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Dual coffee makers, also known as two-in-one or two-way coffee makers, typically produce full carafes of coffee along with single servings of drip coffee, instant coffee, espresso, and tea. They’re a great solution for households with a variety of coffee preferences.
While choosing the best dual coffee maker might seem like a simple decision, there are actually a number of considerations to weigh. We’ve tested some of the top dual coffee makers on the market and reviewed them here so you can choose the ideal machine to fulfill your daily coffee fix.
- BEST OVERALL: Cuisinart Coffee Center 4-in-1 Barista Bar
- RUNNER-UP: Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker With Glass Carafe
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Hamilton Beach 49880Z 2-Way 12-Cup Coffee Maker
- UPGRADE PICK: Nespresso Lattissima One Espresso Coffee Maker
- MOST VERSATILE: Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve Coffee Maker
- BEST FOR TEA: Cuisinart Coffee Center 2-in-1 Coffee Maker
- BEST COMPACT: Keurig K-Duo Plus Single-Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker
- BEST FOR COLD DRINKS: Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System With Carafe
How We Tested the Best Dual Coffee Makers
We researched models from the top coffee maker brands and selected and tested those with high customer satisfaction. The selection process factored in brew capacity and sizes, functionality, and special features. Each coffee maker in our lineup comes with a carafe and produces a maximum of 10 or 12 cups of coffee.
Most of the top picks offer two or more brew strengths to accommodate different personal preferences. Select options have a built-in milk frother and accept K-cups or pods. The majority of the coffee makers on the list feature durable stainless steel components for longevity. Some models come with a charcoal filter that enhances flavor, 24-hour programmability, brew pausing, and auto shutoff.
Once assembled, we conducted side-by-side testing of each coffee maker. We considered how easy each machine was to set up, how quickly it brewed coffee, and, of course, the flavor of the finished product. Since these are dual coffee makers, we also tested all of their functions, including their ability to operate as a traditional coffee maker, brew cappuccinos and lattes, and brew with Nespresso cups and Keurig cups.
Our Top Picks
These top picks take into account key shopping considerations for the best dual coffee maker in addition to overall quality and value. Read on to discover some of the top-rated options on the market in a variety of categories for delicious coffee every time.
Best Overall
Cuisinart Coffee Center 4-in-1 Barista Bar
Pros
- Brews coffee and is compatible with 3 sizes of single-serve cups
- Separate reservoirs allow the coffee maker and single-serve side to operate simultaneously
- Both reservoirs come equipped with charcoal filters to improve taste
- Includes advanced features like 24-hour programmability and pause brewing
Cons
- Takes up more space on the countertop than some other dual-function coffee makers
The versatility of this multifunctional barista bar helped it earn our top spot. Cuisinart’s Coffee Center is a great option for those who enjoy a variety of brews, from morning coffee to a pick-me-up cappuccino or espresso in the afternoon. It comes equipped with a standard 12-cup coffee maker on one side and a single-service brewer on the other. There’s also a steam wand that froths milk for cappuccinos, lattes, and the like.
Not only does it boast two separate reservoirs, one for the standard coffee maker and one for barista-style beverages, it has the ability to steam milk for a latte while simultaneously brewing a full pot of coffee. The single-service side works with 6-ounce, 8-ounce, and 10-ounce capsules, which means it can take both Nespresso capsules and Keurig K-cups.
In testing, we found that the control knob design makes it easy to toggle through and select from different brewing options. But we did have one gripe: The steam wand extended a little low for our usage; we had to search for a glass small enough to fit underneath it so we could froth our milk.
As for taste, the coffee-maker side produces robust flavors, especially when engaging the “Bold” option on the control panel. We tried both types of capsules in the single-serve side and found them to be comparable in flavor to the Nespresso and Keurig machines we tested.
Cleaning the Cuisinart is similar to other dual coffee makers. We liked that most of the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, eliminating the need to hand-wash. While we appreciated the clean feature on the control panel, we’re not sure it’s much different from pressing the “Brew” button. The Cuisinart is one of the larger dual-function coffee makers we tested. While it certainly offers space savings over a Nespresso or Keurig machine and coffee maker, it does take up a fair amount of real estate on the countertop. Still, that larger size is worth it given the versatility it offers.
