Ever feel like your kitchen counter is hosting a small appliance convention? Between the single-serve pod machine, the drip brewer, and maybe a French press, it’s a lot of real estate for one beverage. That’s where the modern combination coffee maker really shines, promising to consolidate your caffeine sources into one sleek unit. It’s a tempting idea for anyone who craves variety without the clutter.
But does a machine that tries to do it all actually do any of it well? We’ve been testing one of the top models to see if it can truly replace your dedicated brewers. Let’s dive into whether this all-in-one wonder is a space-saving dream or a compromise you’ll regret every morning.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Combination Coffee Maker
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Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with…
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9.7 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass…
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9.5 |
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Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Single Serve & Carafe…
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9.3 |
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Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker, Single-Serve…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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De’Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine…
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8.9 |
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Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Brewer Glass Carafe, Automatic…
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8.7 |
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Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve Coffee…
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8.5 |
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Ninja Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew…
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8.3 |
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Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, 3…
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8.1 |
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Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with…
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7.9 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Combination Coffee Maker
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 12c Pot, Black – Fast Brewing (49902)
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker (49902) is designed for households where not everyone drinks the same amount or type of coffee at the same time. It combines a full 12-cup drip machine with a fast single-serve brewer, giving you three total brewing methods in one compact unit. You can brew a full pot of coffee for the group, or make a single cup using your own ground coffee, or use a convenient K-Cup pod.
This flexibility means you don’t need two separate machines taking up counter space. Mornings are faster with the single-serve side. It brews a fresh cup in about 90 seconds, which is quicker than many older combo machines. You won’t be constantly refilling the water tank either, as the large 56 oz. reservoir can make up to seven single cups before it needs more water. For the single-serve side, you have five size options (6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 oz. with grounds; 6, 8, or 10 oz.
with a pod) to match your favorite mug perfectly. The cup rest is cleverly designed—it holds a standard mug securely and is removable for taller travel mugs up to 7 inches. There’s even a storage compartment inside it to keep the pod holder or brew basket tucked neatly away. The 12-cup side offers traditional convenience with some helpful modern touches. You can program it the night before using the easy-touch controls and backlit display, so a full, hot pot is ready when you wake up.
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass Carafe And Single Serve Coffee Maker, Black with Stainless Steel Accents, 49980RG
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 49980RG, is designed for households where not everyone wants the same amount of coffee at the same time. Its core idea is flexibility, letting you choose between a single, fresh cup or a full 12-cup pot without needing two separate machines taking up counter space.
You have two completely independent brewers in one unit. On one side, you can brew a full pot into the included glass carafe.
On the other, you can make a single serving directly into your favorite mug or travel cup, up to 14 ounces. Each side has its own, dedicated water reservoir with a clear window, so filling and checking levels is straightforward and you never mix up the water for a pot with the water for a cup.
Making a single cup is simple. The machine comes with a reusable mesh scoop. You just scoop your own ground coffee into it, place it in the brewer, and start your cup.
This approach is a key part of the design—it doesn’t use any disposable plastic pods. That means you can buy any bag of ground coffee you prefer, which often costs less per cup than pods, and you’ll have a lot less plastic waste. It’s a more economical and eco-friendly way to enjoy single-serve coffee, though it’s important to note it is not compatible with K-Cup pods.
You have control over your brew.
Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker, MultiStream Technology, 72oz Reservoir (Gen 2)
The Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker (Gen 2) is designed for households where coffee preferences vary. Its core idea is simple: it combines two brewers in one. You can brew a quick single cup using a K-Cup pod or your own grounds, or make a full 12-cup carafe for a group or for your daily supply. This flexibility means no one has to compromise on their preferred style. A key feature is the MultiStream Technology.
It uses multiple streams of water to saturate K-Cup grounds more evenly. This aims to extract a fuller flavor and aroma in every single cup you brew, whether its hot or iced. For iced drinks, the ‘Brew Over Ice’ function is a thoughtful touch. It adjusts the brewing temperature and volume to create a concentrate, so your iced coffee or tea has maximum flavor without getting watered down by excessive ice melt.
