The Best Dual Coffee Maker + 7 Other Favorites!
This guide will reveal the best dual coffee maker on the market today, plus a few other favorites you can choose from! It will also dive into a buying guide to help you make the best decision.
If you want the versatility of choosing between making a pot of drip coffee and making a single-serve drink, then a dual coffee maker will do just that.
We’ve done the hard work and researched all the machines on the market to find you the best dual coffee maker and some other contenders so you have plenty of options!
Read on to find out our top picks and how to choose the best dual coffee maker for avid coffee drinkers.
Dual Coffee Maker Buying Guide
Before we jump into the list of the best dual coffee makers, you should understand what you need to be looking for in your next coffee maker. Keep in mind that a wise buyer is a happy buyer!
That's why we've compiled together a few important things to look out for in this buying guide, starting with:
What coffee do you want?
Most dual coffee makers will offer both drip and single serve pod coffee, but some will offer specialty espresso drinks, such as the De'Longhi BCO430 and the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System.
So, if you want a dual coffee maker that offers the best coffee pot as well as the best single serve coffee maker, then our top 3 choices would be great options.
If you want a choice of different coffees then most other dual coffee machines will offer you that.
Coffee Pods, Ground Coffee, or Whole Beans
Whole beans are of better quality as they are fresher which will mean better flavor overall. Unfortunately, not many dual coffee makers offer a whole coffee bean function. So you would have to either look at coffee makers with built-in grinders or purchase a coffee grinder.
All dual coffee makers will take ground coffee but only some will take ground coffee and as well as coffee pods. And the ones that take pods don’t take all brands of pods, so make sure you are aware of these details when you're purchasing your duo coffee maker.
Size & Tank Positioning
Some are more compact than others. Some are suitable for sitting under cupboards and some won’t be.
Water reservoirs can be located on the top or back of the machine. Depending on the positioning and your kitchen, you could find yourself having to pull out your machine to remove the water tank and refill it. So keep those details in mind when searching for the right machine for your kitchen.
Features
Do you absolutely have to have an integrated milk frother or are you happy to purchase one separately?
What about filters? Do you want a permanent filter or are you happy to buy paper filters regularly? Permanent filters will need to be cleaned regularly, possibly even after every use. Paper filters can be more convenient because you can just throw them out but you have to remember to stay topped up with them and they’re not as good for the environment.
Do you care to have a programmable dual coffee maker? So can wake up to a freshly brewed pot of coffee.
How about iced coffee? Is that a thing you enjoy? Then maybe a dual coffee maker that offers an over-ice option is ideal.
Carafe
Do you want a glass or thermal carafe? A glass carafe isn’t as robust because if you drop it, it will probably smash. The glass also heats up which can mean accidentally burning your hand if you touch it. Glass carafes also don’t keep the heat in as long.
A thermal carafe is generally better because it's more durable and will keep your coffee hot or cold for longer.
But thermal carafes are opaque and you might run out of coffee before anticipated, and that can be annoying as hell...
Design
If you're going to always have your dual coffee maker out on your counter space, you might want it to fit in with your kitchen aesthetics. Some designs are sleeker than others. Dual coffee makers generally come in stainless steel, black, or white. So you may prefer one or the other.
Quality of Coffee
The most important aspect of a coffee maker is if the coffee tastes good.
Some produce stronger coffees than others. Some offer espresso or double shots of espresso to make a strong coffee to suit your tastes.
If the quality of coffee is very important to you, then the Braun Multiserve Coffee Maker is probably your best option!
Price
While most dual coffee makers are around $100 or slightly more, there are ones that are pricier, and for good reason.
A lot of the less expensive ones will do most of the same things but they may not have as many accessories, such as additional brew strengths, milk wands, temperature sensors, warming plates, etc.
In general though, if you’re one who purchases a daily coffee from a coffee shop, any of these machines will save you money - even the more expensive ones.
What is the Best Dual Coffee Maker?
