Why get a coffee maker with burr grinder?

by Allison
(Kansas City, MO)

QUESTION:

My husband is keen to get a new coffee maker, and he has found one that includes a "burr grinder". Is this good? Is it worth the extra cost?

ANSWER:

A "grind and brew" coffee maker with a burr grinder is a wonderful machine. But yes, they do cost more than a regular drip brewer.

With a grind and brew machine, the coffee grinder and the brewer are a single, automatic unit.

You simply add water to the reservoir and whole beans to the hopper. When you start the machine, it first grinds the beans and then drips the hot water through the fresh coffee grinds.

It's a great way to make sure your coffee is totally fresh.

As for the burr-grinder, that's the quality way to go.

There are machines with blade grinders and burr grinders. But the burr grinders do a better job.

You'll find some additional information about this on our Grind and Brew Coffee Makers page.