When you need a more intense cup, the Strong Brew button increases the strength for single servings. There’s also an Extra Hot function for those who prefer their coffee piping hot right from the brewer. The front-facing control panel makes all these options easy to select. You can brew single cups in 6 to 12 ounce sizes, and carafes from 6 to 12 cups. The included 12-cup glass carafe is designed to limit drips and mess. Convenience is a major theme.
Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Pods Compatible, Coffeemaker, Three Brewing Sizes, SS-4N1NAS, Black
The Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker (SS-4N1NAS, Black) is designed to be the only coffee machine you need on your counter. It consolidates four different brewing methods into one sleek, space-saving unit. If your household has varied coffee tastes or if you enjoy different styles throughout the day, this machine aims to simplify your routine without compromise. At its core, it’s a full 12-cup programmable drip coffeemaker.
You can set it the night before and wake to a fresh pot. It includes a commercial-style permanent gold-tone filter and a charcoal water filter to ensure clean, great-tasting coffee. The Brew Pause feature lets you sneak a cup before the cycle finishes, and the adjustable Keep Warm function maintains your coffee’s temperature for up to four hours. You can even tailor the brew strength to match your preference for a lighter or more robust pot of coffee.
Where it truly becomes a “Barista Bar” is in its single-serve versatility. On one side, it features a pod brewer compatible with Keurig K-Cup pods and other similar brands. It offers three cup sizes—6, 8, and 10 ounces—giving you control over the strength of your single cup. On the other side, a separate Nespresso OriginalLine-style capsule brewer handles your espresso needs.
De'Longhi UPGRADED All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine + Advanced Adjustable Milk Frother for Cappuccino & Latte + Glass Coffee Pot 10-Cup, COM532M black
The De’Longhi COM532M All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine is designed to be the central hub of your morning routine, merging the convenience of a drip coffee maker with the authentic capabilities of an espresso machine. Its core innovation is the Dual Heating System, which means you don’t have to choose between coffee and espresso.
You can brew a full 10-cup pot of coffee and pull a shot of espresso at the exact same time, eliminating any waiting and streamlining your process whether your making a quick latte or serving a group.
For espresso lovers, the heart of the machine is it’s Italian 15 BAR pressure pump. This professional-level pressure is key to extracting the rich, complex flavors and that signature crema from your coffee grounds, giving you a authentic espresso base for all your drinks.
That espresso becomes a canvas for your favorite milk-based creations thanks to the Advanced Steam Wand. It features two specialized settings: one for creating silky micro-foam perfect for lattes, and a dedicated Cappuccino setting that froths milk to a thicker, airier texture for that classic cappuccino experience right at home.
Customization is a major theme here.
Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Brewer Glass Carafe, Automatic Hot & Iced Coffee Machine, Brew Strength Control and Brew Pause, SS-16, Stainless Steel
The Cuisinart SS-16 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Single-Serve Brewer is designed for households where coffee preferences vary. It combines the convenience of a single-serve machine with the capacity of a full carafe brewer, giving you flexibility without needing two separate appliances. For single servings, this machine is highly adaptable. It accepts any brand of single-cup pod, including popular Keurig K-Cup pods, so your don’t have to commit to one brand.
It also includes a reusable HomeBarista filter cup, letting you use your own fresh ground coffee for five different serving sizes from 4 to 12 ounces. When you need more coffee, the 12-cup glass carafe is ready. The carafe has a sleek stainless steel handle and a matching glass body, designed to look good on your counter. Remember, a “cup” here is about 5 ounces, so the carafe holds roughly 60 ounces total. Functionality is a key focus.
Cuisinart states this model brews coffee up to 25 percent faster than their standard 12-cup makers, which is a nice time save in the morning. The 42-ounce removable water reservoir is easy to fill and track with its easy-view water window. The machine includes a charcoal water filter to help reduce impurities for a cleaner tasting cup. Several programmable features give you control over your brew.
Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve Coffee Maker and Drip Coffee Machine, DualBrew Pro Specialty 12-Cup with K-Cup Combo, Includes Permanent Filter, CFP307
The Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee Maker, model CFP307, is designed to be the main coffee station in your kitchen. It consolidates several machines into one, aiming to match your specific coffee mood each morning. It works with both your favorite bag of ground coffee and standard K-Cup pods, giving you flexibility depending on whether you want a single cup or a full pot.
You have a lot of control over your brew.
For ground coffee, you can choose from five cup sizes, including options for a travel mug or an extra-large mug. If you’re making a carafe for the family, there are four sizes up to a full 12 cups. When you use a pod, you can select from four brew sizes as well. A notable feature is the permanent, reusable filter included for ground coffee.
It’s meant to let more of the coffees natural oils through, which can give you a richer, more robust cup similar to what you’d get from a French press, and you won’t need to buy paper filters anymore.
This machine offers four distinct brew styles to tailor the flavor. Classic is the standard setting, while Rich intensifies the taste. The Over Ice setting is optimized for brewing directly over ice so your iced coffee doesn’t get watered down.
Ninja Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System, Coffee Machine Compatible with K-Cup Pods, 12 Cup Single Serve Coffee Makers with Paper Filter, CFP301
The Ninja DualBrew Pro CFP301 is designed for coffee drinkers who want one machine to handle it all. It’s a dual coffee maker that works with both your favorite K-Cup pods and traditional ground coffee, giving you serious flexibility right from the start.
You get a total of 13 brew size options. For grounds, choose from a small cup, an XL mug, a travel mug, or an XL travel mug, plus four carafe sizes from a quarter to a full 12-cup pot.
For pods, it brews four sizes from 6 to 12 ounces. This means you can make exactly the amount you need, whether your brewing for just yourself or for a group. It’s also notably fast, brewing a pod quicker than a leading Keurig machine when you first start it up, which is great for busy mornings.
Flavor control is in your hands with four brew styles.
Pick Classic for a well-rounded cup, Rich for more intensity, Over Ice for coffee that won’t get watered down, or Specialty for a concentrated brew. This Specialty setting is key—it makes a strong coffee concentrate that you can use as a base for homemade lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos. There’s also a dedicated setting for tea, ensuring you get hot water without any coffee taste.
A separate hot water system is a really useful feature.
Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, 3 Espresso Brew Styles, Single-Serve Coffee & Nespresso Capsule Compatible, Built-in Frother, Espresso, Cappuccino & Latte Maker, Black, CFN601
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System CFN601 is a versatile all-in-one machine designed to replace your single-serve brewer, espresso maker, and drip coffee pot. It consolidates multiple appliances into one countertop footprint, offering serious flexibility for your daily routine and entertaining. Its core is the Barista Plus Technology, a 19-bar pressure system that brews at optimal temperature and pressure.
This aims to extract ultra-flavorful espresso with a silky-smooth crema, forming the foundation for authentic coffeehouse-style drinks. The integrated, fold-away frother is key here, letting you steam and froth milk for cappuccinos, lattes, or flat whites right at home. For espresso, the machine is compatible with Nespresso Original capsules.
You can choose from three brew styles: a standard 1.35-oz Espresso, a longer 3.75-oz Lungo, or a concentrated 1-oz Over Ice shot designed to hold its flavor when poured over ice. A used capsule storage bin holds up to 20 pods for easy cleanup later. When you want a full pot or just a single mug of coffee, you can bypass pods entirely. The machine brews through your own grounds, offering Classic, Rich, or Over Ice profiles.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo, Single Serve & Full 12 Cup Coffee Pot, White, Fast Brewing, Removeable Reservoir
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker is designed for households where everyone’s morning routine is a little different. It combines a full 12-cup coffee pot with a single-serve brewer in one compact machine, giving you flexibility without taking up extra counter space. This coffee maker truly offers three main brewing methods. You can brew a single cup using your favorite K-Cup pod. Or, you can use the included basket to brew a single serving with your own ground coffee.
When you need more, the other side of the machine functions as a traditional 12-cup drip coffee maker using grounds. This versatility means you can make a quick cup for yourself or a full pot for the family or guests, all from one appliance. Speed is a key feature, especially for the single-serve side. It can brew a single cup in about 90 seconds, which is notably faster than many older combo machines.
