For coffee enthusiasts who cherish a tailored cup of joe each morning, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker emerges as a versatile and practical solution. Combining the ability to brew a full pot or a single cup, this coffee maker is designed to cater to households with diverse coffee preferences. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this coffee maker a great addition to your kitchen.
Unparalleled Brewing Flexibility
The Hamilton Beach Trio stands out with its dual brewing capability, offering both a carafe brewing system and a single-serve option. This flexibility means you can prepare up to 12 cups of coffee with the carafe side or enjoy a quick single cup using ground coffee or K-Cups on the single-serve side. This adaptability makes it ideal for busy mornings, household gatherings, or solo coffee breaks.
Carafe Brewing: Traditional Yet Convenient
The carafe side of the Hamilton Beach Trio accommodates up to 60 ounces of water, allowing you to brew a large batch of coffee efficiently. With its reusable gold-tone filter, you save on the expense and waste of paper filters while ensuring your coffee remains free of any metallic taste. Additional features include:
- Brew Strength Control: Choose between regular and bold brew settings.
- Programmable Brewing: Set your coffee to brew up to 24 hours in advance.
- Auto Shutoff and Warming Plate: Keep your coffee warm for up to two hours before the machine automatically powers down.
Single-Serve Brewing: Quick and Customizable
For those who prefer a single cup on demand, the single-serve side delivers convenience and personalization. It supports both coffee pods and grounds, giving you the freedom to explore different flavors. The adjustable cup rest doubles as storage for the pod and ground coffee baskets, although fitting the components can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle.
Taste Performance: A Pleasant Surprise
When it comes to taste, the Hamilton Beach Trio excels for a drip coffee maker. Users report a notably mild bitterness, even with dark roasts, making the coffee enjoyable black or with your preferred additions. While pod brewing lacks the depth and complexity of freshly ground coffee, it provides a clean and consistent flavor profile, perfect for those quick caffeine fixes.
Temperature also plays a significant role. This coffee maker brews extremely hot coffee, which may require a few minutes of cooling to reach an ideal drinking temperature. The high brewing heat ensures optimal extraction, resulting in a flavorful cup each time.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Simplicity defines the user experience with this machine. However, its size and design may require thoughtful placement in your kitchen. Measuring over 13 inches tall and more than 21 inches with the lid open, it’s best suited for spaces without low-hanging cabinets.
Cleaning is straightforward, thanks to removable parts that are dishwasher-safe. The water reservoirs are easy to maintain using white vinegar, eliminating the need for specialized cleaning solutions. Regular cleaning, especially if you use hard water, ensures your machine continues to perform optimally.
Key Features Overview
- Dual Brewing Modes: Brew a full carafe or a single cup using grounds or pods.
- Gold-Tone Filter: Eco-friendly and cost-saving alternative to paper filters.
- Programmable Functions: Delay brewing up to 24 hours for added convenience.
- Brew Strength Options: Tailor your coffee to regular or bold preferences.
- Durability Concerns: The heat emitted during brewing may cause the plastic reservoir lids to warp over time.
Design and Build
While functional, the design of the Hamilton Beach Trio is unremarkable. Its plastic build with metallic accents is durable but lacks the aesthetic appeal of high-end machines. Its size, however, compensates for the aesthetic with substantial functionality, offering the best of both worlds in brewing.
Value Proposition
Priced competitively, this coffee maker delivers impressive versatility. With minimal ongoing costs—thanks to reusable filters—it’s a budget-friendly option for households looking to enjoy quality coffee without breaking the bank. Pod users should note that while convenient, pods generally cost more per cup compared to ground coffee.
Who Is It For?
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker is perfect for:
- Households with diverse coffee needs, accommodating both single-serve and group brewing.
- Coffee drinkers who value convenience and flexibility in brewing methods.
- Eco-conscious users seeking reusable and dishwasher-safe components.
Pros and Cons of the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
Pros
- Versatile Brewing Options: Offers dual functionality with a carafe for multiple servings and a single-serve option for pods or ground coffee.
- Reusable Gold-Tone Filter: Reduces waste and eliminates the need for paper filters while preserving coffee flavor.
- Programmable Features: The carafe side supports 24-hour delayed brewing for added convenience.
- Brew Strength Control: Allows users to choose between regular and bold coffee strength.
- Easy to Clean: Removable parts are dishwasher-safe, and water reservoirs can be cleaned with vinegar, eliminating the need for special solutions.
