I’ve been there, constantly refilling the water reservoir on my coffee maker every single morning. It’s a small but surprisingly annoying daily chore that interrupts the whole pre-caffeine routine. That’s why I finally made the switch to a plumbed-in machine, and let me tell you, it’s a complete game-changer for anyone who drinks a lot of coffee or entertains frequently. A dedicated coffee maker with water line connection means you’re saying goodbye to that refilling step forever.
The convenience is just unmatched. You get a truly endless supply of water, making these machines perfect for offices, large families, or anyone who just wants their brewing process to be as seamless as possible. No more worrying about whether you remembered to fill the tank or accidentally starting a brew with an empty reservoir. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best plumbed options I’ve found, from high-end models to more budget-friendly picks.
Top Picks for a Plumbed Coffee Maker with Water Line
- Miele CM 6360
- Jura E8
- Technivorm Moccamaster KBGT
- Breville Oracle Touch
- Wilbur Curtis G4
- Bunn Velocity Brew
Miele CM 6360
The Miele CM 6360 is the definition of a premium, set-it-and-forget-it machine. Once it’s connected to your water line, you’re getting consistently great espresso and coffee without any manual refilling. I was really impressed by its one-touch feature for two coffees simultaneously, which is a huge time-saver during the morning rush. The integrated milk cooling system is another smart touch, keeping your milk fresh for longer right inside the machine. It’s packed with tech, from its intuitive touchscreen to its WiFi connectivity that lets you control settings and download new recipes right from your phone.
What really sets it apart is its build quality and the sheer quality of the brew. The aroma valve on the grinder ensures your beans are ground right before brewing for maximum freshness, and the dual spouts mean you can pull two perfect shots at once. It’s a significant investment, but for someone who wants a fully automated, high-end experience with the ultimate convenience of a direct water connection, the Miele CM 6360 is very hard to beat. It’s a true countertop centerpiece that delivers professional-grade results.
Jura E8
Jura is a legendary name in automatic coffee machines, and the E8 model shows you exactly why. Its sleek, modern design hides a powerful and intelligent brewing system that is a joy to use daily. The direct water line hookup is a key feature, eliminating the reservoir entirely and ensuring you never run out of water mid-cycle. The machine is famous for its Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), which brews espresso with short, intermittent bursts of water for a richer and more flavorful cup. The integrated grinder is also exceptionally quiet and precise.
I found the one-touch menu incredibly simple to navigate, offering a wide variety of drinks from a classic espresso to a frothy cappuccino at the press of a button. The professional-grade milk frother automatically textures the milk to a perfect silky consistency for lattes and macchiatos. Cleaning is also mostly automated with its integrated cleaning and descaling programs, making maintenance surprisingly hassle-free. If you want a machine that combines minimalist design with maximum output and the convenience of being plumbed in, the Jura E8 is a top contender.
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGT
For coffee purists who believe in the perfection of a simple, brilliantly brewed pot of coffee, the Technivorm Moccamaster is the undisputed champion. The KBGT model is specifically designed for a direct water line connection, making it an ideal choice for an office breakroom or a household that goes through multiple pots a day. Its claim to fame is its certified optimal brewing temperature, which it maintains from start to finish to guarantee a full-flavored extraction without any bitterness.
The build quality is phenomenal, with hand-assembled copper boiling elements and a durable, serviceable design that is built to last for decades. It’s not a superautomatic machine; it’s a dedicated drip brewer that does one thing and does it better than almost anything else on the market. The operation is straightforward and reliable. You get the incredible quality Technivorm is known for, but with the added, massive convenience of never needing to refill a water tank. It’s a workhorse that focuses entirely on brewing a perfect batch of coffee.
Breville Oracle Touch
The Breville Oracle Touch is as close as you can get to having a professional barista on your countertop without actually hiring one. This machine takes the guesswork out of making excellent espresso drinks by automating almost the entire process, and its optional water line kit makes it even more convenient. It features an integrated conical burr grinder, automatic milk texturing, and a full-color touchscreen interface that guides you through every step. What I like is that it automates the tricky parts like tamping and milk frothing, but still gives you the feeling of crafting a drink.
The dual boiler system is a key feature, allowing you to extract espresso and steam milk simultaneously without any drop in temperature or pressure. This means you can make lattes back-to-back without waiting. The automated steam wand is a game-changer; it textures the milk to a set microfoam consistency automatically, so you get perfect results every single time. While it’s a significant investment, the Oracle Touch delivers incredible consistency and quality, and connecting it to a water line means you’ll truly never have to think about refilling it again.
Wilbur Curtis G4
If you need serious commercial-grade brewing power for a high-traffic environment, the Wilbur Curtis G4 is a beast of a machine. This is the type of brewer you see in busy diners and coffee shops, and for good reason. It’s built like a tank to handle constant use throughout the day. The direct-plumbed water connection is standard, and it features Curtis’s unique twin brewing system, which essentially means it has two separate brewers in one unit, allowing you to brew two different types of coffee simultaneously or just double your output.