Now that you've learned what exactly you are looking for in your next coffee maker, check out our overviews below for the best dual coffee makers and click on "Read More" to jump down to the in-depth reviews:
no. 1
- Brews coffee and tea
- Intelligent warming plate - adjust time and temperature
- Makes cold brew coffee in 10 mins
no. 2
- Multiple brewing sizes
- Compatible with any brand of coffee pods
- Self-clean function
no. 3
- Makes espressos, cappuccinos and lattes
- Includes a frothing wand
- Front loading for both coffee grounds and water
no. 4
Braun Multiserve Coffee Maker
- Temperature sensor system
- 7 brewing options
- Narrow carafe design for better taste
no. 5
Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker
- Thermal carafe
- Multiple brewing sizes
- Compatible with both ground coffee and coffee pods
no. 6
Hamilton Beach Flexbrew 49976
- Compatible with K-cup pods
- Brews up to 12 cups
- Option for brew strength
no. 7
Ninja CFP201 DualBrew System
- Can use grounds and coffee pods
- 60 oz water reservoir
- 13 brew sizes
no. 8
Hamilton Beach 2-Way 49980A
- Travel Mug Friendly
- 24-hour programmable
- Brew strength option
Now stick around so you can learn more about each product we mentioned and what you should look for when you're shopping for one!
1. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System
Best Overall
This Ninja coffee maker is pretty unique because it's very versatile, from hot coffee and tea, to cold brew or over ice and even specialty drinks. Basically, it can make anything your heart may desire. You can even call it your household genie... Haha!
It also has a good range of brew sizes and styles and comes with a milk frother, recipe book, permanent filter, and a glass or thermal carafe (you can choose).
The five brew styles include classic, rich, iced coffee, cold brew, or specialty giving you a broad range of hot and cold coffee and teas to choose from.
This coffee maker also works to create the best coffee and tea with its Smart Basket Recognition system, which recognizes how much water is needed for a particular size and it knows the temperature and number of steeps needed for different types of tea.
The milk frother can be folded away which means it takes up less space and it can also be removed for cleaning.
Thermal carafes are generally better than glass ones as they can keep your drink warmer or colder for longer and are more robust, but this dual coffee brewer comes with an Intelligent Warming Plate, which allows you to adjust the time and temperature.
The display is a little different from others because it runs down the side making it look sleek.
It comes with two separate coffee and tea baskets, which is good because otherwise, you may end up with a new drink, "cofftea"... Trust me you don't want to try that!
Both loose-leaf tea, ground coffee, and bagged versions can be used in this duo coffee maker.
The carafe can be an issue, as water can escape but this may be resolved if you pay closer attention to how you place the carafe as it can be a little off center.
Pros
- 5 brew styles including cold brew
- Suitable for coffee and tea drinkers
- Separate brew baskets for coffee and tea
- Specialty drinks with a milk frother
- Intelligent warming plate
- Smart basket recognition
Cons
- Carafe does not fit snuggly and can cause some spillage
2. Cuisinart SS-15P1 Coffee Center
Runner Up
The Cuisinart SS-15P1 is a sleek-looking machine in stainless steel and black. The design is elevated with simple touches such as the handle of the glass carafe, which is also stainless steel to go with the rest of the facade.
With a 12 cup coffee maker and three cup sizes for the single serve brewer, this machine has the flexibility to please every member of your family, or every picky person at work...
This dual coffee maker is compatible with any brand of single cup coffee pods including Keurig K-cups, making it great for experimenting with your coffee or letting you choose the best coffee pod for your budget.
There is a permanent filter on each side, so it saves on buying disposable filters as well as savings from using coffee capsules. Not to mention the reduced environmental impact!
There are some reports that coffee grits get into your coffee cup, albeit very tiny bits, so if this irritates you, you can always use paper filters to prevent this.
The 40 oz removable water tank has a charcoal water filter to remove impurities for a better-tasting coffee. It also makes it easier to clean when you can remove it. But, the water tank is near the back and it is a little narrow, making it a little difficult to refill.
The 24-hour brew start function means you can set it to brew in the morning and have the delicious aroma of coffee wake you up without having to wait for your cup of joe.
There is a bold coffee option to customize your brew to your liking which also adjusts the water temperature, giving you control of your coffee.
