Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker Review
The Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to brew a single cup or a full pot of coffee. This versatile machine is perfect for households with varying coffee needs and preferences. With its sleek stainless steel design and user-friendly features, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer is designed to provide convenience and flexibility.
About the Brand
Hamilton Beach is a trusted name in the kitchen appliance industry, known for its reliable and affordable products. The brand has been delivering innovative solutions for over a century, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. The 2-Way Brewer is a testament to Hamilton Beach’s commitment to quality and practicality, catering to a wide range of coffee drinkers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatility: Offers both single-serve and full pot brewing options.
- Programmable Timer: Set the machine to brew coffee at your desired time.
- Brew Strength Selector: Choose between regular and bold coffee strengths.
- Compatibility: Works with ground coffee or soft coffee pods.
- Affordable: Competitively priced, providing good value for money.
Cons:
- Plastic Components: Some parts are made of plastic, which may affect durability.
- Noisy Operation: Can be louder compared to other coffee makers.
- Limited Single-Serve Size: Single-serve side limited to 14 ounces, which may not be enough for some users.
Best Features
- Dual Brewing Options: The 2-Way Brewer allows you to brew a single cup or a full 12-cup carafe, catering to different coffee needs and preferences.
- Programmable Timer: The programmable timer lets you set your brew time up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring you wake up to freshly brewed coffee.
- Brew Strength Selector: Choose between regular and bold brew strengths to suit your taste.
- Auto Pause and Serve: The carafe side features an auto pause and serve function, allowing you to pour a cup mid-brew without spills.
- Easy-Fill Reservoir: The water reservoir is easy to fill, with a clear water window to prevent overflows.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer is straightforward. Regular cleaning of the carafe, filter basket, and single-serve side is essential to prevent build-up and ensure optimal performance. The machine also includes a cleaning cycle to help maintain the internal components. Periodic descaling using a descaling solution or a mixture of vinegar and water is recommended to remove mineral deposits and maintain the machine’s efficiency. Following the maintenance guidelines in the user manual will help extend the life of the coffee maker and ensure consistent brewing quality.
Pricing
The Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer is priced at around $69 on Amazon, making it an affordable option for a dual-function coffee maker. This machine uses ground coffee for both single-serve and full pot brewing, providing flexibility and cost savings. Additionally, it is compatible with soft coffee pods for single-serve brewing, offering convenience and variety. The use of ground coffee and soft pods is more cost-effective compared to single-serve machines that rely on proprietary capsules, and it also reduces waste.
Conclusion
The Hamilton Beach 49980A 2-Way Brewer Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for households that need both single-serve and full pot brewing options. Its versatility, programmable features, and affordability make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. While it has some drawbacks, such as plastic components and noise during operation, its overall performance and convenience outweigh these minor issues. Whether you need a quick cup for yourself or a full pot for guests, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer delivers flexibility and reliability at a competitive price.