One of the important decisions you’ll have to make when buying a new coffee maker would be to choose what kind of brewer to go for. Do you pick a classic drip machine that makes a full or half pot? Or do you go for the convenient single serve option that makes one cup at a time?
If you’re unsure what to choose between these two categories, it’s not a problem because you can actually get them both in one machine!
Dual coffee makers, which are also called 2-Way coffee makers, can prepare your coffee in your choice of brew method. These machines also offer the convenience of having several serving sizes to match your every mood, or perhaps the taste of each person using the machine.
What To Look For in a Dual Coffee Maker?
There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before making your final decision:
On the Single-Serve side:
Do you want to use K-Cup pods? Refillable pods or simply ground coffee? Some machines will only use pods for their single serve side, others give you the option to use any type of coffee, either pods, ground coffee in a small basket/filter or refillable pods.
Does the machine include the accessories needed to brew a single cup? Such as a pod adapter or basket filter.
On the full carafe side:
Would you prefer a glass carafe or a thermal one? If you choose a glass carafe, then the machine will come equipped with a warming plate.
Best Picks for Dual Coffee Makers:
- Brew a full 10-cup carafe using your favorite coffee ground.
- Brew a single-serve cup up to 10 oz serving using a K-Cup pod or 14 oz using ground coffee.
- Machine has two separate water reservoir for each brewing side, with a window that displays the water level.
- Choose from two coffee strength: regular or bold.
- Programmable digital clock allows you to program your brew time up to 24 hours in advance.
- Included with your machine two packs: one for K-Cup pods and another that can be filled with your favorite coffee ground.
- Also available in a glass carafe model.
Important Notes:
- Only the carafe side is programmable. Single-serve brewing cannot be programmed in advance.
- You cannot use both brewing methods at the same time.
- Glass carafe with 12-cup capacity.
- Select from 2 brew strength: regular or bold.
- On the single serve side: select from sizes 6, 8 or 10 oz.
- Includes a reusable filter pod that allows you to use your own coffee or a k-cup pod.
- Two separate water reservoirs: 60 oz for the carafe side and 40 oz for the single serve side.
- Programmable brew settings for carafe side.
- Also available in a 10-cup option with thermal carafe.
Pros of the Cuisinart SS-15:
- Larger reservoirs: On the single-serve side, you can use it several times before having to refill. On the carafe side, you’ll most likely use the full reservoir if you’re brewing a full carafe.
- Control panel features a button for each serving size. Which is easier than having to fill up the reservoir to a certain level to adjust brew serving size.
Cons of the Cuisinart SS-15:
- Some customers have reported that the water reservoirs are somewhat hard to access. The single-serve side is removable, the carafe side isn’t.
- The single serve only goes up to 10 oz.
Although Keurig is a little late to the party with this one, they’ve finally done it and came up with a great dual coffee maker for their fans.
- Carafe side: brew sizes 6, 8, 10 or 12 cups.
- Single serve side: brew 6, 8, 10 or 12 oz serving.
- One large 60 oz reservoir shared between two sides.
- Strong brew option for a more intense cup.
- Programmable carafe auto-brew up to 24 hours in advance.
Single serve side uses k-cup pods or refillable filter pods that you can use your own coffee with. - Carafe side uses flat bottom filter and can be used with a reusable goldtone filter (sold separately).
- Glass carafe option only. For a thermal carafe, check out the K-Duo Plus model.
If you’re looking for the most versatile brewer out there, this Ninja brewer should be it. Not only does it make coffee in carafe or single serve cups, it also makes tea and other drink variations.
- Choose from multiple serving sizes: half carafe, full (10-cup/ 50 oz) carafe, single cup, large mug, travel mug.
- Select from 5 brewing styles: classic, rich, over ice, cold brew or specialty.
- Automatic temperature adjustment for tea depending on the type of tea you brew: herbal, black, Oolong, white or green.
- You can use loose tea or tea bags.
- No pods required. Machine includes basket filters for carafe or single serving.
- Also includes separate filters for coffee and tea brewing.
- Automatic filter recognition. The machine will automatically recognize whether you inserted a coffee or tea filter and will display brewing options accordingly.
- Built-in milk frother allows you to create delicious froth for making specialty drinks like cappuccinos or lattes.
Which Machine Do You Choose?
As the prices of these machines vary, and if you happened to be on a strict budget, then that might dictate which one you can go for. Overall, they are all great performing brewers, but if you’re looking for the most affordable option, then it’s the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew.
If you want versatility and want to get the most out of your machine, then you’ll love the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed brewer. It comes packed with features, many serving size options, many brew options, hot or cold! However, if you’re not a tea drinker, it might not make sense to get one. If you want the same serving sizes and brew styles, go for a Ninja coffee maker instead.
