Ever feel like your morning coffee routine is a constant compromise? Maybe you’re a solo sipper one day and hosting a brunch the next. That’s where the magic of a single serve and carafe coffee maker truly shines. It’s the versatile hero your countertop has been missing, effortlessly switching between a quick personal cup and a full pot for the whole crew. No more choosing between convenience and capacity.
We’ve been testing one of the latest models to see if it lives up to the hype. In this review, we’ll break down everything from the brew quality to how easy it actually is to use. You’ll get the real scoop on whether this two-in-one machine is worth freeing up that precious kitchen space for. Let’s dive in and see if it can really do it all.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Single Serve 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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9.6 |
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Ninja Drip Coffee Maker With K Cup Combo, DualBrew…
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9.4 |
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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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9.1 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Glass…
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8.9 |
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Hot and…
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8.8 |
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Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker & Barista System, 3…
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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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8.3 |
Read Review |
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AIRMSEN 12-Cup Programmable Dual Coffee Maker – Single Serve…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Single Serve 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 one coffee maker that handles practically any way you like your morning cup. It’s built around a simple idea: choice. Whether you prefer the convenience of a K-Cup pod or the fuller flavor of fresh grounds, this machine accomodates both without compromise. Its standout feature is the three brew styles.
The Classic setting gives you a well-balanced cup, while the Rich setting uses a slower flow rate for a more intense and bolder flavor from your grounds. For iced coffee, 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. You get a full-flavored, refreshing drink everytime, and you can make it with either pods or grounds. Flexibility extends to the amount you brew.
For grounds, you have nine sizes, from a small cup all the way to a full 12-cup carafe. For pods, there are four size options. This means your travel mug gets the perfect fill, and you can brew a carafe for the whole household or just a single serving for yourself. The machine is notably quick, brewing a single pod faster than leading competitors so you’re not waiting long, even on a busy morning. Convenience is key in the design.
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 virtually every brewing method. It combines a single-serve pod brewer with a full 12-cup carafe system, giving you serious flexibility. Whether you prefer pre-measured K-Cup pods or your own favorite grounds, this machine has a setting for it.
Its core feature is the 13-size dual coffee maker system.
For grounds, you can brew a single small cup, an extra-large travel mug, or choose from four carafe sizes. For pods, it’s compatible with K-Cups and offers four brew sizes from 6 to 12 ounces. This means you can make a quick single cup for yourself in the morning and later brew a full carafe when guests come over. The machine is noted for its faster brewing speed with pods compared to some leading brands, which is a nice perk when you’re in a rush.
Flavor control is a key focus.
You get four brew style choices: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, and Specialty. The Over Ice setting is made to brew a stronger coffee directly over ice so it doesn’t get watered down. The Specialty setting is particularly interesting—it brews a super-rich coffee concentrate that you can use as a base for homemade lattes or cappuccinos.
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 single-use appliances by combining multiple brewing methods into one compact machine. If your household has different coffee preferences, this brewer aims to please everyone without taking up excessive counter space.
Its core feature is the 13-size dual coffee system.
You can use traditional coffee grounds with five brew sizes, from a small cup to an extra-large travel mug. For convenience, it also brews four carafe sizes to share. When you want a single pod, it’s compatible with 1 Hole K-Cups for four different cup sizes. A notable point is its faster brewing speed for pods compared to a leading Keurig machine upon startup, which is handy for rushed mornings.
Flavor customization is a key focus.
You choose from four brew styles: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty. The Over Ice setting is made for iced coffee, brewing a stronger concentrate that won’t get watered down. The Specialty setting creates an even richer coffee concentrate, perfect as a base for homemade lattes or cappuccinos.
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 a full pot at the same time. Its core idea is flexibility, letting you choose between a single fresh cup or a full 12-cup carafe without needing two separate machines taking up counter space. This model functions with two completly independent brewers in one unit. On one side, you have a single-serve coffee maker.
It uses a simple, included mesh scoop—you just add your own ground coffee, place the scoop in the holder, and brew directly into your cup or travel mug, up to 14 ounces. It’s important to note this system is not made for K-Cup pods; it uses your own grounds. The other side is a traditional drip coffee maker with a 12-cup glass carafe. Each side has its own, easy-fill water reservoir with a viewing window, so you can keep both ready to go without any cross-configuration.
You gain several practical benefits from this dual system. Economically and environmentally, skipping single-use pods means less ongoing cost and less waste going to landfill. For customization, the carafe side offers programmable settings. You can set it up to 24 hours in advance, choose a regular or bold brew strength, and use the convenient AutoPause & Pour feature to sneak a cup early while the rest continues brewing.