This Cuisinart duo coffee maker has a few little drawbacks such as making sure the basket is all the way in or it may leak some coffee, but it's easy to use, and once you get the hang of it, you'll have a delicious cup of coffee in no time.
You must clean out the pod needles regularly or the single-serve brewer will clog. It's just as well that it's got a self-clean function that helps speed up the cleaning process.
Pros
- 12 cup carafe brewing
- 6, 8, and 10 oz single serve brewing
- Comes with permanent filters
- Has a self-clean option
- 24-hour programmable settings
- Brew pause feature
Cons
- Narrow water tank
- Can get clogged if not maintained properly
3. De'Longhi BCO430 Combination Brewer
Best Espresso Duo
This De'Longhi two way coffee maker is a little different than the previous selections, as it offers espresso and milk beverages for its single serve section instead of drip coffee. This makes it ideal for those who want the best of both worlds all in one machine.
As for the drip coffee maker section, you can make a 10-cup pot of coffee.
The machine includes a frothing wand, a stainless steel tamper, and a gold-tone permanent filter. The only thing you need to do is grind your beans with a manual coffee grinder or an electric one and let this machine do the rest.
It has a nice silver and black aesthetic that would suit any kitchen, although it is a bit bulkier than other options.
The pump pressure for the espresso maker is 15 bars, which is good enough but not perfect, since the best automatic espresso machines on the market offer at least 19 bars of pressure.
The advanced charcoal water filter ensures your coffee isn’t tainted by other flavors, but the gold tone filter can be hard to clean; however, the rest of the machine is easy to clean with a removable drip tray and water tank (which makes it easier to refill).
This two way coffee maker is compatible with ground coffee and ESE pods (an Easy Serving Espresso pod that is packed and has a paper filter to use in non-grinding espresso machines). This may be a disadvantage for anyone wanting to use K-cups.
The combination brewer is programmable, so your coffee can be ready for you as soon as you're up. The smell might help get you out of bed. At least it does for me!
There are three programs, single espresso, double espresso, and filter coffee. It also has a pause function and an auto shut-off. It’s also unique on this list for having an indicator light that helps you avoid stale coffee, so you can have freshly brewed coffee every time.
Pros
- Makes espressos, cappuccinos and lattes
- Front loading for both coffee grounds and water
- Has a warming plate
- Indicator to avoid stale coffee
- ESE pods are compatible
Cons
- Not compatible with regular coffee pods, such as K-Cups
- The espresso pressure pump is only 15 bars
4. Braun Multiserve Coffee Maker
The Braun Multiserve coffee maker is another great dual coffee machine that offers 7 different drink options: 5 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, half carafe, and full carafe.
Although this duo coffee maker is not compatible with coffee pods, it makes up for this setback with its exact brew system that delivers the best cup of coffee every time by setting the proper water temperature and flow speed.
This is achieved with the temperature sensor system, which utilizes 3 sensors to monitor the water temperature to achieve the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) brewing standards.
This brewer makes both hot and cold drinks with a button for over-ice brewing. As well as an option for light or bold brewing.
The water reservoir holds 50 oz which is a great deal of water, plus it's located on top of the machine for easier access and to easily monitor the water level.
This Braun coffee maker is travel mug friendly and it has a freshness indicator that warns you when your coffee is too stale to drink. This is a great feature unless stale coffee is your thing...
The carafe has a unique design that is narrow at the top in order to trap moisture, which in turn prevents a bitter pot of coffee. This makes this machine unique from the rest of the dual coffee makers on this list.
The only downfall of this machine is that it is a little bulky and tall, which can make it a little hard to fit under your kitchen cupboards, so make sure you check the dimensions of the machine to ensure that it will fit fine on your kitchen counter.
Pros
- Temperature sensor system for SCA brewing standards
- 7 brewing options including iced drinks
- Narrow carafe design for better tasting coffee
- Freshness indicator
- Hot surface indicator
Cons
- Not compatible with coffee pods
- Dimension might be too large for some kitchens
5. Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker
The Keurig K-Duo Plus is a popular choice for a dual coffee maker that is both a K Cup coffee maker and a Keurig drip coffee maker. Its design has been upgraded from the K-Duo. The K-Duo Plus is a much more compact machine at just 7.68 inches (19.5 cm) in width.
