Ever have one of those mornings where you just need a single, strong cup to get going, but your partner wants a whole pot to share? That daily dilemma is exactly why the k cup and carafe coffee maker is such a game-changer. It finally solves the ‘his and hers’ coffee problem without needing two separate machines cluttering your counter. You get the speed and variety of a Keurig pod for your quick fix, plus the ability to brew a full carafe when company’s over or you need a bigger caffeine supply.
But is a machine that promises this much versatility actually worth the investment? We’ve been testing one of the top models to see if it truly delivers the best of both worlds. Let’s dive into how it performs, where it shines, and if there’s any compromises you should know about before you buy.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best K Cup And Carafe Coffee Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Ninja | Drip Coffee Maker | DualBrew Pro Hot…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker, Single Serve Coffee…
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9.2 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Hot and…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Brewer Glass Carafe, Automatic…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, Single-Serve Brewer Glass Carafe, Automatic…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Advanced 5-in-1 Programmable 12 Cup Drip…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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AIRMSEN 12-Cup Programmable Dual Coffee Maker – Single Serve…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 K Cup And Carafe Coffee Maker
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 last coffee maker you’ll need, consolidating multiple machines into one sleek, black countertop unit. It’s built for flexibility, letting you choose between using your favorite ground coffee or K-Cup pods without any compromise. Whether you need a quick single cup before work or are preparing a full carafe for a gathering, this machine adapts to your routine. A key advantage is its speed.
This single-serve brewer is engineered to brew a coffee pod faster than a leading competitor like the Keurig K-Elite from a cold start, which is a real benefit on rushed mornings. The dual system is comprehensive: for grounds, you have nine precise brew sizes ranging from a small cup all the way to a full 12-cup carafe. For pods, there are four size options (6, 8, 10, and 12 oz.). This level of control means you can perfectly match the amount of coffee to your chosen mug or thermos every time.
Flavor customization is central with three distinct brew styles. ‘Classic’ is your balanced, traditional cup. ‘Rich’ intensifies the flavor for a more robust experience. The dedicated ‘Over Ice’ setting is a standout, brewing coffee at an optimized strength and temperature directly over ice so your iced coffee tastes flavorful and never gets watered down. This setting works brilliantly with both grounds and pods. Convenience features are thoughtfully integrated.
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 a coffee system designed to handle virtually any coffee or tea preference you have, all from one machine. Its core idea is flexibility, letting you choose between using your own grounds or convenient K-Cup pods without needing two separate appliances. This means you can enjoy a single morning cup from a pod and later brew a full carafe of ground coffee for guests, all with the same machine.
You have a lot of control over your brew.
For grounds, you can select from five sizes including a travel mug and a full 12-cup carafe. When using pods, it’s compatible with K-Cups and offers four size options. A notable feature is its speed; it brews a pod faster than a leading Keurig machine upon startup, which is handy for rushed mornings. Beyond just size, you can pick from four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty.
This means you can optimize flavor for a hot mug, make a concentrate for iced coffee, or use the Specialty setting to create a strong coffee base for homemade lattes and cappuccinos.
A key component for those specialty drinks is the built-in, fold-away frother. It whips hot or cold milk into a silky froth and tucks away when not in use, keeping your counter tidy. The machine also includes an independent hot water system, completely separate from the coffee brewer.
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 appliances into one, aiming to match how you drink coffee throughout your day. Its core idea is flexibility, giving you a lot of choices from a single machine.
It works with both coffee grounds and traditional pods, which is where the “DualBrew” name comes from.
You can brew directly into a cup or a travel mug in different sizes, or make a full 12-cup carafe for sharing. The pod brewing is noted to be faster than a leading Keurig machine on startup, and it uses a simple 1-hole adapter for compatibility with many K-Cup style pods. This variety means you can choose between a quick single serve or a larger batch without needing two separate machines.
For coffee from grounds, it includes a permanent, reusable filter.
This filter is meant to let more of the coffee’s natural oils and fine particles through compared to a paper filter, resulting in a fuller-bodied cup that some people prefer. You’re not buying paper filters constantly, which is a nice plus. The machine also offers four brew style choices: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and 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 wants the same amount of coffee at the same time. Its core idea is flexibility, letting you choose between a single travel mug or a full 12-cup pot without needing two separate machines taking up counter space. This coffee maker has two completly independent brewing systems. On one side, you have a single-serve brewer.
It uses a simple, included mesh scoop—you just add your own ground coffee, place it in the holder, and brew directly into your cup or mug, up to 14 ounces. It’s important to note this side is not made for K-Cup pods; it uses your own grounds. The other side is a traditional drip coffee maker with a glass carafe that can brew up to 12 cups. Each side has its own, easy-fill water reservoir with a clear window, so you can keep both ready to go without any confusion.
