Imagine waking up, and your kitchen countertop is a battlefield. On one side sits a bulky drip machine, humming away slowly. Next to it, a sleek but complicated espresso maker gathers dust. Do you need the speed of a regular brewer or the rich taste of an espresso shot? Juggling two separate machines steals precious counter space and precious morning minutes. It’s a common struggle for coffee lovers who crave variety without the clutter.
That’s where the Combination Coffee Maker steps in, promising to be the all-in-one solution. But how do you choose the best one? Reviews can be confusing, highlighting features that might not matter to you. You worry about sacrificing quality for convenience. Will it truly make a great cup of drip coffee *and* a perfect latte?
This post cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what makes a great combination brewer. You will learn the key features to look for, understand the pros and cons of popular styles, and discover which machine fits your morning routine perfectly. Get ready to declutter your counter and upgrade your caffeine game!
Top Combination Coffee Maker Recommendations
- 3 WAYS TO BREW: With this 12 cup Hamilton Beach coffee maker, brew a single cup with a pod or coffee grounds or brew up to 12 cups using your favorite ground coffee
- FAST BREWING — BREW A SINGLE CUP IN ABOUT 90 SECONDS: In the morning, every second counts. Unlike 2 way coffee makers of the past, the FlexBrew Trio Coffee Machine prepares a single cup in 90 seconds so you have more time to enjoy your brew
- BREW 7 SINGLE SERVINGS WITHOUT REFILLING THE 56 OZ. WATER RESERVOIR: With this single serve coffee maker, you'll save time with fast 90-second brewing and a large 56 oz. water reservoir that can brew 7 cups without needing a refill
- WAKE-UP READY COFFEE WITH EASY-TOUCH PROGRAMMING: For the 12 cup coffee maker side, wake up to a hot mug by setting the Easy-Touch programming the night before; the backlit display clearly shows the time & settings.
- 5 SINGLE-SERVE SIZES TO CHOOSE FROM: Customize brewing size to your cup using the Hamilton Beach Flex Brew coffee machine; select 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 oz. with ground coffee or 6, 8 or 10 oz. via a pod — you'll get perfect amount in your cup
- BREW BY THE CUP OR CARAFE: Brews both K-Cup pods and coffee grounds.
- MULTISTREAM TECHNOLOGY: Saturates the grounds evenly to extract full flavor and aroma in every cup, hot or cold.
- BREW OVER ICE: Adjusts temperature for maximum flavor and less ice melt for single-cup iced coffees and teas.
- STRONG BREW & EXTRA HOT FUNCTIONALITY: Brews a stronger, more intense-flavored cup and the extra hot feature brews a hotter single cup.
- MULTIPLE BREW SIZES: Brew 6, 8, 10, or 12oz single cups or 6, 8, 10, or 12-cup carafes. 12-cup glass carafe specially designed to limit dripping.
- 2 WAYS TO BREW: SINGLE CUP OR FULL POT. The included single-serve scoop makes it easy to just scoop, place and brew. You can brew up to 14 oz. into a cup or travel mug on the single-serving side or make up to 12 cups on the carafe side with ground coffee.
- SIMPLE SINGLE-SERVE BREWING: With the included mesh scoop, adding your favorite ground coffee to the single cup coffee maker couldn’t be easier: just scoop, place and brew. (Not compatible with K-Cup* pods.)
- ECO-FRIENDLY AND EASY ON YOUR WALLET. For fresh flavor and less waste, skip the plastic pods. Since this Hamilton Beach coffee maker doesn't use K-Cup* pods, there's less to buy and throw away.
- HAMILTON BEACH PROGRAMMABLE COFFEE MAKER WITH MULTIPLE BREW SETTINGS: Choose whether to make a single cup or full pot, select bold or regular brew strength options, and program the coffee maker up to 24 hours in advance for wake-up ready coffee.
- GET YOUR FIRST CUP FAST WITH AN AutoPause & Pour COFFEE MACHINE: Enjoy a quick cup while your coffee is still brewing. There's no need to wait for the full pot, thanks to the AutoPause & Pour feature on this carafe and single-serve coffee maker.
- 5 WAYS TO BREW: This Single Serve Coffee Maker & 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker combo can brew a single iced or hot cup with a K-Cup* pod or ground coffee, and you can use your favorite ground coffee to brew a whole pot — the choice is yours.
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN & SLIM FOOTPRINT: At first glance, this streamlined coffee machine might look like a single-serve brewer. Take a second look and you'll find that its innovative design has a 12 cup glass carafe hidden from view on its side.
