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The Best 2 Way Coffee Maker 2023

Do you have a small single-serve coffee maker in your kitchen? Have you ever felt the need for a machine with more capacity during holidays?

No matter what it is, there is a perfect brewer in the market to meet all requirements. And the solution is to get a dual coffee machine. With the best 2 way coffee maker, you can brew faster, meet the demand, save time on maintenance, and brew exactly the way you want.

Based on our extensive research on different models, we have gathered all the information you need to find the best-suited one for your home. So, let’s begin with some knowledge base and advance to the review section.

Here’re our honest recommendations:

  1. Top Pick: Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center

All necessary features, standard values, reasonable price for quality and performance.

  1. Runner-Up: Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker

Doesn’t have self-clean, and water filter features. Large water tank than top pick.

  1. Best Budget: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker

Small water tank, below-standard features. Overall good performance for the price.

  1. Other Consideration: Cuisinart CHW-12P1

Not k-cup compatible.

  1. Other Consideration: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Thermal Coffee Maker

Less capacity, no filter, no auto cleaning, stainless-steel carafe

What Is A 2 Way Coffee Maker?

A two-way coffee maker is a hybrid of both single-serve machines and large ones. The large carafes can hold up to 12 cups that meet higher demands on the weekends. On the other hand, brew one cup on busy days and get going without thinking about turning it off.

There are other benefits of such machines that include keep-warm and programmable timer features. Moreover, they even come with k-cup compatibility so that you don’t have to spend time on grinding or maintenance. Overall, our selected models are capable of several customizable options to meet your requirements.

Why Do You Need A Dual Coffee Maker?

As you have known some info about the dual coffee makers, you can recall some of the situations where you badly needed such a machine. Here is a detailed list of reasons to get a two-way coffee brewer. Certainly, some or all of the points will match the solutions to your dire situations. 

  • Drip method to brew different drinks
  • A slower brewing process for multiple servings or
  • A quicker brewing process for single servings
  • K-cup compatibility for hassle-free brewing
  • Programmable timer for auto on or off functions
  • Customizable temperature, brew-size, and strength of the coffee

Before you get started with the best 2 way coffee maker reviews, please read the key features carefully. It will let you make a decision confidently.

Key Features Of The Best 2 Way Coffee Maker

Our buying guide of the best rated 2 way coffee maker will help you set your priorities and choose accordingly. We could recommend one model which is the best in the market. But it would either lack some features that you need or be overpriced. So, go through the must-have features below thoroughly.

Capacity

We don’t know whether it is a coincidence or not, the larger part of our top 3 models have a 12-cup capacity. They have options to select how many cups you want to brew. Similarly, the single-cup portion also has options to choose different cup sizes.

But if you choose a model with more than 10 cups of capacity, it will be enough for household uses. At the same time, make sure that the water reservoir has more than 40oz. capacity. It is necessary to meet the demand when your friends and family members are visiting.

Programmable Timer

The second-most important factor is to have the programmable timer option. It will let you set the time for automatically starting the brewing process. Also, the timer should be able to stop the machine after a certain period.

What is the benefit of the timer?

The smart circuitry will let you set the machine to brew in the morning before you wake up. Also, it will keep the drink warm in case of waking up late.

Likewise, you may be in a hurry some days and leave the machine running. Don’t worry as the energy-saving feature would keep it in standby mode. Moreover, the smart system would turn it off completely after detecting inactivity.

Customizations

The list of other options is a bit long, and please don’t skip this part. It includes,

  • Separate brewing options,
  • Pause-and-serve,
  • Keep-warm,
  • Temperature-control,
  • Several brew-sizes, and
  • Add-water indicator features

First of all, the operating process for different parts is expected in a dual coffee maker. It is because you wouldn’t need to use both portions at the same time.

The pause and pour feature can then get you to take a sip in the mid-brew without waiting for long.

After that, its keep-warm feature is also very important because one can’t drink 12 cups of beverage straight away. So, the carafe needs to stay hot for a reasonable time.

Now, you won’t get precise control over the temperature. But the low, medium, and high settings will do the job. For example, the high-temperature setting is necessary for adding milk after brewing, and low-setting is for those who want to drink right away.

Finally, several brew-size buttons will let you decide how many cups or how much is needed. The add-water indicator’s purpose is to let you know when to refill the water reservoir.

Cleaning

Maintenance is a big concern for all machines because they can take a considerable amount of time. For everyday uses, you only have to clean the filters and baskets.

After a few weeks, descale the whole machine, which is easy in our top-pick model. The auto-clean button on the front runs a cleaning cycle throughout the brewer and describes all the parts.

However, it is still possible to perform the cycles manually in other models. We have prepared a guide that is given at the end to help you with the cleaning.

Filters

There are two types of filters in a 2 way coffee machine. One is used to extract the ground coffee, and the other is used to clean the water. The standards are gold-tone and charcoal filters, respectively.

Both are equally important to enhance the taste of the coffee. If you see that none of the filters are available in your selected model, it will be wise to buy a gold-tone filter matching your model. Similarly, use a pre-filter before pouring the water into the water tank.