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. It solves the classic morning dilemma by offering two complete brewers in one sleek, white and stainless steel unit. On one side, you have a full 12-cup glass carafe coffee maker. On the other, a dedicated single-serve brewer for your travel mug or favorite cup.
This means you can make a large pot for the family or a quick, personal serving without any compromise or complicated switching.
Brewing a single cup is straightforward. It comes with a reusable mesh scoop—you just fill it with your own ground coffee, place it in the brewer, and start it. There’s no need for disposable plastic pods, which is a win for both your wallet and the environment. You avoid the ongoing cost of K-Cup pods and create alot less waste.
It’s a simple system that puts you in control of the coffee you use. You can brew up to 14 ounces on the single-serve side, perfect for a large mug before you head out.
For the carafe side, handy features make your routine easier. The AutoPause & Pour function lets you sneak a cup early if the pot isn’t quite finished brewing. No more waiting impatiently for the whole cycle to complete. When the coffee is done, the keep-warm function automatically shuts off after two hours.
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 distinct brewers in one compact unit, saving valuable counter space. On one side, you have a full 12-cup programmable drip machine with a glass carafe. On the other, a dedicated single-serve side for brewing a quick cup with your own ground coffee.
This flexibility means you can make a pot for the family or just a single mug for yourself without needing two separate appliances. Brewing is highly customizable. The drip side features a unique AquaFlow showerhead that saturates coffee grounds evenly for a rich, full-flavored pot. You can choose from regular or bold strength settings to suit your taste.
A particularly useful feature is the dedicated iced coffee setting, which adjusts the brew strength to prevent watering down when poured over ice. For the single-serve side, a included mesh scoop makes it simple: just scoop your grounds, place it in the holder, and brew directly into your mug. It’s important to note that neither side is compatible with K-Cup pods; this machine is designed for use with your favorite loose ground coffee. Convenience is a major focus.
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 gives you the flexibility to create a wide range of drinks without needing multiple appliances cluttering your counter. Its core is the Barista Plus Technology, a 19-bar pressure system.
This professional-level pump brews at the optimal temperature and pressure, aiming to extract ultra-flavorful espresso with a silky-smooth crema layer on top. You can use it with your favorite espresso capsules, choosing from three brew styles: a standard Espresso shot, a longer Lungo, or a concentrated Over Ice shot designed for iced drinks. The built-in, fold-away frother is key for coffeehouse drinks. It lets you steam and froth milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites right at home.
The used capsule storage bin holds up to 20 pods for easy cleanup. Beyond capsules, this machine also brews through your own coffee grounds. You can select from nine different sizes, from a single cup to a full 12-cup carafe. It offers Classic, Rich, and Over Ice brew settings for both hot and iced coffee. This makes it easy to prepare for a group or just for yourself. The adjustable cup tray accomodates different vessel heights, from a small espresso cup to a tall travel mug.
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 to be the last coffee machine you’ll need to buy. It elegantly solves the common household dilemma of wanting a single cup some mornings and a full pot on others. You no longer have to choose between a pod brewer and a traditional drip machine, as this single unit handles both with impressive functionality. For your solo moments, the single-serve side offers serious flexibility.
It works with any brand of single-cup pod, including Keurig K-Cup pods, so your favorite blends are always an option. It also includes a reusable HomeBarista filter cup, letting you use your own fresh ground coffee and reduce waste. You can select from five different serving sizes, from a small 4 oz. cup to a large 12 oz. mug, tailoring the amount perfectly. When you need coffee for a group, the 12-cup glass carafe is ready.
It’s a sleek, classic design with a stainless steel handle that looks good on any counter. Just remember, a “cup” here is about 5 ounces, so it makes a substantial amount. This machine is built for performance and customization. It brews notably faster than standard 12-cup models, getting your coffee to you quicker. The 42 oz. removable water reservoir is easy to fill and track with its easy-view window.
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, giving you flexibility without needing two appliances on your counter. This brewer’s main advantage is its five 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 brew up to 12 cups using ground coffee in the carafe. The programmable touchscreen lets you set it the night before, so you can wake to a fresh single cup or a full pot, with options for regular or bold strength. A key feature is it’s fast brewing time—a single hot cup is ready in under two minutes. Space efficiency is a major highlight. At first glance, it looks like a compact single-serve machine.
The 12-cup glass carafe is cleverly tucked on the side, keeping a slim footprint. The large 60 oz. removable water reservoir is also versatile; you can place it on the back or the side of the unit to best fit your kitchen layout. This reservoir means you can brew a full 12-cup pot or about seven single servings without stopping to refill. Usability is straightforward. The LED touchscreen is clear and wipes clean easily.
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 serves two purposes, letting you choose between a full pot for the group or a quick, personal cup without needing two separate machines cluttering your counter. Its core feature is the dual brewing system. For gatherings or the whole household, the multi-serve side brews a full 12-cup pot into the included glass carafe.