- WAKE UP TO A SINGLE CUP OR 12 CUPS: The touchscreen of this programmable coffee maker has Auto Brew to let you wake up to a fresh-brewed single cup or up to 12 cups in the carafe. Control strength with regular and bold options.
- DUAL-POSITION 60 OZ. WATER RESERVOIR: This Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker has a removable reservoir that can be positioned on the back or side of the 12 cup coffee maker to best fit your space and optimize your brewing needs.
- FAST BREWING — BREW A SINGLE CUP IN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES: In the morning, every second counts. This 5 way dual coffee maker prepares a single hot cup in less than 2 minutes so you have more time to enjoy your coffee.
- 4-IN-1 BARISTA BAR: The Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker lets you enjoy up to 12 cups of coffee (cup equals approx. 5 oz. (varies by brewing technique) and single-serve cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso.)
- CONVENIENT FEATURES: This coffee machine with fully automatic brewing and 24-hour programmability allows you to customize your coffee's freshness with adjustable Keep Warm up to 4 hours and Brew Pause features.
- BREW CONTROL: Tailor the strength of your brew with the brew strength control and savor the rich flavors with the included gold-tone, commercial-style permanent filter and charcoal water filter.
- SINGLE SERVE BREWER: Choose from three brewing sizes: 6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz. to suit your preferred coffee strength, compatible with Keurig K-Cup or other single serve pods to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
- NESPRESSO COMPATIBLE CAPSULE BREWER: The coffeemaker is compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine-style capsules to allow you to delight in both single and double espresso sizes.
- 2 WAYS TO BREW: SINGLE CUP OR FULL POT. The included single-serve scoop makes it easy to just scoop, place and brew. You can brew up to 14 oz. into a cup or travel mug on the single-serving side or make up to 12 cups on the carafe side with ground coffee.
- SIMPLE SINGLE-SERVE BREWING: With the included mesh scoop, adding your favorite ground coffee to the single cup coffee maker couldn’t be easier: just scoop, place and brew. (Not compatible with K-Cup* pods.)
- ECO-FRIENDLY AND EASY ON YOUR WALLET. For fresh flavor and less waste, skip the plastic pods. Since this Hamilton Beach coffee maker doesn't use K-Cup* pods, there's less to buy and throw away.
- 2 HOUR KEEP WARM WITH AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF. How many times have you walked out the door, only to wonder: did I turn the coffee maker off? Now there's no worry or turning around to check, since the coffee maker turns off automatically after 2 hours.
- GET YOUR FIRST CUP FAST WITH AN AutoPause & Pour COFFEE MACHINE: Enjoy a quick cup while your coffee is still brewing. There's no need to wait for the full pot, thanks to the AutoPause & Pour feature on this carafe and single-serve coffee maker.
- No waiting time with Dual Heating System Allows you to brew coffee and espresso simultaneously.
- Italian 15 BAR pressure pump Experience authentic espressos brewed at the optimal pressure for rich flavor.
- Advanced Steam wand Choose micro-foam setting to steam milk for lattes or treat yourself to authentic cappuccinos with Cappuccino setting on the Advanced Steam Wand
- 24 Hour programmable timer and Digital Touchscreen Enjoy intuitive and enhanced experience with Digital Touchscreen and wake up to freshly brewed coffee with the digital timer.
- Bold Setting function Customize your preference of flavor and aroma for a rich, yet smooth coffee experience
- BREW RICH, FLAVORFUL COFFEE: The unique AquaFlow showerhead of the drip coffee maker directs water over the entire brew basket for optimal saturation of coffee grounds.
- 2 WAYS TO BREW – GRAB A CUP TO GO OR ENJOY A FULL POT: Brew a single-serve cup or a full coffee carafe with your favorite ground coffee. With this programmable coffee maker, it's easy to brew coffee either way. Not compatible with K-Cup* pods.
- BREW YOUR WAY WITH 6 SETTINGS INCLUDING ICED COFFEE: The 2-in-1 coffee machine lets you customize your cup of coffee or the full pot just the way you like it with regular, bold, hot and iced coffee options.
- INTUITIVE TOUCH DISPLAY — PROGRAMMABLE UP TO 24 HOURS AHEAD: Whether you're making a full pot or brewing into a single-serve cup, you can program the Hamilton Beach coffee maker up to 24 hours in advance using the intuitive touchscreen display.