You gain several practical benefits from this dual system. For one, it can be more economical and create less waste compared to buying single-use plastic pods. You just buy your favorite bag of ground coffee. The machine also includes features that add convienience. You can program the carafe side up to 24 hours in advance, so a full pot is ready when you wake up. If you need a cup before that pot is finished brewing, the AutoPause & Pour feature lets you sneak a cup without making a mess.
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 amount of coffee at the same time. Its core idea is flexibility, letting you choose between a quick single cup or a full 12-cup pot without needing two separate machines taking up counter space.
You get 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 water reservoir with a clear window, so you can see exactly how much water is in each and fill them seperately. This means you can have water ready to go for both options without having to switch anything out.
For single-serve brewing, this machine uses your own ground coffee.
It comes with a reusable mesh scoop—you just scoop your coffee, place it in the holder, and start brewing. It’s a straightforward system that doesn’t require plastic pods. This approach is often more economical over time, as you’re buying bags of coffee instead of boxes of pods, and it generates less plastic waste. It’s important to note this brewer is not compatible with K-Cup pods.
Convenience features are built in to fit a busy morning.
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 has a different coffee routine. It combines two appliances in one, saving valuable counter space. You get a full 12-cup programmable drip machine on one side and a single-serve brewer for loose ground coffee on the other.
This means you can brew a whole pot for the family or just a quick cup for yourself without needing two separate machines. Brewing is flexible. For a full pot, the unique AquaFlow showerhead spreads water evenly over the grounds for a rich, flavorful coffee. You don’t have to wait for the whole pot to finish either. The Auto Pause and Pour feature lets you sneak a cup mid-brew. On the single-serve side, its incredibly simple.
A provided mesh scoop makes it easy: just scoop your ground coffee, place it, and brew a fresh cup directly into your mug. Please note, neither side is compatible with K-Cup pods; it uses your favorite ground coffee. Customization is key. You have six settings to tailor your drink. Choose regular or bold strength for a full pot, or select the dedicated iced coffee setting for a carafe of coffee optimized to brew over ice without becoming watered down.
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 two popular brewing methods in one sleek stainless steel appliance, aiming to simplify your routine without compromise. For single servings, this machine offers notable flexibility. It’s compatible with any brand of single-cup pod, including Keurig K-Cup pods, so you’re not locked into one system.
You can choose from five different serving sizes, from a small 4 oz. cup to a larger 12 oz. mug. If you prefer fresh ground coffee, it includes a reusable HomeBarista filter cup, letting you use your favorite beans and cut down on waste. The dedicated single-serve brewer has it’s own 42 oz. removable water reservoir, making refills straightforward. When you need a full pot, the 12-cup glass carafe is ready.
The carafe features a stainless steel handle and a matching glass body for a classic look. It’s important to note that a “cup” here is about 5 ounces, which is a standard coffee measure, so the total yield is roughly 60 ounces of coffee. This machine brews a carafe notably faster than previous models, which is a plus on busy mornings. Functionality is where this coffee maker really aims to please. You can program it up to 24 hours in advance.
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 whole household. It combines the convenience of a single-serve brewer with the capacity of a traditional 12-cup coffee maker, giving you flexibility without needing two separate machines on your counter. For your morning solo 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 take advantage of the included reusable HomeBarista filter to brew with your own fresh ground coffee. When you have company or need more, the sleek 12-cup glass carafe with its stainless steel handle is ready. Just note, a “cup” here is about 5 ounces, so it’s great for sharing. Functionality is where this machine aims to simplify your day.
It brews coffee notably faster than many standard 12-cup models, and the 42-ounce removable water reservoir makes filling straightforward. An easy-view water window helps you see the level at a glance. You have control over the brew strength, allowing you to choose regular, bold, or a special over-ice setting for refreshing iced coffee. It also lets you adjust the carafe’s temperature to keep your coffee just how you like it.
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 versatile single-serve brewer into one unit, aiming to simplify your morning routine without taking over your counter. This brewer’s main advantage is its flexibility.
It offers five brewing methods: you can make a single hot cup using a K-Cup pod or your own ground coffee, brew a single cup of iced coffee, or make a full 12-cup pot with ground coffee. This means whether you want a quick cup on the go or a pot for the family, you only need one machine. The brewing process is quick, with a single hot cup ready in under two minutes.
