Review of the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Flexbrew Coffeemaker

[@edgarmartin4828]

I absolutely love my Hamilton Beach 2 -way coffee maker! I have had it almost a year and no problems. I did find that took a little work to learn to use it. I loved this video. It showed how to reverse the tray which I had missed since I was using taller mugs than I am using now. I misplaced my quick start guide and wanted to see if I was missing anything and rather reading the manual, this video was even better. I also had missed switching the indicator to grounds and just used one setting all the time with fine results. No plastic smell or taste and I am fussy about having good coffee. One of my "secrets" is that I use good coffee to start with and have had daily happiness. Thanks for the video!

[@KendallGiles]

+Edgar Martin Thank you Edgar!

[@emuwu2820]

listen I didn’t even know this was a place on KZbin but thank god because I was literally about to have a panic attack over coffee, and you, you actual angel, had an exact review on the coffee machine I have. I love you.

[@edhavnfun]

Great presentation and the deciding factor on my purchase. Made the purchase and enjoyed my first carafe this morning. Thanks for the input. Edmon

[@andishifley1144]

I've had my machine less than two years. It's done. The water will not drain into the lower chamber most of the time. When it does, I get a half a cup of coffee and then the machine continues to slowly drip, for hours, the remainder of the water that was in the chamber. Nice... Waking up in the morning to find a puddle of cold coffee all over your countertop!

[@sco5b]

I'm going to get in Amazon for my moms birthday coming up she loves coffee and love to take it to work even better. Hope is perfect it does have all the pieces .

[@marisolacosta9116]

Thank you for the reply I tried what you suggested twice just to make sure the water continued to come out a full cup size and it did and the third time I finally made myself a cup of coffee thank you

[@snicker1ish]

I purchased three of these! One for myself, and two as gifts! We have all had problems with this coffee maker. The carafe side is super slow, and the K-cup side is very touchy! Even with the right amount of water, it still doesn't produce a full cups worth, or it wont brew at all. I took mine back to Walmart where I purchased it to do an even exchange and give it another try, but due to the price difference because I bought it on sale, they would not exchange it. I contacted Hamilton Beach by phone, and got no help whatsoever, so now I have emailed them hoping to get a different response. Now my daughter and sister in law are having issues with theirs and this time I will go through the warranty program I purchased instead of taking it back to the store. Shouldn't have this type of problems with a product that I only purchased on 11/26/2014. I hope this helps!!

[@kenbob454]

Thanks for the great review, Kendall. We had a couple of choices for a "two way" coffee maker and your thorough review and test of the Hamilton Beach Flexbrew model really helped us make up our minds!

[@christinnorthuis9287]

I saw this over at Amazon.com as well. I was checking out reviews to decide if I wanted this coffee maker. You definitely presented a good case for going with this one. I ordered it today, and hubby is going to love it.

[@KendallGiles]

Thanks Christin--I hope you like your new coffee maker! Right now I am in a K-cup phase, and am really enjoying that feature of the coffee maker.

[@juanitakiddjordan2735]

This is the first coffee maker that got my attention I think this would be a great gift for me, love it I love the video

[@vickiejohnson2451]

I just go the 2-way flex brew coffeemaker and I love the pot brew, but need to know how to use the little k-cups. I have never used them before and I know it sounds crazy, but I lost my instructions. Thanks for using the ground coffee method. Guess I will look for a k-cup method somewhere else. :)

[@bonniekennedy9191]

Boo. I wanted to see how to use the K-cup part of the machine!

[@RandomVids0987]

Bonnie Kennedy Same. All it ever tells me is "error"

[@jeremykatherinescrivner9364]

Then you have added to much water.

[@wendyjohnson9697]

Good morning, I received one of these at Christmas and I really love it. How ever I have a problem with water leaking out of it. I set it at brew and realized in the morning half of the water is on my counter. It is clear water so it happens before the brewing I think. It doesn't happen every time but has happened twice in a row so I thought it is time to ask if anyone else has had a problem like this.

[@davealvey5127]

I was about to buy this product. Thanks for the reviews. I have now changed my mind.

[@sandrasolano]

Thanks for sharing, this one seems exactly what I was looking for, I love the variety of options

[@stevenmoeun4086]

i wouldve never known about the flex brew features you talked about! thanks!!!

