Ever find yourself torn between wanting a quick single-serve pod coffee and a full pot for the whole family? That daily dilemma is exactly why the coffee maker with k-cup combo has become such a game-changer for so many kitchens. It’s like having two fantastic machines in one sleek footprint, which honestly saves so much counter space and indecision on busy mornings.
We’ve been testing one of the top models to see if it truly delivers the best of both worlds. In this review, we’ll walk you through how it brews, its ease of use, and whether it’s worth freeing up that outlet for. Let’s see if this versatile brewer can become your new morning MVP.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Coffee Maker With K-cup Combo
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Ninja | Drip Coffee Maker | DualBrew Pro Hot…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew…
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9.5 |
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Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve Coffee…
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9.3 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass…
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9.0 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass…
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8.8 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Hot and…
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8.6 |
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Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Brewer Glass Carafe, Automatic…
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8.4 |
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Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Advanced 5-in-1 Programmable 12 Cup Drip…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
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AIRMSEN 12-Cup Programmable Dual Coffee Maker – Single Serve…
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7.9 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers…
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7.7 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Coffee Maker With K-cup Combo
Ninja | Drip Coffee Maker | DualBrew Pro Hot & Iced Coffee Machine | Use with K-Cup Coffee Pods | 3 Brew Styles (Classic, Rich, & Iced) | 60oz Removable Reservoir & Dishwasher Safe | Black | CFP101
The Ninja DualBrew Pro Hot & Iced Coffee Machine (CFP101) in Black is designed to be the last coffee maker you’ll need to buy. It consolidates multiple machines into one countertop-friendly unit, giving you serious flexibility in how you make your daily coffee. Whether you prefer the convenience of a K-Cup pod, the affordability of your own grounds, or a full carafe to share, this machine handles it all without compromise. Its core advantage is the Dual System.
You can use pre-packaged K-Cup pods with the included adapter, or switch to ground coffee with a paper filter. For grounds, you get an impressive nine brew sizes, from a small cup all the way to a full 12-cup carafe. When using pods, you can choose from four cup sizes. This level of control means you can make exactly the amount you want, reducing waste. A key feature is the three Brew Style choices: Classic, Rich, and Over Ice.
The Rich setting slows the water flow for a more intense flavor from your grounds or pods. The dedicated Over Ice setting is a game-changer; it brews a concentrated coffee directly over your ice so it chills instantly without becoming watered down, perfect for hot days. This machine is built for speed and convenience. It brews a single-serve pod faster than leading competitors upon startup, which is great for busy mornings.
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 combines a single-serve pod brewer with a full 12-cup carafe system, giving you serious flexibility depending on your morning mood or how many people you’re serving.
Its core feature is the 13-size dual system. You can brew coffee from grounds into five different cup sizes, from a small mug to a large travel mug.
Or, use the glass carafe to make anywhere from a quarter carafe to a full 12 cups for a group. For convenience, it also brews four sizes from traditional K-Cup pods, giving you a huge range of options in one footprint.
Speed is a key factor here. The machine is engineered to brew a pod faster than a leading Keurig machine right from startup, which is a nice perk when you’re in a rush.
It’s compatible with all standard K-Cup pods, so you’re not locked into one brand.
Flavor control is in your hands with four brew style choices. Select 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. There’s also a dedicated setting for hot water, perfect for making tea, oatmeal, or instant soups without any coffee taste.
That Specialty brew setting is particularly versatile.
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 replaces several appliances by handling nearly every coffee style you might want. Its core idea is flexibility, giving you control over your daily cup without needing multiple machines cluttering your counter.
This is a true dual coffee maker system.
You can use your favorite ground coffee with its permanent, reusable filter, which aims to give a fuller, more robust flavor by letting natural oils through. Or, for speed and convenience, you can use single-serve pods. It’s compatible with 1 Hole K-Cups using the included adapter. A key point is its brewing speed for pods; Ninja states it brews a pod faster than a leading Keurig machine upon startup, which is a plus for busy mornings.
