Imagine waking up, ready for that perfect cup of coffee, only to find your counter cluttered with two separate machines: one for drip coffee and another for your morning espresso shot. Does juggling multiple appliances sound like a headache before your first sip? Many coffee lovers face this exact challenge. Choosing the best coffee maker combination is tough because you want the convenience of both a full pot and a quick single serving, but you don’t want to sacrifice counter space or budget.
Finding the sweet spot between variety and simplicity can feel like a maze of features and price tags. Are you tired of compromising between a big brew for the family and a fancy latte for yourself? This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore the top coffee maker combinations available today, explaining what makes each one great.
By the time you finish reading, you will know exactly which all-in-one machine fits your lifestyle and brewing habits perfectly. Get ready to declutter your kitchen and upgrade your mornings. Let’s dive into how you can finally get the best of both coffee worlds!
Top Coffee Maker Combination Recommendations
- 3 WAYS TO BREW: With this 12 cup Hamilton Beach coffee maker, brew a single cup with a pod or coffee grounds or brew up to 12 cups using your favorite ground coffee
- FAST BREWING — BREW A SINGLE CUP IN ABOUT 90 SECONDS: In the morning, every second counts. Unlike 2 way coffee makers of the past, the FlexBrew Trio Coffee Machine prepares a single cup in 90 seconds so you have more time to enjoy your brew
- BREW 7 SINGLE SERVINGS WITHOUT REFILLING THE 56 OZ. WATER RESERVOIR: With this single serve coffee maker, you'll save time with fast 90-second brewing and a large 56 oz. water reservoir that can brew 7 cups without needing a refill
- WAKE-UP READY COFFEE WITH EASY-TOUCH PROGRAMMING: For the 12 cup coffee maker side, wake up to a hot mug by setting the Easy-Touch programming the night before; the backlit display clearly shows the time & settings.
- 5 SINGLE-SERVE SIZES TO CHOOSE FROM: Customize brewing size to your cup using the Hamilton Beach Flex Brew coffee machine; select 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 oz. with ground coffee or 6, 8 or 10 oz. via a pod — you'll get perfect amount in your cup
- BREW BY THE CUP OR CARAFE: Brews both K-Cup pods and coffee grounds.
- MULTISTREAM TECHNOLOGY: Saturates the grounds evenly to extract full flavor and aroma in every cup, hot or cold.
- BREW OVER ICE: Adjusts temperature for maximum flavor and less ice melt for single-cup iced coffees and teas.
- STRONG BREW & EXTRA HOT FUNCTIONALITY: Brews a stronger, more intense-flavored cup and the extra hot feature brews a hotter single cup.
- MULTIPLE BREW SIZES: Brew 6, 8, 10, or 12oz single cups or 6, 8, 10, or 12-cup carafes. 12-cup glass carafe specially designed to limit dripping.
- 3 WAYS TO BREW: Brew a single cup with a pod or coffee grounds or brew up to 12 cups using your favorite ground coffee. To brew one serving, you have the option to brew up to a 10 oz. cup with a pod or brew up to 14 oz., 7" tall travel mug with coffee grounds.
- FAST BREWING: In the morning, every second counts. The FlexBrew TRIO Coffee Machine with 12 Cup Thermal Carafe prepares an 8 oz. cup of coffee in about 90 seconds, so you have more time to enjoy your coffee.
- BREW 7 SINGLE SERVINGS WITHOUT REFILLING: Enjoy a quick cup of coffee without stopping to pour water into your coffee maker. The removable 56 oz. water reservoir of this thermal carafe coffee maker saves you time because it needs fewer refills.
- KEEPS COFFEE HOT AND FRESH LONGER: Pour 12 cups of hot, fresh-tasting coffee with the stainless steel thermal carafe. Because it insulates hot coffee without the need for a heating plate, there's no fear of coffee losing its fresh, just-brewed flavor.
- 5 SINGLE-SERVE SIZES: Customize the brewing size to your cup. Simply select 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 oz. before you brew with ground coffee or choose 6, 8 or 10 oz. when brewing with a pod — you'll get the perfect amount in your cup.
- No waiting time with Dual Heating System Allows you to brew coffee and espresso simultaneously.
- Italian 15 BAR pressure pump Experience authentic espressos brewed at the optimal pressure for rich flavor.
- Advanced Steam wand Choose micro-foam setting to steam milk for lattes or treat yourself to authentic cappuccinos with Cappuccino setting on the Advanced Steam Wand
- 24 Hour programmable timer and Digital Touchscreen Enjoy intuitive and enhanced experience with Digital Touchscreen and wake up to freshly brewed coffee with the digital timer.