[@sandrazaborski4477]

Machine looks nice, everything worked but yes it had the plastic smell...for a while. After about a week the smell has started to go away and I'm so glad. Love the way you can make coffee in the tall mugs and get a fULL cup. :-)

[@Ceeflowers]

Thank you for the review I love it I will order mine today!

[@MotivatedFitness1]

Great description! Thank you!!

[@samanthatay4198]

Hello, after only 3 short months my coffee maker is leaking the water out the bottom making a mess. Any ideas what going on?

[@jamiejamiejamiejamie]

I've had 2 of these. The k-cup side is completely broken. The second one stopped working on the second cup.

[@velmaqueen2754]

How do you rinse and completely empty out the water container

[@back40gunner]

Great job! Finally, a geek who knows how to clearly and simply explain a product in detail. Thank you. Subscribing now ;)

[@TheOriginalOrkdoop]

I have this machine. I'm curious what is the difference in what the machine does when you make an individual cup of coffee on the ground brew setting vs pack brew setting? Like what is the machine doing differently?

[@cbrown1949]

I had an overflow mess with hot chocolate. It was my fault but how do I get the mess out of the bottom of the coffee maker? It's still leaving liquid on the counter.

[@77missconduct]

Hey Kendall, nicely done here. I hope your experience is still enjoyable (my first viewing of this so dk about updates) Have you run into the warmer part getting strangely hot when using the single-brew portal? I've heard this numerous times and some people coped with it by filling th e carafe with some water so it doesn't burn dry or something worse.

[@KendallGiles]

Hi! Thanks for your comment. Yes, for some reason Hamilton Beach turns on the carafe warmer even when just using the single-brew side. So far I've never had a problem with the carafe exploding (I just leave the carafe empty on the warmer), but maybe my machine is at a lower temperature than other units. I did make an update video about this coffee maker in case it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4eqpYNprLlmrdE

[@monster1186]

I just brought same one from amazon. coffeemaker is ok, does the job. But I can not recommeded people to buy it as $69.99 from amazon price point.

[@vaniasreed415]

Can I use a small paper filter for individual cups instead of the metal basket?

[@DamarisAz]

I bought one..Tried white vinegar and everything that I could think of..to get the plastic smell of by the second day I can even smell/taste the plastic in my coffee so I returned it to the local store. It was horrible!

[@elizabethdiane1958]

I bought this 12 cup maker works great. K-cup however don't work at all. Not happy.

[@a.righteousindignation2838]

Perfect review video. Was exactly what I wanted to see and know.

[@sunshinesally1336]

Hi,I just purchased your new coffeemaker ,ran one cup of water through it for a k cup and it worked fine, the second cup tasted and smelled like it was burnt. I've wasted 3 k cups trying to figure out why but it still smells burnt and tastes the same way...Whats the matter? Tks

[@KendallGiles]

sunshine sally Hi Sunshine, Someone else commented that they ran 4 pots of hot water through the machine (just water -- don't use coffee at this point) and this cleared up the taste/smell issue. You should probably do similar with the k-cup reservoir also. I hope this helps.

[@karlawalls6163]

great review! exactly how would I use a pod? not a keurig. what area does it go into?

[@lorirodriguez100]

Just got this machine and everything works fine but I'm concerned that the taste is off I've used k cups and my own coffee, both times resulting in a plastic taste. I want to keep the unit but I'm not happy at all. Is there something I can do??? Thank you in advance.

[@KendallGiles]

missy gutierrez Hi Missy, I've never had this problem, but you can try running water through the coffee maker without the coffee, to try to flush out the system. Someone else mentioned running vinegar through the system too, but they never reported back, so I don't know if that helped or not. I hope the problem clears up!

[@skiggyNT]

Kendall Giles I just bought mine yesterday ,I ran 3 pots full of cold water to flush it out and it tastes like plastic . So I ran the 4th. pot of water through it ,I then ran a pot of water with about 1/2 C. of vinegar and the 2 more pots of water to flush the vinegar out .So far 7 pots of water plus vinegar . Just made a single cup of coffee and it tasted much better..