The large, removable 56-ounce water reservoir supports this quick routine by holding enough water for up to seven single servings before you need to refill it. For the 12-cup side, the easy-to-program timer lets you set it up the night before so a full pot is ready when you wake up. You have plenty of control over your brew. The single-serve side offers five size options (6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 oz.) for grounds and three for pods, so you can fill your specific mug perfectly.
Combination Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Ever wish your kitchen counter had less gadgets? A combination coffee maker merges two brewing methods into one machine, saving space and giving you more choice for your morning cup. Typically, this means a drip brewer paired with a single-serve pod system. It’s a smart solution for households where people have different coffee preferences. You get teh convenience of a quick pod for one person and a full carafe for a group.
Your Brewing Flexibility
Think about your daily habits. Do you need a fast single cup before work but also make coffee for weekend guests? The best combo units let you switch between modes effortlessly. Check if you can brew a pod while also programming the carafe—some models handle both at once, which is a huge time saver when you’re in a rush. It’s all about matching the machine’s capabilities to your real routine.
Pod System Compatibility
This is a big one. Most combos use K-Cup pods, but not all. Make sure the machine fits the pods you or your family already buys. Some brands offer a universal pod holder, which gives you more freedom to choose from different brands. Others are locked to one system. If you like trying new coffees, a universal option is usually the better bet for you.
Carafe Size and Warmers
For the drip side, carafe size matters. A standard 12-cup is great for entertaining, but a smaller one might be fine for just a couple people. Look at the warming plate too. A thermal carafe keeps coffee hot without cooking it on a burner, which can improve flavor. It doesn’t use a warmer plate, so it’s more energy efficient, but these models can cost a bit more upfront.
Footprint and Maintenance
Even though it’s two-in-one, measure your counter space. These aren’t always tiny. Also, consider cleaning. You’ll have two separate water reservoirs and often two different drip trays to manage. A removable water tank and easy-access pod holder makes daily upkeep much simpler. Nobody wants a machine that’s a pain to take care of.
Frequently Asked Questions About Combination Coffee Maker
What is a combination coffee maker?
It’s a single appliance that brews two different types of coffee. Most often, it combines a standard drip coffee maker with a single-serve pod brewer, like for K-Cups. This gives you flexibility for your daily pot and quick single cups.
Who should buy one?
This is great for households with mixed coffee tastes. If you drink a full pot but someone else prefers a different pod flavor, it saves counter space. It’s also handy if you like both convenience and having coffee ready for guests.
Does it make good coffee?
Yes, the brew quality is comparable to standalone machines. The drip side works just like a normal coffee maker. The pod side brews at the right pressure and temperature for that style. You get two reliable methods in one.
Are thay difficult to clean?
Not really. You clean it like two separate machines. The drip carafe and filter basket need regular washing. The pod side has a needle you should wipe and occasionally run a water cycle through to prevent clogs. It’s pretty straightforward.
Do I need special filters or pods?
You’ll use standard #2 paper filters for the drip side. For the pod side, you must use the pods it’s designed for, like Keurig K-Cups or a specific brand. Always check the manual to be sure which ones are compatible.
Is it more expensive?
Initially, yes, it costs more than a basic drip machine. But think of it as buying two appliances. Over time, it can save you money and space compared to owning two separate units. Look for it as a long-term investment for your kitchen.
Can I program both sides?
Usually, only the drip coffee maker side has programmable features, like a timer to start brewing in the morning. The single-serve side is typically on-demand. You just pop in a pod whenever you want a fresh cup.
Quick Recap
So, there you have it. Choosing teh right machine for your kitchen really comes down to your daily routine and what you actually drink. Think about your morning rush and how much counter space you can spare. It’s all about finding a tool that fits your life, not the other way around.
In the end, a good combination coffee maker is about giving you options without the fuss. It lets you choose your drink based on your mood or the time of day. You get to keep things simple while having everything you need in one spot. That’s a pretty good deal for any coffee lover, if you ask me. Hope this helps you find your perfect match!