You have a lot of size options here.
For grounds, choose from five brew sizes: a small cup, an extra-large cup, a travel mug, or an XL travel mug. You can also brew directly into the included 12-cup glass carafe in four quantities. For pods, you have four traditional brew sizes from 6 to 12 ounces. This range means you can make exactly the amount you need, whether it’s just for you or for a group.
Flavor control is a big feature. There are four brew style choices.
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. It solves the classic dilemma of choosing between a single-serve machine and a full pot brewer by giving you both options in one sleek black and stainless steel unit. This coffee maker has two completely independent sides. On one side, you can brew a full 12-cup pot into the included glass carafe.
On the other, you can make a single serving directly into your own cup or travel mug, up to 14 ounces. Each side has its own dedicated water reservoir with a clear window, so you can easily see and manage the water levels for each brewer. This means you can have a pot brewing for the family while someone else makes their personal cup, all without any hassle. Brewing a single cup is straightforward. The machine comes with a reusable mesh scoop.
You simply scoop your favorite ground coffee into it, place it in the brewer, and start your cup. Its important to note this system is not made for K-Cup pods. This approach is both economical and reduces waste, since you’re not buying and throwing away plastic pods every day. You just use the coffee you already have. You have good control over your brew. For both the single cup and full pot, you can select a regular or bold brew strength to match your taste.
Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass Carafe And Single Serve Coffee Maker, White with Stainless Steel Accents, 49933
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 49933, is designed for households where not everyone’s morning routine is the same. It solves the common dilemma of wanting a single cup for yourself one day and a full pot for the family or guests the next, all without needing two separate machines taking up counter space. This coffee maker offers two completly independent brewing systems in one sleek white and stainless steel unit.
On one side, you can brew a full 12-cup pot into the included glass carafe. On the other side, its a dedicated single-serve brewer that can make up to 14 ounces directly into your favorite mug or travel tumbler. Each side has its own, easy-fill water reservoir with a clear window, so you always know exactly how much water is available for your next brew. This means you can even brew both a single cup and a pot at the same time if you really need to.
The single-serve side is notably simple and eco-conscious. It uses your own ground coffee with a provided mesh scoop—you just scoop, place it in the holder, and start brewing. This approach is friendly on your wallet and creates less waste compared to systems that rely on disposable plastic pods. Its important to note this brewer is not compatible with K-Cup pods, which is a key part of its cost-saving and reduced-waste design. Convenience features are thoughtfully included.
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Hot and Iced Coffee Maker & Single Serve Coffee Machine, Glass Carafe, Auto Pause and Pour, Black (47500J)
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Hot and Iced Coffee Maker & Single Serve Coffee Machine, Black (47500J) is designed for households where everyone’s coffee routine is different. It combines two full brewing systems in one compact unit, saving you valuable counter space without forcing you to choose between a pot for the family or a quick cup for yourself. On one side, you have a full 12-cup programmable drip coffee maker.
It features a unique AquaFlow showerhead that spreads water evenly over the coffee grounds for a more consistant and flavorful extraction. You can customize your brew with settings for regular or bold strength. When you’re in a hurry, the Auto Pause & Pour function lets you sneak a cup as soon as there’s enough in the glass carafe, without waiting for the whole pot to finish.
After brewing, it keeps your coffee warm for up to 4 hours before shutting off automatically, which is a handy safety and energy-saving feature. The other side is a dedicated single-serve brewer for those mornings when you just need one perfect cup. It uses your own ground coffee with a simple scoop-and-brew process—an included mesh scoop makes it mess-free.
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.
