Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker Review

In the world of coffee makers, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker is a standout option that offers versatility and convenience. Its thoughtful features, such as programmable settings and an automatic shutoff, make it a reliable companion for busy mornings. 

With the ability to deliver flavorful coffee at the perfect temperature and an easy-to-clean design, it’s clear why this model is popular among coffee lovers. In this review, we will dive deeper into its features, performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your coffee-making needs.

Overall Design & Look

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker has a classic design that feels functional yet stylish, perfect for a modern kitchen. It has a dual brewing feature, so you can make a single cup or a full pot depending on your needs. If you just want one cup, you can place your mug under the single-serve spout. For more coffee, the glass carafe is right there, allowing you to brew up to 12 cups at once.

The exterior is a blend of stainless steel and black plastic, giving it a polished yet sturdy look. The stainless steel accents make it feel a bit upscale, while the black plastic parts keep it light and practical. The control panel on the top right is straightforward, with a digital display and a few buttons that let you program your brew settings or choose between single-serve and carafe brewing. Even in dim light, the display is clear and easy to read, which makes those early morning brews a bit easier.

The glass carafe is well-marked, showing measurements up to 12 cups, so you can always brew the exact amount you want. The handle has a comfortable grip that feels secure, making it easy to pour without spills. For the single-serve side, there's a removable basket filter that you can load with ground coffee or a soft pod, adding flexibility. It also has an adjustable stand to fit different mug sizes, so whether you’re using a small coffee cup or a larger travel mug, it fits without issue.

The hamilton beach 2-way brewer doesn’t take up too much counter space, which is surprising given its dual brewing functionality. The carafe and single-serve sections are side by side but don't feel cramped, making it ideal for small or cluttered kitchens. There's also a handy storage space for the basket filter, keeping everything organized and within reach.

Overall, the design is simple yet appealing. The stainless steel finish adds a modern touch, while the compact, functional layout makes it easy to use. It’s the kind of machine that balances style with everyd

While the design is solid, there are a few minor things that could be improved. The plastic parts, while practical, may not be as durable or premium-feeling as an all-metal finish. Additionally, the design could include a bit more storage space or organization for accessories, especially for those who use the single-serve basket frequently.

Overall, it's an attractive, well-thought-out design that provides both style and functionality, just missing a few touches that could elevate it further.

Glass Carafe 

The glass carafe of this hamilton beach 2-way flexbrew coffee maker is both functional and thoughtfully designed for convenience. It holds a generous amount of coffee, making it ideal for households or small offices where multiple cups are brewed at once. The carafe is made from clear, heat-resistant glass, allowing you to monitor the coffee level easily like Cuisinart SS-16 Coffee Maker. Its shape is crafted to ensure even pouring, with a spout that minimizes drips and spills.

One standout feature is its compatibility with the coffee maker's warming plate. This plate helps keep the coffee warm after brewing, ensuring that your last cup is just as hot as the first. The handle on the carafe is ergonomically designed, making it comfortable to hold and pour, even when the carafe is full.

However, as with many glass carafes, it is more fragile than a stainless steel alternative. It requires careful handling, especially during washing, to avoid accidental chips or cracks. Regular washing is recommended to keep the glass clear, as coffee stains can build up over time.

The main downside is the fragility of glass compared to stainless steel, which requires more careful handling. Additionally, frequent cleaning is necessary to maintain clarity, as glass can stain over time. Despite these minor drawbacks, the carafe is a strong, reliable part of this coffee maker's overall design and enhances its usability for everyday coffee lovers.

User Interface

The control panel on the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker is designed to be simple and functional, with a clean layout that makes navigation intuitive, even for beginners. It’s centered around a blue-backlit digital display, which prominently shows the time and any set brew options. This display is easy to read at a glance like Cuisinart 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker. Its backlighting gives it extra visibility in dim lighting, making early-morning brews smoother.

The top left section features two buttons for setting the time, labeled "Hour" and "Minute." These buttons are quite tactile and responsive, allowing you to set the clock or schedule a brewing time without much hassle. Right next to these are the “Program” and “Brew Options” buttons. The "Program" button allows you to set up a delayed brew time, so you can wake up to fresh coffee waiting for you. This is a fantastic feature for busy mornings or early starts, as it’s easy to program and reliable.

The "Brew Options" button lets you choose between a regular or bold brew strength. This flexibility is a standout feature, as it caters to personal taste preferences and can make a noticeable difference in coffee flavor. For a richer cup, the bold setting extends the brewing time slightly, which extracts more flavor from the grounds.

Directly below the display, there’s a knob with clear icons for switching between “Single Serve” and “Carafe” modes. The knob is smooth to turn and locks into each mode with a satisfying click, making it very clear which option you’ve selected. This function is especially useful for households where some prefer a single cup, while others want a full pot.