Read our full review:Cuisinart Coffee Center 4-in-1 Barista Bar
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 16.75 inches high by 12.88 inches wide by 11.88 inches deep
- Brew capacity: 12 cups
- Carafe included: Yes
Get the Cuisinart Coffee Center 4-in-1 dual coffee maker at Amazon,Wayfair, Best Buy, or Crate & Barrel.
Runner-Up
Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker With Glass Carafe
Pros
- Highly versatile; offering 6 different brew sizes with 3 brew strength settings
- Controls and measuring spoon make it easy to brew different sizes and drink types
- Built-in foldaway steaming wand ideal for lattes and cappuccinos
Cons
- Water reservoir can be difficult to clean in certain spots
- Glass carafe is not ideal for keeping coffee hot for several hours
Ninja’s specialty coffee maker is one of the most versatile products on the market, capable of brewing a full glass carafe of drip coffee as well as iced coffee and concentrated espresso-style drinks. The built-in milk frother allows you to heat milk and create silky foam for lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
Flavor and serving size options abound with this machine. Use the brew strength control feature to choose between three settings (classic brew, rich brew, super-rich brew) and then select from six brew sizes—single cup, XL single cup, travel mug, XL travel mug, half carafe, and full 10-cup carafe.
All these options could make setting up the Ninja confusing, especially when your brain is still trying to wake up. Luckily, Ninja makes the process easy thanks to a handy double-ended scoop that clearly labels the amount of grounds to add to the filter and a water reservoir with clear markings for each serving size option. The measuring spoon attaches to the side of the machine so it won’t get lost. The reservoir on the Ninja is also a bit shorter than on other dual coffee makers we tested, which makes it easier to fit under the fridge water dispenser to fill with filtered water.
The labeled control knob on the front of the unit makes it easy to dial in the desired size. There are also separate buttons for normal brewing, rich brew, iced coffee, and specialty 4-ounce espresso-style drinks. A built-in steaming wand folds out from the side of the machine for frothing milk.
We found that the Ninja makes a strong, good-tasting brew, especially when using the “Rich” setting. The frother is a nice addition but, unlike with some models we tested, milk must be frothed manually by holding a cup of milk under the wand. This requires a bit more effort to create a cappuccino, latte, or some other specialty drink.
Overall, the Ninja is an excellent and surprisingly affordable choice for anyone who wants to brew coffee as well as a variety of other types of coffee drinks.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 15 inches high by 12 inches wide by 8.75 inches deep
- Brew capacity: 10 cups
- Carafe included: Yes
Get the Ninja CM401 dual coffee maker at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart,Best Buy,Sam’s Club, or Ninja Kitchen.
Best Bang for the Buck
Hamilton Beach 49880Z 2-Way 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Pros
- More budget-friendly price point compared to similar options
- Useful additional features, such as timer, auto shutoff, and brew pausing
- Control panels makes it easy to set size options and brew-strength settings
Cons
- Doesn’t have the ability to make espressos, cappuccinos, and other speciality drinks
Dual coffee makers tend to be pricier than standard drip coffee makers. However, this Hamilton Beach model boasts both a 12-cup carafe of coffee and single servings at an affordable price. The single-serve function brews up to 14 ounces of coffee, but it uses grounds rather than pods.
The two brewing options are separate (each with their own reservoirs), a setup that lets you brew a single serving while the carafe stays in place. This is useful in households with both coffee drinkers who are on the go and those who work from home. A switch on the control panel makes it easy to toggle between single serving and carafe.
This Hamilton Beach machine isn’t as flashy as some higher-priced models that take K-cups or Nespresso cups, and it doesn’t make cappuccinos or lattes. It does, however, boast some useful additional features, including a 24-hour timer, auto shutoff, and brew pausing. There’s also a brew strength selector that allows coffee drinkers to choose between regular and bold flavors.Though it may lack the bells and whistles of other machines, the budget-friendly Hamilton Beach dual coffee maker is a great choice for those who want the option to brew full pots and single servings.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 13.7 inches high by 12.2 inches wide by 10.63 inches deep
- Brew capacity: 12 cups
- Carafe included: Yes
Get the Hamilton Beach dual coffee maker at Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy.
