Two brewing methods offer versatile beverage options. That’s the core promise of a dual coffee maker. It’s a machine that truly adapts to your mood. Craving a classic drip pot for the family? Done. Need a single, robust espresso shot for yourself? It’s got you covered. This flexibility is a game-changer for any household with mixed caffeine tastes.
But is having two machines in one actually convenient, or just complicated? We tested a popular model to see how it holds up in a real, sometimes messy, kitchen. Let’s dive into whether this appliance simplifies your morning or just adds another button to press.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Dual Coffee Maker
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Ninja Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew…
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9.7 |
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Ninja | Drip Coffee Maker | DualBrew Pro Hot…
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9.5 |
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Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve Coffee…
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9.4 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass…
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9.2 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass…
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9.1 |
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Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, 3…
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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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Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Brewer Glass Carafe, Automatic…
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8.6 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Hot and…
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8.4 |
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AIRMSEN 12-Cup Programmable Dual Coffee Maker – Single Serve…
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8.3 |
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Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Advanced 5-in-1 Programmable 12 Cup Drip…
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8.1 |
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Quick Review For Top 11 Dual Coffee Maker
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 Specialty Coffee System (CFP301) is designed for coffee drinkers who want one machine to handle nearly every way they enjoy a hot or cold beverage. Its core idea is flexibility, letting you choose between using your own grounds or convenient K-Cup pods without compromising on options.
This is a true dual coffee maker. For grounds, you can brew directly into a small cup, a large XL cup, a travel mug, or an XL travel mug.
It also works with a 12-cup glass carafe, with the option to brew just a quarter pot if that’s all you need. When using K-Cup pods (it comes with the adapter), you have four size options from 6 to 12 ounces. A notable feature is its faster brewing time for pods compared to some leading machines, which is a real plus when your morning is rushed.
Flavor control is a key part of the system. You’re not just choosing size, but also brew style.
The Classic setting is for a well-balanced cup, while Rich intensifies the flavor. Over Ice is optimized to brew stronger coffee directly over ice so it doesn’t get watered down. The Specialty setting is unique—it creates a super-concentrated coffee that acts as a base for homemade lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos.
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) is designed to be the one coffee maker that handles virtually any way you like your coffee. It’s a drip coffee maker, a single-serve pod machine, and a dedicated iced coffee brewer all in one sleek black unit.
This flexibility means it can replace multiple appliances on your counter, simplifying your morning routine whether you’re making a quick cup for yourself or a full carafe for a group.
Its core advantage is the Dual Brewing system. You can use your favorite K-Cup pods for speed and convenience, or switch to ground coffee for more variety and control. The machine brews pods notably fast, getting you your coffee quicker on those rushed mornings.
When using grounds, you have an impressive nine brew sizes to choose from, from a small cup all the way to a full 12-cup carafe. The foldable single-serve platform adjusts to hold different mug heights securely, helping to keep splashes and mess to a minimum.
Flavor customization is central with three dedicated Brew Styles.
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 one coffee system that handles nearly every drink you might want. It’s a single-serve machine, a full 12-cup drip pot, and a specialty brewer all in one. This flexibility comes from its dual coffee system. You can use your favorite ground coffee or traditional 1-hole K-Cup pods, giving you plenty of choice right from the start.
You get a lot of control over your brew size.
For grounds, choose from five options including a small cup, a travel mug, or even an extra-large travel mug. If you’re making a carafe, there are four sizes from a quarter pot to a full 12 cups. For pods, you can brew between 6 and 12 ounces. This means you can make exactly the amount you need, whether it’s just for you or for a few people.
The machine includes a permanent, reusable filter. This is nice because you don’t have to keep buying paper filters.
More importantly, it allows natural coffee oils and fine particles into your cup, which gives the coffee a fuller, more robust flavor—somewhat like a French press. For pod brewing, it’s noted to heat up and brew faster than a leading Keurig machine, which is handy when your in a rush.
Flavor customization is a key feature. You select from four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty.