The machine brews notably faster than standard 12-cup models, saving you time in the morning. The 42-ounce water reservoir is removable for easy filling, and an easy-view window helps you check the level. A charcoal water filter is included to help reduce impurities for a cleaner tasting cup. You have significant control over your brew. The programmable settings let you choose your brew strength, from regular to bold, and even a specific setting for brewing over ice for immediate iced coffee.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Advanced 5-in-1 Programmable 12 Cup Drip and Single Serve Hot & Iced Coffee Maker with Movable 60 oz. Water Reservoir, Use Pod Packs and Grounds, Fast Brewing, Black (49924)
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Advanced 5-in-1 Programmable Coffee Maker (49924) is designed for households where coffee preferences vary. It’s a dual coffee system that combines a full 12-cup drip machine with a single-serve brewer, all in one unit with a surprisingly slim footprint. At first glance, it looks like a compact pod brewer, but the 12-cup glass carafe is cleverly tucked on its side to save valuable counter space. You get five brewing options total.
For single servings, you can brew a hot cup using either a K-Cup pod or your own ground coffee. It also has a dedicated setting for brewing a single cup of iced coffee. When you need more, you can brew a full pot of up to 12 cups using ground coffee in the carafe side. This flexibility means everyone can have their preferred drink without compromise. The machine brews a single hot cup in under two minutes, which is a real help on busy mornings. Programmability is a key feature.
The easy-to-use LED touchscreen lets you set the auto brew function the night before. You can wake up to a freshly brewed single cup or a full carafe, ready when you are. The screen is clear and wipes clean easily. You can also control brew strength with regular and bold options for both single-serve and carafe brewing. A major convienience is the large, 60 oz. removable water reservoir. It holds enough water to brew a full 12-cup carafe or about seven single servings without a refill.
AIRMSEN 12-Cup Programmable Dual Coffee Maker – Single Serve Machine for K-Cup Pods & Ground, 1000W Fast Brew, Delay Start, 2H Keep Warm, Touchscreen, 60oz Tank, Glass Carafe – Home & Office
The AIRMSEN 12-Cup Programmable Dual Coffee Maker is designed to end the morning compromise between personal preference and convenience. This machine consolidates two complete brewing systems into one sleek unit, eliminating the need for multiple appliances on your counter. It’s built for households or offices where coffee tastes vary, offering genuine flexibility without sacrificing performance. Its core feature is true dual functionality.
For a single serving, you can use your favorite K-Cup pod or your own ground coffee, getting a fresh cup in under 90 seconds. When you need more, switch to the multi-serve system to brew a full 12-cup pot directly into the included glass carafe. This means one person can enjoy a specialty pod while another brews a pot of classic drip, all from the same machine. It really does simplify your coffee routine. Performance is focused on speed and control.
The 1000W dual boiler system ensures fast heating, brewing a full 12-cup pot in about 10 minutes. The programmable delay start is a practical feature—simply set it the night before, and your coffee will be ready and waiting when you wake up. After brewing, the auto-keep-warm function maintains your coffee at an ideal temperature for up to two hours, so no more lukewarm cups halfway through your morning. Operation is straightforward thanks to the intuitive touchscreen panel.
Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, Offers 3-Sizes: 6-Ounces, 8-Ounces and 10-Ounces, Stainless Steel, SS-15P1
The Cuisinart Single Serve + 12 Cup Coffee Maker, SS-15P1, is designed for households where coffee preferences vary. It combines two popular brewing methods in one sleek stainless steel appliance, giving you flexibility without taking up extra counter space.
For your single cup needs, this machine offers three serving sizes: 6, 8, or 10 ounces. It works with any brand of single-serve pod, including Keurig K-Cup pods.
If you prefer using your own ground coffee, an optional reusable filter cup makes that possible. The single-serve side has a 40-ounce removable water reservoir with a charcoal filter to improve taste. A removable drip tray accomodates travel mugs, and an energy save mode helps conserve power after brewing.
When you need to brew for a group, the 12-cup carafe side is fully featured. You can program it to start brewing up to 24 hours in advance.
It includes a brew strength selector, letting you choose from light to bold coffee. You can also adjust the carafe water temperature for optimal extraction, and the water passes through its own charcoal filter. The glass carafe has a stainless steel handle, and features like a brew pause function, a ready alert, and an auto-off setting add convienience.