Compatibility

Now, you will notice that all of the models accept freshly ground coffee for the best taste. But not all of them support k-pods or k-cups which is a concern for a lot of people. They don’t have the time to grind the beans and look for a ready-made solution. So, choose the model that is compatible with little pods, which are also easier to clean.

Variety of Drinks

Enjoying different drinks is another reason to buy this type of coffee brewer. For getting a cup of freshly ground coffee, pre-ground k-cup brew, tea, or other beverages, you won’t need to buy separate machines. So, check out the details of the models that have versatile functionalities.

Ease-of-Use

The complexity or simplicity of a coffee maker is another factor to consider. With so many options, our top selected models may seem complicated at first. But using it for a day or two, you will get the hang of it.

Build Material

Here, it includes the material of the carafe and the rest of the body. For carafe, glass is the best material as it doesn’t affect the drink’s taste at all.

When it comes to body material, it is a fact that the majority of manufacturers use plastic. They are BPA-free; so, there is nothing harmful to your health. But those who are used to cafe-quality beverages can immediately tell the difference in taste.

Unfortunately, we don’t have any option other than accepting the plastic parts. However, tripling the budget might get you a decent-quality coffee maker.

Overall Design

The look and dimension of the brewer should be the least concerning the item in your checklist. One of the main benefits of choosing the best 2 way coffee maker is to get more options than the full-size brewers in the same budget range.

So, there are no complaints against the size or dimension of the selected products in the review. However, be careful about button placement and showerhead design. If you plan to place the machine in a corner without much room on the top, you will have to pause and think. It is because K-Duo, the runner-up model, has buttons on the top section.

And it is true for similar-design models. On the other hand, the showerhead design is important to ensure proper extraction. So, choose a model that has a large shower head with lots of holes.

Chart

Properties

Must-have Characteristics

Water Tank Capacity

40 oz. or more

Brew Capacity

10 cups or more

Programmable Timer

Yes

Separate Brew Options

Yes

Pause and Serve

Yes

Self-clean

Yes

Bold Coffee

Yes

Auto-Shutoff

Yes

Charcoal water filter

Yes

K-Cup Compatibility

Yes

Keep-Warm

Yes

Gold-Tone Filter

Yes

Carafe

Glass

BPA-Free Plastic

Yes

The Best 2 Way Coffee Maker​ Comparison Table

Editor's Pick
Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers 3-Sizes: 6-Ounces, 8-Ounces and 10-Ounces, Stainless Steel, SS-15P1
Runner’s Up
Keurig K-Duo Single Serve K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker, Black
Best Budget
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (49980R)
Other Considerations
Cuisinart Plus 12-Cup Hot Water Coffee Maker, Black/Stainless
Other Considerations
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 10c Thermal Pot, Black and Stainless
Product's Name
Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers 3-Sizes: 6-Ounces, 8-Ounces and 10-Ounces, Stainless Steel, SS-15P1
Keurig K-Duo Single Serve K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker, Black
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (49980R)
Cuisinart Plus 12-Cup Hot Water Coffee Maker, Black/Stainless
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 10c Thermal Pot, Black and Stainless
Water Tank Capacity
40
60
48
54
32
Brew Capacity
12
12
12
12
10
Programmable Timer
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Self-clean
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Bold Coffee
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Charcoal water filter
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Yes
Compatible
Yes
Compatible
Yes
Carafe
Glass
Glass
Glass
Glass
Stainless-Steel
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Prime
-
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
-
-
Available
Editor's Pick
Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers 3-Sizes: 6-Ounces, 8-Ounces and 10-Ounces, Stainless Steel, SS-15P1
Product's Name
Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers 3-Sizes: 6-Ounces, 8-Ounces and 10-Ounces, Stainless Steel, SS-15P1
Water Tank Capacity
40
Brew Capacity
12
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
Yes
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
Yes
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Yes
Carafe
Glass
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
-
Available
Runner’s Up
Keurig K-Duo Single Serve K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker, Black
Product's Name
Keurig K-Duo Single Serve K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker, Black
Water Tank Capacity
60
Brew Capacity
12
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
No
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
No
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Compatible
Carafe
Glass
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
Amazon Prime
Available
Best Budget
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (49980R)
Product's Name
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (49980R)
Water Tank Capacity
48
Brew Capacity
12
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
No
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
No
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Yes
Carafe
Glass
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
Amazon Prime
Available
Other Considerations
Cuisinart Plus 12-Cup Hot Water Coffee Maker, Black/Stainless
Product's Name
Cuisinart Plus 12-Cup Hot Water Coffee Maker, Black/Stainless
Water Tank Capacity
54
Brew Capacity
12
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
Yes
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
Yes
K-Cup Compatibility
No
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Compatible
Carafe
Glass
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
-
Available
Other Considerations
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 10c Thermal Pot, Black and Stainless
Product's Name
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 10c Thermal Pot, Black and Stainless
Water Tank Capacity
32
Brew Capacity
10
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
No
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
No
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Yes
Carafe
Stainless-Steel
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
-
Available

Last update on 2024-01-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Top Pick: Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center


Click Here To View on Amazon

What We Like

  • 3-size single servings
  • Customizable coffee strength
  • Gold-tone reusable filter
  • Charcoal water filter

Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center is the best 2 way coffee maker for its quality, performance, and customizable options. It has everything that one expects from a dual brewer, including k-cup compatibility.