- Bold Setting function Customize your preference of flavor and aroma for a rich, yet smooth coffee experience
- 2 WAYS TO BREW: SINGLE CUP OR FULL POT. The included single-serve scoop makes it easy to just scoop, place and brew. You can brew up to 14 oz. into a cup or travel mug on the single-serving side or make up to 12 cups on the carafe side with ground coffee.
- SIMPLE SINGLE-SERVE BREWING: With the included mesh scoop, adding your favorite ground coffee to the single cup coffee maker couldn’t be easier: just scoop, place and brew. (Not compatible with K-Cup* pods.)
- ECO-FRIENDLY AND EASY ON YOUR WALLET. For fresh flavor and less waste, skip the plastic pods. Since this Hamilton Beach coffee maker doesn't use K-Cup* pods, there's less to buy and throw away.
- HAMILTON BEACH PROGRAMMABLE COFFEE MAKER WITH MULTIPLE BREW SETTINGS: Choose whether to make a single cup or full pot, select bold or regular brew strength options, and program the coffee maker up to 24 hours in advance for wake-up ready coffee.
- GET YOUR FIRST CUP FAST WITH AN AutoPause & Pour COFFEE MACHINE: Enjoy a quick cup while your coffee is still brewing. There's no need to wait for the full pot, thanks to the AutoPause & Pour feature on this carafe and single-serve coffee maker.
- 4-IN-1 BARISTA BAR: The Cuisinart Coffee Center Barista Bar 4-in-1 Coffee Maker lets you enjoy up to 12 cups of coffee (cup equals approx. 5 oz. (varies by brewing technique) and single-serve cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso.)
- CONVENIENT FEATURES: This coffee machine with fully automatic brewing and 24-hour programmability allows you to customize your coffee's freshness with adjustable Keep Warm up to 4 hours and Brew Pause features.
- BREW CONTROL: Tailor the strength of your brew with the brew strength control and savor the rich flavors with the included gold-tone, commercial-style permanent filter and charcoal water filter.
- SINGLE SERVE BREWER: Choose from three brewing sizes: 6 oz., 8 oz., and 10 oz. to suit your preferred coffee strength, compatible with Keurig K-Cup or other single serve pods to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
- NESPRESSO COMPATIBLE CAPSULE BREWER: The coffeemaker is compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine-style capsules to allow you to delight in both single and double espresso sizes.
- 5 WAYS TO BREW: This Single Serve Coffee Maker & 12 Cup Drip Coffee Maker combo can brew a single iced or hot cup with a K-Cup* pod or ground coffee, and you can use your favorite ground coffee to brew a whole pot — the choice is yours.
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN & SLIM FOOTPRINT: At first glance, this streamlined coffee machine might look like a single-serve brewer. Take a second look and you'll find that its innovative design has a 12 cup glass carafe hidden from view on its side.
- WAKE UP TO A SINGLE CUP OR 12 CUPS: The touchscreen of this programmable coffee maker has Auto Brew to let you wake up to a fresh-brewed single cup or up to 12 cups in the carafe. Control strength with regular and bold options.
- DUAL-POSITION 60 OZ. WATER RESERVOIR: This Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker has a removable reservoir that can be positioned on the back or side of the 12 cup coffee maker to best fit your space and optimize your brewing needs.
- FAST BREWING — BREW A SINGLE CUP IN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES: In the morning, every second counts. This 5 way dual coffee maker prepares a single hot cup in less than 2 minutes so you have more time to enjoy your coffee.
- HOW YOU BREW IS UP TO YOU: Iced or hot — single cup or carafe — this 5-in-1 brewer fits every taste and mood. Brew a cup of iced or hot coffee with a K-Cup* pod or ground coffee, or make a carafe of hot coffee with your favorite ground coffee.
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN IS OVER 40% NARROWER**: This 12 cup coffee maker gives you the slim footprint of a single cup brewer, yet has a thermal carafe on its side. Brew a quick cup or travel mug on the front or make multiple cups when it's time for more.
- DUAL-POSITION 60 OZ. REMOVABLE WATER RESERVOIR: The water reservoir can be placed on the back or side to best fit your space. Its large 60 oz. capacity lets you brew 12 cups in the thermal carafe or up to 7 single servings without refilling.
- KEEPS COFFEE HOT AND FRESH LONGER: Pour yourself multiple cups of hot, fresh-tasting coffee from the 12 cup stainless steel thermal carafe. The BPA-free, insulated design keeps coffee hot and fresh without the need for a heating plate.