- Large Capacity: Carafe side holds up to 12 cups (60 ounces) of coffee, making it ideal for households or gatherings.
- Pod Compatibility: Works with Keurig K-Cups and other standard coffee pods.
- Value for Money: Offers multiple brewing methods at a reasonable price point.
Cons
- Size and Placement Issues: Bulky design may not fit under low-hanging kitchen cabinets and requires ample counter space.
- Limited Brew Strength Options: Only provides two strength settings (regular and bold), whereas competitors may offer more.
- Heat Concerns: Reservoir lids can become excessively hot during brewing, potentially leading to warping over time.
- Longer Brewing Time: Takes longer to brew compared to some other drip coffee makers.
- Aesthetic Design: Average plastic build and limited color options may not appeal to those seeking a premium-looking machine.
- Noise During Brewing: The single-serve side is louder than many other coffee makers in its category.
- No Simultaneous Brewing: Cannot brew on the carafe and single-serve sides at the same time.
Final Thoughts
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker is a robust and versatile addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re a solo coffee drinker or part of a household with varied tastes, its dual brewing system ensures everyone’s preferences are met. While minor design flaws exist, they pale in comparison to the overall functionality and value this machine offers.
If you’re ready to elevate your coffee game, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker could be the versatile brewing companion you’ve been waiting for.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brewing Modes | Dual (Carafe and Single-Serve) |
| Carafe Capacity | Up to 12 cups (60 ounces) |
| Single-Serve Capacity | Up to 14 ounces (compatible with grounds or pods) |
| Brew Strength Options | Regular and Bold |
| Filter Type | Reusable gold-tone filter (optional paper filters for carafe side) |
| Programmable Features | 24-hour delayed brewing, auto shutoff (carafe side only) |
| Cleaning | Removable parts are top-rack dishwasher safe; water reservoirs cleanable with vinegar |
| Material | Plastic with metal accents |
| Dimensions | 12″ (Depth) x 13.5″ (Height) x 11.5″ (Width); 21.5″ with lid open |
| Warming Plate | Keeps carafe coffee warm for 2 hours (carafe side only) |
| Pod Compatibility | Works with Keurig K-Cups and other coffee pods |
| Ease of Use | Single-button operation, measurement display on reservoirs |
| Power Requirements | Standard household electrical outlet |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
Can the Hamilton Beach Trio brew both single cups and full carafes simultaneously?
No, it can only brew on one side at a time—either the single-serve side or the carafe side.
What types of coffee can I use in the single-serve side?
The single-serve side supports both ground coffee and coffee pods, including K-Cups.
Is the machine programmable for delayed brewing?
Yes, the carafe side is programmable for up to 24 hours in advance. However, the single-serve side does not support delayed brewing.
Are the removable parts dishwasher-safe?
Yes, all removable parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe. Avoid using the “sanitize” cycle as high heat can damage plastic components.
How do I clean the water reservoirs?
You can clean the reservoirs using white vinegar. Add vinegar, run a brew cycle, and rinse with water two to three times to ensure cleanliness.
What is the maximum coffee capacity for the carafe side?
The carafe side can hold up to 12 cups of coffee, equivalent to 60 ounces.
Does the machine have an auto shutoff feature?
Yes, the carafe side has an automatic shutoff after two hours of keeping the coffee warm. The single-serve side does not require this feature.
Can the machine be used under low-hanging kitchen cabinets?
Not conveniently. With the lid open, the machine stands 21.5 inches tall, which may require it to be moved out from under cabinets.
What brew strength options are available?
There are two brew strength options: regular and bold, for both the carafe and single-serve sides.
Does the single-serve side have a warming feature?
No, the single-serve side does not include a warming plate or auto shutoff as it is designed for immediate consumption.
Is it compatible with other coffee pods besides Keurig K-Cups?
Yes, it works with most standard coffee pods in addition to K-Cups.
What kind of maintenance is required to keep the machine running well?
Monthly cleaning of the water reservoirs with vinegar is recommended, or more often if using hard water. Regular cleaning of the removable parts is also advised.
Can I use paper filters on the carafe side if I prefer them?
Yes, the carafe side is compatible with paper filters, although it includes a reusable gold-tone filter.
How long does it take to brew coffee?
Brewing time varies: the carafe side takes about 10–15 minutes for a full pot, while the single-serve side takes about 2 minutes for a cup.