- SIMPLE SINGLE-SERVE BREWING: Brew a cup for one using loose ground coffee. With the included mesh scoop, adding ground coffee to the single-serve coffee maker side couldn’t be easier: just scoop, place and brew. (Not compatible with K-Cup* pods.)
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Combination Coffee Makers
A combination coffee maker is a fantastic appliance. It lets you brew different kinds of coffee with just one machine. You might want a quick single cup of drip coffee in the morning and a fancy espresso shot later. This machine lets you do both! Choosing the right one takes a little know-how. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on what the machine can actually do. These features make your coffee life easier and better.
1. Brewing Methods Offered
- Drip Coffee: Does it make a full pot? Look for a decent carafe size, like 10 or 12 cups.
- Single Serve/K-Cup Compatibility: This is great for speed. Check if it accepts pods or has a reusable filter for grounds.
- Espresso Function: If you want lattes, check for a steam wand or milk frother. Some models have built-in milk systems.
2. Programmability and Controls
A programmable timer is a lifesaver. You can set it the night before. Wake up to fresh coffee! Look for clear digital displays and simple buttons. Advanced models might have customizable temperature settings.
3. Size and Footprint
Measure your counter space! Combination makers can be large. Make sure it fits under your cabinets easily.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used affect how long the machine lasts and how good your coffee tastes.
Carafe Material
- Glass Carafe: These are easy to clean and let you see how much coffee is left. They often sit on a hot plate to keep coffee warm.
- Thermal Carafe: These keep coffee hot for hours without burning it. They are usually stainless steel.
Internal Components
Look for durable parts. Stainless steel heating elements last longer than plastic ones. Plastic water reservoirs are common, but ensure they are BPA-free for safety.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one machine better than another? It often comes down to control and consistency.
Quality Boosters
- Adjustable Strength Settings: Stronger coffee requires different brewing times. Good machines offer this control.
- Water Filter: Built-in charcoal filters improve the taste of your water, which means better coffee.
- High-Pressure Pump (for Espresso): For real espresso, you need at least 15 bars of pressure. Lower pressure makes weaker espresso.
Quality Reducers
Cheap plastic parts often break faster. If the machine uses very thin metal, it might heat unevenly. Also, complex machines with too many hidden parts can be hard to clean. Hard-to-clean parts lead to old coffee residue, which tastes bad.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the machine every day.
Daily Use Scenarios
- The Busy Family: If you need a full pot fast, prioritize the drip side’s speed and the carafe size.
- The Coffee Connoisseur: If you love experimenting, choose a model with manual controls for the espresso shot and milk frothing.
- Small Apartments: Smaller footprint models that can switch easily between single-serve pods and a small pot are ideal.
Cleaning is part of the experience. Does the drip basket remove easily? Can you access the water tank without moving the whole machine? Simple maintenance keeps your machine running well for years.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Combination Coffee Makers
Q: What is the main advantage of a combination coffee maker?
A: The main advantage is versatility. You get two or more brewing styles in one appliance, saving counter space and money.
Q: Do combination makers brew better coffee than single-function machines?
A: Not always. A dedicated, high-end espresso machine might beat the espresso function on a combo unit. However, for convenience, the combo machine is excellent.
Q: How do I clean the espresso wand?
A: You must clean the steam wand immediately after using it. Wipe it down with a damp cloth. Run a quick blast of steam through it to clear internal residue.
Q: Can I use my own ground coffee in the K-Cup side?
A: Many models include a reusable filter basket or adapter. This lets you use regular coffee grounds instead of pre-packaged pods.
Q: Are these machines hard to set up?
A: Most modern combination makers are fairly simple. You usually run a few cycles with just water first to clean the internal lines before brewing coffee.
Q: What does “thermal carafe” mean?
A: A thermal carafe is a vacuum-sealed pot, usually stainless steel. It keeps coffee hot for several hours without needing an external heating plate.
Q: Should I worry about the water reservoir size?
A: Yes. If you brew full pots often, a small reservoir means constant refilling. Look for a larger, preferably removable, tank.
Q: How much counter space do these usually take up?
A: They vary widely, but expect them to be wider than a standard single-serve brewer. Check the width and depth dimensions before you buy.
Q: What is the difference between a drip setting and a single-serve setting?
A: The drip setting heats a large amount of water to saturate grounds in a basket for a pot. The single-serve setting uses less water and often brews faster for one cup.
Q: Are combination makers more expensive than single brewers?
A: Generally, yes. You are buying two machines combined into one housing, so the initial cost is usually higher than buying just a basic drip machine.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!