How to Use a Grind and Brew Coffee Machine
By Buy Kettles, Toasters, Irons & More Online | Russell Hobbs UK | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a grind and brew coffee maker step by step. Get tips for fresh ground coffee from bean to cup with your Russell Hobbs machine.
Quick answer
Using a grind and brew coffee machine is straightforward: add whole beans, choose your strength and cup count, then press start. The machine grinds the beans fresh and brews immediately for a rich, aromatic cup.
Why grind and brew machines are different
Unlike pre-ground coffee makers, a grind and brew machine grinds whole beans just before brewing. This preserves the natural oils and aroma, giving you a fresher, more flavorful cup. The trade-off is that you need to keep a supply of whole beans and clean the grinding chamber regularly to avoid stale residue.
Step-by-step guide to using a grind and brew coffee machine
- Step 1: Fill the water reservoir: Open the lid and pour fresh, cold water into the reservoir up to the desired cup level. Do not exceed the max fill line. Using filtered water improves taste and reduces mineral buildup.
- Step 2: Add whole coffee beans to the grinder: Lift the grinder lid and pour in enough whole beans for your brew. Most machines have a marked max line — do not overfill, as beans expand when ground. Common mistake: adding pre-ground coffee instead of whole beans. The grinder is designed for beans only.
- Step 3: Select strength and cup count: Use the control panel to choose your preferred strength (mild, medium, or strong) and the number of cups you want. Some models also let you set a timer for delayed brewing. Check the manual for your model’s specific options — not all machines have the same settings.
- Step 4: Start the brew cycle: Press the start button. The machine will grind the beans, then immediately brew the coffee into the carafe. The process takes a few minutes. Wait until the cycle finishes before removing the carafe to avoid drips or incomplete brewing.
- Step 5: Clean after each use: Empty the used coffee grounds from the filter basket and rinse the carafe. Wipe the grinder chamber with a dry cloth to remove oil residue. Weekly deep cleaning with a descaling solution prevents clogs and keeps the machine running well.
Product spotlight
- Chester Grind and Brew™: The Chester Grind and Brew™ from Russell Hobbs grinds beans fresh and brews in one easy step. You simply pop beans in the mill, choose strength and cup count, then press start. This means you get bean-to-cup freshness without extra equipment or complicated settings — ideal for daily use.

Chester Grind and Brew™