K-cup compatibility is important to ensure fast and hassle-free brewing. Besides, the auto-clean feature of the model saves some more time on the overall cleaning process. Lazy coffee-lovers like ourselves love this Coffee Center for those reasons.

If you are not that patient, you can take the glass carafe in mid-brew and have a sip almost instantly. Every time, the machine would provide rich-flavored brew to refresh your mind right away.

Here, the gold-tone filter is partially responsible for the good taste. Optimum and balanced extraction is also necessary, and its practical showerhead design makes sure of that. After brewing, the taste degrades over time but not on this machine.

The keep-warm feature saves the day by maintaining the temperature of the carafe. Now, let’s talk about the programmable options that include a timer, coffee strength, brew size, auto on/off, and temperature control.

You can set any specific hour to brew automatically, and the machine would stop without anyone’s intervention. Also, temperature control is really helpful for making other beverages.

Though it comes with reusable filters in both parts, it is possible to use one-time paper filters. Overall, Cuisinart has designed this compact machine considering all of your requirements.

So, is this the best thing you can get?

Yes, because there are no other models that reliably provide coffee whenever you need it. If you compare Cuisinart Coffee Center with other brands, you will notice that others are missing one or another necessary function.

Long story short, eliminate the hassle of going to a café by buying this frustration-free brewer for a reasonable price.

Summary:
Programmable timer, customizable coffee strength, easy maintenance, and high-quality brewing make this coffee maker with a k-cup option convenient for people of all ages.

Specification:

  • Water Tank Capacity: 60 oz.
  • Carafe Size: 12 cups
  • Carafe Material: Glass
  • Brew Sizes: 6, 8, and 10
  • Dimension: 10.13 x 10.38 x 14.25
  • Weight: 12.2 pounds
Pros
  • Pour a cup in the middle of the brewing
  • Cleans the water for better taste
  • Auto on and off function
  • Showerhead design for even extraction
Cons
  • Single-serve section needs improvement in design

Click Here To View on Amazon

 

2. Runner-Up: Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker

Click Here To View on Amazon

What We Like

  • Large 60 oz. water tank
  • Mid-brew pause and pour option
  • Programmable auto-brew
  • Removable drip tray

More popularity, larger water tank, and smart, compact design of Keurig K-Duo could easily earn it in the first place. But the lack of some features didn’t let us pick it as the top. Among them, poor carafe design, odd button placement, no auto cleaning, and lack of water filter are the notable ones.

Also, you won’t be able to use fresh grounds in the single-serve portion. Despite all other praise-worthy features, reliable build-quality, and a very reasonable price, we had to pick Cuisinart Coffee Center over K-Duo.

So, should I still consider it?

Yes, you should because there are plenty of reasons that make Keurig K-Duo one of the best 2 way coffee maker k-cups. From programmable timer to choosing the brew’s strength, you can use all the other necessary options.

When brewing for the party, press the buttons on top, selecting 6 to 12 cups according to the need. Similarly, the single-cup option has 6 to 12 ounces of different fill sizes. Adjust the drip tray and fill your travel mug with 12 oz. brew to enjoy the work journey.

Operating this machine is easy because the buttons have large markings for certain functionalities. Save even more time using either paper filters on the carafe side or k-pods on the single-serve side.

Summary:
Its multiple brew sizes, pause-and-pour, auto brew, keep warm, and quick brewing features have got our attention. The overall design of K-Duo focuses on compactness and low-maintenance. If those are everything you wish for, please check out more details to make a final decision.

Specification:

  • Water Tank Capacity: 60 oz.
  • Carafe Size: 12 cups
  • Carafe Material: Glass
  • Brew Sizes: 6, 8, 10, and 12
  • Dimension: 12.92” x 10.94” x 12.76”
  • Weight: 14.37 pounds
Pros
  • Removable tray allows travel mugs
  • Doesn’t take much space
  • Fast warming
  • Easy cleaning
  • Buttons and controls are on the top
Cons
  • The carafe design needs improvement

Click Here To View on Amazon

https://youtu.be/qgCcxYjcHbY

3. Best Budget: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker

Click Here To View on Amazon

What We Like:

  • Filter that works as a scoop
  • Programmable timer
  • Easy-to-use functionality
  • Adjustable drip tray

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a less expensive model in a budget section. As the runner-up model, K-Duo is available with a discount, and it has matched the cost of Hamilton Beach. Despite the same features and price, we have selected Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker as a budget model as an alternative to the runner-up.

Will it be wise to go for this model?

The answer is both yes and no, as there are some factors you need to consider. When it comes to quality and reliability compared to the price, you should not select this one. But when you are not so happy with the missing features of the K-Duo, you wouldn’t be able to hate Hamilton Beach.

The main complaint of the K-Duo is about the single-serve portion, which has only the K-pod option. Not only that, but it also makes a mess while pouring the drink.

