Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker Review: Pros and Cons You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a user-friendly coffee maker that gives you the option to brew a single cup or a full pot, the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker is a fantastic choice. With its programmable features, easy cleanup, and stylish design, it’s an excellent addition to any kitchen.

Pros And Cons

What We Liked

• Offers the convenience of brewing a single cup or a full 12-cup pot.
• Programmable options allow you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee.
• Compact footprint makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
• Intuitive controls and a straightforward setup process make brewing your favorite coffee a breeze.
• Constructed with quality materials, this coffee maker feels sturdy and reliable.

What Can Be Improved

• The carafe’s pouring spout is a bit narrow, leading to occasional spills or drips.
• The coffee maker emits a noticeable amount of noise during operation.

Quick Verdict

In a nutshell, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine offers a versatile solution for coffee enthusiasts seeking both convenience and flexibility.

Its dual-functionality allows users to brew a full pot of coffee or a single cup, catering to varying preferences and occasions with ease. The programmable features ensure that your coffee is ready when you need it, whether it’s the morning rush or a leisurely afternoon. While it may have a few minor drawbacks such as a narrow pouring spout and noticeable noise during operation, its durability, intuitive controls, and space-saving design make it a worthy addition to any kitchen countertop.

While it may not be without its quirks, its overall performance and value make it a solid choice for coffee lovers looking for a reliable daily companion.

Unboxing – What’s Inside?

After reading countless reviews and comparing different coffee makers, we picked up the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Maker from Amazon. We used Prime delivery, and it arrived at our doorstep within the next day. Inside the box, we found the coffee maker, a glass carafe, and a reusable filter.

Specifications

Brand: Hamilton Beach
Manufacturer: Hamilton Beach
Product Dimensions: 10.63D x 12.2W x 13.7H
Operation Mode: Fully Automatic
Special Feature: Programmable
Color Tested: Black
Model Name: Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine Model Number: 49980R
Coffee Maker Type: Drip Coffee Machine / Single Serve Coffee Maker

User-Guide

The user guide that came with the coffee maker was incredibly helpful. It provided clear instructions on how to set up the machine, program it for auto-brewing, and use the single-serve function. I referred to it multiple times, especially when I wanted to try different brewing options. You can find the user guide here.

Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker Features – What We Found

2 Ways to Brew: Single Cup or Full Pot

The Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker offers the flexibility to brew either a single-serve cup or a full pot of coffee using your favorite ground coffee. This dual functionality makes it a convenient option for both individual and group coffee consumption. The machine’s versatility allows you to easily switch between brewing options, catering to your specific coffee needs at any given time.

Pro-tip: Use the single-serve option for a quick cup in the morning, and switch to brewing a full pot when entertaining guests.

Easy to Use with Included Mesh Scoop

Adding your favorite ground coffee to brew a cup of coffee couldn’t be easier with the included mesh scoop. Simply scoop, place, and brew, eliminating the need for a separate scoop or measuring coffee before brewing. The control panel and display, along with the hour and minute buttons, make it easy to program the brewing time up to 24 hours in advance. For added convenience, the mesh scoop is included, ensuring a seamless brewing process.

Simple Single-Cup Brewing

Brew a single cup using loose ground coffee, as this machine is not compatible with K-Cup pods. The included mesh scoop makes it easy to add your favorite ground coffee, simplifying the single-cup brewing process. This feature provides the freedom to use any type of ground coffee without being restricted to K-Cup pod options, giving you more control over your coffee preferences.

Peace of Mind with 2 Hour Automatic Shutoff

The Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker comes with a 2-hour automatic shutoff feature, providing peace of mind and energy efficiency. This feature ensures that the coffee maker turns off automatically after 2 hours, eliminating the need to worry about whether it was turned off or having to double-check before leaving home.

Pro-tip: Set the programmable timer and enjoy your coffee knowing the machine will automatically turn off after 2 hours.

Programmable for Wake-Up Ready Coffee

Program the Hamilton Beach 2 Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker to start brewing at a specific time, ensuring that you wake up to hot and ready-to-drink coffee. Simply set the time you want your coffee to be brewed, fill the machine with water, and add ground coffee. This feature allows you to have freshly brewed coffee waiting for you in the morning, streamlining your morning routine. The programmable option adds convenience and ensures that you start your day with a perfect cup of coffee.

Score And Review

Our Score: 4.7

After using the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker for some time now, we have to say that we are thoroughly impressed.

The single cup brewing option is a huge plus. It’s so convenient to not have to use the pot for just one cup, and the included mesh scoop makes it incredibly easy to use your favorite ground coffee.

The programmable feature is a game-changer, as you can set it up the night before and wake up to hot, freshly brewed coffee.

The fact that it automatically turns off after 2 hours will give you peace of mind, especially when you’re in a rush.

The design is sleek and stylish, adding a touch of elegance to my kitchen counter.

Plus, the ease of cleaning is an added bonus, as everything comes apart easily, preventing any mold build-up.

We’ve had no issues with leaks, and the coffee stays at a perfect temperature even after brewing.

Overall, it’s a quality product that will truly make a difference in your daily routine.

We can confidently say that the price is more than fair compared to other products on the market, making it a great investment for any coffee lover.

If you’re in the market for a versatile and reliable coffee maker, Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffee Maker is definitely worth considering.

Recommended Accessory

When you’re looking to enhance your coffee-making experience with the Hamilton Beach 2 Way 12 Cup Coffee Maker, we highly recommend you consider the Hamilton Beach Permanent Gold Tone Filter as a valuable addition. A reusable filter is included with the coffee maker, but you don’t want to be caught without a spare.

This permanent gold tone filter is designed to fit most 8 to 12-cup coffee makers, including the FlexBrew Trio, and offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to paper filters. By using a permanent filter, you can reduce waste and save money in the long run, making it a practical investment for any coffee lover.

The Hamilton Beach Permanent Gold Tone Filter is easy to clean and durable, providing you with a long-lasting solution for filtering your coffee grounds. Its compatibility with the FlexBrew Trio ensures a seamless fit and reliable performance, giving you peace of mind with every brew.

So, do yourself a favor and include the Hamilton Beach Permanent Gold Tone Filter in your purchase of the FlexBrew Trio to elevate your coffee experience and enjoy the convenience of a reusable filter.

Other Options To Consider

When considering a coffee maker, it’s important to explore all your options to find the perfect fit for your needs. If you’re looking for a versatile coffee maker that offers the convenience of using K-Cup pods or grounds, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker is a great choice. However, if you’re not completely sold on this option, there are some alternate products you may want to consider.

1. Amazon Basics Programmable Coffee Maker: This coffee maker offers the simplicity of a 12-cup capacity with a reusable filter, making it a great option for those who prefer a more traditional brewing method.
2. Amazon Basics 5 Cup Coffee Maker: For those who prefer smaller batches of coffee, this 5-cup coffee maker with a reusable filter is a compact and efficient choice.
3. Braun KF9079SI Multiserve Coffee Maker: This stainless steel coffee maker offers the versatility of brewing different serving sizes, catering to individual preferences.
4. Keurig K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker: Brew a single 6, 8, 10, or 12oz cup, or program it to automatically brew up to 12 cups using the included carafe up to 24 hrs in advance..

Want even more options, but don’t want to break the bank? Read: Want The Best Coffee Maker Under $100? Here’s What To Look For

These alternate products provide a range of features and capacities, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s coffee brewing needs. Consider these options before making your final decision.