Tired of constantly refilling the water reservoir on your coffee machine? I know I was. That’s why I made the switch to a plumbed-in model, and it’s a total game-changer for my morning routine. A dedicated coffee maker with water line connects directly to your home’s plumbing, providing an endless supply of water. This means no more lugging around heavy pitchers, no more mid-brew interruptions, and the ability to program a fresh pot from anywhere without the pre-check. It’s the ultimate convenience for serious coffee drinkers and busy households.
Installing one of these machines does require a bit more setup, often needing a dedicated water line and a drain connection for some models, but the long-term payoff is immense. You get consistent water pressure for optimal extraction, and many high-end units offer advanced features like built-in grinders and customizable settings. If you’re ready to streamline your coffee experience, here’s a look at some of the best plumbed machines available that can handle your daily caffeine needs without the fuss.
Top Picks for the Best Coffee Maker with Water Line
- Miele CM6360 Built In Coffee System
- Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Center
- La Pavoni Cellini Premium Plus Espresso Machine
- Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Super Automatic Espresso Machine
- DeLonghi Dinamica TrueBrew Fully Automatic Coffee & Espresso Maker
- Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Espresso Machine
Miele CM6360 Built In Coffee System
I consider the Miele CM6360 the pinnacle of integrated coffee luxury. This isn’t just an appliance; it’s a built-in coffee system designed to be the centerpiece of a modern kitchen. Its sleek, customizable front panels let it blend seamlessly with your cabinetry. The real magic is in its dual brewing systems, which allow me to brew two different types of coffee simultaneously—perfect for when I want an espresso and my partner wants a latte. The one-touch convenience for a huge variety of drinks, from ristretto to a large coffee, is incredibly impressive. It connects directly to a water line and has an integrated drain, making it completely self-sufficient.
What sets the Miele apart is its attention to detail and user experience. The intuitive touchscreen display guides you through every step, and the AromaticSystem ensures the beans are ground right before brewing for maximum freshness. The milk system is also fantastic, automatically frothing milk to a silky texture for cappuccinos. Cleaning is mostly automated, which is a huge plus for a machine of this complexity. While it’s a significant investment, the CM6360 delivers a professional-quality coffee shop experience right in my home, and the convenience of never refilling water is the cherry on top.
Jura E8 Automatic Coffee Center
If you’re looking for a super-automatic machine that prioritizes simplicity and incredible flavor, the Jura E8 is a top contender. I was immediately struck by its modern, compact design and how quiet it operates. The heart of this machine is Jura’s Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.), which brews espresso with short, intermittent bursts of water. This technology genuinely makes a difference, creating an espresso with a richer aroma and a more pronounced crema. The one-touch menu offers a wide array of specialty drinks, and the professional fine foam frother produces milk foam that is consistently velvety and perfect for latte art.
Connecting the E8 to a water line was straightforward, and it completely eliminates the chore of refilling. The integrated CLEARYL smart water filter ensures the water is always optimized for taste and machine longevity. The 10.8-ounce bean container is a good size for daily use, and the adjustable grinder has six settings. Maintenance is a breeze with the machine prompting you for rinsing and cleaning cycles. For me, the Jura E8 strikes the perfect balance between high-end performance, user-friendly operation, and a manageable footprint, making it an ideal coffee maker with water line for a discerning home barista.
La Pavoni Cellini Premium Plus Espresso Machine
For the traditionalist who loves the hands-on ritual of making espresso, the La Pavoni Cellini Premium Plus is a beautiful lever machine. This is not a super-automatic; it requires your skill and attention, which I find incredibly rewarding. The commercial-grade group head and powerful heating element provide the stability needed to pull a perfect shot. The experience of manually controlling the pressure with the lever allows me to fine-tune the extraction based on the bean and my preference, resulting in an espresso that is uniquely mine. Its polished stainless steel construction is both durable and stunning.
This model can be plumbed directly into a water line, which is a fantastic feature for a machine in this class. It means I can pull shot after shot without worrying about a reservoir. It also comes with a hot water spout for Americanos and pre-heats cups on the large warming top. While there is a learning curve, mastering this machine is part of the joy. It doesn’t have a built-in grinder, so you’ll need a quality burr grinder to pair with it. If you want to get deeply involved in the craft of espresso and value direct connection convenience, the La Pavoni is a masterpiece.
Gaggia Cadorna Prestige Super Automatic Espresso Machine
The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige offers incredible value, packing professional features into a more accessible package. I found its setup to be very simple, and the option to connect it to a water line was a major selling point for me. The intuitive color display makes navigation easy, allowing me to customize drink strength, temperature, and volume with just a few taps. It features a rapid steam function for the integrated milk carafe, which automatically froths milk for a cappuccino or latte at the touch of a button. This is a huge time-saver during busy mornings.
What I appreciate most is Gaggia’s commitment to quality espresso fundamentals. The ceramic burr grinder is quiet and offers a wide range of settings, and the patented brewing system delivers excellent pressure. The machine also includes a hot water function for tea or Americanos. Maintenance is straightforward with reminders for decalcifying and cleaning the milk circuit. For someone wanting to step into the world of plumbed machines without the extreme high-end cost, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is a robust and reliable choice that doesn’t compromise on the quality of your daily brew.
