Why 1st-line Does NOT Carry Semi-Auto Espresso Machines with Built In Grinders

We periodically hear from customers who are interested in an semiautomatic espresso machine that comes with a built in grinder, such as the Lelit Anita Combination (combo) espresso machine with built-In coffee grinders. There are a few reasons why we shy away in stocking and selling these types of combination espresso makers:

• Combined units can be more costly to repair as there are more components that can be in the way.  If one part of the combo fails, you also have to repair/replace the espresso machine, and vice versa. With a repair, the user is without an espresso machine AND a grinder.
• When the grinder is connected to the espresso machine, the beans that are in the hopper are continually exposed to the heat generated from the boiler(s) in the espresso machine.  This can negatively affect the overall quality AND flavor of the espresso produced into the cup.
• We have seen over the last 25+ years, the built in grinder is usually not a good match for the espresso machine side. In other words, the grinder side is usually not adequate. In one particular company we carried, the grinder on one setting produced an espresso pouring out too fast, and on the very next settings, it would not have any extraction at all.

On the upside,

• There is a potential savings in counter space. The counter-space you save MAY NOT be worth the trade offs in the cup.
• One may seem to feel money savings. But, last we checked the Anita/Kate did not have the Fred grinder inside, but a cheaper version grinder.  So, on the surface, it may seem like a great deal.

We believe purchasing an espresso machine and a separate quality espresso coffee grinder is a better investment and will produce better results in the cup!

Super Automatic Espresso Machines or Fully Automatic Coffee Centers

With regards to super-automatic espresso machines that work at the press of a button, the grinder’s bean hopper is usually insulation to allow less, but some heat to hit the beans. We have received complaints that the espresso is watered down and not hot enough. These machines are getting better.

In addition, the auto milk foamers/frothers and most times the frothing aid on the steam wand do not allow the milk to get hot enough. However, the fast warm up times in like 2 minutes and ease of use will increase the utilization for many in an office or home environment. The commercial versions allow ease of use and less employee training.