- WAKE UP TO A SINGLE CUP OR 12 CUPS: This thermal carafe coffee maker has Auto Brew to let you wake up to a fresh-brewed single cup or up to 12 cups in the carafe. You can control the strength of your coffee with regular and bold brewing options.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Coffee Maker Combinations
A coffee maker combination unit is a fantastic choice for any kitchen. These machines give you the best of both worlds: regular brewed coffee and espresso, often in one compact package. Choosing the right one can boost your morning routine instantly. This guide helps you pick the perfect machine.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind. They make a big difference in how you use and enjoy your machine.
Brewing Versatility
- Dual Functionality: Make sure it clearly offers both drip coffee and espresso. Some units might have a pod system too.
- Carafe Size: Check how much coffee the drip side holds. Do you need a 10-cup or 12-cup carafe?
- Grinder Inclusion: The best combinations include a built-in burr grinder. This keeps your beans fresh.
Ease of Use and Programming
- Programmable Timer: A must-have! Set it the night before so coffee is ready when you wake up.
- Milk Frothing Wand: If you love lattes or cappuccinos, look for a powerful steam wand for perfect foam.
- Water Reservoir Size: A larger reservoir means less refilling, which saves time during busy mornings.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials used affect how long your machine lasts and how easy it is to clean. Quality construction matters.
What to Check
- Housing Material: Stainless steel bodies look great and last longer than plastic ones. Plastic is lighter but can crack over time.
- Carafe Material: Glass carafes let you see the coffee level, but thermal (stainless steel) carafes keep coffee hot longer without burning it.
- Filter Type: Permanent, reusable filters save money on paper filters. Paper filters offer slightly cleaner-tasting coffee, depending on preference.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A machine’s quality isn’t just about looks; it’s about the taste it produces.
Quality Boosters
- Temperature Control: Good machines heat water to the ideal brewing temperature (about 195°F to 205°F). This extracts the best flavor.
- Pressure Rating (Espresso Side): Look for at least 15 bars of pressure for decent espresso extraction.
- Removable Parts: Components that easily come apart are simpler to clean thoroughly.
Quality Reducers
- Slow Heating Elements: If the machine takes too long to heat up, your coffee might taste weak.
- Cheap Plastic Components: These often break first or can sometimes impart a plastic taste to the water.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you actually use coffee makers. Do you need speed, or do you prefer a slower, more manual process?
Who Should Buy This Combination?
- The Busy Family: If multiple people drink different coffee styles (one likes black coffee, one likes a latte), this unit handles both needs efficiently.
- The Small Kitchen Owner: Combining two appliances into one saves valuable counter space.
- The Value Seeker: Buying a combination unit is usually cheaper than buying a separate drip machine and a separate espresso maker.
Remember to read user reviews. They often point out real-world issues, like tricky cleaning cycles or loud grinding noises, which manufacturers sometimes hide.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Coffee Maker Combinations
Q: Are combination coffee makers as good as separate machines?
A: Modern, high-end combinations perform very well. However, very specialized, high-volume machines might still outperform a single combination unit in one area (like making dozens of perfect espressos quickly).
Q: How much counter space do these usually take up?
A: They take up slightly more space than a standard drip machine but much less space than two separate machines sitting side-by-side.
Q: Is it hard to switch between making drip coffee and espresso?
A: Most good models make the switch easy. You usually just use a different section of the machine or change a setting. Check if the water tank is shared or separate.
Q: Do I need special coffee beans for the espresso side?
A: Yes. Espresso requires finely ground beans. If your machine has a built-in grinder, it should adjust automatically. If not, you must use finer grounds for the espresso portafilter.
Q: How long does it take to clean a combination unit?
A: Cleaning the drip side is standard. The espresso side requires rinsing the portafilter and steam wand after every use. A full descaling process takes longer than a regular coffee maker.
Q: What is a “portafilter”?
A: The portafilter is the handle with a basket that you fill with finely ground coffee on the espresso side. You lock it into the machine to brew the shot.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee in the espresso section?
A: You can, but the taste will not be as fresh or strong. Built-in grinders are highly recommended for the best espresso flavor.
Q: What if I only want hot water for tea?
A: Many combination units have a dedicated hot water spout or allow you to run the steam wand briefly to dispense hot water.
Q: Are these machines noisy?
A: The grinder is often the loudest part, especially in the early morning. The pump for the espresso side can also make a loud whirring sound during brewing.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a combination machine?
A: With regular cleaning and descaling, a good quality combination coffee maker usually lasts between five and ten years.