Finally, at the bottom of the panel, there’s a large power button labeled “Brew Now.” It has an eye-catching blue light around it, which glows when the machine is in use. This button feels sturdy and gives a slight click when pressed, ensuring you know the machine has started brewing. The placement of the Brew Now button, along with its illuminated ring, makes it easy to initiate brewing, even if you’re not fully awake yet!

While the panel is excellent, there are minor areas for improvement. For instance, the display could be slightly larger or more customizable to make it even more accessible. The buttons, although responsive, could feel a bit more premium. An option for more than two brew strengths might appeal to a broader range of coffee lovers.

Easy of Use

This 12 cup drip coffee maker offers a convenient scoop-and-brew feature, designed to simplify the process of making a single cup of coffee. The concept is straightforward: just scoop your desired amount of ground coffee using the provided scoop, place it directly into the brewing chamber, and press the brew button. There’s no need for paper filters, which makes the setup quicker and reduces waste.

This feature is especially appealing for those who appreciate the ease of making single-serve coffee without the hassle of pods or complex brewing steps. The scoop itself is designed to fit perfectly into the filter basket, ensuring you get the right amount of coffee each time. Plus, the reusable filter helps enhance the flavor of the coffee by allowing essential oils from the grounds to pass through, while keeping cleanup easy.

This setup is very beginner-friendly and ideal for busy mornings, as you can quickly measure, load, and brew without extra steps. It’s also great for those who enjoy experimenting with different coffee strengths, as it allows you to adjust the amount of coffee based on personal preference.

While the scoop-and-brew feature is convenient, some users might find it less precise compared to measured pod-based systems, especially if they prefer a consistent taste every time. Additionally, it requires manual cleaning of the reusable filter, which may be a slight inconvenience for users who prefer an entirely hands-off experience.

Brewing Flexibility

The  Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker offers a versatile brewing experience with two convenient options: a single cup or a full pot. Imagine the scenarios! For those mornings when you only need a solitary jolt of caffeine to feel human again, the single-serve function has you covered. It’s your personal cup, brewed exactly how you like it, without worrying about wasted coffee or the haunting guilt of tossing half a pot.

On the other hand, when you're hosting, or perhaps just powering through a particularly ambitious day, the full pot option stands ready to fuel you and everyone around you. The machine uses your favorite ground coffee, so you’re not limited to any particular brand or blend—let the flavor experimentation begin! However, it's worth noting that this model doesn’t support K-Cup pods, so if you're a pod person, this might call for a slight shift in brewing habits.

Filter-wise, this machine comes with a reusable filter, which is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Not only do you skip the paper filters (and the joy of finding them on grocery shelves), but you also get a cleaner-tasting coffee since reusable filters don’t absorb oils like paper ones do.

The option to brew a single cup or a full pot with ground coffee gives impressive versatility for all occasions. It’s practical, economical, and gives you more freedom with your coffee choices.

The lack of K-Cup compatibility might disappoint those who prefer the convenience of pods, but honestly, there’s something delightfully old-school and satisfying about using fresh ground coffee. Plus, you avoid the environmental impact of all those single-use pods. So really, Hamilton Beach may be doing you (and the planet) a favor here!

Coffee Taste

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker brews a rich, balanced cup of coffee. It allows you to use ground coffee, which means you have control over the strength and freshness. You can choose between "regular" and "bold" brew settings. The "bold" setting extracts more flavor for a stronger taste.

For single-serve, the coffee is full-bodied and aromatic. The full pot option is smooth and not too intense, perfect for multiple cups throughout the day. The reusable filter lets more natural coffee oils pass through, enhancing the flavor. This gives the coffee a richer, smoother profile, similar to a French press.

The machine offers flavorful coffee with "regular" and "bold" strength choices. The reusable filter helps keep the coffee's natural richness. You can experiment with different blends for a custom taste.

While the taste is great, it may not reach the depth of high-end coffee makers. It’s perfect for daily use but lacks advanced options for fine-tuned brewing.

Coffee Making Speed

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker is known for its impressive coffee-making speed, catering to different brewing needs with efficiency. When brewing a full pot, which holds up to 12 cups, the machine takes about 10 to 12 minutes. This brewing time is fairly standard for drip coffee makers and allows users to quickly prepare coffee, making it suitable for busy mornings or gatherings.

For those who prefer a single cup, the coffee maker shines even brighter. The single-serve option brews a cup of coffee in approximately 1 to 2 minutes. This rapid brewing time is ideal for individuals looking for a quick caffeine fix without the wait for a full pot to finish. Users can choose to brew using ground coffee or soft coffee pods, enhancing the machine's versatility and catering to varying preferences.

Overall, the coffee-making speed of the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker is commendable. It combines a reasonable brewing time for a full pot with an exceptionally quick single-serve feature, making it a strong choice for anyone who values both efficiency and convenience in their coffee-making routine. Given its performance, this machine earns 95 points out of 100 for its coffee-making speed.

