From Pods to Grounds, We Found the Best Dual Coffee Makers That Do It All
Switch between single cups and full carafes without missing a beat.
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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Dual coffee makers are ideal if your coffee routine changes from day to day. You can brew a quick cup on busy mornings or make a full pot when you have guests. Some models let you use pods or grounds, while others offer extras like cold brew, espresso, or a built-in milk frother for even more flexibility.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best overall: Cuisinart 4-in-1 Coffee Machine
Makes a flavorful brew with K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, or your own coffee.
✔️ Best value: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Advanced 5-in-1 Coffee Maker
This space- and money-saver holds the carafe on the side, not in front.
✔️ Most versatile: Braun MultiServe Drip Coffee Maker
Makes iced coffee and cold brew, with options to adjust the brew strength.
✔️ Best coffee and espresso maker: De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Maker & Espresso Machine
A serious multitasker that makes drip coffee, espresso shots, and froths milk.
✔️ Best without pods: OXO 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Podless Single-Serve Function
Use ground coffee in either its full-size or single-serve basket for a nicely balanced brew.
✔️ Best design: Lotus Signature Coffee Maker
A versatile, elegant machine you’ll want to show off on your counter.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab has tested more than 100 coffee makers and brewed over 1,000 cups. I’ve completed SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) courses in brewing, barista skills, and sensory training, which I apply year-round when testing coffee makers. I evaluate each for performance and ease of use, then conduct taste tests with experts and everyday coffee drinkers to assess flavor and overall quality. Here are my top picks for the best dual coffee makers.
Best Deal
Pros
- Compatible with K-Cups and Nespresso capsules
- Brews hot coffee
- Makes balanced, flavorful coffee
Cons
- Control panel has a learning curve
Who it’s best for
People who want multiple brewing options, including K-Cups and Nespresso pods.
What you’re getting
If you like having options for your coffee, then you’ll love this Cuisinart 4-in-1 coffee maker. This machine impressed me because most single-serve models only take K-Cups or Nespresso capsules, leaving you to choose which one you prefer. However, this coffee maker works with both K-Cups and Nespresso capsules, earning it a spot in our Kitchen Awards. Plus, you can use your own coffee in the reusable filter cup, giving you all the single-serve options. This machine brews up to 12 cups of coffee in a carafe, and you can choose from 6-, 8-, and 10-ounce single-serve sizes.
How it performed in our tests
In Lab tests, this machine produced a piping-hot cup of coffee, and tasters noted a well-balanced, flavorful brew. At-home testers who have used this coffee machine for over a year say they find it reliable.
Take note
During Lab testing, I found that the control panel is easy to read but not as intuitive as I'd like. Our at-home testers were split: Some found it very easy to use, while others did not. One tester also noted it's a very bulky machine.
| Drink options | Drip coffee, single-serve |
| Brew sizes | 6-, 8-, 10-ounce single serve or 12-cup carafe |
| Dimensions | 11.88" x 12.88" x 16.75" |
| Type of coffee | Ground, K-Cups, Nespresso capsules |
Pros
- Slim design
- Option to use K-Cups or coffee grounds for single-serve
- Water tank can be positioned on the side or back
Cons
- Access to the carafe is on the right, so it can't be placed near a wall on that side.
Who it’s best for
Those who want an affordable machine with a slim profile.
What you’re getting
This Hamilton Beach machine is hard to miss, with an extremely slim, unique design that holds the carafe on the side rather than in front. It brews a full pot of coffee for up to 12 cups, plus single-serve cups, for about $150 (it’s also frequently on sale). The single-serve feature lets you brew with either K-Cups or your own grounds in a reusable pod. Its 60-ounce water reservoir can be positioned on the back or side, depending on how much space you need.
How it performed in our tests
This machine brewed hot coffee and kept it warm for two hours. Our experts found the coffee tasted delicious with a medium body.
The coffee maker is simple to use, and I appreciate that the grounds basket swings out rather than opening upward, so you don’t need to worry about accessing it if it’s positioned under a lower cabinet.
One at-home tester has used this machine for over a year and gave it a high score, noting that it still works consistently well.
Take note
I love the distinctive streamlined look of this machine, and that the carafe is stored on the side. But one thing I noticed while testing is that because the carafe pulls out from the right, you can't place it next to a wall or anything that might block access.
| Drink options | Drip coffee, single-serve, over ice (for single-serve K-Cups) |
| Brew sizes | Up to 7 cups with single serve or up to 12 cups in carafe |
| Dimensions | 12.8" x 9.8" x 16.3" |
| Type of coffee | Ground, K-Cups |
Pros
- Makes tasty coffee
- Option for iced coffee
- Slim design
Cons
- Not compatible with coffee pods
Who it’s best for
People who want lots of size and drink options.
What you’re getting
This coffee maker is a favorite of one of our staff members, who loves its slim design and washable carafe. It’s also held up well in their home for the last few years. The machine makes flavorful coffee, and a single cup tastes as strong as a whole carafe. You can select seven brew sizes, from a 5-ounce cup to a full 10-cup pot.
