Best 3-in-1 Coffee Makers: Real Reviews of Versatile Machines for Any Brew Mood
Your needs may be different from everyone else’s, and it’s why it’s so important to take a closer look at each unique 3-in-1 coffee maker.
If you want a coffee maker to do everything, good news! The Best 3-in-1 Coffee Maker can brew a single serving, a full pot and even espresso all in one device. It’s like having a coffee shop in your kitchen!
After moving into a smaller apartment, I wanted a coffee maker that would take up very little space but still allow me to prepare all of my favorite coffee beverages: my morning espresso, my weekend drip coffee and my midday iced lattes. Here’s what I learned from inspecting a few of the most popular models:
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a 3 in 1 Coffee Maker
- Brew Types (drip, espresso, K-Cup)
- Milk Frother
- Carafe type (glass vs. thermal)
- Water reservoir capacity
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Who Should Buy a 3 in 1 Coffee Maker?
- People with small kitchens
- Coffee lovers who want espresso and drip
- Families with multiple preferences
Benefits of Using a 3 in 1 Coffee Maker
- Save space and money
- More brew options in one device
- Less clutter on your countertop
Top 5 Best 3-in-1 Coffee Makers Our Top Pick
1. Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker DualBrew Pro Specialty 6 Brew Sizes DP301
What It Can Do:
- Compatible with K-Cups and ground coffee
- Brew up to 12 cups in a glass pot
- Brew coffee in a variety of styles: Classic, Rich, Iced, Specialty, and Cold Brew
- Features a detachable 60 oz. water reservoir
- Includes a reusable filter
My Experience:
I love this coffee maker! I use it everyday, especially for iced coffee (which tastes super yummy). The strong option does a nice job of brewing strong coffee, that you can then add to frothed milk for lattes, or use a frother to make cappuccinos. It’s simple to turn from a big pot of coffee into a single cup, and I love the frother that heats and froths milk fast. It even looks pretty on my kitchen counter!
What’s Great About It:
- It accommodates both K-Cups and ground coffee
- You can control the strength and spiciness of the coffee
- Great for iced drinks and cocktails
What’s Not So Good:
- It is a little bit tall, so it might not be able to fit under some kitchen cabinets.
Who It’s Good For: People who want a coffee maker that does a bunch of stuff, and also makes tasty coffee!
2. Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker
What it is: A coffee maker that can produce from a single cup to a full carafe (which is basically a big pot of coffee).
How much it holds: Its water tank has a 60-ounce capacity.
Brewing sizes: One can brew coffee in 6, 8, 10 or 12 ounces for a cup and 6-12 cups for carafe.
Carafe: Includes a stainless steel carafe capable of keeping coffee hot.
Programmable: You can program to make coffee.
My Experience:
I loved this coffee maker! It’s also very user-friendly and can be used to fit in different spots because the water tank can either sit on the side or the back. It can brew both ground coffee and K-Cup pods, so now I have a choice. I like to fix it up in the evening with the timer so I have coffee in the morning during my rush, and the carafe keeps it hot for hours, which is what I need when working from home.
Why it’s great:
- Space-saving design
- Easy to program
- Strong coffee option
Downside:
- No built-in milk frother
Best for: Those looking for a space-saving coffee maker, with user-friendly features.
3. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker
What it is: A coffee maker with the ability to brew both a full pot and a single cup.
How much it makes: It brews a 12-cup carafe as well as a single-serve cup.
Brewing sizes: Choose from an 8 to 14-ounce cup and a 12-cup carafe.
Type of filter: Features a reusable coffee grounds basket.
My Experience:
I thought this coffee maker was great and not expensive at all! It allows me to make an entire pot for my family or a single cup just for myself, which is super convenient. It may not be as flashy as some others, but it gets the job done. And it can accommodate a travel mug that’s tall on the single-serve side.
Why it’s great:
- Single cup and pot water tanks are separate
- Affordable but works well
- Strength of the coffee is your choice
Downside:
- It runs slower than other models.
Best for: Families or anybody who wants a solid coffee maker that’s not terribly expensive.