Upgrade Pick
Nespresso Lattissima One Espresso Coffee Maker
Pros
- Capable of brewing cappuccinos and lattes in minutes with minimal effort
- Can make a range of different sizes to suit a variety of specialty coffee preferences
- Compact size doesn’t take up much space on the kitchen counter
Cons
- Not capable of functioning as a traditional coffee maker
When a plain cup of Joe just won’t cut it, Nespresso’s Lattissima One is a premium option to brew espresso, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffee drinks. While a number of machines perform these functions for far less money, the Lattissima makes brewing these barista-style beverages much easier. Simply fill the small milk container to suit the size of cappuccino or latte desired and press the frothing button. About a minute or two later, the specialty coffee drink, complete with a good head of milk froth on the top, is ready to enjoy. There’s no need to hold milk under a frother or even spoon the froth on the drink. The Lattissima does it all automatically.
With loads of Nespresso flavors to choose from (the Lattissima comes with a large sample pack), coffee fans have plenty of options when it comes to the strength and flavor of specialty drinks. Yet while we love how the Lattissima takes the effort out of brewing, the machine cannot brew more than one drink at a time, and it doesn’t make regular coffee. That said, given that the Lattissima is compact at just about 6 inches wide by 13 inches deep, it’s certainly possible to pair it with a traditional coffee machine on a kitchen counter.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 10.5 inches high by 6.1 inches wide by 12.8 inches deep
- Brew capacity: Single
- Carafe included: N/A
Get the Nespresso dual coffee maker at Amazon, Best Buy, or Target.
Most Versatile
Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Pros
- Metal steaming cup automates the process of frothing milk for beverages
- Capable of making 4 different single-serve sizes of coffee
- Easy-to-use push-button controls for brewing coffee and frothing milk
Cons
- Only brews 1 serving of coffee at a time
Keurig’s K-Cafe is designed for K-cup lovers who want the ability to make lattes, cappuccinos, and other fancy coffee drinks. As with standard Keurig machines, the K-Cafe brews up single servings in five different size options: 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 10 ounces, 12 ounces, and an espresso shot. Adjacent to the K-cup brewer is a smartly designed milk frother.
One hassle of making lattes or cappuccinos is manually frothing milk, which is typically done via a stemming wand that extends from the coffee maker. This Keurig model does it automatically: Simply add milk to the metal frothing cup, sit the cup in its cradle, and then press a button; the machine does the frothing in about 2 minutes. Pour it into the single-serving cup and spoon froth on top to complete the drink.
We like how simple this model makes it to froth milk—and its ease of use in general. Button controls on the top of the unit are clearly labeled and blink when the machine is ready. However, this unit only makes individual K-cups and cannot brew a whole pot of coffee. It’s also one of the larger models we tested. At more than 15 inches wide and nearly 12 inches deep, it demands more real estate on the countertop than most.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 11.7 inches high by 15.3 inches wide by 12.5 inches deep
- Brew capacity: Single
- Carafe included: N/A
Get the Keurig K-Cafe dual coffee maker at Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy.
Best for Tea
Cuisinart Coffee Center 2-in-1 Coffee Maker
Pros
- Includes brew strength and carafe temperature controls for customization and convenience
- Controls make it easy to toggle between single serve and carafe
- Impressive brewing time, delivering coffee up to 25 percent faster; great for users in a hurry
Cons
- Unit might be too tall to fit some kitchen cabinets or counters
- “Over Ice” feature did not work well during testing
This dual coffee maker brews a full 12-cup glass carafe on one side and single-serving pods on the other. Various aspects of this Cuisinart’s design impressed us in testing. We liked that each side has its own reservoir, so users needn’t empty and refill the reservoir when switching from one brewing mode to the other. We also liked the labeled buttons on the front of the machine that make it a breeze to choose between pods and/or carafe. There’s a control to adjust the temperature of the carafe, which is ideal for those who may not like steaming hot coffee.