When you just want one cup, the single-serve side works with both K-Cup pods and your own ground coffee, offering real flexibility. This means everyone in your home or office can have their preferred coffee style, all from one machine. Performance is centered on speed and control. A 1000W dual boiler system powers both sides, promising a full 12-cup pot in about 10 minutes and a hot single cup in under 90 seconds.
You can program the machine up to 24 hours in advance with the Delay Start, so your coffee is ready when you wake up. After brewing, the auto-keep-warm function maintains your coffee at the ideal temperature for up to two hours, which is great for those mornings when you get distracted. Operating the machine is straightforward thanks to the touchscreen panel. It allows you to adjust settings like cup size and brew strength by controlling water volume, putting you in charge of the final result.
Single Serve And Carafe Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Ever wish your coffee maker could do it all? A single serve and carafe coffee maker is teh answer, letting you brew one perfect mug or a full pot for a crowd. It’s a versatile machine that fits how you live, not the other way around. Here’s what to look for to find your match.
Brewing Speed and Size
Your morning routine sets the tone. If you’re always in a rush, check how fast it makes a single cup. Some machines are surprisingly quick. For the carafe, consider its capacity. A 12-cup pot is great for entertaining, but a smaller 5-cup might be plenty for daily use and takes up less counter space. Think about what you’ll use most days versus on weekends.
Pod System Compatibility
This is a big one for the single-serve side. Many machines use K-Cup pods, which offer tons of brand and flavor choices. Others might use Nespresso pods or have their own proprietary system. Some even include a reusable filter basket, letting you use your own ground coffee. This can save you money and reduce waste over time, which is a nice bonus.
Carafe Type and Warming
Not all carafes are created equal. A classic glass carafe sits on a warming plate, which is simple but can sometimes lead to over-cooked coffee if it sits too long. Thermal or stainless steel carafes are becoming more common; thay keep coffee hot for hours without a burner, so the flavor stays fresher. It’s a more convenient option if you like to sip slowly.
Footprint and Design
These are two machines in one, so they need a bit of room. Measure your counter space, especially the height if you have cabinets above. You’ll want to ensure you can easily open the lid to add water and swap between the pod holder and the carafe brew basket. A sleek design and intuitive controls just make the whole experience smoother every day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Single Serve And Carafe Coffee Maker
What is a single serve and carafe coffee maker?
It’s a two-in-one machine. You can brew one fresh cup for yourself using a pod or ground coffee. Or, you can make a full carafe for a group. It’s very flexible for different needs.
How does teh machine switch between single serve and carafe mode?
Most models have a simple switch or button. You select your option before you brew. The machine adjusts the water flow and heating for the right amount. It’s usually very straightforward to use.
What kind of coffee can I use?
For single cups, you often use pre-packaged pods or your own ground coffee in a reusable filter. For the carafe, you typically use a standard paper filter or a permanent filter basket with ground coffee. Always check your model’s manual to be sure.
Is it more expensive than a regular coffee maker?
It can be, upfront. But think of it as buying two machines in one. You save counter space and might save money over time if you were going to buy both types anyway. The convienience is a big plus.
Does it brew coffee quickly?
Yes, especially for a single cup. That’s usually very fast. A full carafe takes about the same time as a standard drip coffee maker, maybe a few minutes longer than some. It’s not the fastest for a carafe, but it’s not slow either.
Are these machines hard to clean?
Not really. You clean the carafe and filter basket like any coffee maker. The single-serve part needs rinsing and the pod holder might need occasional washing. Most have a descaling cycle to run now and then, which is important for any appliance.
Can I use my own ground coffee for single servings?
Many models let you do this. They come with a special reusable filter basket. You just add your favorite grounds. This gives you more choice and can be cheaper than buying pods all the time.
What should I look for when buying one?
Consider the carafe size—usually 8-12 cups. Check what pod types it uses (like K-Cup or a generic holder). Look for a programmable timer if you want coffee ready in the morning. Also, a pause-and-serve feature for the carafe is handy.
Before You Decide
So, think about your typical morning. Do you need one quick cup before you head out the door? Or is your kitchen the weekend hub where everyone wants a different flavor? Your daily routine is the best guide here. It’s easy to get caught up in features, but the best machine is the one you’ll actually use every day without a fuss. Consider your counter space, too. Some units are pretty compact, while others need a more permanent spot.
In the end, it comes down to matching the machine to your life. If you’re the only coffee drinker on weekdays but have guests over often, a hybrid single serve and carafe coffee maker could be your perfect match. It covers both scenarios. Just check how easy it is to clean—that’s a detail that really matters for long-term happiness. Take a moment to measure your space and be honest about your habits. That’ll point you toward the right choice for your home.