The thermal carafe design is excellent for maintaining coffee temperature without burning it, and the large capacity is perfect for serving a crowd. This isn’t a machine for the average home kitchen due to its size and industrial aesthetic, but for an office, church, community center, or any commercial setting, it’s an absolutely reliable workhorse. It’s designed for simplicity, durability, and volume above all else. You’re paying for performance and reliability that can stand up to all-day, every-day use.
Bunn Velocity Brew
Bunn is another iconic name in commercial brewing, and the Velocity Brew line brings that reliable, fast-brewing technology to a more compact form factor. Many of their models are designed for direct water line connection, making them a fantastic and often more affordable option for offices or homes that need a high-volume drip coffee solution. The key feature is the patented tank-based brewing system that preheats water to the perfect temperature, allowing it to brew a full pot in about three minutes.
The speed and consistency are what make this machine stand out. You get a great-tasting, hot pot of coffee incredibly fast, which is ideal for when you need a caffeine fix immediately or have a line of people waiting in the breakroom. It’s built with commercial-grade components, meaning it’s designed to last for years with minimal maintenance. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a superautomatic espresso machine, the Bunn Velocity Brew excels at its one job: making large quantities of excellent drip coffee quickly and reliably without ever needing a water refill.
Coffee Maker with Water Line: 6 Best Plumbed Options
If you are tired of constantly refilling your coffee machine’s reservoir, a coffee maker with a water line is a total game-changer. I have used plumbed-in models for years, and the convenience of an endless water supply is something I can never go back from. You just set your program, and it handles the rest, making it perfect for busy households or small offices. But choosing the right one involves more than just picking the shiniest model. Here is what I always consider.
First, think about the installation. This is the biggest hurdle. You will need access to a cold water line, typically under your sink. Some machines come with a kit, but often you will need to buy it separately or hire a plumber. I always double-check what is included in the box. Next, consider the type of machine. Do you want a simple drip coffee maker for a full pot, or a super-automatic espresso machine that grinds beans and froths milk? Your daily routine will dictate this. For me, a built-in grinder is non-negotiable for fresh flavor.
Other features I look for are programmability and strength control. Being able to set the machine to have coffee ready when I wake up is a must. A hot water spout is also a fantastic bonus for making tea or instant soups. Finally, do not forget about the maintenance. All coffee makers need cleaning, but plumbed models have additional filters that need regular replacement to protect the internal plumbing from scale buildup. It is a small price to pay for the ultimate convenience.
Based on these factors, here are six plumbed options I would recommend looking into: the Miele CM 6360 for its all-around excellence and custom drink options, the Jura E8 for its intuitive touchscreen and professional milk frothing, and the Wilbur Curtis G4 for its commercial-grade durability in high-volume settings. For a more budget-friendly drip option, the Bunn GRB Velocity Brew is a workhorse. The Technivorm Moccamaster CDGT is a brilliant choice for purists who want perfect temperature control, and the Bosch TIS3A13GB Connect is great for smart home integration.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of a coffee maker with a water line?
The biggest benefit is pure convenience. You never have to manually refill the water tank, which is perfect for making multiple pots or drinks throughout the day without interruption. It also allows for a more streamlined setup on your counter since you do not need to access a reservoir. For me, it means my morning coffee is truly automatic from start to finish.
Can I install a plumbed coffee maker myself?
It depends on your comfort level with basic plumbing. Many kits are designed for DIY installation, often connecting to your sink’s cold water supply line with a simple tee fitting. However, if you are not confident working with water lines or do not have an accessible connection point, I highly recommend hiring a professional plumber. A small leak can cause significant damage, so it is better to be safe.
Do all coffee makers with a water line also need a drain line?
No, not all of them. This is a common point of confusion. Most home super-automatic espresso machines that have a water line will also require a drain line for the used coffee grounds and internal rinsing water. However, many plumbed-in drip coffee makers only need the water line connection and do not require a drain. Always check the specific model’s requirements before you buy.
How do I maintain and clean a plumbed-in machine?
Maintenance is crucial. Beyond regular cleaning of the brew group and descaling (using a specific solution that runs through the internal plumbing), you must also change the internal water filter regularly. This filter protects the machine’s delicate parts from mineral scale and sediment from your home’s water supply. I set a calendar reminder based on the manufacturer’s recommendation to keep everything running smoothly.
Are there any disadvantages to using a coffee maker with a water line?
The main disadvantage is the lack of portability. Once it is installed, you cannot easily move it. The installation process itself can also be a barrier, requiring either DIY skills or the cost of a plumber. Finally, if your home has particularly hard water, you will need to be extra diligent with filtration and descaling to prevent clogs and damage, which is an ongoing cost.
Will it work if I have low water pressure?
Most machines are designed to work with standard residential water pressure. However, very low pressure can cause issues. Many models have a built-in pump to help pull water in, but it is essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications for minimum pressure requirements. If you are concerned about your home’s water pressure, it is a good idea to test it before making a purchase.