Of course, Keurig does accept K-cup pods and any other brand of ground coffee, giving you flexibility with which coffee to use.
The Keurig dual coffee maker has 4 brew sizes for both its stainless steel thermal carafe and the single cup. For the carafe, there are 6, 8, 10, and 12 cups. For the single serve, there are 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz.
The Keurig K-Duo Plus has a large capacity reservoir of 60oz shared between both the carafe and single serve option.
This Keurig duo coffee maker has a few programable options including an auto brew to have your coffee ready for you at a time that suits your schedule, the pause and brew function, and the auto-off feature.
The auto-off feature usually only applies to the carafe function on dual coffee machines but this one also has it for the single cup function, turning off five minutes after the last cup has been made, making it an energy-efficient choice.
This Keurig has a strong brew option for an intense single cup which gives it a leg up over most other dual coffee makers on our list.
The K-Duo Plus heats up and brews in one process, so you don’t need to heat it before selecting your cup size, making it quick to brew.
It includes a reusable gold-tone mesh coffee filter, which is great for the environment and your coffee (unless you rinse your paper filters before using them to remove the papery flavor).
The water reservoir is removable and is multi-position, which makes it easy to fill and clean. It’s also convenient to fit this machine on a small kitchen counter with cupboards. The controls are also on the top, unlike a lot of other models which have them on the front. This could also make it inconvenient for storing under cupboards.
The quality of the coffee is good and the choice of using different coffee means you can experiment until you find a coffee you like.
RELATED: The Best Keurig Coffee Maker - Top 9 Reviews + Buying Guide
Pros
- 4 brew/cup sizes (6, 8, 10, and 12 oz/cups)
- Compact design with a multi-position removable 60-oz water tank
- Compatible with single serve K-Cup pods or regular ground coffee
- Includes re-usable gold tone mesh filter
- Includes stainless steel thermal carafe
Cons
- Controls are on the top of the machine
- Does not include MultiSteam Technology
- The Keurig Duo descale process is a little more manual than other Keurig machines
6. Hamilton Beach Flexbrew 49976
The Hamilton Beach Flexbrew has a single serve brewer and a 12-cup brewer, making it the runner up to the best duo coffee maker, although you can’t use both at the same time. Only one other coffee machine on this list brews both sides at the same time, and that's the DeLonghi BCO430 Combination Brewer.
The Flexbrew is quite flexible because you can use K-Cup pods or any other pod brand or you can use ground coffee.
It has an easy-touch program that you can use to brew your coffee in advance if, like me, you lie in bed for as long as possible before rushing out in the morning.
Your full carafe stays warm for up to two hours but the quality of the coffee will deteriorate and become bitter with time.
This Hamilton Beach coffee machine automatically shuts off which is good for those who are safety-conscious but may not suit those who enjoy drinking their coffee slowly.
There is a brew pause and pour function, so if you’re desperate for that first cup of coffee, you don’t have to wait until the whole pot is brewed.
While the brewing options aren’t extensive with a regular and bold option, it should be enough to customize your coffee the way you like it.
There are two separate water reservoirs with windows, one for each brewer, which is quite convenient if you don't enjoy refilling the water tank for every other drink you make.
The water needs to be poured in from the top which may not be convenient if you’ve stuck this machine under your cupboards as you’ll have to trail it out to fill it.
Included is a pod holder which can be removed for easy cleaning, a coffee grounds basket, and a glass carafe. Glass carafes can be a little less robust than thermal stainless steel ones. They are quick to break, especially when handled by someone just as clumsy as myself.
It produces hot coffee, and while it is slower than a Keurig coffee maker to brew (taking 3 to 5 minutes on the single side), it rivals it in taste quality.
While some people do not like having to fill the water tank every time, others prefer it because the water is always fresh.
