appliances, Smeg doesn’t disappoint with its retro-style, built-in coffee machine, which is both functional and stylish.

Like the other machines on this list, you can easily adjust strength/intensity, cup size, and temperature, so you can make your drinks to your liking.

With its powerful 15-bar pump, you can be sure your espresso is the most flavorful too.

Those worried about upkeep will like Smeg’s automatic low-level alerts, removable water tank, and self-cleaning ability.

Having a built-in grinder makes it that much easier to get your morning drink immediately too.

Although this product is reasonably priced compared to other machines, its functions are also quite basic.

You have to manually refill the milk canister each time you want a milk-based drink, and the most it can make is a cappuccino.

If you want a latte, a macchiato, or other specialty drinks, you’ll have to order elsewhere.

Pros

• A bit more affordable than other built-in coffee machines
• Retro look and feel
• Easy cleaning with the automatic rinse function

Cons

• Could have more advanced functions
• Makes limited drinks
• Requires manual milk frothing

This Is Best For:

Those who want a straightforward and practical (yet stylish) upgrade from their drip coffee maker.

4. Gaggenau 200 Series Built-In Coffee Machine

Key Features

• Offers 6 strength levels and 3 temperature settings
• Can store up to 8 drink preferences
• Automatic cleaning and descaling systems
• Powerful conical grinding system
• Dual canister for two types of beans
• Dual-dispensing spouts
• Adjustable dispenser
• AromaWhirl function
• 15-bar pump for espresso

If you want a bit more functionality and a more minimalist design than the Smeg option, then it’s worth checking out the Gaggenau 200 Series.

In terms of features, we like that this built-in coffee machine has 6-level grinding options so you can get the smoothest or coarsest ground from your favorite beans.

If you favor more than one type, you can even take advantage of its dual canisters and dual-dispensing spouts, so you get both kinds at once.

Unlike some built-in coffee machines, it also has integrated canisters, which means you don’t have to refill with milk and hot water each time you want a specific beverage.

You’ll have to top up once a week at most, depending on how often you use it.

Another standout feature is its AromaWhirl technology, which brings out intense flavors in your coffee by optimizing extraction and accurately regulating brewing temperature.

When you’re done, the unit can automatically rinse, clean, and descale for you, so you won’t have much trouble maintaining it either!

Pros

• Produces flavorful drinks
• Easy for the user to customize a beverage
• Quick and convenient controls
• Can accommodate a variety of cup sizes

Cons

• It can be difficult to clean some of its parts
• It could have more advanced technology for the price

This Is Best For:

Those after a basic (yet functional) coffee maker that has a subtle look to fit a modern home.

What Do I Need to Consider When Buying a Built-In Coffee Machine?

Functionality

When buying built-in coffee systems, the first thing to consider is functionality. Since this appliance will be a staple in your kitchen, you should make sure you’ll get a lot of use out of it.

With that said, you should know what you’re looking for.

Do you expect it to make large quantities, or are you okay with just one serving at a time? If you want to order many drink varieties, it’s best to get machines with dual canisters and dual dispensers such as Bosch’s or Thermador’s.

On the other hand, if you prioritize app connectivity and hands-free brewing ability, you’ll want to go for Bosch’s.

Another thing to look out for is if the unit has removable water tanks or if it requires a plumbed-in connection. For some, the former may be a lot more convenient.

Quality

You also want an appliance that’ll last a long time.

Before purchasing any of the products/items, check out reviews, warranty policies, and other relevant information on the brands’ official website to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.

In terms of brand recognition, reliable ones in the industry include Thermador, Wolf, Bosch, etc.

Look

Another important characteristic is the look of the unit. Do its color and design fit with the overall aesthetic in your home?

Since this will be installed in your kitchen, it should flow seamlessly with the rest of the products/items in the area. Otherwise, it may stick out like a sore thumb.

Verdict

Now, which of the built-in, coffee-making products/items reigns supreme?

Smeg’s is the best for those on a budget. Mind you, it’s still not cheap, but it’s reasonably priced considering the useful functions and unique style it offers.

Meanwhile, Thermador’s is ideal for those who want something easy yet functional. It’s flexible and user-friendly, even for beginners.

Ultimately, for us, Bosch’s wins because it boasts comfort, style, and versatility. It’s definitely pricey, but if luxury is what you’re after, it’s well worth it.

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Conclusion

With the right built-in coffee maker, you’ll definitely be able to craft the perfect cup from the comforts of your own home.

Happy brewing!