Do you dream of the perfect morning brew, but your kitchen counter looks like a tangled mess of single-use gadgets? Many coffee lovers face the daily struggle: do you want the speed of a single-serve pod machine, or the rich flavor of a traditional drip brewer? Trying to fit both into a small space often feels impossible, leading to cluttered counters and frustrating compromises on your caffeine fix.
Choosing the right coffee maker combination is tricky. You want convenience without sacrificing taste, and you need a machine that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Stop settling for mediocre coffee just because you lack space or time! This post dives deep into the world of combo coffee makers.
We will break down the best features, compare popular models, and show you exactly how to find the ultimate all-in-one brewing station. Ready to declutter your kitchen and upgrade your mornings? Keep reading to discover the perfect coffee maker combination built just for you.
Top Coffee Maker Combination 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.
- 3 WAYS TO BREW: Brew a single cup with a pod or coffee grounds or brew up to 12 cups using your favorite ground coffee. To brew one serving, you have the option to brew up to a 10 oz. cup with a pod or brew up to 14 oz., 7" tall travel mug with coffee grounds.
- FAST BREWING: In the morning, every second counts. The FlexBrew TRIO Coffee Machine with 12 Cup Thermal Carafe prepares an 8 oz. cup of coffee in about 90 seconds, so you have more time to enjoy your coffee.
- BREW 7 SINGLE SERVINGS WITHOUT REFILLING: Enjoy a quick cup of coffee without stopping to pour water into your coffee maker. The removable 56 oz. water reservoir of this thermal carafe coffee maker saves you time because it needs fewer refills.
- KEEPS COFFEE HOT AND FRESH LONGER: Pour 12 cups of hot, fresh-tasting coffee with the stainless steel thermal carafe. Because it insulates hot coffee without the need for a heating plate, there's no fear of coffee losing its fresh, just-brewed flavor.
- 5 SINGLE-SERVE SIZES: Customize the brewing size to your cup. Simply select 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 oz. before you brew with ground coffee or choose 6, 8 or 10 oz. when brewing with a pod — you'll get the perfect amount in your cup.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- HOW YOU BREW IS UP TO YOU: Iced or hot — single cup or carafe — this 5-in-1 brewer fits every taste and mood. Brew a cup of iced or hot coffee with a K-Cup* pod or ground coffee, or make a carafe of hot coffee with your favorite ground coffee.
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN IS OVER 40% NARROWER**: This 12 cup coffee maker gives you the slim footprint of a single cup brewer, yet has a thermal carafe on its side. Brew a quick cup or travel mug on the front or make multiple cups when it's time for more.
- DUAL-POSITION 60 OZ. REMOVABLE WATER RESERVOIR: The water reservoir can be placed on the back or side to best fit your space. Its large 60 oz. capacity lets you brew 12 cups in the thermal carafe or up to 7 single servings without refilling.
- KEEPS COFFEE HOT AND FRESH LONGER: Pour yourself multiple cups of hot, fresh-tasting coffee from the 12 cup stainless steel thermal carafe. The BPA-free, insulated design keeps coffee hot and fresh without the need for a heating plate.
- WAKE UP TO A SINGLE CUP OR 12 CUPS: This thermal carafe coffee maker has Auto Brew to let you wake up to a fresh-brewed single cup or up to 12 cups in the carafe. You can control the strength of your coffee with regular and bold brewing options.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Coffee Maker Combinations
A coffee maker combination is a fantastic machine! It usually mixes a regular drip coffee maker with a single-serve brewer, like a Keurig style. This lets you make a whole pot for guests or just one quick cup for yourself. Choosing the right one can be tricky. This guide helps you pick the best machine for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important parts. They make a big difference in how you use your machine every day.
1. Brewing Capacity and Type
- Drip Side Capacity: How many cups can the carafe hold? Common sizes are 10 or 12 cups. Bigger families need bigger pots.
- Single-Serve Options: Does it use K-Cups or pods? Some higher-end models let you use your own grounds with a reusable filter instead of pods. This saves money and is better for the planet.
