Introduction to the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Review
As a coffee enthusiast who starts every morning with a fresh brew, I’ve tested countless coffee makers over the years. The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2 Way Coffee Maker (Model 49915) stands out for its versatility, ease of use and ability to cater to both single serve and full pot brewing needs. Whether you’re rushing out the door with a travel mug or hosting a brunch with friends, this machine offers a practical solution for diverse coffee preferences. In this in-depth guide, I’ll share my personal experience with the FlexBrew Trio, explore its features and provide a detailed review to help you decide if it’s the right coffee maker for your kitchen.
Key Features of the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio
1. Three Ways to Brew
The FlexBrew Trio is a 2-way coffee maker that offers three brewing options:
- Single serve with K Cup pods: Brew 6, 8 or 10 oz. cups using your favorite K Cup pods.
- Single serve with ground coffee: Select from 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 oz. sizes, perfect for a standard cup or a 7″ tall travel mug.
- Full 12cup carafe: Brew up to 60 oz. of coffee using ground coffee for family or guests.
This flexibility makes it ideal for households with varied coffee preferences. For example, I often use the singleserve option during busy weekdays and switch to the carafe for weekend gatherings.
2. Fast Brewing
The machine brews a single cup in about 90 seconds, which is a lifesaver on hectic mornings. Compared to older 2-way coffee makers, the FlexBrew Trio prioritizes speed without compromising flavor. The carafe side takes slightly longer but the EasyTouch programming ensures your coffee is ready when you wake up.
3. Large 56 oz. Removable Water Reservoir
The single-serve side features a 56 oz. removable water reservoir, allowing you to brew up to seven single servings without refilling. This is a significant timesaver, especially for shared households. The reservoir is easy to detach, fill and clean, reducing maintenance hassle.
4. Customizable Brewing Sizes
With five single-serve brewing sizes (6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 oz.), you can tailor your coffee to your cup or mug. The machine’s intuitive controls make it simple to select your desired size, ensuring you get the perfect amount every time.
5. Reusable GoldTone Filter
The FlexBrew Trio includes a gold tone reusable filter for the carafe side, eliminating the need for paper filters. This eco friendly feature saves money and reduces waste. The single-serve side also comes with a brew basket for ground coffee, adding to its versatility.
6. Programmable Features
The Easy Touch programming lets you schedule brewing for the carafe side, so you can wake up to hot coffee. The backlit display is user friendly, even in low light. Additionally, the Auto Pause and Pour feature allows you to grab a cup midbrew and the machine automatically shuts off after two hours for safety.
My Personal Experience with the FlexBrew Trio
When I first unboxed the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio, I was impressed by its sleek black and silver design with stainless steel accents. At 13″D x 14″W x 16″H and 12 pounds, it’s compact enough for my countertop but feels sturdy and well-built. The glass carafe and reusable filter added a premium touch, while the removable reservoir made setup a breeze.
Single Serve Brewing
As someone who often brews just one cup in the morning, the single serve option is my go to. I tested both K Cup pods and ground coffee and the results were consistently satisfying. The 90second brewing time is accurate and the coffee comes out hot and flavourful. I particularly appreciate the 14 oz. option for my travel mug, which fits perfectly under the spout.
One minor drawback is that the single-serve side can be slightly noisy during brewing but it’s not disruptive. I also noticed that using ground coffee requires a bit of trial and error to get the right amount for a strong brew but the included brew basket is easy to clean.
Carafe Brewing
For weekend brunches, I’ve used the carafe side to brew a full 12 cups. The coffee stays hot for about an hour in the glass carafe and the Auto Pause and Pour feature is handy when guests want a cup before brewing is complete. The gold tone filter produces a clean, robust flavour, though I recommend rinsing it thoroughly after each use to prevent residue build up.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning the FlexBrew Trio is straightforward. The removable reservoir and brew basket are dishwasher safe and the carafe and filter can be handwashed with ease. I descale the machine every few months using a vinegar solution, which keeps it running smoothly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile brewing options: Supports K Cup pods, ground coffee and full pot brewing.
- Fast single serve brewing: 90 seconds for a single cup.
- Large water reservoir: 56 oz. capacity reduces refills.
- Programmable carafe brewing: Wake up to hot coffee.
- Reusable filter: Ecofriendly and costeffective.
- Compact design: Fits well on most countertops.
Cons
- Slightly noisy single-serve brewing: May be noticeable in quiet kitchens.
- Learning curve for ground coffee: Requires experimentation for optimal strength.
- Glass carafe: Not as durable as thermal carafes.
Who Should Buy the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio?
The FlexBrew Trio is perfect for:
- Busy individuals: The fast single-serve brewing and programmable carafe make it ideal for tight schedules.
- Households with mixed preferences: Accommodates both singleserve and fullpot needs.
- Ecoconscious users: The reusable filter reduces waste.
- Budget conscious buyers: Priced competitively (around $111.99–$158.15 depending on color and features), it offers excellent value.
If you prefer a thermal carafe or need a machine with advanced customization (e.g., brew strength settings), you might want to explore other models. However, for most home users, the FlexBrew Trio strikes an excellent balance of functionality and affordability.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your FlexBrew Trio
- Use fresh coffee grounds: For the best flavor, grind your beans just before brewing.
- Experiment with coffee amounts: Adjust the ground coffee quantity to find your preferred strength.
- Clean regularly: Descale every 3–6 months to maintain performance.
- Store the reservoir properly: Ensure it’s securely attached to prevent leaks.
- Try different KCup brands: Explore various pods to find your favorite flavors.
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Final Thoughts
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-way Coffee Maker is a reliable, versatile addition to any kitchen. Its ability to brew single servings or a full carafe, fast brewing time and user-friendly features make it a standout choice. My experience with the machine has been overwhelmingly positive from its quick setup to its consistent performance. Whether you’re a solo coffee drinker or hosting a crowd, this coffee maker adapts to your needs.
For those seeking a modern, efficient and eco friendly coffee maker, the FlexBrew Trio is worth considering. Its thoughtful design and affordable price point make it a top contender in the single serve and drip coffee maker market.
📂 Category: {Home and Kitchen}
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the FlexBrew Trio brew both KCup pods and ground coffee?
Yes, the singleserve side supports both KCup pods (6, 8 or 10 oz.) and ground coffee (6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 oz.). The carafe side uses ground coffee only.
How long does it take to brew a single cup?
A single cup brews in about 90 seconds, making it one of the faster single-serve machines in its class.
Is the water reservoir removable?
Yes, 56 oz. The water reservoir is removable and allows up to seven single servings without refilling.
Does it come with a reusable filter?
Yes, it includes a goldtone filter for the carafe and singleserve brewing, eliminating the need for paper filters.
Can I program the carafe to brew automatically?
Yes, the EasyTouch programming feature allows you to schedule brewing for the carafe side.