[@Chaplainandy1]

Hi Missy my machine has the same problem... A plastic taste comes combined with my coffee taste. I called Hamilton Beach customer care. They told me to mix vinager with water... Didn't help! the taste was still there. I furthered my research, and put 2 cups of rubbing alcohol... Let it sit for 15 minutes in the tank, brewed it 3 times... Then took filter water, brewed it 5 times, and it worked!!! I have a fantastic tasting brewed coffee! Hope this work for you!

[@tfaChicky]

I've had my machine for almost 4 months now and never had any issues. i love the triple functionality although i am yet to try out the single-serve packs. Can anyone recommend K-cup brands that I can use?

[@donyalehall6239]

mine stopped working altogether. it powers on, but won't do anything else.

[@Lenny7118]

What is the temperature of the water when brewing ? I know that if the maker does not get the water extremely hot than the coffee will suck. I have had very expensive coffee pots and none of them got the brewed coffee hot enough even on the highest settings. Thanks

[@easfgman4687]

exactly how much of the taste in a cup of coffee is the coffee maker responsible for?

[@beetlejes]

Would you happen to know the difference between this brewer, and the Hamilton Beach Black 2-Way Brewer? Also, I noticed that this model has a few bad reviews on Target's website...seeing as how your review was posted one year ago, how is this brewer holding up?

[@KendallGiles]

Unfortunately I'm not familiar with that other brewer. I'm still using the 2-way flex brewer though--it's holding up fine. I mainly use the k-cup side. I think the fact that the hot plate heats up the carafe even when you are using the k-cup side is a dumb design. Also, I've heard people reporting a plastic taste when they first get the unit, though I'm told you can run water/vinegar through it to get rid of the plastic taste. My unit did not have the plastic taste. So all in all I'm still happy with it.

[@gwenhill5221]

did anyone fine that it took much longer for the brew to begin compared to a Kuerig?

[@mayornutter6596]

Yeah right I know that came out watery cuz you never pushed down to lock it in place. I’ve made that mistake hundreds of times.

[@karent518]

I received one as a gift....I don't see any basket in there for brewing a single cup of coffee with grounds...just the k cup holder...was there supposed to be one in there?

[@KendallGiles]

Hi Karen, Oh No! Yes, there should be two inserts. If you look in the video at about :42 I show the holder, the K-cup insert, and the single cup of coffee insert. Hope you find it!

[@karent518]

I thought so....no , mine is not in the box...hmm ..tks...I will bring it back to walmart...

[@7UpYors]

Can you put more water into the reservoir instead of just the cup amount you will use?

[@7UpYors]

Nvmd. You answered it in the UPDATE video. lol

[@BUnique4Him]

Hi Mr. Kendall, thank you for the great video. I was wondering if the model number on your coffee maker is 49983 or 49983P, also where did you purchase yours? Thank you for your help.

[@KendallGiles]

Looks like I've got 49983 stamped on the bottom. I got mine from Amazon.

[@BUnique4Him]

Ok thank you, keep the great video's coming! :-)

[@idahutchind8986]

I've had it for about 2 months now, and it's now taking more than 30 mins to brew a pot, I tried cleaning it, it's still doing the same thing. anyone help please? I spent $79 on this pos...

[@rg2027x]

Did it do that when you first got it? I'm thinking of buying one for $25 but unsure @ this point.

[@IndianaBrewster]

Thank you for the review. I have been evaluating between both Hamilton Beach 2-way coffee makers the 2-way and the Flex-brew as you have identified here. Both of which, I have on my wish list on Amazon as I am currently evaluating them. The Flex-brew, up front, offers more flexibility with the k-cup holder as well as the coffee-grind holder. However, on Amazon, there are around 10% reviewers that state the unit's pump did not last that long for them on both units. So, it appears you published this in October 2013 and based on your answer to beetlejes below, looks like it is still brewing fine. Do you have any special way you handle it? For instance, distilled water versus tap water and cleaning routines?

[@KendallGiles]

Hi Corey, I don't really do anything special--I use cold tap water, though I do usually rinse out the kcup basket after each use. I wash the basket by hand when switching between brewing kcup coffee and kcup tea, to get rid of the coffee oil buildup. But that's it. Knock on wood, the pump is still going strong!