Pros
- Option to control brew strength
- Compatible with coffee pods, including K-Cup pods
- Easy to clean
- Two separate water reservoirs
- Programmable
Cons
- Single serve side is slower than a Keurig
- Water tank refills after each use
7. Ninja CFP201 DualBrew System
This Ninja coffee machine is compact yet offers a lot of choices... Like A LOT!
It has a 12 cup coffee maker which has 9 brew sizes including a small cup, regular cup, XL cup, a travel cup, a 1/4 carafe, a 1/2 carafe, a 3/4 carafe, and a full carafe.
No matter what size you choose, the warming plate will keep it warm for up to four hours, which is two hours more than average.
Like most dual coffee machines, this model has a glass carafe, which isn't as good as a thermal one, but the advantage is that you can see how much coffee is left. Plus the warming plate makes up for the thermal carafe by keeping the coffee warm for longer.
The single serve section also offers lots of choices with four pod sizes including 6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz, and 12 oz. The foldable single serve platform makes it easy to raise it to stop splashing or to lower it for a taller cup.
There are three brew styles; classic, rich, or over ice. The thermal flavor extraction ensures there is even saturation and controls the temperature to optimize the flavor of your coffee.
It's easy to clean this coffee maker with a removable pod adapter and water reservoir. Some of the parts are also dishwasher safe to save you a bit of time.
With all the choices this machine provides, it's no surprise that you might need to look at the instructions to learn how it all works but once you figure it out, it should be quick to brew a delicious coffee.
There have been some reports of grinds ending up in the cup but this may be rectified by ensuring all the parts are securely in place and the machine is cleaned and maintained regularly, which applies to all coffee makers.
Pros
- Can use coffee grounds and coffee pods
- 9 brew sizes and 4 pod sizes
- 3 brew styles
- Brew over ice
- Thermal Flavor Extraction
Cons
- A bit of a learning curve
8. Hamilton Beach 2-Way 49980A
Another Hamilton Beach on the list and this one is a great value for what you get.
It has a 12-cup coffee pot and a single serve side, but like most coffee makers, you can’t brew both at the same time.
It’s programmable, so you can set it to brew for whatever time you want in the next 24 hours. It also has an auto pause and pour function and an auto shut-off function.
There are two brew options, regular and bold, although this machine does not brew espresso drinks like some of the other machines on this list.
This two way coffee maker is easy to use with just 5 buttons and a switch. It's so easy to operate that even your grandma can make it work!
There are two separate water reservoirs one for each type of brewing, and they both have a water window so you know how much water is left in each brewer.
The drip tray is adjustable for different cup sizes and you can even fit a travel mug in there and have your coffee to go.
The only downside to this brewer is that it's not compatible with any type of coffee pods. Instead, it comes with a single serve coffee basket. For some people who love their coffee fresh, this is a plus! While for others, it is a deal breaker...
Pros
- Great price for anyone's budget
- Very simple to operate
- Regular and bold brew strengths
- Travel mug friendly
- Two separate water tanks
Cons
- Not compatible with any type of coffee pods
- The basket needs to be cleaned after every use
- Brew sizes are limited
One worthy contender is the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which also brews carafe size coffee. Click here to read the detailed review!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there coffee machines that use pods and ground coffee?
Yes. Some dual coffee makers will take both pods and coffee grounds. If you do want to use coffee pods then check which ones are compatible with the machine. Some will take all pods but some will only take a certain type.
How long will a dual coffee maker last?
How long is a piece of string? A coffee maker should last 3-5 years if you take care of it and don’t skip any maintenance routines.
Can you use both sides of a dual coffee maker at the same time?
Most machines won’t allow you to use both the drip coffee function and the single serve at the same time. The ones that do will probably be quite pricey because it requires having a double boiler for this to work.
Bottom Line
What do you think? Is the best dual coffee maker the answer to all your coffee desires?
The versatility of having a choice of different coffees makes dual coffee makers a great choice for coffee lovers at your home or workplace.
We hope you found this guide helpful. If you are unsure whether a dual coffee maker is for you, consider getting an automatic espresso machine or a Nespresso machine. You don’t need to break the bank either, there are great options for espresso machines for under $1,000!