2. Programmability and Timer
This feature is a lifesaver! Look for a fully programmable timer. You can set it the night before. Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee is the best way to start the day. A good machine lets you set the brew strength too.
3. Carafe Type
- Glass Carafe: These are common. They let you see how much coffee is left. They usually sit on a hot plate to keep the coffee warm.
- Thermal Carafe: These are made of stainless steel. They keep coffee hot for hours without burning it on a hot plate. Thermal carafes often keep the coffee tasting better for longer periods.
4. Water Reservoir
Is the water tank removable? A removable tank makes filling and cleaning much easier. If the tank is built-in, you must pour water in from the top, which can sometimes spill.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used affect the machine’s look, durability, and how clean your coffee tastes.
Plastic vs. Stainless Steel
Most machines use plastic housing. Look for BPA-free plastic, especially around the water paths. Stainless steel parts, like the carafe or trim, look nice and last longer. Avoid cheap, flimsy plastic parts near the heating element.
Filter Baskets
Check if the filter basket is gold-tone (reusable) or if it needs paper filters. Reusable filters are convenient, but paper filters offer the cleanest taste because they catch more fine grounds.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
These details separate a good machine from a great one.
Brew Strength Settings
Some machines let you choose “Regular” or “Bold.” The Bold setting usually slows down the water flow over the grounds. This lets the coffee steep longer, resulting in a stronger, richer flavor. This is a major quality booster.
Temperature Control (The Hidden Factor)
Great coffee brews around 195°F to 205°F. Cheaper machines often run too cool, leading to weak, sour coffee. Higher-quality combinations maintain a consistent, hot temperature throughout the brew cycle.
Cleaning Ease
If cleaning is hard, you won’t use the machine often. Look for parts that go into the dishwasher (like the filter basket or drip tray). Descaling (removing mineral buildup) should be simple. Many good machines have a “Clean” indicator light.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *how* you will use the machine every day.
The Busy Morning User
If you rush out the door, prioritize programmability and a fast single-serve option. You want your coffee ready instantly, or you want to press one button for a travel mug.
The Entertainer/Family User
If you host brunch or have a large family, focus on the large carafe capacity and the thermal carafe option. You need to keep a large volume of coffee hot and tasting good for a long time.
Counter Space Consideration
Combination makers take up more space than a single brewer. Measure your counter space before you buy. Make sure you have enough room above the machine to lift the lid and pour in water.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Coffee Maker Combinations
Q: Do combination coffee makers brew both sides at the same time?
A: No, usually not. You brew the pot first, or you brew the single cup. You switch a setting or a lever to select which side you want to use.
Q: Are combination machines harder to clean than regular drip makers?
A: They require a little more attention because they have two separate systems. Make sure the single-serve area is easy to access for cleaning out used pods.
Q: Can I use my favorite coffee grounds in the single-serve side?
A: Many models include a reusable filter cup for the single-serve side. This lets you use your own ground coffee instead of buying expensive pods.
Q: Which carafe type keeps coffee hot the longest?
A: The thermal (stainless steel) carafe keeps coffee hot for hours without needing a heating plate. Glass carafes rely on the hot plate, which can sometimes “cook” the coffee flavor.
Q: What does “12-cup capacity” really mean?
A: Standard coffee cups are small, usually 5 ounces. A 12-cup machine makes about 60 ounces of coffee, which is less than 8 full standard mugs.
Q: Are these machines more expensive than single brewers?
A: Yes, generally they cost more because they have two complete brewing systems built into one unit.
Q: What is the most important feature for strong coffee?
A: Look for a machine with a “Bold” or “Strength Selector” setting. This adjusts the brewing time for a richer taste.
Q: How do I stop mineral buildup (scale) in the machine?
A: You must run a vinegar and water solution through the machine every few months. This process is called descaling.
Q: Do I need different filters for each side?
A: Usually, yes. The drip side needs a large basket filter (paper or permanent). The single-serve side uses a smaller pod or reusable K-cup style filter.
Q: How much counter space should I measure?
A: Measure the width and depth. Also, measure the height to the bottom of your cabinets. You must have room to lift the lid to add water.