[@IndianaBrewster]

Kendall Giles Thanks for the quick reply. I think I'm going to give this a try. It seems some of the people who returned/replaced the units with bad pumps and/or plastic smell stated their replacements did not have that same issues/smell. So perhaps it was just a bad batch for some of the plastic parts in the unit. Gotta love manufacturing...

[@killerklown2000]

i tryed to make a small coffee and it say err how can i fix ot

[@melodypate519]

Me, too! That's why I am here. Ever figure out how to fix it?

[@TraumaER]

Good review. You need to review other coffee machines.

[@donnaperfater7074]

I was wanting to see what it was I was doing wrong with the k-cup.What I ended up with was a mouthful of grounds. Yuck!

[@michellebateman5940]

Can you tell me if I can fill the single water reservoir all at once and have multiple uses (like a Keurig) from it? or do I have to put water for each cup? I don't want to have to fill for each single cup.

[@KendallGiles]

Hi Michelle, Unfortunately, to use the single serving option you need to add one cup's worth of water each time.

[@TheRogueTrainer]

Do you know if you can buy a reusable filter for the carafe side? Thank you in advance.

[@joannebonnette4769]

I just purchased one today and have not had the chance to use it yet, i cant wait, great video . tell me what do you mean by old coffee?

[@KendallGiles]

Hi Joanne, If you make a single cup of coffee using the ground coffee insert, you should clean out the used grinds (old coffee) after each use.

[@joannebonnette4769]

thanks, i heard the video wrong, my ears are going on me, the word was bold not old.. one other question though, what grind of coffee should i use, course, fine, drip? not sure.

[@KendallGiles]

For me a medium grind works best, such as in pre-ground coffee from Folgers, Maxwell House, Dunkin' Donuts, and Starbucks. You can also grind it yourself. I think that if the grind is too fine, it may clog things up.

[@andreasydnor1448]

hi , we just got our coffee maker and were so excited but every cup we make is hot like you speak of but it has a really bad plastic taste in every cup . we have run water and vinegar and it is still doing it . any suggestions would be greatly appreciated,

[@KendallGiles]

Andrea Sydnor Hi Andrea, Unfortunately I've not run into that problem. Anyone else?

[@geobizworth231]

Yes, I have had the same issue. and after running 4 full pots of water thought the Coffee maker and the plastic taste has gone, I think that it is coming from the reservoir also i used hot water when filling the reservoir and ran all 4 pot non stop.... hope this helps you, it's helped my issue out, and now good tasting coffee....

[@marisolacosta9116]

When I try doing the k cups they never fill my cup n I don't know if I'm missing a step of what but it never comes out correct I'm going to check if u have other videos on how to use the k cup side if u don't can u please post one

[@KendallGiles]

Marisol Acosta Hi Marisol -- that sounds strange. When I use the k-cup, I pour in a cup full of water into the water chamber on the right rear of the unit, and set the switch to the single-cup serving size. Then I insert the k-cup into the k-cup holder in the tray, slide the tray into the machine, press down on the tray handle, then press the start button. A tiny bit of liquid is absorbed by the k-cup grinds, but you should have very close to a full cup of coffee when it is done. You might consider trying to debug by pouring in a cup of water then running a cycle with no k-cup in the holder, just to verify you are getting the right amount of water back out.

[@asaelcespedes4516]

I keep getting "ERR" every time I try to brew a KCup. It never happened before. I figured I would just replace it... I replaced it with another FlexBrew and it's still happening. Any thoughts? I'm out of ideas. Thanks.

[@KendallGiles]

Asael Cespedes Hi Asael, I've had that happen if I put in too much water into the kcup side. There is a max fill line -- you can only put in one cup's worth of water at a time -- maybe that is what is happening with yours?

[@BETEP-gw7qp]

Kendall Giles Thanks, that's what was happening with mine.

[@pamelastevens8006]

Question. We just bought this and it's okay, not a fan of having to refill the reservoir each time. But, my main question is why does the carafe side burner get hot and stay hot if we are just using the single serve side? It defeats the purpose of being able to leave the unit in one piece on the counter. We have to take off the empty glass carafe as I don't want that to crack from the heat. Is this supposed to happen when just using the single serve side? Thank you for any feedback that you might have.

[@KendallGiles]

Hi Pamela, Yes, the carafe side burner gets hot if you are just using the single serve side. This is a dumb design, in my opinion, and is a known issue. For what it's worth, I now use almost exclusively the single serve side and never remove the carafe from the burner--so far I've had no issues with the pot cracking from the heat.

