Single Cup And Pot Coffee Maker — 7 Best 2-Way Brewers To Buy

The convenience of a single-serve coffee maker, and the ability to brew a full carafe. These are the two conventional choices that coffee lovers have to deal with when buying a machine. Unfortunately, it’s often one or the other. I find the single-serve to be as useful as a full carafe.

I prefer the ability to choose freely without having to use different coffee makers. In that spirit, I present to you options for the best single cup and pot coffee maker. These bring together the best of both worlds and a whole lot of convenience.

How To Pick The Best 2 Way Coffee Maker

To Be Or Not To Be (A Pod User)

One of the biggest reasons to use a single-serve machine is the convenience of pods. I do strongly believe that fresh ground coffee is where the taste is at. Yet, the unique flavors, combinations, and varieties available with pods are difficult to match for regular coffee. 

Most dual coffee makers solve this dilemma by allowing the use of pods and regular coffee. Pods work on the single-serve side, regular coffee works on the carafe.

There are variations though, like the machines that use the Keurig K-carafe pods. Alternatively, there are machines that don’t allow the use of pods but will allow freely setting the brew size to match single-serve or carafe proportions.

Standard Or Dual Coffee Maker

Using a drip coffee machine doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to brew a full pot every time. Plenty of good drip coffee machines will let you stop after brewing a single cup. Or, you could select your preferred amount of coffee.

On the other hand, dual coffee makers make these options easier. The additional advantage of being able to use your preferred flavor for K-cups or pods is an additional plus.

Best Dual Coffee Maker Reviews

1. Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach 49980A is one of the better performing 2-way brewers. Convenient and feature-rich, it comes with two water reservoirs, one for the single-serve side, and a large one to feed the carafe.

It’s practically two coffee makers rolled into one, but both of them work together seamlessly and without hiccups. A simple flick of a switch lets you choose between the single-serve or carafe side. A brew strength selector makes it possible to pick from regular to bold coffee, depending on your preference.

For the single-serve side, you can use your choice of ground coffee or soft pods. Keep in mind, Keurig K-cups or similar pods won’t work with this machine. You’ll need something like ESE pods. A mesh filter makes it easier to place the pod or ground coffee for the single-serve.

The carafe side has room to brew a full 12 cups, which should be enough for home use or even conventional office settings. Both sides get a keep-hot plate to keep the coffee hot after it has been poured. The machine has an auto shut off built-in, that switches it off after two hours.

What I like most about this coffee maker is the sheer number of features at an incredible price. The small touches are what make it amazing. I think the adjustable height for the cup in the single-serve side speaks of inspired design. It’s not always a travel mug I want there, a regular cup is useful as well.

Pros

• Great price
• Seamlessly switches from single-serve to carafe
• 24-hour programmable
• Can use ground coffee as well as soft pods

Cons

• Does not work with Keurig pods
• Water temperature can be lower than recommended for coffee extraction

2. Keurig 2.0 K200 Plus Series Single Serve Plus Coffee Maker Brewer

Keurig 2.0 K200 comes with the freedom to choose the drink size. Unlike the Hamilton Beach 49980A, the K200 does not go into the specifics of having two separate areas for single-serve and carafe. Instead, it is the pod you place and the volume you choose that decides the output.

For a classic single serve, just place the pod and choose the favored brew size (4, 6, 8, 10 oz.). To fill up a carafe, place a  K-Carafe pod and choose from the available brew sizes (22, 26, or 30oz).

One thing that irked me is that the reservoir size is just 40 oz. I could say that is enough, but practically, the reservoir is going to need to be topped up each time a carafe is brewed.

Two things come to the aid of the K200. First is its good looks. It isn’t drop-dead gorgeous, but it looks pretty decent. The second is the brew-strength control that allows the user to choose between regular and bold.

I’d almost count the touchscreen panel as a plus, but it is something pretty average. But it completes the look and functionality of the machine.