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’s coffee routine is the same. Its core idea is flexibility: you can brew a full 12-cup pot for the group or a single, fresh cup just for you, all in one machine. This eliminates compromise and waste, making it a practical centerpiece for any kitchen. Brewing your way is straightforward. On one side, you have a classic glass carafe for a full pot.
On the other, a dedicated single-serve brewer where you use the included mesh scoop for your own ground coffee. You simply scoop your preferred grounds, place it in the holder, and brew directly into your cup or travel mug (up to 14 ounces). It’s important to note this system is for ground coffee only; it is not compatible with K-Cup pods. This approach is both economical and eco-friendly, as you buy bags of coffee instead of constantly purchasing and discarding plastic pods.
Customization is a key feature. You can choose a regular or bold brew strength for a richer flavor, whether your making a single cup or a full pot. The programmable timer lets you set everything up to 24 hours in advance, so your coffee is ready when you wake up. For those mornings when you need that first cup immediately, the AutoPause & Pour feature on the carafe side lets you sneak a cup before the brewing cycle finishes—no need to wait for the entire pot.
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 wants the same thing at the same time. Its core idea is flexibility: you can brew a full 12-cup pot for the family or a single, fresh cup just for you, all in one machine. This means no more compromise or wasted coffee, adapting to your morning routine instead of the other way around. Brewing a single serving is straightforward. The machine comes with a reusable mesh scoop.
You simply scoop your favorite ground coffee into it, place it in the dedicated brewer, and start the cycle. It can fill a standard mug or most travel mugs up to 14 ounces. It’s important to note this system is not compatible with K-Cup pods. This is intentional, promoting a more eco-friendly and cost-effective approach. You buy bags of ground coffee, which creates less plastic waste than disposable pods and is often easier on your wallet over time. You get fresh flavor without the extra trash.
For the carafe side, a handy feature is the AutoPause & Pour function. This lets you sneak a cup of coffee before the entire pot has finished brewing. No need to wait for the complete cycle if your in a hurry. Once brewing is done, the keep-warm function activates for up to two hours, after which the machine turns itself off automatically. This auto-shutoff provides peace of mind, especially on busy mornings when you might rush out the door and wonder if you left it on.
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 three appliances into one countertop footprint, offering serious flexibility for how you drink coffee throughout the day. Its core is the Barista Plus Technology, a 19-bar pressure system.
This professional-level pressure brews at the optimal temperature to extract ultra-flavorful espresso from capsules, resulting in a silky-smooth crema on top. You can choose from three espresso shot styles using compatible capsules: a standard 1.35-oz Espresso, a longer 3.75-oz Lungo, or a concentrated 1-oz Over Ice shot meant to be poured directly over cold milk or ice. The built-in, fold-away frother is key for coffeehouse drinks.
It steam and froths milk, letting you create cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites at home without a separate device. Beyond capsules, this machine brews through your own coffee grounds. You can select from nine different brew sizes, from a single cup up to a full 12-cup carafe. It offers Classic, Rich, and Over Ice brew styles for coffee, giving you control over strength and temperature.
Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Brewer Glass Carafe, Automatic Hot & Iced Coffee Machine, Brew Strength Control and Pause, SS-16, Stainless Steel
The Cuisinart SS-16 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Single-Serve Brewer is designed to be the one coffee machine that fits your entire household’s needs. It combines the convenience of a single-serve pod brewer with the capacity of a full 12-cup carafe system. This means you can make a quick cup for yourself in the morning and still have the ability to brew a full pot for guests or a weekend brunch. For single servings, it offers impressive flexibility.
You can choose from five different cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces. It works with any brand of single-cup pod, including the popular Keurig K-Cup pods, so your favorite blends are always an option. If you prefer fresh ground coffee, it includes a reusable HomeBarista filter cup, letting you use your own grounds and cut down on waste. When you need more coffee, the elegant 12-cup glass carafe is ready.
