The Best Dual Coffee Makers: More Options for Your 2022 Brewing Needs

There are days when you’re rushing out and just need a quick single cup of coffee, and then there are those long work-from-home days when only a full carafe will do. Wouldn’t it be great if you could have both options easily available? Your coffee cravings can vary greatly from one day to the next, or even from one hour to the next. That’s why having a versatile coffee maker that can handle both is a game-changer for any coffee enthusiast.

Welcome to the world of dual coffee makers! These gems are perfect for coffee lovers who crave variety but don’t want a bunch of machines taking up space. However, picking the best one can be tricky. With so many choices varying in features, size, style, and whether they brew a single cup or espresso, it’s overwhelming. Don’t worry, though. Our guide is here to help you find the ideal combination coffee maker for your needs.

Why Buy a Dual Coffee Maker?

Every morning at 9 AM, I’m all about brewing a full pot of coffee to kickstart my day. But there are moments, especially later in the day, when all I crave is a single cup to power me through. No one wants to brew a whole pot for just one cup, right? This is where a dual coffee maker becomes a game-changer. It gives you the flexibility to make either a full pot or just one cup, catering to your coffee needs perfectly.

If your household is a mix of caffeine lovers and decaf fans, or if someone’s schedule means they’re sipping solo, a dual coffee maker is your go-to solution. It’s the perfect way to make sure everyone gets their coffee fix, exactly how they like it, without the hassle or waste of brewing individual cups. Whether it’s early risers or late-night studiers, a dual coffee maker keeps all the coffee drinkers in your family happy and caffeinated.

Living solo? A single cup coffee maker is your best friend for quick and easy brews. But, what if you’re like me and love a whole pot, or have friends over, or even a plumber working at your place and you wish to offer a warm welcome? That’s where a dual coffee maker shines! It lets you brew just a cup or a full pot, perfectly suiting your needs and making sure you’re always ready to share a coffee moment.

Dual coffee makers are versatile, letting you brew different drinks, not just carafe coffee. They can even use K-cups or pods from well-known single-serve brands.

The Downsides of a Dual Coffee Maker

Let’s face it, kitchen counter space is precious, and I bet you’re no exception. Making a whole pot of coffee or just one cup often means sacrificing more of that valuable space, especially with those bulky dual-function machines. But don’t worry! There are sleeker models out there (a couple are mentioned below) designed to fit snugly into tighter spots. So, you might just find the perfect coffee maker that doesn’t cramp your kitchen’s style.

The cost is a bit of a downside. It makes sense that a two-way coffee maker, which does more, also costs more. While some options are affordable, a machine that only brews one size of coffee is usually less expensive. However, buying a two-in-one coffee maker can be cheaper than getting both a single-serve and a carafe machine separately. So, it might still be a good deal!

The Best Dual Coffee Makers

Best overall: Cuisinart SS-20 Coffee Center

The SS-20 is a side-by-side model with four total size options:

• Full carafe (10 cups)
• Single-serving
  • 6-oz cup
  • 8-oz cup
  • 10-oz cup

This machine works with regular coffee grounds and also fits Kuerig’s k-cup pods or any single-cup pods. Its 40-oz detachable water tank means you don’t have to refill it every time you want a cup.

Easily clean by removing the drip tray, and make space for big travel mugs too!

A stainless steel carafe keeps coffee hot longer than glass and is tougher too!

The SS-20 coffee maker lets you schedule your coffee up to 24 hours ahead, perfect for planning your morning brew. Can’t wait for the full pot? The brew pause feature lets you sneak a cup early. Plus, with brew strength control, you can make your coffee just right, especially when using k-cup pods.

Budget pick: Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker

The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew stands out with its 12-cup glass pot, perfect for brewing lots! Like the SS-20, it’s versatile – you can use ground coffee, K-cups, or other coffee pods.

The cup holder seems small, but don’t worry! It’s designed to be taken off so bigger or travel mugs can fit perfectly.

This coffee machine lets you set it up ahead of time, keeps your brew warm for 2 hours, and even lets you pour a cup before it’s done brewing. Perfect for when you’re in a hurry, especially since it brews a bit slowly.

This model has two water tanks: one for a single cup and another for a whole carafe.

Discover the joy of owning a top-notch dual coffee maker without breaking the bank. Yes, it’s surprisingly affordable and right here waiting for you!