Overall, the Keurig 2.0 K200 Plus Series has convenience as its biggest strength. Pods, carafes, mugs, whatever you want, this machine has you covered. Your preferred brew is ready at the tap of the screen.

Pros

• Very convenient
• Works with Keurig K-carafe as wells as K-cup pods
• Fairly good build quality
• Several color options
• Several brew volume options and strength control

Cons

• Slow to heat up
• Can get noisy

3. Cuisinart SS-15 12-Cup Coffee Maker and Single-Serve Brewer

Cuisinart SS-15 12-Cup Coffee Maker and Single-Serve Brewer is slightly more expensive than other items on this list. However, I’d say that’s more because of the accessories included, rather than an inherently higher price tag.

This is a feature-rich machine, and it includes the gear you’ll need to use those features. It is fairly good at holding its water temperature, which makes for some great coffee.

A built-in charcoal filter purifies the water to ensure better-tasting coffee. Then there’s the strength selector that offers the choice between regular and bold. Cuisinart SS-15 can brew a 12-cup pot of coffee. Or, if you prefer, turn to the single-serve side where you can pour 6, 8, or 10 oz coffee with the push of a button.

The single-serve side is compatible with K-cups, and also works with reusable filter cups. A customizable hot plate control changes the temperature and removes the worry about the coffee getting that burnt taste while sitting on the plate.

Cuisinart SS-15 single cup and pot coffee maker is programmable. Users can set a time for it to start brewing automatically at a given time.

Pros

• Feature-rich
• Compatible with regular coffee, K-pods, reusable filters
• Programmable

Cons

• Size – the coffee maker has a big footprint
• The carafe is prone to leaks from the lid

4. Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker (49976) FlexBrew, Single Serve & Full Coffee Pot

Another feature-packed dual coffee maker, Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker 49976 offers impressive coffee. The larger difference between this one and the 49980A is that the 49976 (FlexBrew) can work with K cup pods. It also includes a nice storage area where you can place the pods, allowing easier access.

There are two water reservoirs, one side feeds the 12-cup carafe, while the other is dedicated to single-serve coffee. See-through windows on the reservoirs make it easier to check the water level available in each.

It’s easy to shift between the single-serve and carafe mode. The included strength selector offers convenient switching between regular and bold modes.

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew is available in several options, including models with glass carafe, steel carafe, and a permanent metal filter.

Programmable options on this coffee maker enable the user to program their preferred time of brewing coffee. You can set it to brew coffee over a 24-hour period, and wake up to hot coffee ready for you in the carafe. An LED screen next to the buttons keeps users informed of the current brewing mode and options.

Pros

• Very convenient to use
• Simple switching between different brewing modes
• Compatible with K-cups
• Auto shut-off
• Programmable

Cons

• Can be slow to heat
• Bulky

5. Keurig K475 K Cup And Carafe Coffee Maker

In some ways, the K475 is the more advanced sibling of the K200, which is also on this list. This one has a large 70oz water reservoir, which I find to be more useful than the teeny 40 oz on the K200. At least here I can brew a couple of carafes without having to refill the reservoir. 

There are five options to brew using K-cup pods (4, 6, 8, 10, 12 oz.). If more coffee is needed, switch to K-Carafe pods. That opens up the options to fill up carafes in three sizes: 22, 26, or 30oz. It has excellent use with a k cup combo of different flavors and brew sizes.

Keurig 2.0 K475 has a color touchscreen for controls. This presents a more intuitive way to select the options needed, and get the coffee brewing. A strength selector enables the user to switch between regular and bold coffee extraction process.

I think two features deserve special mention here. First is the temperature control options. There are five temperature settings, so the coffee can be brewed at the user’s preferred temperature. Making it possible for the user to have more control over brewing is always a welcome option.

The second feature is the programming options, where the user can decide the times for the unit to automatically switch on/off. I’d set it up for the morning coffee, or a cup to carry out the door to work.