[@pamelastevens8006]

Kendall Giles Thank you so much! Will give it a try. Appreciate the feedback.

[@kaneinkansas]

Seems like they could have very easily have put a switch for the hotplate in with the switch between modes. In Tort law, its called a design flaw -- the notices would relieve Hamilton Beach of liability but for the fact that it would be very easy to put a switch in. Even more, they could have provided an insulted carafe. I am having to work thru the plastic smell/taste thing through multiple cleansings. I left the carafe on the counter to cool off and it took hours; an insulated carafe would obviously keep the contents hotter longer. It wouldn't cost that much more and then they would be relieved of the problem of the having to wire in hot plate all together.

[@kaneinkansas]

Well, I found out there's a reason why the hotplate gets hot even if you aren't using the carafe. See this quick video on the engineering behind coffee makers: science360.gov/obj/video/92d42fdd-e413-45c3-8989-edad63c3c822/coffee-maker-pumping-water-moving-parts All inexpensive coffee makers long for only one heating element to heat the hotplate and to heat the water, and along the way, this creates the pump that moves the water from the resevoir to the top of the coffee maker. It's called a "bubble pump" and it has virtually no moving parts, which means if you have a decent heating element, not too hot, not too cold, and a good quality bubble valve, the coffee maker should last forever. Basically Hamilton Beach has a clever design here, because the only really expensive part over a coffee maker half the price is the switch between carafe and single serving. That requires a valve that redirects. There's also the smarts inside the electronic switch but that's not really expensive either and I've bought coffee makers less than half the price of this one with similar electronic switches. But at around $90, give or take, people expect a coffee maker to make a good cup of coffee. That makes the plastic smell/taste emanating from the reservoir or tubing inexcusable. If Hamilton Beach had had concurrent engineering with people from marketing and engineering at the table, they would not have let the cost accountants put in the cheap parts that smell up the coffee - because such decisions reduce revenues faster than they reduce cost. And now I'm having to run tens of buckets of water, vinegar and rubbing alcohol through my machine in hopes that I can get to something I can stand.

[@Valentinegirly14]

I am on pot number 2........k cup side doenst work right!! I put a mug of water in the reservoir about 3/4 way of my mug which is not a large size but normal size mug.........but the it only makes less than half a cup of coffee!!!! Not sure why But I am Not a Happy Camper!!!! ANY Clues before I return this one tooo?

[@KendallGiles]

Vikki Trautner Hi Vikki, some water is absorbed in the k-cup, but it sounds like you are missing more water than expected. I usually fill my kcup side with water almost to the top of my coffee cup, so it comes out right after some water is absorbed. Maybe try that? Otherwise I'm not sure why you have so much missing water.

[@ljr44816]

I have the same or worse problem. Many times it takes a long time to give any water at all. After I have given up!

[@KendallGiles]

Jump-start your day with a good cup of coffee. Here's my video review of a coffeemaker from Hamilton Beach: Review of the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Flexbrew Coffeemaker

[@danielponce89]

Kendall, did you notice if there were multiple sizes options for the single cup brewing function? i.e. 10-14/16 oz.?

[@KendallGiles]

Daniel Ponce Hi Daniel, There's just one switch for single cup brewing, but you control how much water you put into the water reservoir (max 14 oz) -- if you want a smaller amount of coffee, just add less water to the reservoir, and similar if you want a larger cup of coffee.

[@danielponce89]

Thanks Kendall your review helped me in purchasing this!

[@kaneinkansas]

Thanks for the video. I'm happy to know that this machine works for someone, and I'm hoping I can get the plastic smell/taste out of mine.

[@DaphneSmall]

hi Kendall, I liked your video, so I went with it, and received it today. I am confused with the instructions...do I need to do a purge every time I want to make a single cup of coffee?

[@KendallGiles]

Hi Daphne, You are talking about making coffee on the single-serving side? I just remove the brewing basket or K-cup holder, remove the old grinds/K-cup, and rinse after every use. Every now and then I wash the brew basket and K-cup holder, but most days I just rinse under cold water.

[@DaphneSmall]

thanks Kendall, I misunderstood the instructions...I think it must be in the translation..lol. All is good.