On the other hand, Hamilton Beach has a uniquely designed drip tray. The customizable tray is capable of placing large travel mugs and small cups close to the dispensing nozzle.

Also, you can have the option to extract freshly ground beans using the reusable gold-tone filter. That filter also works as a scoop with measurement indicators.

Besides, the buttons and display are placed conveniently on the front. All other features and functionalities are the same and easily accessible. So, every member of your family can use it without facing any issue.

Summary:
Better single-serve design, simple operation, and practical design make Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker one of the best budget models.

Specification:

  • Water Tank Capacity: 48 oz.
  • Carafe Size: 12 cups
  • Carafe Material: Glass
  • Brew Sizes: N/A
  • Dimension: 10.63 x 12.2 x 13.7
  • Weight: 10.6 pounds
Pros
  • Special adjustment for small cup
  • Easy operation
  • Easy cleaning
Cons
  • Flimsy material

Click Here To View on Amazon

https://youtu.be/IIfY64_3m8c

Other Considerations:

4. Cuisinart CHW-12P1 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

Click Here To View on Amazon

Right after the first glance, you might wonder why we haven’t put it in the best budget section. The main big reason is that instead of serving a single-cup like others, it dispenses hot water. Don’t think that it is useless as you can still make other beverages.

Also, it is compatible with the k-cups making it more convenient for busy people. If you see the product comparison chart, you will notice that it has all other good and useful features as the top pick.

Cuisinart CHW-12P1 is a reliable brewer that meets the high demand throughout the day and week. If you are okay with the lack of fast brewing options, we highly recommend this product that won’t cost more than 100 bucks.

Click Here To View on Amazon

https://youtu.be/3qWl9Lsuuak

Are you a coffee lover? can you use heavy whipping cream in coffee?

5. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Thermal Coffee Maker

Click Here To View on Amazon

Less water tank capacity, no water filter, no auto cleaning, low-quality build, and flimsy plastic are the main reasons it couldn’t make it to our top list. For the price, we expected some more features and quality.

However, it has one thing unique, and that is its display. For the large screen and button images, anyone can operate it without any issue. Also, the removable parts are easier to clean and maintain.

So, those who are okay with a smaller capacity should check it out. If you have a soft corner for Hamilton, either get this one or the best budget model.

Click Here To View on Amazon

https://youtu.be/GqRtR8T8JwY

If you are a coffee lover then you have to know these things. You may check these articles.

How To Clean The Best Two Way Coffee Maker?

Our selected two-way coffee makers don’t require a lot of maintenance despite some minimal cleaning. Doing a routine clean-up will prevent building up scales in different parts. As a result, each cup you brew will have the best taste. Now, let’s see the best way to clean your machine.

https://youtu.be/1bqsmtMac1g
  1. Firstly, pour some water into the water tank, and the amount is 4 ounces.
  2. Secondly, get white vinegar and pour it into the water reservoir. You should measure the amount and don’t add more than 4 ounces.
  3. If the machine has an automatic cleaning option, it will only need a press of the ‘Clean’ button. Otherwise, choose the brewing option for 12 cups and wait until the whole cycle gets completed.
  4. After that, you have to repeat the process for the single-serve section. From the manufacturer’s user manual, you will know the measurement for vinegar and water to descale properly.
  5. Also, clean the k-pod holder and reusable filter every time after using it. You can either do it by hand or put them in the dishwasher.
  6. Finally, perform those same steps without the vinegar and only freshwater for both parts of the machine.

Remember that rinsing off the whole machine 3 times with fresh water is necessary to complete the cleaning process.

If you want to know that how to clean a coffee maker with bleach then you may check this one.

Best 2 Way Coffee Maker 3

How To Brew In A Two Way Coffee Maker?

You can brew the perfect cup every time using a 2 in 1 coffee maker k cup in three small steps.

Step 1: First of all, fill the water tank to its maximum and don’t cross the water tank line. Also, don’t fill it under the minimum marking.

Step 2: Now, either grind the beans or buy k-cups from your local grocery store. Use a paper filter or the reusable gold-tone filter to start the brewing process.

Step 3: Finally, press the buttons for the 12-cup or 1-cup option, set the timer, temperature, and wait for the cycle to be finished.

Do you want to know that what are the cheapest coffee brewing methods?

Conclusion

After the best 2 way coffee maker review, do you agree with our top pick? If so, get Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center as no other model comes with such features and an easy-cleaning option.

Though the price is slightly higher than the others, we recommend you not to pay too much attention to the price tag. But one can’t overlook the budget limit also. So, the wisest option is to get the less-expensive model named Cuisinart CHW-12P1.

You can check our latest articles:

Written By

Hi, welcome, I’m Mark a Chef. I'm the owner of Daily Kitchen Life. I have created Daily Kitchen Life to make it easier for you to decide on products to purchase through my detailed product guides. Thanks Mark C. Pettway

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Tea & Coffee

The Best 2 Way Coffee Maker 2023

Do you have a small single-serve coffee maker in your kitchen? Have you ever felt the need for a machine with more capacity during holidays?