You can also choose iced coffee and cold brew, plus gold and bold strengths. The gold setting meets the Specialty Coffee Association of America Standard for brewing, so you can savor what the SCA deems the “perfect cup.” For tea or any beverage that needs hot water, a built-in water outlet separate from the coffee dispenser keeps leftover coffee from seeping into your drink.
How it performed in our tests
The Braun MultiServe stood out in our Lab tests for brewing rich coffee in about 10 minutes. I found the coffee had a clean, smooth finish with no bitter aftertaste. It has continued to perform well over the last year for our at-home tester.
Take note
The dual coffee maker is not compatible with any type of pod, though one of our at-home testers prefers not using any type of capsule.
| Drink options | Drip coffee, single-serve, over ice, cold brew |
| Brew sizes | 5-, 8-, 12-, 16-, 20-ounce single-serve, half carafe or full 50-ounce carafe |
| Dimensions | 13" x 7" x 15" |
| Type of coffee | Ground |
Pros
- Makes espresso for lattes, cappuccinos, and more
- Brews tasty drip coffee and espresso
- Compact footprint for having so many drink options
Cons
- Does not have a built-in coffee grinder
Who it’s best for
Those who want to brew drip coffee and espresso.
What you’re getting
De’Longhi’s all-in-one coffee maker and espresso machine is a serious multitasker. In this one machine, you can make drip coffee and espresso shots, froth milk for lattes, and more. It has a dual heating system, so you can brew a pot of coffee and pull a shot of espresso at the same time. One of our pros has used this De’Longhi coffee maker for two years and is pleased with the coffee’s quality. “For the footprint, quality, price, and versatility, I think it’s a great pick,” she says.
The espresso side has its own removable water reservoir, separate from the drip coffee section, so you won’t need to refill it as often. You can pull shots using your own pre-ground beans or use Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) coffee pods.
How it performed in our tests
In Lab tests, this machine kept our coffee warm for two hours and even made it hotter. Our experts agreed that it made flavorful drip coffee and espresso with a nice, even crema. I found the machine easy to use, and the built-in cup warmer on top of the espresso side is a nice added touch.
Take note
This machine doesn't grind coffee beans, so you'll need a separate coffee grinder.
| Drink options | Drip coffee, espresso |
| Brew sizes | 10-cup carafe, espresso shot |
| Dimensions | 11" x 14.5" x 12.7" |
| Type of coffee | Ground |
Pros
- Brews single-serve and carafe in the same basket
- Makes nicely-balanced coffee
- Wide opening to pour water into reservoir
Cons
- Does not have detachable water reservoir
Who it’s best for
Those who want to use ground coffee in a compact dual machine.
What you’re getting
This sleek OXO coffee maker looks like a regular drip coffee maker, but it also makes single-serve coffee without a separate dispenser, so it takes up less room.
It comes with a full-size and single-serve baskets that fit in the same spot, and I found it easy to swap back and forth. Depending on how much coffee you’re brewing, you’ll need to swap the baskets for the right size.
You won't need to buy coffee pods, since this machine uses ground coffee and can brew up to 4 cups directly into your mug. If you want a full pot instead, you can switch to the larger basket, which brews up to 12 cups.
How it performed in our tests
This model earned top performance scores in Lab testing, brewing hot coffee quickly. I found it easy to set up and use. Taste testers loved the coffee from this machine, saying it was nicely balanced without tasting bitter. An at-home tester has used this machine every morning for the last year without any issues. Another consumer tester stated that they appreciate the metal carafe keeping the coffee hot.
Take note
The water reservoir is not detachable, so you can’t fill it at the sink. That said, the wide opening means you don’t have to worry about spilling.
| Drink options | Drip coffee, single-serve |
| Brew sizes | 2-4 cups single-serve or 5-12 cups in a carafe |
| Dimensions | 8" x 12" x 14.5" |
| Type of coffee | Ground |
Pros
- Elegant design
- Large display with step-by-step instructions
- Option to use K-Cups or coffee grounds for single-serve
Cons
- More expensive than similar models
- Access to the carafe is on the right, so it can't be placed near a wall on that side.
Who it’s best for
Coffee lovers who want a versatile machine that adds style to their kitchen.
What you’re getting
This elegant Kitchen Awards winner uses grounds or a K-cup-compatible capsule to brew a 10-cup carafe or a single cup. Besides a slick design, it has a large digital control panel with a screen that displays easy-to-follow steps for using the machine. The Lotus lets you choose the strength and roast of your brew, and includes a setting for iced coffee.
How it performed in our tests
The drip coffee maker earned high performance scores in our Lab tests, while the single-serve feature also delivered a hot, tasty cup. Coffee was well-balanced and medium-bodied, with a slight bitterness that wasn’t bad.
