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Welcome back to Reviews inside tv! Thanks for tuning in today. If you’re in the market for a versatile coffee maker that combines both single-serve convenience and full-pot brewing, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine, model 49980R. Let’s take a closer look at what it has to offer.
This coffee maker gives you two distinct brewing options: a single cup or a full 12-cup pot, depending on your needs. Whether you’re brewing just a cup for yourself or making coffee for the whole family, this machine can handle it. One of its key features is its programmability. You can set it up up to 24 hours in advance, so your coffee is ready whenever you are. It also offers two brew strength options—regular or bold—giving you some flexibility depending on how strong you like your coffee. For those who prefer not to wait for the full pot, the Auto Pause & Pour function allows you to grab a cup before the brew cycle finishes.
Now, let’s get into the real-world testing. Setting up the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker was straightforward. The controls are simple to navigate, and the included mesh scoop makes adding ground coffee a breeze. However, it’s worth noting that this machine does not support K-Cups, so you’ll need to use ground coffee, which might be a downside for people accustomed to the convenience of pod-based brewing. The brewing process is relatively quiet, and the Auto Pause & Pour function worked exactly as expected—it was nice not having to wait for the entire pot to brew when I just needed a quick cup. On the flip side, while it offers good functionality, the water reservoirs for both brewing options could be more spacious; the 5 separate reservoirs are convenient but feel a bit cramped for filling, especially if you’re making a full pot.
Speaking of strengths and weaknesses, let’s break down the pros and cons of this coffee maker.
Pros:
Versatility: The ability to brew a single cup or a full pot is perfect for varying coffee needs.
Eco-friendly: By not using K-Cups, it’s a more sustainable option that helps reduce waste.
Customizable brewing options: The bold or regular brew strength options allow for some control over the flavor.
Auto Pause & Pour: A great feature for those who need a cup in a hurry.
Cons:
No K-Cup compatibility: Some users may miss the convenience of K-Cup pods for a quicker brewing process.
Cramped water reservoirs: While it has multiple reservoirs, the size might not be ideal for filling large amounts of water without spills.
Plastic build: While sturdy, it does have a plastic feel, which could be less desirable for those looking for a more premium build.
When it comes to value for money, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker offers good value considering its flexibility, programmability, and eco-friendly design. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but if you value versatility and a solid cup of coffee, it’s fairly priced. The ability to make both a single cup or a full pot without relying on disposable pods helps make it a more economical choice in the long run.
In comparison to other coffee makers in the same price range, this one stands out for its ability to handle both single-serve and full-pot brewing. Most other models in this category either focus on one or the other, so having both options is a nice bonus. However, if you’re someone who strictly prefers pods, this might not be the best fit for you.
The build quality is decent, with a plastic body that doesn’t feel cheap but isn’t exactly premium either. In terms of longevity, this coffee maker should hold up well over time with proper care, though it’s not designed to handle heavy-duty usage day in and day out. It’s ideal for an average household or office, but heavy coffee drinkers might find it falls short in terms of durability.
Now, if you’re someone who relies on customer service for support, it’s worth mentioning that Hamilton Beach is generally known for good customer service, though I didn’t have any direct interactions during my testing. The brand has a solid reputation for resolving issues, so you should be able to count on some assistance if needed.
To wrap it up, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker is a solid option for anyone who enjoys a little flexibility with their brewing style. It’s eco-friendly, offers customizable brew strengths, and lets you grab a cup of coffee quickly without waiting for the full pot to brew. However, if you’re really into pod brewing, you may want to consider other options. All things considered, this is a versatile coffee maker that would be best for someone who brews both single cups and full pots regularly and doesn’t mind using ground coffee.
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Thanks for watching, and if you have any thoughts or experiences with this coffee maker, drop them in the comments below. The link to grab yours is in the comments box as well. As always, good bye till next time… where we’ll be brewing up another review on Reviews inside tv!
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