Brew a single cup or full pot of coffee with one machine.
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Dual coffee makers are the ideal solution for coffee lovers seeking flexibility and convenience. These machines offer the unique ability to brew either a single serving or a full pot of coffee. Some models let you use your favorite pre-ground coffee for a single cup, while others offer the ease of using pods to ensure you have the convenience you desire, whether it's brewing a quick morning cup or a carafe for guests.
At a minimum, dual coffee makers include a drip and a single-serve option, but models may also offer functions that go beyond that. Some of these features include built-in grinders and milk frothers, and the ability to make espresso and even coffee concentrate, giving you a full range of options to choose from.
In our years of testing, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has extensively tested over 100 coffee makers, brewing more than 1,000 cups of coffee. Not only have we tested drip coffee makers and single-serve machines, we've tested all types of machines you can think of, including Nespresso machines, French presses, cold brew coffee makers and more. When we test coffee makers, we assess them for performance and ease of use. Additionally, experts and consumers participate in taste tests, rating each machine to ensure they consistently produce delicious coffee.
Our Top Pick: Based on our testing and consumer feedback, the Cuisinart 4-in-1 Coffee Machine is the best dual coffee maker for its ability to brew both a full pot and single-serve options using K-cups or Nespresso capsules. Our best value pick is the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Advanced 5-in-1 Coffee Maker.
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
Who it's best for: People who want multiple brewing options, including K-cups and Nespresso pods.
How it performed in our tests: In our tests, this machine brewed a steaming cup of coffee. Tasters also commented that it made coffee that's nicely balanced and flavorful. The control panel is easy to read but not as intuitive as we'd like, so it does take some time to get used to it.
What to know: If you like having options for your coffee, then you'll love this Cuisinart 4-in-1 coffee maker. Most coffee machines only take K-cups or Nespresso capsules, leaving you to choose which one you prefer. However, this coffee maker is compatible with both K-cups and Nespresso capsules. Our pros were impressed with this innovation, earning this dual coffee machine a spot in last year's Kitchen Gear, Coffee and Tea Awards. You can also use your own coffee in the reusable filter cup. It makes up to 12 cups of coffee in a carafe and you can choose from 6-, 8- and 10-ounce single-serve sizes.
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
Who it's best for: Those who want an affordable machine with a slim profile.
How it performed in our tests: In our Lab tests, this machine brewed hot coffee and kept it warm for a two-hour period. Our experts found the coffee tasted delicious with a medium body.
What to know: It's hard to miss this Hamilton Beach machine with its extremely slim and unique design that holds the carafe in the side rather than the front. It makes a full pot of coffee up to 12 cups as well as single-serve cups of coffee, all for about $100. The single-serve option allows you to choose between using K-cups or your own ground coffee in a reusable pod. The water tank holds 60 ounces of water and can be positioned on either the back or side to suit your needs.
The coffee maker is easy to use and we appreciate that the coffee grounds basket swings out, so you don't have to worry about accessibility if it's placed under a cabinet.
We love the distinctive streamlined look of this machine, but since the carafe pulls out from the left, you'll need to avoid placing it near walls or anything that might block access.
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
Who it's best for: People who want many options for size and drinks.
How it performed in our tests: The Braun MultiServe stood out in our Lab tests for making rich coffee and has held up with our at home tester.
What to know: This Braun MultiServe Coffee Maker is a favorite of one of our staff members who loves its slim design and washable carafe, plus it's held up well in their home for the last few years. It makes flavorful coffee, and a single cup tastes just as strong as a whole carafe. Choose from seven different brew sizes, from a 5-ounce cup to a full 10-cup pot of coffee. If you like iced coffee, there’s also an option for that, along with choices of cold brew, 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 drinkers or anything that requires hot water, there's a built-in water outlet that’s separate from the coffee dispenser, so you don’t have to worry about any leftover coffee getting into your drink.
Drink options: Drip coffee, espresso | Brew sizes: 10-cup carafe, espresso shot | Dimensions: 11" x 14.5" x 12.7" | Type of coffee: Ground
Who it's best for: Those who want to brew drip coffee and espresso
How it performed in our tests: In our tests, this machine kept our coffee warm for two hours and even made it hotter.
What to know: 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 been using this De'Longhi coffee maker for over a year and says she is pleased with the quality of the coffee. Our other experts agreed that it made flavorful drip coffee and espresso with a nice, even crema. The espresso side has its own removable water reservoir, separate from the drip coffee side, so you won't have to worry about refilling as often. You can use your own pre-ground beans to pull a shot of espresso or Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) coffee pods. This machine doesn't grind coffee beans, so you'll need a separate coffee grinder.
Drink options: Drip coffee, single-serve | Brew sizes: 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-ounce single serve or 6, 8, 10, 12 cups in a carafe | Dimensions: 14.19" x 7.68" x 15.88" | Type of coffee: Grounds, K-cups
Who it's best for: Keurig fans who want to brew a whole pot of coffee.
How it performed in our tests: Our experts were impressed that this machine brewed coffee consistently at the same temperature and volume. Tasters found this coffee flavorful and well-rounded.
What to know: Keurig machine fans no longer have to choose between a Keurig for K-cups or a drip coffee maker because this K-Duo machine does both. You can brew your favorite K-cups for a single serving of coffee or use your own pre-ground coffee to make an entire carafe. It doesn't use a hot plate; a thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot.
One of our favorite features is the 60-ounce water reservoir that rotates to the left, right or back to fit your counter space. You can also pause the cycle mid-brew to pour yourself a cup for a quick caffeine fix. One drawback: The parts are not dishwasher-safe.
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
Who it's best for: Those who want to use ground coffee in a compact dual machine.
How it performed in our tests: 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 having any issues. We found this machine was easy to set up and use.