All it needs at that point is a touch to start pouring. I’d recommend getting good reusable K cup as well, for more options and taste preferences.

Pros

• Feature-rich
• Intuitive, easy to use controls
• Options to control the temperature of the brew
• Programmable
• Large reservoir

Cons

• Noisy
• Prone to errors randomly

6. Ninja Coffee Maker (CF080Z) with 4 Brew Sizes, Programmable Auto-iQ

Ninja Coffee Maker CF080Z is pod-free and utilizes conventional drip coffee brewing. It does, however, make it easy to pick the right brew size. Options available are cup, travel mug, half carafe, and a full carafe. For reference, the full carafe is 43 oz, which is appropriate for about 8 cups of coffee.

Brew strength can be customized by choosing the “Classic Brew” and “Rich Brew” options. There are also “Over Ice Brew” and “Specialty Brew” options for added flexibility. Ninja uses “Auto-iQ” technology to work with the chosen brew size.

After selection of the brew size, this system picks up exactly the right amount of water needed to make a good brew.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Programmable
• Easy to pick brew sizes
• Includes frother for more coffee options

Cons

• Slow to heat up
• Has trouble maintaining water at the right temperature

7. Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Plus 12-Cup Programmable Coffee maker

Cuisinart CHW-12 is a simplistic two way programmable coffee maker. It can brew a 12-cup carafe. In case a smaller serving is needed, users can choose to brew 1-4 cups instead.

There are no pods for use with this machine. The single-serve side dispenses hot water that can be employed for tea, hot cocoa, or other uses.

The feature set on offer is pretty similar to the more capable Cuisinart SS-15, which is also on this list. There are three temperature options for the hot plate with the carafe, and the machine can be programmed to run on preset times.

Overall, I think the Cuisinart CHW-12 has fairly good features for its low price tag. Yet it is somewhat underwhelming as a 2-way coffee maker. 

Pros

• Convenient to use
• Well priced
• Programmable

Cons

• Noisy
• Single-serve side only offers hot water

Dual Coffee Maker FAQs

How do you clean a Cuisinart dual coffee maker?

For cleaning and descaling a Cuisinart Dual Coffee Maker, fill up the reservoir with a mix of ⅓ white vinegar, and ⅔ water (by volume). Press and hold the “Clean” button until the LED flashes.

Release the button and let the coffee maker complete one cycle. Repeat with a fresh solution if necessary. Run 1-2 cycles with clean water when done.

Parts of the SS-15, like the permanent filter, should be washed in a mild soapy solution. Other parts, like the hot plate, should be wiped clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy solution. For the single-serve side, the capsule holder and funnel are top-shelf dishwasher safe.

Can you make a pot of coffee with Keurig?

Some models of the Keurig make it possible to brew a carafe. This is generally true for Keurig 2.0 models. To handle the larger coffee volume, these machines use K-Carafe pods in lieu of the conventional K-cup pods.

What is the best 2 in 1 coffee maker?

I’ll suggest the Cuisinart SS-15 12-Cup Coffee Maker. It is feature-rich and easy to manage and maintain. If you prefer to stay on the side of Keurig, the Keurig K475 is an excellent choice.

Which single serve coffee maker makes the hottest coffee?

Though it is slow to heat up, the Keurig 2.0 K200 Plus Series is pretty good at delivering a hot cup of coffee.

What Is Your Single Cup And Pot Coffee Maker Of Choice?

The single cup and pot coffee makers sit in a small, yet enthusiastic niche. The convenience of brewing a cup or a carafe at the touch of a button makes these coffee makers an excellent choice.

Of course, companies often handle the process differently, but the user gets a good range of choices. From the classic Keurig pods to reusable filters, soft pods, and freshly ground coffee, the choices are limitless.

Most models are priced competitively, so you won’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to get the best dual coffee maker.