When it comes to coffee makers, versatility and convenience are key. The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker offers just that, with the ability to brew both single cups and full pots of coffee. Whether you’re in a rush and need a single cup or have time to savor a full 12-cup brew, this coffee maker accommodates all your needs. With a variety of features designed to make your morning coffee routine more efficient, this coffee maker is perfect for a busy lifestyle. Let’s dive into a detailed review of its features, pros, cons, and how it compares to other coffee makers on the market.
Key Features
- Three Brewing Options
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio offers three brewing options to suit your coffee preferences. You can brew a single cup using a coffee pod or your favorite ground coffee, or you can brew up to 12 cups with ground coffee in the 12-cup carafe. This flexibility allows you to cater to different tastes and needs, whether you’re brewing for yourself or the whole family. - Fast Brewing Time
Unlike many coffee makers that can take several minutes to brew a single cup, the FlexBrew Trio brews a single cup in just about 90 seconds. This fast brewing time is ideal for mornings when every second counts. Whether you’re using a K-Cup pod or ground coffee, this coffee maker delivers your coffee quickly without compromising flavor. - Large Water Reservoir
The 56 oz. water reservoir allows you to brew up to seven single servings without the need for a refill. This feature is especially convenient for those who enjoy multiple cups of coffee throughout the day or need to brew coffee for guests without constantly adding water. - Customizable Brewing Sizes
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio gives you the ability to select your brewing size. Choose from 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz. for a single cup of coffee, and if you’re brewing with a pod, you can select from 6, 8, or 10 oz. This versatility ensures that you can brew the perfect amount for your cup size. - Select-a-Brew for Regular or Bold Coffee
Customize your coffee strength with the Select-a-Brew option, which allows you to brew either a regular or bold cup of coffee. This feature lets you control the strength of your coffee to suit your personal preferences, making it perfect for both light and strong coffee drinkers. - Auto Pause & Pour
The Auto Pause & Pour feature lets you serve yourself a cup of coffee while the brewing process is still underway. This feature is especially useful when you can’t wait for the whole brew cycle to finish and need your coffee immediately. - Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
The 12-cup glass carafe is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean after brewing. The pod-piercing needle is removable and can be cleaned to prevent clogging. These convenient cleaning features help keep your coffee maker in top condition without any hassle. - Compact Design with Convenient Storage
The compact design of the FlexBrew Trio makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. It also comes with a removable cup rest that securely holds your cup or mug, and the storage area inside the cup rest holds the single-serve pod holder or brew basket.
Pros of the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
- Versatile Brewing Options
Whether you prefer using coffee pods or ground coffee, the FlexBrew Trio gives you the flexibility to brew both single cups and full pots. This versatility is perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers, as everyone can brew their ideal cup. - Fast Brewing for Busy Mornings
With the ability to brew a single cup in just 90 seconds, this coffee maker is perfect for busy mornings when you need coffee in a hurry. - Large Capacity Water Reservoir
The 56 oz. water reservoir can brew up to seven single cups before needing a refill, which is great for those who drink multiple cups of coffee a day. - Customizable Coffee Strength
The Select-a-Brew function gives you the option to choose between regular or bold coffee, providing more control over your brewing process. - Easy-to-Use Features
The easy-to-read control panel and simple button layout make the coffee maker easy to use. The brew size options and programming features are intuitive and straightforward. - Convenient Auto Pause & Pour
The Auto Pause & Pour feature allows you to serve yourself a cup while the brewing process is still ongoing. This convenience is especially useful for busy individuals who don’t want to wait for the entire pot to brew. - Affordable Price
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio offers excellent value for money, especially considering the range of features it offers. It’s a great option for those looking for a high-quality, versatile coffee maker on a budget.
Cons of the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
- Occasional Water Overflow
Some customers have reported issues with the water reservoir overflowing, especially when brewing larger quantities of coffee. This issue may require more careful monitoring of the water level during brewing. - Full Pot Brewing Can Be Slow
While the single cup brewing process is fast, some users have found that the full pot brewing process can be slower than expected. This may be a consideration for those who prioritize speed when brewing a full pot of coffee. - Bulkier Than Other Models
Although the compact design is convenient, the coffee maker is still larger than other single-serve machines, taking up more counter space. This could be a drawback for those with limited kitchen space. - Plastic Construction
Some customers have noted that the plastic construction of the coffee maker feels less durable than other high-end coffee machines. While it works well for most users, it may not be as sturdy as models with stainless steel components. - Noise Level
The coffee maker can be a bit noisy during the brewing process, which may be off-putting for users who prefer quieter machines.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use K-Cups in the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio?
Yes, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio is compatible with K-Cup pods, allowing you to easily brew a single cup of coffee with your favorite coffee pod.
2. How does the Auto Pause & Pour feature work?
The Auto Pause & Pour feature allows you to pour a cup of coffee while the brewing cycle is still in progress. The machine will pause brewing for up to 20 seconds, giving you time to pour your coffee before the cycle is complete.
3. How long does it take to brew a single cup?
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio can brew a single cup of coffee in approximately 90 seconds, making it one of the fastest brewing coffee makers available.
4. Is the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio easy to clean?
Yes, the coffee maker is easy to clean. The 12-cup glass carafe is dishwasher safe, and the pod-piercing needle is removable for easy cleaning. The brew basket is also washable, ensuring a hassle-free cleaning experience.
5. How large is the water reservoir?
The FlexBrew Trio has a 56 oz. water reservoir, which allows you to brew up to seven single servings of coffee without the need for a refill.
6. Can I brew iced coffee with this machine?
Yes, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio has a Brew Over Ice feature, which adjusts the temperature to prevent excessive melting of ice, ensuring a refreshing iced coffee every time.
Conclusion
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker is a versatile and convenient coffee maker that offers multiple brewing options for a variety of needs. Whether you’re brewing a single cup with a pod or making a full 12-cup pot, this coffee maker has the functionality to suit your preferences. The fast brewing time, customizable coffee strength, and ease of use make it a great addition to any kitchen. However, potential issues with water overflow and slower full-pot brewing may be considerations for some users. Despite these drawbacks, the affordable price and overall performance make the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio a strong contender in the coffee maker market.
Pros:
- Versatile brewing options for single cups or full pots
- Fast brewing time for single cups (90 seconds)
- Large 56 oz. water reservoir for multiple servings
- Customizable coffee strength
- Affordable price for the features offered
- Easy-to-clean components
Cons:
- Occasional water overflow issues
- Slower brewing for full pots
- Bulky design takes up more counter space
- Plastic construction may feel less durable
- Noisy during the brewing process
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio is a great choice for coffee lovers who need versatility, speed, and convenience at an affordable price.