It has a sleek stainless steel handle and a matching glass body that looks great on any countertop. Just remember, a “cup” here is about 5 ounces, so it’s perfect for a gathering. Functionality is where this machine really shines. It brews coffee up to 25% faster than standard 12-cup models, which is a nice perk on busy mornings. The 42-ounce removable water reservoir is easy to fill and clean. You also get a charcoal water filter for a cleaner, better-tasting brew right from your tap.
Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Brewer Glass Carafe, Automatic Hot & Iced Coffee Machine, Brew Strength Control and Brew Pause, SS-16W, White
The Cuisinart SS-16W Coffee Maker is designed to handle your coffee routine, whether you need a quick single cup or a full pot for the household. It combines the convenience of a single-serve pod brewer with the capacity of a traditional 12-cup coffee maker, giving you flexibility without needing two seperate machines. For your morning single cup, it offers five serving sizes from 4 to 12 ounces.
You can use any brand of single-cup pod, including popular Keurig K-Cup pods, or use the included reusable HomeBarista filter for your own ground coffee. When you need more, the sleek 12-cup glass carafe with its stainless steel handle is ready to go. Just note that a “cup” here is about 5 ounces, which is a standard coffee measure. Functionality is where this machine aims to simplify your day.
It brews coffee notably faster than many standard 12-cup models, thanks to its optimized heating system. The 42-ounce removable water reservoir is easy to fill and has a clear window so you can always see the water level. It also includes a charcoal water filter to help reduce impurities for a cleaner tasting cup everytime. You have good control over your brew. The Brew Strength selector lets you choose from Regular, Bold, or Over Ice settings, tailoring the flavor intensity to your preference.
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 (47500J) is designed for households where everyone’s coffee routine is different. It combines two full coffee systems in one compact unit, saving you valuable counter space. You can brew a full 12-cup glass carafe on one side, or make a single, fresh cup for yourself on the other.
This flexibility means no more wasting a whole pot when you only want one cup, and no waiting for a single-serve machine when you have company. This machine gives you control over your brew. For the carafe side, a unique AquaFlow showerhead saturates coffee grounds evenly for a rich, flavorful pot. You can choose regular or bold strength, and even a special setting for iced coffee that brews at a optimized strength to avoid watering down when poured over ice.
The intuitive touchscreen display lets you program the start time up to a day in advance, so your coffee is ready when you are. A helpful Auto Pause & Pour feature lets you sneak a cup mid-brew, and the 4-hour automatic keep-warm with shutoff provides peace of mind. The single-serve side is straightforward. It uses your own ground coffee with a simple included mesh scoop—just scoop, place, and brew.
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. It’s a single appliance that genuinely handles two different ways of making coffee, so you don’t need seperate machines cluttering your space. Its core feature is true dual functionality. For a single cup, you can use your favorite K-Cup pod or your own ground coffee, giving you instant variety.
When you need more, switch to the multi-serve system to brew a full pot—from 4 up to 12 cups—into the included glass carafe. This flexibility means whether your living alone or hosting a group, the right amount of fresh coffee is always an option. Convenience is built in with smart programmability. You can set the Delay Start up to 24 hours in advance. Simply add water and coffee the night before, and wake to a freshly brewed pot or have a cup ready as you walk into the kitchen.
The touchscreen panel makes selecting your brew size and strength straightforward, with clear controls for both brewing modes. Speed is another key advantage. The 1000W dual boiler system works quickly. It can brew a full 12-cup carafe in about 10 minutes, and a single serving from a pod or grounds in under 90 seconds. The technology aims for a high-temperature extraction, which is important for getting good flavor from your beans.
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 everyone has a different coffee preference. It combines a full 12-cup drip machine and a single-serve brewer in one surprisingly compact unit, aiming to simplify your morning routine without taking over your counter. At its core, this machine offers five distinct brewing methods. You can brew a single hot cup using a K-Cup pod or your own ground coffee.