You can also program it the night before to have either a single serving or a full carafe waiting for you when you wake up, with options to adjust the brew strength. A key feature is its space-saving design. At first glance, it looks like a compact single-serve brewer. The 12-cup glass carafe is cleverly tucked on the side, keeping the overall footprint slim. The large 60-ounce removable water reservoir adds to the convenience; it can brew a full pot or about seven single cups 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. It’s a single appliance that genuinely functions as two complete coffee stations in one, eliminating the need for separate machines cluttering your counter. Its core strength is the dual brewing system. For a full pot, the multi-serve side brews from 4 to 12 cups into the included glass carafe, perfect for family breakfasts or office meetings.
When you want a quick, personal cup, the single-serve side is ready. It works with both standard K-Cup pods and your own ground coffee, giving you complete freedom. This flexibility means everyone in your home can have their favorite style without any hassle. Performance is centered on speed and control. A robust 1000W dual boiler system powers both sides. It can brew a full 12-cup pot in about 10 minutes, while a single, hot cup from a pod or grounds is ready in under 90 seconds.
The advanced water flow is engineered for proper saturation, aiming for a full-flavored result everytime. You manage it all through an intuitive touchscreen panel, where you can program your brew strength and cup size. Convenience features are thoughtfully integrated. The Delay Start function lets you set the machine up to 24 hours in advance, so a freshly brewed pot is waiting when you wake.
K Cup And Carafe Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Ever want a single cup but also need to brew a whole pot for a crowd? That’s teh exact problem a k cup and carafe coffee maker solves. It combines the single-serve convenience of a pod brewer with a traditional drip carafe, giving you two machines in one. Here’s what to look for when picking yours.
Carafe Size and Material
Think about how many people you usually serve. Carafes for these combo brewers often range from 4 to 8 cups. A 4-cup is great for couples, while a larger one suits families. Also, check if the carafe is glass or thermal. Glass sits on a warming plate, which can affect flavor over time. A thermal carafe keeps coffee hot without a burner, which many prefer for taste.
Brew Strength and Customization
Not all coffee makers are equal here. Some offer a ‘bold’ or ‘strong brew’ button for the carafe side, which lets more water flow through the grounds. This is a great feature if you find regular drip coffee too weak. For the K-Cup side, look for models that let you adjust the brew size—sometimes you might want a larger mug from a single pod.
Speed and Convenience
Your morning routine matters. Check how fast each side brews. The single-serve side is usually quicker. For the carafe, a faster brew time means less waiting for your full pot. Also, consider the water reservoir size. A larger tank means fewer refills, which is a real plus when making a carafe for guests.
Footprint and Design
These are two machines in one, so thay take up more counter space. Measure your area before you buy. A slimmer, vertical design can help save room. Also, look at how easy it is to access the water tank and pod holder—these are parts you’ll use every single day, so they shouldn’t be a hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions About K Cup And Carafe Coffee Maker
What is a K-Cup and carafe coffee maker?
It’s a single-serve brewer that also makes a full pot. You can use a K-Cup pod for one quick cup. Or, you can use your own ground coffee to brew a whole carafe for a group.
How many cups does the carafe make?
This varies by model, but most carafes hold between 4 to 8 cups. Always check the product details to see the exact size. It’s perfect for when you have a few guests over.
Can I use any K-Cup pod in it?
Yes, most brewers work with all standard K-Cup pods. This includes brands like Green Mountain Coffee, Starbucks, and many store brands. You get a lot of choice for your single cup.
Is it difficult to clean?
Not really. The removable parts like the carafe and drip tray are usually dishwasher safe. You should run a water-only brew cycle now and then to keep it fresh. The pod holder needs a quick rinse too.
Does it take up a lot of counter space?
It’s a bit larger than a solo K-Cup machine because of the carafe. But most models have a pretty compact footprint. It’s good to measure your counter space before you buy.
Can I make just one cup with ground coffee?
Often, yes. Many models include a reusable filter for ground coffee. You can use it to brew a single mug or the whole carafe. This gives you more flexibility with your coffee.
Is the coffee hot enough from the single-serve side?
Most machines brew at a good temperature. The carafe side often has a hot plate to keep coffee warm. For a single cup, it’s best to drink it right away for maximum heat.
Are these machines expensive to run?
The upfront cost is higher than a basic pot. But using your own ground coffee in the carafe is cost-effective. K-Cup pods for single servings are more expensive per cup, which is something to consider for your budget.
The Short Answer
So, what’s teh right choice for you? It really comes down to your daily routine. Think about how you drink coffee most mornings. Do you need a single cup in a hurry, or are you filling mugs for the whole family? Your answer points you in the right direction.
If your needs change day-to-day, a combination k cup and carafe coffee maker is a fantastic solution. It gives you that single-serve convenience without losing the ability to make a full pot. You get the flexibility you need, all from one machine on your counter. It’s a simple way to cover all your bases, no matter who’s stopping by for a cup.