Do it if you WANT and will use it. It won't be a sales advantage, should you need to sell suddenly.

a good compromise between all the dilemmas.

Whatever you should decide, keep in mind that all you are doing is recessing a coffee maker between the studs of a wall and the space in front of it still has to be kept clear for being able to use the coffee maker. That would seem to be of value only if your kitchen is very small and the coffee maker isn't used that much. A small coffee maker -- like you've been using, might do just as well. Or an instant hot at the sink and a French press or drip cone.

The only thing that interested me was the water connection so you didn't have to fill a tank -- but that also means a water connection behind the wall that can leak or fail completely. The installation slideshow said the water connection snaps together. I know nothing about them, but that doesn't sound like the most secure water connection and would cause me to worry about problems down the road.

If you decide to get one, I'd make sure you hang onto some of your backsplash tile or other material -- enough to redo that section if needed at some point.

Disclaimer: I am not a coffee drinker at all, but I have many friends with the addiction :-)

DH is from the Netherlands, where kitchen design is generally 10-15 years ahead of the US. (Case in point, my in-laws renovated their kitchen 15 years ago and it looks like it came right out of our local IKEA).

Anyway, we were back in December browsing/drooling through all the kitchen showrooms and almost every.single.one had an integrate coffee machine. So, I'm sure it'll be up there with the warming drawers and other new must-have appliances in a few years.

Bottom line: if you'll use it, do it. You'll probably be ahead of the design curve.

On the other hand, if I WAS a gotta-have-a-cup-of-joe-as-soon-as-I-get-out-of-bed kinda gal, I'd figure out how to get the coffee machine in my master bedroom (which I also saw quite a bit).

Thanks for the thoughts! Unfortunately, you have me flip-flopping! jgs7691's point is very compelling: it is a single-use, specialty item. OTOH, it is not *likely* that I will have to give up my one-cup-a-day anytime soon.

Lascatx, you raise a good point. I was planning to "float it" off the countertop 4 or 5 inches; this would be good enough to clear platters or a cutting board, but, you're right, it still ties up some counter space.

ICFgreen, I bet you are correct; look for extensive GW threads on built-in java machines in 2021. (Can I have some of that wonderful Dutch coffee each day?)

I dunno -- still thinking...

How about one of those single-serving "pod" coffee makers in an upper cabinet or a pantry cabinet? Doesn't restrict counter usage. Hidden away. Can be replaced, repaired, cleaned without demolition. Having it plumbed would be very convenient, I don't see why it would need more than a thin supply line similar to a refrigerator icemaker.

I don't see the US trending towards built-in small appliances. We have been programmed for replacement of small appliances in ever changing sizes, styles and evolving features. Even our major appliances other than DWs come in a variety of sizes and varying dimensions (DWs too, but most fit a standard 24" space), but it's one thing to have to open up or fill in a cabinet for a major appliance you might replace every 10-15 years and another to change your backsplash to change out a coffee maker that might last a couple of years, give or take.

I think it just looks like you can't afford a Miele.

Kidding.

What about the kind you can mount in an upper cabinet? Those completely free up your counter, if you can spare the cabinet space.

Johnliu: I didn't even know what a pod coffeemaker was. However, bless you, looking into it gave me a very good idea. Why not just use my camping one-serve coffeemaker? One of those octagonal ones, you know the kind? (Link below.)
Then it hit me even harder: Why aren't I using that NOW? You know, instead of the instant coffee I've been drinking during the reno? (Sadly, I just took stock of the pace of my renovation, and bought the jumbo-sized jar of instant coffee. 6 mos. supply!)

lascatx: I've been assuming a coffeemaker would last a long time (based on my Mr. Coffee). However, you raise a good point -- the Brew Express has electronics that can (will) fail...

Marcolo: Thanks for the laugh. Depending on the final layout choice, I will either have plenty of upper cabinets, or not quite enough!

Thanks, all.

Here is a link that might be useful: stove-top coffee maker

How on earth does a coffee maker that is 1/2 built into a wall, right on the countertop, save any counter space?

Sorry to be blunt, but unless you plan on putting something in front of this coffee maker all the time, you're not saving any counter space at all, or certainly very very little.

This looks like it protrudes out from the wall 1/3 or so the distance of a 'normal' coffee maker.

Stove-top Bialetti is a great option for small batches of coffee.

And you can get into the super small Nespresso setups too (which make 1/2 decent coffee). Check out the Pixie model.

Don't buy a built-in (but it looks like you're on that page now anyhow) :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Nespresso Pixie

Hi Angie..
I tried looking at the Brew Express, but it wouldn't load so...I can't see the type of maker you are talking about...however...

If you're talking about a coffee maker that is attached to the bottom of your upper cabinet, I would worry about the steam from the maker ruining your wood cabinet. My neighbor had one that badly stained and damaged her cabinet.

I was concerned about that issue and posted this thread a few months back..HTH

KA:)

Here is a link that might be useful: my thread about coffee makers..

If you only drink one (or a few) cup(s) a day, and would like really good coffee, why not go the French Press route? (See below). The best part -- can fill from an electric kettle or insta-hot, and it's both pretty while on the counter, and small enough to tuck back into an upper cabinet or drawer when not in use!

Here is a link that might be useful: Video re Bodum French Press coffee pots

Personally, I would go the French Press, drip cone and instant hot route, which would be useful for lots of other things too, or a pod maker. I've had coffee from a Keurig and would have bought one for us if we didn't have an espresso maker already. I used to use a drip cone for coffee at work or single cup at home and still use a large one for a thermal pot when entertaining. I likethe French press coffee, but not the silt, so I'd have to learn not to drain a cup. The stovetop route is good too. You have lots of good options.

I did look up the average life expectancy for a coffee maker and one source put it at 2 years. Before we got the espresso maker, it seemed we were replacing every year -- less than every two. We bought our first espresso maker 10 or more years ago and still have it. I know we never got that out of any regular countertop model, but I didn't want to be too harsh with the one year evaluation. ;-)

I would not build in a coffee maker for the same reason that I would not get a built-in mw. If it fails, and they all will sometime, you are stuck trying to find the same size again. If it dies "young" you would not want to have to buy the same model. Adding to the issue is the extra plumbing expense and chance of breakage.
Keep it simple. Get a nice small size coffee maker or go the drip/french press route.

I LOVE our keurig. I would not ever make coffee at home w/o it.

Okay, I think the naysayers, and my own doubts, have convinced me. I think I was blinded by the (modest) cool factor, but the potential downsides are pretty high, as you point out. If ICFGreen turns out to be right, I suppose I can always add one just to be on trend! ;-)
For some reason, I never liked Bodum coffee. I like cone coffee, but not the (admittedly minor) tending it takes to make a cup. Perhaps by the time the reno is done I will be addicted to Maxwell House!

Thanks, all! Another potential pitfall averted. As Dianalo says, "Keep it simple."
Thanks, A_D