No matter what it is, there is a perfect brewer in the market to meet all requirements. And the solution is to get a dual coffee machine. With the best 2 way coffee maker, you can brew faster, meet the demand, save time on maintenance, and brew exactly the way you want.

Based on our extensive research on different models, we have gathered all the information you need to find the best-suited one for your home. So, let’s begin with some knowledge base and advance to the review section.

Here’re our honest recommendations:

  1. Top Pick: Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center

All necessary features, standard values, reasonable price for quality and performance.

  1. Runner-Up: Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker

Doesn’t have self-clean, and water filter features. Large water tank than top pick.

  1. Best Budget: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker

Small water tank, below-standard features. Overall good performance for the price.

  1. Other Consideration: Cuisinart CHW-12P1

Not k-cup compatible.

  1. Other Consideration: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Thermal Coffee Maker

Less capacity, no filter, no auto cleaning, stainless-steel carafe

What Is A 2 Way Coffee Maker?

A two-way coffee maker is a hybrid of both single-serve machines and large ones. The large carafes can hold up to 12 cups that meet higher demands on the weekends. On the other hand, brew one cup on busy days and get going without thinking about turning it off.

There are other benefits of such machines that include keep-warm and programmable timer features. Moreover, they even come with k-cup compatibility so that you don’t have to spend time on grinding or maintenance. Overall, our selected models are capable of several customizable options to meet your requirements.

Why Do You Need A Dual Coffee Maker?

As you have known some info about the dual coffee makers, you can recall some of the situations where you badly needed such a machine. Here is a detailed list of reasons to get a two-way coffee brewer. Certainly, some or all of the points will match the solutions to your dire situations. 

  • Drip method to brew different drinks
  • A slower brewing process for multiple servings or
  • A quicker brewing process for single servings
  • K-cup compatibility for hassle-free brewing
  • Programmable timer for auto on or off functions
  • Customizable temperature, brew-size, and strength of the coffee

Before you get started with the best 2 way coffee maker reviews, please read the key features carefully. It will let you make a decision confidently.

Key Features Of The Best 2 Way Coffee Maker

Our buying guide of the best rated 2 way coffee maker will help you set your priorities and choose accordingly. We could recommend one model which is the best in the market. But it would either lack some features that you need or be overpriced. So, go through the must-have features below thoroughly.

Capacity

We don’t know whether it is a coincidence or not, the larger part of our top 3 models have a 12-cup capacity. They have options to select how many cups you want to brew. Similarly, the single-cup portion also has options to choose different cup sizes.

But if you choose a model with more than 10 cups of capacity, it will be enough for household uses. At the same time, make sure that the water reservoir has more than 40oz. capacity. It is necessary to meet the demand when your friends and family members are visiting.

Programmable Timer

The second-most important factor is to have the programmable timer option. It will let you set the time for automatically starting the brewing process. Also, the timer should be able to stop the machine after a certain period.

What is the benefit of the timer?

The smart circuitry will let you set the machine to brew in the morning before you wake up. Also, it will keep the drink warm in case of waking up late.

Likewise, you may be in a hurry some days and leave the machine running. Don’t worry as the energy-saving feature would keep it in standby mode. Moreover, the smart system would turn it off completely after detecting inactivity.

Customizations

The list of other options is a bit long, and please don’t skip this part. It includes,

  • Separate brewing options,
  • Pause-and-serve,
  • Keep-warm,
  • Temperature-control,
  • Several brew-sizes, and
  • Add-water indicator features

First of all, the operating process for different parts is expected in a dual coffee maker. It is because you wouldn’t need to use both portions at the same time.

The pause and pour feature can then get you to take a sip in the mid-brew without waiting for long.

After that, its keep-warm feature is also very important because one can’t drink 12 cups of beverage straight away. So, the carafe needs to stay hot for a reasonable time.

Now, you won’t get precise control over the temperature. But the low, medium, and high settings will do the job. For example, the high-temperature setting is necessary for adding milk after brewing, and low-setting is for those who want to drink right away.

Finally, several brew-size buttons will let you decide how many cups or how much is needed. The add-water indicator’s purpose is to let you know when to refill the water reservoir.

Cleaning

Maintenance is a big concern for all machines because they can take a considerable amount of time. For everyday uses, you only have to clean the filters and baskets.

After a few weeks, descale the whole machine, which is easy in our top-pick model. The auto-clean button on the front runs a cleaning cycle throughout the brewer and describes all the parts.

However, it is still possible to perform the cycles manually in other models. We have prepared a guide that is given at the end to help you with the cleaning.

Filters

There are two types of filters in a 2 way coffee machine. One is used to extract the ground coffee, and the other is used to clean the water. The standards are gold-tone and charcoal filters, respectively.

Both are equally important to enhance the taste of the coffee. If you see that none of the filters are available in your selected model, it will be wise to buy a gold-tone filter matching your model. Similarly, use a pre-filter before pouring the water into the water tank.

Compatibility

Now, you will notice that all of the models accept freshly ground coffee for the best taste. But not all of them support k-pods or k-cups which is a concern for a lot of people. They don’t have the time to grind the beans and look for a ready-made solution. So, choose the model that is compatible with little pods, which are also easier to clean.