In terms of taste, we appreciated the brew strength controls. We found that this machine made rich, flavorful coffee, especially when engaging the “Bold” button. There’s also a button for pausing the coffee maker, which is ideal for grabbing a quick cup mid-brew. For those who want a single serving from coffee grounds as opposed to K-cups, the Coffee Center includes a special single-serving coffee filter that fits into the K-cup holder. With its Extreme Brew feature, we also found that the Cuisinart brews a full carafe more quickly than other coffee makers.
This coffee maker also purports to create iced coffee with its “Over Ice” button, but unfortunately in testing it failed to work properly—the coffee still came out quite hot. Aside from this issue, we found the Cuisinart 2-in-1 coffee maker to be a great option for those who like to switch between K-cups and a full carafe.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 16.25 inches high by 10.13 inches wide by 10.88 inches deep
- Brew capacity: 12 cups
- Carafe included: Yes
Get the Cuisinart Coffee Center 2-in-1 coffee maker at Amazon, Best Buy, or Target.
Best Compact
Keurig K-Duo Plus Single-Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker
Pros
- Comes with thermal carafe that keeps coffee warm for hours
- Offers 4 brew sizes and 2 brew strength settings
- Compact, space-saving design; great for small apartments
Cons
- Both functions cannot be used simultaneously
Dual coffee makers tend to take up a lot of counter space, so they’re not always the best choice for small kitchens. However, the Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker features a compact design and brews either a single cup or a full 12-cup carafe. Most models use dual-sided brewing, but this one uses a single-brew system. While this does mean the unit can’t make multiple beverage types at once, it results in a small footprint. The K-Duo plus measures just 8.2 inches wide, which is about the same width as a standard single-function coffee maker.
In addition to its compact size, we also love the design of this model. The thermal carafe keeps coffee warm for hours without impacting its flavor, so you can move the carafe onto the counter while using its K-cup function without worrying about damaging a countertop or allowing the coffee to get cold.
Controls on the K-Duo are easy to follow thanks to blinking lights that guide users through choosing functions and serving sizes. There’s also a pause-and-pour feature and a strong brew feature for achieving bolder flavors. For the single-serve function, the machine can brew 6-ounce, 8-ounce, 10-ounce, and 12-ounce cups. The Keurig is a great option for those who want the single-service convenience of a K-cup machine with a full-service coffee maker.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 14.9 inches high by 15.88 inches wide by 7.69 inches deep
- Brew capacity: 12 cups
- Carafe included: Yes
Get the Keurig K-Duo Plus dual coffee maker at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Best for Cold Drinks
Ninja CP307 Hot and Cold Brewed System With Carafe
Pros
- Intuitive control panel makes it easy to choose from its many brew options
- Includes multiple settings: 6 brew sizes, 5 brew styles, and cold-brew function
- Built-in milk frother; great for making latte art!
Cons
- Finer coffee grounds may leak through the filter; use a coarser grind
Make either hot or cold coffee and tea using the Ninja hot and cold brewed system. This machine actually offers two options for cold beverages. The over-ice function concentrates the brew, ensuring the final drink won’t taste watered down by ice cubes. The cold brew function works in 10 to 15 minutes and operates at a lower temperature to create refreshing cold drinks.
Additionally, the super-rich option produces ultraconcentrated espresso-like coffee for making specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos when combined with frothed milk from the hot and cold frother. Choose from six brew sizes: single cup, XL cup, travel mug, XL travel mug, half carafe, and a full 10-cup thermal carafe.
This model earned our Best for Cold Drinks award thanks to its two functional options in this category—but it also proved to have other excellent aspects worth noting. It boasts tremendous versatility and simply makes some of the richest, most flavorful coffee of all the machines we tested. The steaming wand, which pulls out from the left side of the coffee maker, is also a nice additional feature that adds lattes and cappuccinos to the list of coffee beverages you can make. Tea drinkers will love the ability to brew specific types of teas. The only thing this coffee maker lacks is the ability to work with single-serve cups.