Best for variety: Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System

Looking for variety? Ninja’s got your back. Their new system upgrades the beloved Ninja coffee bar, offering even better features for your brewing adventure.

First off, you get six different brew sizes, letting you make the perfect amount of coffee every time. Plus, the fold-away cup platform simplifies changing between sizes. Perfect for any coffee lover!

• Cup
• XL Cup
• Travel Mug
• XL Multi-Serve
• Half Carafe
• Full Carafe

Explore these 5 brewing methods to make everything from fancy coffee drinks to a classic black coffee.

• Classic coffee
• Rich coffee
• Iced coffee
• Cold Brew coffee
• Specialty coffee

The built-in frother in this machine lets you effortlessly add a creamy touch of hot or cold milk to your beloved coffee creations. Plus, with a 50 oz water tank, you’ll make fewer trips to the sink, making your coffee routine a breeze.

This coffee maker is super smart! It knows if you’re brewing tea or coffee and shows you the right settings all by itself. How cool is that?

The handy scoop ensures you get the perfect amount of coffee grounds every time and neatly tucks away inside the machine for next use. Plus, with its compact design, the Ninja saves more counter space than many other models, making it a great space-friendly choice for your kitchen.

Discover how the Ninja Hot And Cold Brewed system stacks up against other versatile coffee machines by exploring our detailed comparison of Ninja vs. Nespresso.

Compact and simple: Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker

Discover a unique dual coffee maker that stands out from the rest, not by sitting side-by-side, but with a design that saves precious counter space. Measuring 14.19” in height, 8.2” in width, and 11.7” in depth, it’s 2 inches slimmer than any other option we’ve discussed. Its clever, movable water reservoir helps you easily slide it into tight spots on your counter. However, its taller stature might be a snug fit under low-hanging cabinets. Perfect for those who value both function and space-saving design. 

The K-Duo shines with its easy pod use. It’s friendly with all K-cups and many other pod brands. Prefer ground coffee? No problem! It brews both single cups and full carafes. Plus, it comes with a 12-cup stainless-steel thermal carafe, keeping your coffee hot for hours. Perfect for beginners who love options without the fuss.

Enjoy 8 different brew sizes with this versatile coffee maker.

• 6 oz cup
• 8 oz cup
• 10 oz cup
• 12 oz cup
• 6 cup carafe
• 8 cup carafe
• 10 cup carafe
• 12 cup carafe

This Keurig changes the game by letting you set your coffee to brew a whole day ahead! Can’t wait for your coffee? The pause-and-serve feature lets you sneak a cup fast. And if you find K-cups a bit too weak, don’t worry—the brew strength option lets you make your coffee just right.

For espresso lovers: De’Longhi BCO430 Combination Pump Espresso and 10-Cup Drip Coffee Machine with Frothing Wand

This machine stands out because it’s unique. While others give you a choice between single-cup and carafe brewing, this one lets you make espresso and a carafe of drip coffee at the same time.

Dreaming of whipping up lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, or a classic espresso shot at home? Plus, craving that full pot of coffee? The De’Longhi machine is your go-to. Known and loved by espresso aficionados, this machine promises to deliver on all fronts, making it a must-have for coffee lovers.

This espresso machine works magic with 15 bars of pressure, 6 more than needed, guaranteeing a strong cup every time. Plus, if you love creamy froth on your espresso or coffee, the included milk frother is a game-changer! 

The carafe side of this coffee maker is designed with excellence in mind. It features an active carbon filter to enhance your hot water quality, a simple but effective way to boost your brew’s taste. Plus, the water reservoir is detachable, making cleaning a breeze.

This coffee maker might not be the tiniest, but it’s perfect for tight spots under low counters. Why? Because everything you need to do, like adding water and coffee grounds, is accessible from the front. No need to stress about having enough space above it!

This coffee machine lets you set your brew 24 hours ahead and even pause mid-brew for a quick cup. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants the convenience of a programmable machine that also makes espresso.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect coffee machine can be tricky because everyone has different needs. Whether you want the convenience of brewing a single cup or the ability to make a whole pot for friends, the options we’ve discussed are top-notch. These dual coffee makers cater to various coffee enthusiasts, from espresso lovers to those looking to save on counter space. Dive in, and you’re bound to discover the one that fits your coffee lifestyle perfectly.

Exploring more choices? The coffee makers mentioned are all drip types. Not sure what that is or if it’s for you? Check out our guide comparing percolator and drip coffee makers to help you decide.