Variety of Drinks

Enjoying different drinks is another reason to buy this type of coffee brewer. For getting a cup of freshly ground coffee, pre-ground k-cup brew, tea, or other beverages, you won’t need to buy separate machines. So, check out the details of the models that have versatile functionalities.

Ease-of-Use

The complexity or simplicity of a coffee maker is another factor to consider. With so many options, our top selected models may seem complicated at first. But using it for a day or two, you will get the hang of it.

Build Material

Here, it includes the material of the carafe and the rest of the body. For carafe, glass is the best material as it doesn’t affect the drink’s taste at all.

When it comes to body material, it is a fact that the majority of manufacturers use plastic. They are BPA-free; so, there is nothing harmful to your health. But those who are used to cafe-quality beverages can immediately tell the difference in taste.

Unfortunately, we don’t have any option other than accepting the plastic parts. However, tripling the budget might get you a decent-quality coffee maker.

Overall Design

The look and dimension of the brewer should be the least concerning the item in your checklist. One of the main benefits of choosing the best 2 way coffee maker is to get more options than the full-size brewers in the same budget range.

So, there are no complaints against the size or dimension of the selected products in the review. However, be careful about button placement and showerhead design. If you plan to place the machine in a corner without much room on the top, you will have to pause and think. It is because K-Duo, the runner-up model, has buttons on the top section.

And it is true for similar-design models. On the other hand, the showerhead design is important to ensure proper extraction. So, choose a model that has a large shower head with lots of holes.

Chart

Properties

Must-have Characteristics

Water Tank Capacity

40 oz. or more

Brew Capacity

10 cups or more

Programmable Timer

Yes

Separate Brew Options

Yes

Pause and Serve

Yes

Self-clean

Yes

Bold Coffee

Yes

Auto-Shutoff

Yes

Charcoal water filter

Yes

K-Cup Compatibility

Yes

Keep-Warm

Yes

Gold-Tone Filter

Yes

Carafe

Glass

BPA-Free Plastic

Yes

The Best 2 Way Coffee Maker​ Comparison Table

Editor's Pick
Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers 3-Sizes: 6-Ounces, 8-Ounces and 10-Ounces, Stainless Steel, SS-15P1
Runner’s Up
Keurig K-Duo Single Serve K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker, Black
Best Budget
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (49980R)
Other Considerations
Cuisinart Plus 12-Cup Hot Water Coffee Maker, Black/Stainless
Other Considerations
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 10c Thermal Pot, Black and Stainless
Product's Name
Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers 3-Sizes: 6-Ounces, 8-Ounces and 10-Ounces, Stainless Steel, SS-15P1
Keurig K-Duo Single Serve K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker, Black
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (49980R)
Cuisinart Plus 12-Cup Hot Water Coffee Maker, Black/Stainless
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 10c Thermal Pot, Black and Stainless
Water Tank Capacity
40
60
48
54
32
Brew Capacity
12
12
12
12
10
Programmable Timer
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Self-clean
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Bold Coffee
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Charcoal water filter
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Yes
Compatible
Yes
Compatible
Yes
Carafe
Glass
Glass
Glass
Glass
Stainless-Steel
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Prime
-
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
-
-
Available
Editor's Pick
Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers 3-Sizes: 6-Ounces, 8-Ounces and 10-Ounces, Stainless Steel, SS-15P1
Product's Name
Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers 3-Sizes: 6-Ounces, 8-Ounces and 10-Ounces, Stainless Steel, SS-15P1
Water Tank Capacity
40
Brew Capacity
12
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
Yes
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
Yes
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Yes
Carafe
Glass
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
-
Available
Runner’s Up
Keurig K-Duo Single Serve K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker, Black
Product's Name
Keurig K-Duo Single Serve K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker, Black
Water Tank Capacity
60
Brew Capacity
12
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
No
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
No
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Compatible
Carafe
Glass
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
Amazon Prime
Available
Best Budget
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (49980R)
Product's Name
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (49980R)
Water Tank Capacity
48
Brew Capacity
12
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
No
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
No
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Yes
Carafe
Glass
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
Amazon Prime
Available
Other Considerations
Cuisinart Plus 12-Cup Hot Water Coffee Maker, Black/Stainless
Product's Name
Cuisinart Plus 12-Cup Hot Water Coffee Maker, Black/Stainless
Water Tank Capacity
54
Brew Capacity
12
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
Yes
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
Yes
K-Cup Compatibility
No
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Compatible
Carafe
Glass
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
-
Available
Other Considerations
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 10c Thermal Pot, Black and Stainless
Product's Name
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 10c Thermal Pot, Black and Stainless
Water Tank Capacity
32
Brew Capacity
10
Programmable Timer
Yes
Separate Brew Options
Yes
Pause and Serve
Yes
Self-clean
No
Bold Coffee
Yes
Auto Shutoff
Yes
Charcoal water filter
No
K-Cup Compatibility
Yes
Keep-Warm
Yes
Gold Tone Filter
Yes
Carafe
Stainless-Steel
BPA-Free Plastic
Yes
Prime
-
Available

Last update on 2024-01-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Top Pick: Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center


Click Here To View on Amazon

What We Like

  • 3-size single servings
  • Customizable coffee strength
  • Gold-tone reusable filter
  • Charcoal water filter

Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center is the best 2 way coffee maker for its quality, performance, and customizable options. It has everything that one expects from a dual brewer, including k-cup compatibility.