It also makes a single serving of iced coffee. For larger groups or your daily pot, you can use ground coffee to brew up to 12 cups into the included glass carafe. The clever part is the space-saving design; the carafe is hidden on the side, giving the appliance a slim, single-serve brewer profile that fits easily under most cabinets. 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 ready to go, or a full 12-cup pot waiting in the carafe. For the drip pot, you can select regular or bold strength to suit your taste. Speed is also a priority, with the single-serve side able to brew a hot cup in under two minutes. A major practical benefit is the large, 60 oz. removable water reservoir. It can brew a full carafe or up to seven single cups without a refill, saving you time.
Dual Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Get versatile brewing options with a dual coffee machine. These clever appliances let you brew two different types of coffee, saving you counter space and money compared to buying two seperate machines. But with so many models, how do you choose the right one for your home? This guide will help you pick the perfect machine for your morning routine.
Brewing Method Combination
First, decide which two functions you’ll actually use. The most common pair is a drip brewer with a single-serve pod system, great for households where one person loves a full pot and another wants a quick cup. Other models combine a drip brewer with an espresso maker or a built-in grinder. Think about your daily habits. Do you need a fast single cup on weekdays and a carafe for weekend guests? Choose the combo that fits your life.
Carafe Size and Material
If your dual machine includes a drip brewer, check the carafe. A standard 12-cup carafe is ideal for families or entertaining. For smaller homes, a compact 8-10 cup size might be better. Also, look at the material. Thermal carafes keep coffee hot for hours without a bitter, burnt taste from a warming plate. Glass carafes are typically less expensive but require that heating plate, which can affect flavor over time.
Footprint and Design
These are two machines in one, so thay need a bit more space. Before you buy, measure your counter area. Check the machine’s dimensions, especially if it has a side-mounted pod brewer or a tall water reservoir. You’ll also want to ensure it fits comfortably under your cabinets. A sleek, cohesive design looks better than two frankensteined machines stuck together, don’t you think?
Programmability and Convenience
Look for features that make your mornings smoother. Can you program the drip brewer the night before? Does it have a pause-and-serve function? For the single-serve side, check if it accepts various pod types or if you’re locked into one brand. A removable water reservoir is a huge plus for easy filling, and an adjustable brew strength lets you control your coffee’s power. These little details add up to a much better experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Coffee Maker
What is a dual coffee maker?
A dual coffee maker is a single machine with two separate brewing systems. It lets you make two different types of coffee at once, like a pot of regular coffee and a single-serve pod. It’s great for households where people have different morning routines.
What types of coffee can it make?
Most models combine a traditional drip coffee maker with a single-serve brewer. You can brew a full carafe on one side and use a pod for a quick cup on the other. Some even have a built-in frother for lattes. The exact features vary by brand, so it’s good to check.
Is it difficult to use and clean?
Not really! Each side operates independently with its own controls. Cleaning is similar to any coffee maker. You’ll descale the whole machine regularly and clean the carafe and pod holder. The water reservoir is usually shared, which simplifies filling it up.
Does it take up a lot of counter space?
It’s larger than a standard single machine, but it saves space compared to having two separate appliances. Think of it as roughly the width of a toaster oven. Measuring your counter area before you buy is always a smart move.
Who is a dual coffee maker best for?
It’s perfect for homes where one person drinks decaf and another drinks regular. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants both a quick single cup and a pot for guests. If your household has mixed coffee preferences, this can be a real time-saver.
Are thay more expensive to run?
The upfront cost is higher than a basic model. However, you might save money if you use the single-serve side with reusable pods instead of buying expensive branded ones. For energy, it uses about the same as a standard coffee maker since you typically only use one side at a time.
Final Take
Enjoy versatile brewing options with these two-in-one machines. They make your morning routine simple and flexible. You can choose a single cup or a full carafe. This means no more compromise between speed and serving a group. It’s a straightforward solution for any household.
In teh end, a good dual coffee maker is about having the right tool for the moment. It saves counter space and simplifies your choices. Whether you need a quick cup or are hosting friends, this one appliance handles it all. You get real convenience without the complexity, making every day a little bit smoother.