What to know: This sleek Oxo coffee maker may look like a regular drip coffee maker but it has the added bonus of making single-serve coffee without having a separate dispenser so it takes up less room.
It comes with a full-size and single-serve basket, which get placed in the same spot when making coffee. Depending on how much coffee you're brewing, you'll have to swap the baskets out for the appropriate size. You also don't have to worry about buying coffee pods since the coffee maker uses ground coffee and brews up to 4 cups of coffee directly into your mug. If you want a full carafe, simply switch to the bigger basket, which can make up to 12 cups of coffee. The water reservoir is not detachable, so you can't fill it at the sink, but the opening is wide so you don't have to worry about spilling.
Drink options: Drip coffee, single-serve | Brew sizes: 6-, 8-, 10-ounces single-serve or 12 cups in a carafe | Dimensions: 10.8" x 11.7" x 15.9" | Type of coffee: Whole beans, ground, single-use pods
Who it's best for: Someone who prefers freshly ground beans for their coffee.
How it performed in our tests: In our tests, this coffee maker made piping hot coffee quickly and was able to keep the coffee warm during the two-hour test period.
What to know: If you want a dual coffee maker that also grinds whole beans for the freshest coffee, then the Cuisinart Coffee Center Grind and Brew Plus is for you. Similar to other dual coffee makers, you can brew a whole pot of coffee or a single-serve. What’s unique about this dual coffee maker is the built-in coffee grinder that takes whole coffee beans and grinds them right before brewing a carafe of coffee. There isn’t a hopper to hold the beans which means you’ll need to add in beans each time you brew. However, we found the built-in blade grinder easy to use and clean since it’s removable. Using pre-ground coffee is an option also. The other side of the machine is for single-serve coffee. It doesn’t grind whole beans but it’s compatible with single-use pods or a reusable pod filter (sold separately). Single-serve size options include 8, 10 and 12 ounces and it has its own 40-ounce water reservoir, so you won’t need to worry about refiling as often.
• Ninja Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker: We like this coffee maker for the variety of drinks it makes. However, it's similar to the Braun which we like better, but for those who want the option for coffee concentrate this may be a better pick.
• Breville Precision Brewer Drip Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe: The Precision Brewer is our top pick for the best drip coffee maker. You can make single-serve pour over coffee but it requires the purchase of a separate attachment and is not as convenient as a single-serve pod.
• Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker: This machine is geared towards a coffee enthusiast with many features such as adjusting the bloom time and temperature. It's an excellent machine, but comes with a high price tag and those seeking quick and convenient coffee may not enjoy fussing with the extra features.
The Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has been testing coffee makers for decades. We've brewed over 1,000 cups of coffee to find the best ones. When we test dual coffee makers, we evaluate their ease of use, performance and taste.
We evaluate how easy each coffee machine is to set up and how intuitive each one is to use. We note how easy it is to clean up and if parts like the carafe are dishwasher-safe or must be hand washed.
We look for factors such as a removable water reservoir for easy filling or if the machine has a wide enough mouth opening to the water tank so you can pour without spilling. We check how easy the control panel is to read and the visibility of markings on the carafe and tank.
When assessing performance, we measure the temperature of the coffee after brewing and how long it takes to brew. For carafes, we take the temperature of the coffee after a two-hour period to make sure the coffee stays hot.
Finally, we brew the same coffee in each machine and have a group of taste testers drink each freshly-brewed cup for both drip coffee and single-serve. They score the coffee and note taste factors such as if it’s nicely balanced or bitter.
✔️ Coffee drink options: Not all dual coffee makers have the same drink options. Beyond having drip coffee and single-serve some machines also can make coffee over ice, specialty concentrated, espresso and pour over which you'll want to consider based on your needs. Another thing to keep in mind are the options for single-use pods which can include K-cups, reusable pods, Nespresso capsules and ESE pods. Some single-serves 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 with each machine. Most single serve size options include 6-, 8- and 10-ounce. However, some machines offer less common sizes, like a 5-ounce cup or XL travel mug. Full carafe options are typically 10 or 12 cups. ✔️ Machine size: Consider the size of the machine and the footprint. Some dual coffee makers are bulkier because they have separate spaces for the carafe and single-serve coffee, whereas others have a slimmer design. The trade-off to a slimmer machine is often they aren’t compatible with pods, but that’s not always the case. ✔️ Type of coffee: When it comes to single-serve cups of coffee, the options for brewing 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. Using coffee grounds has the advantage of allowing you to choose exactly which coffee you want to use rather than being limited to the single-use flavors. Single-serve options that use coffee grounds typically use reusable or paper filters, or a reusable pod. Drip coffee makers with carafes either use ground coffee or whole beans.
Besides full pots of coffee and single-serve some dual coffee makers adjust certain settings to make 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.
When it comes to cold brew, dual coffee machines keep the grounds immersed in water. However, most machines use low heat and a shortened time cycle, so it's not what's considered traditional cold brew.
Some machines also make coffee concentrate which is very potent coffee and mimics espresso. The coffee concentrate can make drinks like lattes, cappuccinos or Americanos without tasting weak. It's also handy to make iced coffee because it won't taste watered down.
This guide was overseen by Nicole Papantoniou, the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances Lab, where she oversees all testing relating to cooking and drinking equipment. Over the years she's tested numerous coffee makers and continues to road-test different coffee makers daily.
Jamie (Kim) Ueda wrote this guide. One of her first tests at the Good Housekeeping Institute was of drip coffee makers. Since then she has tested and written about many kitchen-related and cooking tools, especially drip coffee and espresso makers as well as coffee accessories. She has a passion for coffee and has completed rigorous coffee courses from the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) in coffee brewing, barista skills and sensory tasting.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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