4. De’Longhi All-in-One Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine BCO430BM
What it Can Do:
- This machine brews espresso and drip coffee
- Has a steam milk frother
Capacity: It has a 10-cup glass carafe.
Espresso Power: It’s powered by a 15-bar pump for bold espresso.
Frother: It has a nifty system for making fancy foam for drinks like cappuccinos.
My Experience:
I loved this machine, as it produced tasty espresso and tasted very good. The frother created frothy milk that was just right for my beverages. I love that I can drip coffee for my guests while simultaneously brewing espresso for myself.
Why It Stands Out:
- It also makes coffee shop coffee
- It can make both espresso and regular coffee at once
- The frother is really good
Downside:
- It takes up a lot of counter space and can be tricky to figure out in the beginning.
Best for: Coffee lovers who want espresso sometimes, too.
5. Mr. Coffee All-in-One Coffee Maker
What it Can Do:
- Brews coffee, espresso
- Compatible with K-Cups
- Has a milk frother
Capacity: 10-cup thermal carafe to keep coffee warm.
Compatibility: You can brew K-Cups and regular ground coffee, as well as ground espresso.
Frother: Included frother is batch-style and easy to clean and store.
My Experience:
This machine really impressed me as to what it can do. I could make lattes in the morning, brew a K-Cup or two during the day, and spend the weekend brewing a whole pot. Changing types of drinks was a breeze with the smart dial. And it’s fashionable in black to boot!
Why It Stands Out:
- Compatible with K-Cups or espresso
- Comes with a frother and a 10-cup thermal carafe
- Has a tray to help things stay organized
Downside:
- It could be considered a tad large for small spaces.
Ideal for: People looking to produce a vast array of drinks from a single machine!
Comparison Table:
| Product | Brewing Modes | Frother | Carafe Type | K-Cup Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja CFP307 | Drip, K-Cup, Specialty, Iced | Yes | 12-Cup Glass | Yes |
| Keurig K-Duo Plus | Drip, K-Cup | No | 60oz Thermal | Yes |
| Hamilton Beach FlexBrew | Drip, K-Cup | No | 12-Cup Glass | Yes |
| De’Longhi BCO430BM | Drip, Espresso | Yes | 10-Cup Glass | No |
| Mr. Coffee All-in-One | Drip, Espresso, K-Cup | Yes | 10-Cup Thermal | Yes |
How to Clean and Maintain a 3 in 1 Coffee Maker
- Descale monthly
- Wipe down frother
- Use filtered water
- Rinse and clean removable parts weekly
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
- Frother not working: Clean after each use
- Weak coffee: Use fresh grounds, stronger setting
- Machine won’t start: Check water level, power source
Closing Thoughts: What’s the Best 3-in-1 Coffee Maker?
My favorite, if I had to pick one, would be the Ninja DualBrew Pro.
Great taste, lots of ways to brew, works with K-Cups, comes with a built-in frother to make drinks frothy. It’s the best overall choice!
But, if you’re looking for both espresso and drip coffee on a non-pod system, the De’Longhi is a good alternative. And if you’re looking for something less expensive, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew is a fine choice as well.
FAQs: Three-in-One Coffee Makers
Q: What is a coffee 3 in 1?
A 3-in-1 coffee machine is a coffee maker which is capable of making coffee in multiple ways – single servings, full carafes (drip), and espresso or special drinks.
Q: How do coffee makers that are 3 in 1 compare with stand alone coffee pots?
Yes, for many people. They’re space-saving, easy to use, and offer more options without overcrowding the kitchen with big appliances.
A: Do I have to buy filters or special parts?
Almost all of them include a reusable filter, but in the future you may have to buy extra replacement filters and or cleaning kits.
Q: Regular coffee grounds can be used in any 3 in 1 coffee maker, right?
Sure! You can use ground coffee. Some can also handle K-Cups or grounds for espresso.
Bottom line
If you like different types of coffee, a good taste and a machine that saves space, a 3 in 1 coffee maker can greatly enhance your coffee routine.
