An Ultimate Guide: Best 2-way coffee makers [2020 edition]

Bottom line

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is extremely convenient if you are looking for the top 2-way coffee maker. The machine is extremely adjustable and can brew any beverage size from a small cup to a large 10-cup carafe. The machine is pod-free, which means slightly less convenience but more environmental consciousness. In addition to coffee, Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System can brew tea. The coffee maker is easy to use thanks to the Auto-IQ technology, as the machine detects whether we want to brew coffee (orange filter holder) or tea (green filter holder). Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System comes with settings to regulate bloom time and strength. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System can be ordered in two different models: with glass carafe (CP301) or with thermal carafe (CP307). Overall, we love this machine and recommend it as the best 2-way coffee maker.

Bottom line

Hamilton Beach 49980A coffee maker combines a single cup and a full carafe at fantastic $-$$ price point. This best 2-way coffee maker offers an extraordinary price-to-value ratio. On a single cup portion, 49980A can brew anything from a small cup to a full travel mug. On a drip coffee side, the machine can brew a carafe of up to 12 cups. Furthermore, the machine is pod-free (aka not compatible with k-cups), and only takes coffee grounds. Though there might be less convenience for some, coffee aficionados love 49980A for its environmental consciousness. This Hamilton Beach coffee maker comes with a couple of interesting features that improve convenience and coffee flavor. The carafe side of machine is programmable (24 hours in advance). Both sides (single serve and a drip coffee) allow to select desired strength (bold/classic).

Bottom line

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 49950C coffee maker is a step up from 49980A. The machine is among the best 2-way coffee makers. It can brew a full 12-cup carafe and a single cup in various sizes (from a small cup to a travel mug). The single serve portion offers unparalleled flexibility; it is compatible with k-cups and other coffee pods, and it takes coffee grounds, too. The machine is visually pleasing with stainless-steel accents. Hamilton Beach installed a lot of functions in 49950C: full programmability on a drip coffee side (24 hours in advance), strength control (for richer and bolder coffee), and 2 separate water reservoirs (1 for drip portion, and 1 for a single cup). The machine is easy to use, but comes with non-removable water reservoirs.

Bottom line

Cuisinart Coffee Center (S15) is among the best 2-way coffee machines. The machine is very similar to Hamilton Beach 49950C, but sells for a much higher price (expect a $$$$ price tag!). We love the external appearance of the machine. It combines stainless steel, and feels sturdy. Coffee Center can brew a full carafe (up to 12 cups) and a single cup (in 3 sizes: 6oz, 8oz and 10oz). Just like Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 49950C, Cuisinart Coffee Center has 2 separate water reservoirs. However, unlike other two-way coffee makers, we do not need to refill a single serve portion each time we brew in the Cuisinart Coffee Center. Both reservoirs are non-removable and difficult to access. Cuisinart Coffee Center gives more control in the brewing process: strength control (bold/classic coffee), temperature control (hotter / cooler water), and programmability (24 hours in advance). However, the machine is extremely expensive in comparison with other best two way coffee makers.

Bottom line

Braun’s MultiServe coffee maker is a true multi-purpose coffee machine. It brews coffee in 7 different sizes: from a single cup of 5oz to a full carafe of 10 cups. In addition, it can brew hot and cold coffee beverages. The machine allows to regulate strength, from light to bold. Therefore, those who appreciate a variety of coffee flavors may particularly enjoy the machine. Further, MultiServe comes with a temperature sensor system, which guarantees nearly perfect brewing temperatures and temperature stability throughout the brewing process. We were also impressed with the speed the machine can brew coffee. The machine comes at a higher price tag, but we feel the MultiServe coffee maker comes with an extraordinary price-to-value ratio.

Bottom line

Keurig K-Duo review is an innovative machine in the Keurig portfolio, as it incorporates a single cup (k-cup) and a carafe (ground coffee). It is important to note that a single serve portion is compatible with k-cups and coffee pods only. It does not take coffee grounds. There’s a large variety of brew sizes on both sides. A carafe can brew 6, 8, 10, or 12 cups of coffee, while a single serve portion can fill up 6oz, 8oz, 10oz and 12oz (so anything from a smaller cup to a larger travel mug). The machine is convenient to use, with only 5 buttons to control the machine. The machine allows to control the strength of coffee for stronger and richer flavors. We also love that there’s one shared water reservoir! Makes re-filling and brewing easier. We feel that the price-to-value is decent, though the machine is rather expensive for fairly basic features.