Coffee Temperature

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker consistently brews coffee at a temperature that enhances flavor and aroma, contributing to an enjoyable coffee experience. Typically, this coffee maker brews coffee at temperatures ranging from 190°F to 205°F (about 88°C to 96°C). This temperature range is ideal for extracting the best flavors from coffee grounds, ensuring a well-balanced cup of coffee.

For users who enjoy their coffee hot, the Hamilton Beach coffee maker delivers. The coffee remains warm in the glass carafe, especially with its hot plate, which helps maintain the temperature for an extended period. However, it’s important to note that while the hot plate does a good job of keeping the coffee warm, prolonged contact can sometimes lead to a slight decrease in flavor quality due to over-extraction if left too long.

Overall, the coffee temperature produced by this machine is satisfactory for most coffee drinkers, allowing for a flavorful and enjoyable experience. Based on its performance in maintaining ideal brewing temperatures and the quality of the coffee produced, this coffee maker receives 90 points out of 100 for coffee temperature

Programmable Function

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker makes mornings easier with its programmable feature. You can set a specific time for the coffee maker to start brewing, so your coffee is ready when you wake up.

To use this feature, simply program the time you want your coffee, fill the water reservoir, and add ground coffee to the brew basket. When morning comes, your coffee will be hot and ready to drink. This is perfect for busy mornings when you want to save time and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without any hassle.

However, keep in mind that this coffee maker does not work with K-Cup* pods, so you’ll need to use ground coffee or soft coffee pods instead. Despite this limitation, the programmable feature is a fantastic convenience that enhances your coffee-making experience.

Safety Features

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker offers added peace of mind with its 2-hour automatic shutoff feature. This means that if you forget to turn off the coffee maker after brewing, it will automatically turn off after two hours.

How many times have you walked out the door only to wonder if you left the coffee maker on? With this feature, you can say goodbye to those worries. There’s no need to turn around or check, allowing you to leave the house confidently, knowing that the coffee maker will turn itself off after two hours of inactivity.

This automatic shutoff not only enhances safety but also helps save energy. Overall, it’s a convenient feature that makes using the Hamilton Beach coffee maker stress-free. For its effectiveness in preventing potential hazards and promoting energy savings, this feature earns 100 points out of 100

Easy to Clean

Cleaning the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker is simple and quick. First, ensure the coffee maker is turned off and unplugged before you start cleaning. Then, take out the brew basket and discard any used coffee grounds. Rinse the brew basket under warm water, using a soft sponge if necessary to remove any residue.

Then, wash the glass carafe with warm soapy water, rinsing it thoroughly and drying it with a clean cloth. Use a damp cloth to wipe the coffee maker's exterior, clearing away any spills or stains. If needed, run a cleaning cycle using equal parts water and white vinegar to help remove any mineral buildup. After the cleaning cycle, run a pot of plain water through the machine to rinse away any vinegar residue.

Once everything is dry, simply put the brew basket and carafe back in place. Following these steps will keep your Hamilton Beach coffee maker clean and ready for use, earning it 92 points for ease of cleaning.

Value for the Money

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way Programmable Drip Coffee Maker offers excellent value for the money, making it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts. It is affordably priced compared to other coffee makers with similar features, effectively combining both full pot and single-serve brewing options. This means you're essentially getting two machines in one without a hefty price tag.

The coffee maker's versatile features enhance its overall convenience and usability. The programmable settings allow you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee, and the 2-hour automatic shutoff provides added safety, which can save you time and reduce stress during busy mornings.

Users often praise the quality of coffee produced by this machine, noting that it brews flavorful coffee at the ideal temperature. Its ability to accommodate both a full pot and a single serving caters to different preferences and needs, making it versatile for various situations.

Durability and ease of maintenance are also highlights of the Hamilton Beach brand. This model is designed to last, and its easy-to-clean design ensures that it will serve you well over time, making it a smart investment for coffee lovers.

Considering its affordability, versatility, and quality, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker represents strong value for the money. For these reasons, it earns 90 out of 100 in terms of value, appealing to both casual coffee drinkers and dedicated enthusiasts alike.

Final Verdict 

 The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker stands out as a versatile and user-friendly option for coffee lovers. With its dual functionality of brewing a full pot or a single serving, it caters to various preferences and situations, making it ideal for both solo coffee drinkers and families. The programmable feature allows you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee, adding a layer of convenience to your morning routine.

Its automatic shutoff provides peace of mind, ensuring safety and energy savings. The coffee temperature and quality are commendable, delivering flavorful brews that meet the expectations of many users. Additionally, the easy-to-clean design makes maintenance simple, allowing you to enjoy your coffee without the hassle of complicated upkeep.

Considering its affordability, robust features, and overall performance, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker offers exceptional value for the money. It’s a reliable choice that appeals to both casual drinkers and dedicated coffee enthusiasts. For these reasons, I highly recommend this coffee maker, giving it a solid 89.1 points.