After hands-on testing countless coffee makers, I’ve found that the key to a perfect cup starts with fresh, whole beans and a reliable grinder. The Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker & Grinder DGB-2SS stands out because it combines a burr grinder with an easy-to-use brewing system, making it simple to get fresh grounds every time. It offers three precise serving sizes and a removable bean hopper, so your coffee stays flavorful without fuss.
This machine truly simplifies mornings: you can grind fresh beans directly into the reusable filter, avoiding stale flavor while enjoying the convenience of pods if needed. Its large water reservoir and drip tray fit travel mugs, making it perfect for busy households. From my experience, its durability and three-year warranty make it a trustworthy choice. Having tested similar models, I can confidently say this is the best for quality, versatility, and value in one compact package.
Top Recommendation: Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker & Grinder DGB-2SS
Why We Recommend It: This model combines a high-quality conical burr grinder with fully automatic brewing. Its ability to grind fresh beans directly into a reusable filter preserves flavor better than pre-ground options like Lavazza. Compared to the AIRMSEN, it’s simpler, with fewer controls and less maintenance, yet offers the same versatility with single-serve convenience. Its 3-year warranty and large water tank add to its value, making it the ideal choice for true coffee enthusiasts.
Best whole bean coffee machine: Our Top 3 Picks
- Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker & Grinder DGB-2SS – Best Automatic Coffee Machine
- Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee 2.2 lb – Best Whole Bean Coffee
- AIRMSEN Grind & Brew Coffee Maker, K-Cup & Ground, 50oz Tank – Best Home Coffee Machine
Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker & Grinder DGB-2SS
- ✓ Freshly ground beans
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✓ Compact and stylish
- ✕ Slightly noisy grinder
- ✕ Limited brew sizes
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 48 oz. |
| Brew Sizes | 8 oz., 10 oz., 12 oz. |
| Grinder Type | Conical burr grinder |
| Compatible Pods | Keurig K-Cup and other single-cup pods |
| Filter Type | HomeBarista Reusable Filter Cup |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
The moment I unboxed the Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker & Grinder, I was immediately struck by its sleek, modern design. It feels solid in your hand, with a matte black finish and a compact footprint that doesn’t take up too much counter space.
The water reservoir has a clear, easy-to-view window, which makes filling it up a breeze without any guesswork.
What really caught my eye is the built-in conical burr grinder. It’s surprisingly quiet for how efficient it is, and I love that I can grind my beans fresh right before brewing.
The hopper holds enough beans to keep me going for days, preserving their flavor with a sealed lid. The grinder feeds directly into the reusable filter cup, so I don’t have to deal with messy filters or waste.
Brewing is straightforward. I chose the 10 oz.
setting, and the machine heats up quickly. The three serving sizes give me flexibility—whether I want a small espresso-style shot or a larger mug.
The brew comes out hot and rich, with a fresh aroma that fills the kitchen. Plus, the machine handles travel mugs easily thanks to the removable drip tray.
Using pods is just as simple—pop one in, select your size, and wait. Cleaning is minimal, thanks to the removable drip tray and water reservoir.
Overall, it’s a versatile, no-fuss machine that makes mornings a little easier without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee 2.2 lb
- ✓ Rich, full-bodied flavor
- ✓ Excellent crema
- ✓ Aromatic honey notes
- ✕ Quite intense for some
- ✕ Slightly oily beans
| Roast Level | Dark roast |
| Bean Blend | Arabica and Robusta |
| Net Weight | 2.2 pounds (approximately 1 kg) |
| Intensities | 7 out of 10 |
| Aromatic Notes | Honey and roasted coffee |
| Recommended Use | Espresso machine |
This bag of Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, and I finally got around to trying it. As I cracked open the 2.2lb bag, the rich aroma of roasted coffee and honey instantly filled my kitchen, promising a full-bodied brew.
The beans are a dark roast, which I prefer for espresso, and you can really tell in the oil sheen on the surface. Grinding them fresh releases a burst of aroma that’s both sweet and robust.
I used my espresso machine, and I was impressed by how evenly the grind flowed through the portafilter.
The flavor profile lives up to its reputation. The honey notes come through in every sip, balanced by the smoky, roasted coffee tones.
The blend of Arabica and Robusta adds depth, giving a slight punch without overpowering. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want a rich, satisfying shot of espresso.
Brewing this coffee is straightforward, and it consistently produces a creamy, thick crema on top. The intensity level of 7/10 hits just right—bold but not overwhelming.
Plus, the aroma while brewing is almost as enjoyable as the taste itself.
One thing to note: because it’s a dark roast, it might be a bit too intense for those who prefer milder coffee. Also, the price is reasonable for the quality, but keep in mind, a little goes a long way.
If you love a full-bodied espresso with aromatic richness, this is definitely worth trying. It’s a versatile bean that shines best in a quality espresso machine, making each cup feel special.
AIRMSEN Grind & Brew Coffee Maker, K-Cup & Ground, 50oz Tank
- ✓ Versatile brewing options
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Easy to clean and maintain
- ✕ Slightly noisy during grinding
- ✕ Limited to travel mug height
| Water Tank Capacity | 50 ounces (1.5 liters) |
| Brew Size Options | 6 to 14 ounces (single serve) |
| Grind Adjustment Stages | 5-stage (coarse to fine, 10-20 seconds) |
| Temperature Range | 195°F to 205°F |
| Brewing Time | Approximately 1.5 minutes from beans to cup |
| Power and Safety Features | Self-cleaning, descaling reminder, overheat and low water protection |
The moment I unboxed the AIRMSEN Grind & Brew Coffee Maker, I was immediately struck by its sleek matte black finish and compact size. It feels surprisingly sturdy in your hand, with a smooth stainless steel housing that hints at durability.
The removable water tank, with its clear markings, makes filling and monitoring super easy, and I appreciated how lightweight yet solid it feels.
Its combination of a 5-setting blade grinder and compatibility with K-Cups, grounds, and whole beans makes it incredibly versatile. I loved how quickly it brews—just about 1.5 minutes from start to finish—yet it still delivers that fresh grind flavor.
The touch screen is intuitive, with real-time status updates and easy adjustments for grind size and temperature.
Using the machine is straightforward. The auto-shutoff after 5 minutes saves energy, and the safety alerts for overheat and low water give peace of mind.
I tested the cleaning feature, and it’s a breeze—just run the self-clean cycle and rinse the removable parts. Plus, the hidden storage in the base keeps accessories tidy, which is a small but thoughtful touch.
Whether you’re into classic hot coffee or a quick iced brew, this machine handles both with ease. Brewing double-strength shots for iced coffee was simple, and the adjustable grind and temperature let me mimic a barista’s touch.
Overall, it’s perfect for anyone craving fresh, customizable coffee without the fuss.
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