DeLonghi Dinamica TrueBrew Fully Automatic Coffee & Espresso Maker
DeLonghi’s Dinamica TrueBrew is designed for those of us who love both classic espresso and a great-tasting long coffee. Its TrueBrew Over Ice technology is a standout feature, expertly brewing coffee directly over ice without dilution—a lifesaver in the summer. The machine can be connected to a water line, which means I have an unlimited supply for both my hot espresso and my iced coffees. The front panel is sleek and user-friendly, with one-touch options for all the popular drinks and a dedicated menu for full customization of each one.
The integrated milk frother is also top-notch, allowing me to prepare hot or cold milk foam. I love that the carafe is removable and easy to clean. The grinder has 13 settings, providing plenty of flexibility for different beans and roasts. The machine is also surprisingly compact for everything it does, fitting comfortably on my counter. DeLonghi’s reputation for durability is well-known, and the convenience of a plumbed connection combined with versatile brewing options makes the Dinamica TrueBrew a fantastic all-in-one solution for nearly any coffee desire.
Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch Espresso Machine
The Breville Oracle Touch is as close as you can get to a professional barista working in your kitchen, but it does all the hard work for you. This machine is a technological marvel. It features an automated tamper, automated milk texturing, and precise digital temperature control (PID). I simply choose my drink from the vibrant touchscreen, and the Oracle Touch grinds, tamps, and extracts the shot while simultaneously texturing the milk to the perfect temperature and consistency. The ability to plumb it in is the final touch of convenience, ensuring I never run out of water during a brewing cycle.
What sets the Oracle Touch apart is its perfect blend of automation and customization. While it automates the tricky parts, it still gives me full manual control over grind size, dose, water temperature, and milk texture if I want to experiment. The dual boilers mean I can pull a shot and steam milk at the same time without any delay. It’s an investment, but for someone who wants cafe-quality results with minimal effort and the ultimate convenience of a direct water line, the Breville Oracle Touch is arguably the best machine on the market.
A Buying Guide for a Coffee Maker with Water Line
If you’re tired of constantly refilling a water reservoir, a plumbed coffee machine is a game-changer. I made the switch a few years ago, and the convenience is incredible. You just walk up, press a button, and get a perfect brew without ever worrying about an empty tank. But not all plumbed machines are the same, and picking the right one depends on your needs. Here’s what I look for.
First, consider the type of machine. Do you want a traditional drip brewer for a full pot, or a super-automatic espresso machine that grinds beans and froths milk? A coffee maker with water line comes in both styles. For a busy office or a large family, a high-capacity drip brewer is probably your best bet. For someone who loves lattes and cappuccinos, a plumbed super-automatic is worth the investment.
Next, think about the features that matter to you. Programmability is huge for me; I love being able to set a brew time the night before. Also, check the brew strength settings and the thermal carafe versus hot plate debate—I always prefer a thermal carafe to keep coffee hot without burning it. For espresso machines, look at the milk frothing system; some have automatic carafes, while others use a manual steam wand.
Installation is the big hurdle. You need a dedicated water line, which usually means your machine will live in one spot permanently, like under a cabinet or next to your sink. This isn’t a simple plug-and-play setup; you’ll likely need some basic plumbing skills or might even want to hire a professional. Make sure you have a clear path for the water line and that your chosen location has easy access to both power and water.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of a plumbed coffee maker?
The biggest benefit is never having to manually refill the water tank. This is perfect for high-volume environments or for anyone who just wants ultimate convenience. It also allows for a more streamlined look on your countertop since there’s no bulky reservoir to deal with. For super-automatic machines, it often enables a continuous brewing cycle without interruption.
Can I install a coffee maker with a water line myself?
Maybe. If you’re handy and comfortable with basic DIY plumbing, many models come with installation kits and instructions. It typically involves tapping into a cold water line, often under your sink, and running a small tube to the machine. However, if you’re not confident, I highly recommend hiring a professional. A small mistake can lead to leaks and water damage, which is a much bigger problem.
Do all plumbed-in coffee machines also need a drain line?
No, not all of them. This is a common point of confusion. Most standard drip-style coffee makers with a water line only need the water inlet; they don’t produce waste water. However, many super-automatic espresso machines do require a drain line for the used coffee grounds and rinse cycles. Always check the specifications of the specific model you’re considering.
Are these machines more expensive to maintain?
The initial cost is often higher, but maintenance is similar to reservoir models. You still need to regularly descale the machine to remove mineral buildup from the water, which is actually even more important with a direct water line to prevent clogs. You’ll also need to change water filters if your model uses them. The main added consideration is ensuring the water line connection remains secure and leak-free over time.
Can I use a water filter with a plumbed machine?
Absolutely, and you should. Many plumbed coffee makers have a built-in water filter slot for a carbon or charcoal filter. This is crucial for improving taste by removing chlorine and other impurities, and it helps protect the machine’s internal components from scale. If the machine doesn’t have a built-in filter, you can install an in-line filter on the water supply line before it reaches the machine.