Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker Review: Versatility Meets Reality
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Quick Summary
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Product Type: Coffee Maker
- Price Range: Mid-Range ($$)
- Best For: Coffee drinkers who want flexibility between single-serve and full-pot brewing without the expense of K-cups
- Verdict: A decent multi-purpose coffee maker with some notable limitations.
Scoring Breakdown
I’ve spent the last few months with the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew, and I’ve got to say, it’s been quite the journey.
As someone who’s always looking for ways to reduce waste and save money on my daily coffee habit, I was intrigued by the promise of a machine that could handle both single-serve and full-pot brewing without requiring expensive coffee pods.
Features and Benefits
What initially drew me to this coffee maker was its dual-brewing capability. On one side, you’ve got your traditional 12-cup carafe setup, and on the other, a single-serve station that works with regular ground coffee.
The machine sports a sleek design that looks great on the counter and comes with useful features like a programmable timer for early morning brews.
My Experience
Full-Pot Brewing Experience
The full-pot side works reliably, producing hot, flavorful coffee in about 10-15 minutes. I particularly appreciate the hot plate that keeps the coffee warm, though I’ve noticed it automatically shuts off after two hours.
Single-Serve Brewing Experience
The single-serve side has been more challenging. While I love the concept, the brewing process is notably slow—taking 5-8 minutes for a single cup. I’ve also had to be careful with water filling, as it can splash if you’re not paying attention.
Who Should Buy It
This coffee maker is ideal for:
- Those who want the flexibility to brew both single cups and full pots
- People looking to move away from expensive coffee pods
- Coffee drinkers who don’t mind waiting a bit longer for their single-serve coffee
- Buyers with a moderate budget
Who Should Not Buy It
This might not be the best fit if:
- You need your single-serve coffee quickly in the morning
- You prefer a machine with a shared water reservoir
- You want advanced features like temperature control or brewing strength options
- You’re looking for a premium coffee experience
Alternatives to Consider
If my experience has made you hesitate, you might want to look into:
- Ninja DualBrew Pro – Offers a more premium dual-brewing experience with faster brewing times and customizable brew strengths.
- Keurig K-Duo – A great option if speed is a priority, as it delivers quicker single-serve brewing while still allowing full-pot options.
- Cuisinart SS-15 – Stands out with superior build quality and additional brewing strength options, making it a more durable and customizable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to brew coffee?
A: The full pot takes about 10-15 minutes, while the single-serve side takes 5-8 minutes.
Q: Does it work with K-cups?
A: No, it’s designed for ground coffee only, which I’ve found to be more cost-effective in the long run.
Q: How’s the coffee temperature?
A: The carafe side maintains a good temperature, but the single-serve can be a bit less consistent.
Related Products/Accessories
I’ve found these additions really enhance the experience:
- A good burr grinder for fresh ground coffee
- Permanent gold-tone filter (sold separately)
- Travel mug that fits under the single-serve spout
Conclusion
After using the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew daily, I can say it’s a decent coffee maker that offers good value for its price point.
While it has its quirks—particularly the slow single-serve brewing and separate water filling requirements—it reliably produces good coffee and has helped me save money by avoiding expensive coffee pods.
Ready to make the switch to a more versatile brewing system? Check out the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew and see if it fits your coffee routine.
Looking to upgrade your coffee game? Take the plunge with the FlexBrew—just remember to pack a little patience for those single-serve mornings.