K-cup compatibility is important to ensure fast and hassle-free brewing. Besides, the auto-clean feature of the model saves some more time on the overall cleaning process. Lazy coffee-lovers like ourselves love this Coffee Center for those reasons.

If you are not that patient, you can take the glass carafe in mid-brew and have a sip almost instantly. Every time, the machine would provide rich-flavored brew to refresh your mind right away.

Here, the gold-tone filter is partially responsible for the good taste. Optimum and balanced extraction is also necessary, and its practical showerhead design makes sure of that. After brewing, the taste degrades over time but not on this machine.

The keep-warm feature saves the day by maintaining the temperature of the carafe. Now, let’s talk about the programmable options that include a timer, coffee strength, brew size, auto on/off, and temperature control.

You can set any specific hour to brew automatically, and the machine would stop without anyone’s intervention. Also, temperature control is really helpful for making other beverages.

Though it comes with reusable filters in both parts, it is possible to use one-time paper filters. Overall, Cuisinart has designed this compact machine considering all of your requirements.

So, is this the best thing you can get?

Yes, because there are no other models that reliably provide coffee whenever you need it. If you compare Cuisinart Coffee Center with other brands, you will notice that others are missing one or another necessary function.

Long story short, eliminate the hassle of going to a café by buying this frustration-free brewer for a reasonable price.

Summary:
Programmable timer, customizable coffee strength, easy maintenance, and high-quality brewing make this coffee maker with a k-cup option convenient for people of all ages.

Specification:

  • Water Tank Capacity: 60 oz.
  • Carafe Size: 12 cups
  • Carafe Material: Glass
  • Brew Sizes: 6, 8, and 10
  • Dimension: 10.13 x 10.38 x 14.25
  • Weight: 12.2 pounds
Pros
  • Pour a cup in the middle of the brewing
  • Cleans the water for better taste
  • Auto on and off function
  • Showerhead design for even extraction
Cons
  • Single-serve section needs improvement in design

Click Here To View on Amazon

 

2. Runner-Up: Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker

Click Here To View on Amazon

What We Like

  • Large 60 oz. water tank
  • Mid-brew pause and pour option
  • Programmable auto-brew
  • Removable drip tray

More popularity, larger water tank, and smart, compact design of Keurig K-Duo could easily earn it in the first place. But the lack of some features didn’t let us pick it as the top. Among them, poor carafe design, odd button placement, no auto cleaning, and lack of water filter are the notable ones.

Also, you won’t be able to use fresh grounds in the single-serve portion. Despite all other praise-worthy features, reliable build-quality, and a very reasonable price, we had to pick Cuisinart Coffee Center over K-Duo.

So, should I still consider it?

Yes, you should because there are plenty of reasons that make Keurig K-Duo one of the best 2 way coffee maker k-cups. From programmable timer to choosing the brew’s strength, you can use all the other necessary options.

When brewing for the party, press the buttons on top, selecting 6 to 12 cups according to the need. Similarly, the single-cup option has 6 to 12 ounces of different fill sizes. Adjust the drip tray and fill your travel mug with 12 oz. brew to enjoy the work journey.

Operating this machine is easy because the buttons have large markings for certain functionalities. Save even more time using either paper filters on the carafe side or k-pods on the single-serve side.

Summary:
Its multiple brew sizes, pause-and-pour, auto brew, keep warm, and quick brewing features have got our attention. The overall design of K-Duo focuses on compactness and low-maintenance. If those are everything you wish for, please check out more details to make a final decision.

Specification:

  • Water Tank Capacity: 60 oz.
  • Carafe Size: 12 cups
  • Carafe Material: Glass
  • Brew Sizes: 6, 8, 10, and 12
  • Dimension: 12.92” x 10.94” x 12.76”
  • Weight: 14.37 pounds
Pros
  • Removable tray allows travel mugs
  • Doesn’t take much space
  • Fast warming
  • Easy cleaning
  • Buttons and controls are on the top
Cons
  • The carafe design needs improvement

Click Here To View on Amazon

https://youtu.be/qgCcxYjcHbY

3. Best Budget: Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker

Click Here To View on Amazon

What We Like:

  • Filter that works as a scoop
  • Programmable timer
  • Easy-to-use functionality
  • Adjustable drip tray

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a less expensive model in a budget section. As the runner-up model, K-Duo is available with a discount, and it has matched the cost of Hamilton Beach. Despite the same features and price, we have selected Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker as a budget model as an alternative to the runner-up.

Will it be wise to go for this model?

The answer is both yes and no, as there are some factors you need to consider. When it comes to quality and reliability compared to the price, you should not select this one. But when you are not so happy with the missing features of the K-Duo, you wouldn’t be able to hate Hamilton Beach.