A few tips for best results, especially if you use the reusable filter. The grind size and amount of coffee are crucial.
Coffee Maker With K-cup Combo Buying Guide
These machines are real space-savers, combining a traditional drip coffee maker with a single-serve K-Cup brewer. You get teh best of both worlds: a full pot for a crowd or a quick single cup for yourself. It’s a straightforward solution for households with mixed coffee preferences. Here’s what to look for when picking one out.
Brew Sizes and Carafe Type
Check the carafe size for the drip side—common ones are 10 or 12 cups. Think about how many people you’re usually making coffee for. Also, see if it comes with a thermal or glass carafe. A thermal one keeps coffee hot for hours without a warming plate, which can make coffee taste bitter. It’s a nice feature if you like to sip slowly.
Brew Strength and Customization
Can you adjust the strength of your coffee? Some models have a ‘bold’ setting for the drip side, which lets more water flow through the grounds for a richer flavor. For the K-Cup side, look for a setting that lets you control the brew size. Being able to choose between a 6, 8, or 10-ounce cup from your pod means you get the exact amount you want without it tasting weak.
Water Reservoir and Filling
Consider where the water goes. A rear reservoir is common, but some have a side-fill design thats easier to access under your cabinets. The reservoir’s total capacity matters too. If you plan to make a full pot and then a K-Cup right after, you’ll need enough water stored to do both without a refill. A removable tank makes cleaning much simpler.
Footprint and Programmability
These are two-in-one appliances, so thay need a bit more counter space. Measure your spot before you buy. Also, think about your morning routine. A programmable clock and timer on the drip side is super handy. You can set it up the night before and wake up to a fresh pot. Not all combos have this, so it’s a key feature if you love that convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Maker With K-cup Combo
What exactly is a coffee maker with a K-cup combo?
It’s a single machine that does two jobs. It brews a full pot of coffee using ground beans. It also makes single servings using K-cup pods. You get flexibility for one person or a whole group.
How does the machine switch between the two functions?
Most models have a simple switch or button. You select either “single-serve” for a pod or “carafe” for a pot. Some have a special basket you swap in for the ground coffee. The instructions are usually very clear.
Can I use any pod, or just Keurig’s K-cups?
Most machines work with official Keurig K-cups. Many are also compatible with reusable pods you fill yourself. This lets you use any ground coffee you like, which can save money and reduce waste.
Is it difficult to clean and maintain?
Not really! You’ll descale it every few months to remove mineral buildup, just like any coffee maker. The carafe and drip tray are typically dishwasher safe. Wiping the exterior down keeps it looking good.
What size carafe does it usually come with?
A standard 12-cup carafe is most common. This is perfect for serving several people. Remember, a “cup” here is a 5-6 ounce serving, not a full mug. So a 12-cup pot fills about 6-7 regular mugs.
Does the single-serve side have adjustable cup sizes?
Yes, almost all of them do. You can usually choose from a few sizes, like 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces. You just press the button for the size you want before you brew. It’s very convienent.
Are these machines very expensive to run?
The upfront cost is higher than a basic pot. But over time, you save by having both options. You’re not buying two separate machines. Using a reusable pod or ground coffee for the carafe is cheaper than pods for every cup.
Where is the best place to put one of these?
You need enough counter space for the machine’s footprint, which is a bit larger than a standard coffee maker. Make sure there’s room above for the lid to open and for you to lift the carafe out easily. Near a water source and outlet is best.
Final Take
So, there you have it. Choosing the right machine really comes down to your daily routine. Think about how many cups you need each morning. Consider if you want the option for a full carafe sometimes. Your counter space matters, too. It’s all about what makes your morning easier and more enjoyable.
In the end, a good coffee maker with k-cup combo offers a nice balance. It gives you speed and variety without much fuss. You get a reliable single-serve option and the ability to make coffee for a group. That flexibility is pretty hard to beat for most homes. It’s a solid choice that can handle whatever your day throws at it.