Take note
Similar in design to Hamilton Beach’s Flexbrew—but nearly twice the price—the Lotus system stores its carafe in its right side rather than in front, so it shouldn’t be placed directly next to a wall.
| Drink options | Drip coffee, single-serve, over ice (for single-serve K-Cups) |
| Brew sizes | 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-ounce single serve or 10-cup carafe |
| Dimensions | 14" x 8.89" x 14" |
| Type of coffee | Ground, K-Cups |
Other dual coffee makers we tested and liked (but may not be for everyone)
- Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker with Grinder: One of our best coffee maker picks, this machine has multiple grind settings so you can tweak the coffee’s flavor. You can also choose from eight brew strengths. In addition to a 12-cup carafe, it brews single-cup or travel-mug-sized coffee. If you don’t want to deal with grinder maintenance, this machine isn’t for you.
- Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind & Brew Plus: This is one of the few dual coffee makers that automatically grinds beans when making a full pot. It makes piping-hot coffee quickly but earned average scores in taste tests. However, this may be a good pick for someone who values the convenience of having a built-in grinder.
- Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: The Aiden targets coffee enthusiasts, with features like adjustable bloom time and temperature. It’s an excellent machine, but it comes with a high price tag, and those seeking quick, convenient coffee may not want to fuss with the extra features.
How we test dual coffee makers
The Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab has been testing coffee makers for decades, brewing well over 1,000 cups. For dual coffee makers, we evaluate ease of use, performance, and taste.
✔️ Ease of use: We assess how straightforward each machine is to set up and operate. Testers note how intuitive the controls feel, how easy it is to access and fill the water reservoir, and whether the carafe and tank markings are clear. We also evaluate cleaning, including whether parts are dishwasher-safe and whether any components are difficult to reach.
✔️ Performance: When assessing performance, we measure how long the coffee takes to brew and the temperature of the coffee after brewing. For carafes, we measure the coffee’s temperature after two hours to ensure it stays hot.
✔️ Taste: Using the same coffee across all machines, we brew both drip and single-serve coffees and have a panel of taste testers evaluate each cup. Scores reflect balance, bitterness, and overall flavor quality.
What to look for when shopping for the best dual coffee makers
✔️ Coffee drink options: Not all dual coffee makers have the same drink options. Beyond drip coffee and single-serve, some machines can also make iced coffee, specialty concentrated coffee, espresso, and pour-over. Consider your needs, and think about whether you want single-use pod options, including K-Cups, reusable pods, Nespresso capsules, and ESE pods. Some single-serve coffee makers also use ground coffee in a brew basket, so you don’t have to buy additional capsules.
✔️ Brew sizes: Even though most dual coffee makers have serving-size options, they can vary by machine. Most single-serve options include 6-, 8-, and 10-ounce sizes. However, some machines offer less common sizes, such as a 5-ounce cup or an XL travel mug. Full carafe options typically come in 10- or 12-cup sizes.
✔️ Machine size: Consider the dual coffee maker’s size and footprint. Some machines are bulky because they have separate spaces for the carafe and single-serve coffee, whereas others have a slimmer design. The trade-off for a slimmer machine is that it may not be compatible with pods.
✔️ Type of coffee: When it comes to brewing single-serve cups of coffee, the options are using a single-use pod or pre-ground coffee. Single-use pods like K-Cups or Nespresso capsules are more convenient but more expensive than ground coffee. Coffee grounds let you choose your exact coffee, rather than being limited to single-use flavors. Single-serve options that use grounds typically use reusable or paper filters or a reusable pod. Drip coffee makers with carafes either use ground coffee or whole beans.
What else can dual coffee makers brew besides hot coffee?
Beyond full pots and single-serve, some dual coffee makers offer settings for other drinks, such as iced coffee, cold brew, or coffee concentrate.
Iced coffee is brewed at a lower temperature setting, so when it comes out of the machine, it's not as hot and won't melt the ice as much.
For cold brew, the grounds stay submerged in water. However, most machines use low heat and a shorter cycle time, so it isn't what most people consider traditional cold brew.
Some machines also make coffee concentrate, a very potent coffee that mimics espresso. The concentrate can make lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos without tasting weak. Iced coffee won't taste watered down either.
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Ueda has nearly two decades of experience in product development and manufacturing. She tests and writes about everything coffee-related year-round, including espresso makers, coffee grinders, drip coffee makers, French presses, and more. She is passionate about coffee and has completed rigorous SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) courses in brewing, barista skills, and sensory tasting. She regularly tests products and shares her expertise as a judge in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Awards.
Nicole Papantoniou is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she oversees all testing and content related to cooking and making drinks, including coffee makers. She road-tests different coffee makers throughout the year.
Nicole (she/her) is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She oversees all content and testing related to kitchen products, food, and recipes. She has worked at GH since 2019, and is a trained cook, published recipe developer, and seasoned product tester with nearly 15 years of experience. She has worked in test kitchens for national magazines and kitchen appliances brands, where she also helped develop products for the home cook. She earned a degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz, graduated with a Grand Diplome in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and studied culinary nutrition at the Natural Gourmet Institute (both now part of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.)
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