So many options could make a machine confusing to use, but fortunately, the knob on this Ninja makes it a snap to dial in different sizes, coffee drinks, and tea types. There’s also a measuring spoon with labels that show exactly how much coffee to add based on the desired brew, and the spoon is attached to the side of the unit so it won’t get lost. There’s a handy LED status bar that displays the progress of each brew. For households that enjoy a variety of different coffee and teas, hot and cold, this Ninja is hard to beat.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 15 inches high by 11.81 inches wide by 10.01 inches deep
- Brew capacity: 10 cups
- Carafe included: Yes
Get the Ninja CP307 dual coffee maker at Amazon, Walmart, or Ninja Kitchen.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Dual Coffee Maker
While it’s easy to assume that all dual coffee makers offer similar performance, several factors affect their functionality, including brew options, size, capacity, carafe type, programmable settings, availability of additional features, and more. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best dual coffee maker for your kitchen.
Brew Options
Dual coffee makers differ in the types of beverages they produce. Most brew a full carafe of coffee and single-serve coffee, boiling water for hot beverages, and espresso for crafting lattes and cappuccinos. Some models accept coffee pods, while others use ground coffee.
Grind-and-brew coffee makers provided added convenience for those who want freshly ground coffee. When choosing a dual coffee maker with a built-in grinder, look for a model that uses burrs rather than blades. Burrs produce a more consistent grind and generate less heat, so the flavor of the coffee isn’t diminished.
Size and Capacity
Consider the kitchen’s available countertop space and how much coffee each household member consumes daily. Given their multifunctionality, some dual coffee makers are quite large, taking up approximately 1 square foot of counter space.
Coffee-maker capacity is measured in cups. Keep in mind that “cup” measurements provided by coffee machine manufacturers don’t necessarily align with the standard unit of measurement. A standard U.S. cup measures 8 ounces, while a “cup” from a coffee maker may only measure 4 to 6 ounces.
Carafe Style
Coffee makers usually feature either a glass or a thermal carafe, which use different methods to keep coffee warm.
- Glass carafes use a hot plate to keep coffee warm. Though coffee makers featuring glass carafes are generally affordable, coffee can develop a burnt flavor after 20 minutes or so. This makes glass carafe models a better choice for those who drink their coffee shortly after it’s finished brewing.
- Thermal carafes typically use insulated stainless steel with a double-walled design that keeps coffee hot for hours without impacting its flavor. They tend to be included with higher-end machines but are a worthwhile upgrade for coffee drinkers who refill their cup throughout the day.
Some dual coffee makers don’t feature a carafe at all, instead dispensing coffee directly into a mug.
Programmable Settings
Dual coffee makers generally have a variety of programmable settings.
- Timers are standard on most coffee makers and allow you to set up the machine the night before and program the coffee to start brewing the next morning.
- Brew strength control lets you customize whether coffee is mild, medium, or strong.
- Temperature control is useful when making both coffee and tea, permitting you to set a precise water temperature to best suit the specific coffee beans or tea leaves.
Ease of Cleaning
Standard coffee makers typically feature several removable parts that must be cleaned regularly, including the carafe, filter basket, and reusable filter. Dual coffee makers tend to feature even more complex makeups due to their advanced functionality. Look for a model with minimal parts that you can easily assemble and disassemble for cleaning. Those prioritizing ease of cleaning will also want to consider dual coffee makers with dishwasher-safe parts.
Additional Features
Dual coffee makers offer a variety of additional features.
- Water filters eliminate chlorine, calcium, and other minerals from tap water, preventing unwanted odors and flavors.
- Permanent coffee filters save money and prevent waste.
- Auto shutoff saves energy by automatically powering off the machine after a set amount of time.
- Brew pausing lets you pour a cup of coffee before the brew cycle ends, for when you’re in a hurry or simply can’t wait for that first sip.
- LCD and touch-screen displays can improve ease of use.
FAQs
Not quite ready to start brewing? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dual coffee makers.
Q. What is a dual brew coffee maker?
Dual brew coffee makers vary in their functionality. Most produce a full carafe of drip coffee as well as espresso; single-serve coffee; and boiling water for instant coffee, tea, and cocoa.
Q. Do dual coffee makers come with grinders?
Some dual coffee makers, but not all, feature grinders.
Q. What should I look for when buying a coffee maker?
Look for a coffee maker with a capacity that suits your household’s needs and brews the type of coffee you enjoy most.
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Angi, Popular Science, Futurism, 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report, Domino, and more. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to coffee makers. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag.
Additional research provided by Savannah Sher.