The main complaint of the K-Duo is about the single-serve portion, which has only the K-pod option. Not only that, but it also makes a mess while pouring the drink.

On the other hand, Hamilton Beach has a uniquely designed drip tray. The customizable tray is capable of placing large travel mugs and small cups close to the dispensing nozzle.

Also, you can have the option to extract freshly ground beans using the reusable gold-tone filter. That filter also works as a scoop with measurement indicators.

Besides, the buttons and display are placed conveniently on the front. All other features and functionalities are the same and easily accessible. So, every member of your family can use it without facing any issue.

Summary:
Better single-serve design, simple operation, and practical design make Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker one of the best budget models.

Specification:

  • Water Tank Capacity: 48 oz.
  • Carafe Size: 12 cups
  • Carafe Material: Glass
  • Brew Sizes: N/A
  • Dimension: 10.63 x 12.2 x 13.7
  • Weight: 10.6 pounds
Pros
  • Special adjustment for small cup
  • Easy operation
  • Easy cleaning
Cons
  • Flimsy material

Click Here To View on Amazon

https://youtu.be/IIfY64_3m8c

Other Considerations:

4. Cuisinart CHW-12P1 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

Click Here To View on Amazon

Right after the first glance, you might wonder why we haven’t put it in the best budget section. The main big reason is that instead of serving a single-cup like others, it dispenses hot water. Don’t think that it is useless as you can still make other beverages.

Also, it is compatible with the k-cups making it more convenient for busy people. If you see the product comparison chart, you will notice that it has all other good and useful features as the top pick.

Cuisinart CHW-12P1 is a reliable brewer that meets the high demand throughout the day and week. If you are okay with the lack of fast brewing options, we highly recommend this product that won’t cost more than 100 bucks.

Click Here To View on Amazon

https://youtu.be/3qWl9Lsuuak

Are you a coffee lover? can you use heavy whipping cream in coffee?

5. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Thermal Coffee Maker

Click Here To View on Amazon

Less water tank capacity, no water filter, no auto cleaning, low-quality build, and flimsy plastic are the main reasons it couldn’t make it to our top list. For the price, we expected some more features and quality.

However, it has one thing unique, and that is its display. For the large screen and button images, anyone can operate it without any issue. Also, the removable parts are easier to clean and maintain.

So, those who are okay with a smaller capacity should check it out. If you have a soft corner for Hamilton, either get this one or the best budget model.

Click Here To View on Amazon

https://youtu.be/GqRtR8T8JwY

If you are a coffee lover then you have to know these things. You may check these articles.

How To Clean The Best Two Way Coffee Maker?

Our selected two-way coffee makers don’t require a lot of maintenance despite some minimal cleaning. Doing a routine clean-up will prevent building up scales in different parts. As a result, each cup you brew will have the best taste. Now, let’s see the best way to clean your machine.

https://youtu.be/1bqsmtMac1g
  1. Firstly, pour some water into the water tank, and the amount is 4 ounces.
  2. Secondly, get white vinegar and pour it into the water reservoir. You should measure the amount and don’t add more than 4 ounces.
  3. If the machine has an automatic cleaning option, it will only need a press of the ‘Clean’ button. Otherwise, choose the brewing option for 12 cups and wait until the whole cycle gets completed.
  4. After that, you have to repeat the process for the single-serve section. From the manufacturer’s user manual, you will know the measurement for vinegar and water to descale properly.
  5. Also, clean the k-pod holder and reusable filter every time after using it. You can either do it by hand or put them in the dishwasher.
  6. Finally, perform those same steps without the vinegar and only freshwater for both parts of the machine.

Remember that rinsing off the whole machine 3 times with fresh water is necessary to complete the cleaning process.

If you want to know that how to clean a coffee maker with bleach then you may check this one.

Best 2 Way Coffee Maker 3

How To Brew In A Two Way Coffee Maker?

You can brew the perfect cup every time using a 2 in 1 coffee maker k cup in three small steps.

Step 1: First of all, fill the water tank to its maximum and don’t cross the water tank line. Also, don’t fill it under the minimum marking.

Step 2: Now, either grind the beans or buy k-cups from your local grocery store. Use a paper filter or the reusable gold-tone filter to start the brewing process.

Step 3: Finally, press the buttons for the 12-cup or 1-cup option, set the timer, temperature, and wait for the cycle to be finished.

Do you want to know that what are the cheapest coffee brewing methods?

Conclusion

After the best 2 way coffee maker review, do you agree with our top pick? If so, get Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center as no other model comes with such features and an easy-cleaning option.

Though the price is slightly higher than the others, we recommend you not to pay too much attention to the price tag. But one can’t overlook the budget limit also. So, the wisest option is to get the less-expensive model named Cuisinart CHW-12P1.

You can check our latest articles:

Written By

Hi, welcome, I’m Mark a Chef. I'm the owner of Daily Kitchen Life. I have created Daily Kitchen Life to make it easier for you to decide on products to purchase through my detailed product guides. Thanks Mark C. Pettway

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