[@stephaniebell3966]

don't waste your money. both my sister & i bought this & after 3 months the single serve stopped working. After several uses,The lid you lift to put the coffee in becomes warped & won't stay closed properly. I wish i'd read the reviews prior to purchasing.

[@arenhoogerdijk]

can u use tassimo pods or just k cups

[@jimmyp45679]

How long does it take to brew a K-cup on this unit? Great review vid

[@KendallGiles]

Jimmy Perdue Mine took 4 minutes and 41 seconds from the time I pressed the start button to when the machine chimed that it was finished.

[@cmjsterling]

I can't figure out, how to snap in the kcup to tray and snap it in

[@KendallGiles]

Cynthia Sterling Hi Cynthia -- Sorry, I was on travel -- I gave an answer in your other post.

[@Farreach]

and here i get so unlucky that i get stuck with one that has a terrible plastic taste that won't go away no matter how many times i try to clean it ... i have used tons of white vinegar

[@kimrivers249]

how much water to use for the k cups

[@KendallGiles]

I fill one standard coffee mug with water (not all the way up to the rim) and pour that into the machine for one K-Cup.

[@sandywalden3932]

I purchased this coffeemaker for my daughter for christmas last year, has been working fine. Now she tells me that when she tries to use the single cup, it gives her an error message,.. cant find anything to tell her why this is happening,, can anyone shed some light on this?

[@KendallGiles]

Sandy Walden I've had that happen when I put too much water into the single cup reservoir. There is a max fill line -- you can only put in one cup's worth of water at a time -- maybe that is what is happening?

[@sandywalden3932]

thanks I will let her know.

[@kathleengodbout9802]

I have the model as the one in the video. It was purchased a week ago at Sams and it DOES have the tall cup included. I LOVE it and (if one follows directions) the coffee is good on both the large pot and the one cup or the pod. My concern is that I have a defective one and a wondering if anyone else has had this problem. When I turn the dial right and brew a single cup serving, the base of the carafe side gets hot. The carafe was empty and by the time I notice it, I feared that it would shatter! This seems like a defect, but I don't believe that I am the only one with this problem.

[@elizabethstaffordsmith6159]

If it has a warranty, it might be worth contacting the company - or Sam's.

[@patriciagould2908]

the two-way flex brewers " keep-hot warming plate" does heat up when brewing the single serve side, there is a warning of this in manual, I just keep some water in the Carafe

[@kathleengodbout9802]

Thanks Patty, after I posted this I saw that the coffee maker has a warning about the plate warming up for BOTH the carafe and single sides. It is written on the inside cover to the water reservoir. I had to laugh, it's been RIGHT in front of me every time I added water! Duh. I DO love this coffee maker!

[@TeyaSparks]

I have two of these- one has the plastic smell and the other doesn't. I found the reviews on Amazon very helpful for fixing a few problems. After reading, I've decided I will try swapping the plastic smelling one out- it sounds like a hit or miss thing. Someone also posted a solution to the err message/water level problem. Someone else said that using the perculator filters helps with the grounds in the Kcup side. Here's the link: www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-Single-FlexBrew-49983A/product-reviews/B00IWOJSAY/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

[@Katierb40]

We bought our Hamilton 2-Way Coffee Pot about a month ago. The single serve side broke after 2 cups of coffee. Does anyone know how to fix this? The water sounds like its brewing and the machine steams, but no coffee actually drains into the cup. It's so frustrating when you buy something and it breaks right away.

[@melissamcintosh4213]

I'm having the same problem with my cup side it just started today, I haven't even had it a month yet, Have you gotten any answers yet on how to fix it? I did have the bad taste for maybe 4 cups then it went away.

[@Katierb40]

+Melissa McIntosh Unfortunately, I have not received any responses yet.

[@melissamcintosh4213]

+Cathleen Chiarella. I have found a video that said to take a paper clip and push it into the 3 holes in the top pin that the water comes out of into your pod. I have tried it and now mine is working it must of had some coffee stuck in the holes so if it does it again I'll know what to do. if you try this and it works please let me know.

[@Katierb40]

+Melissa McIntosh Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me. I'll get back to you soon. I so appreciate your response! Talk to you soon.

[@Katierb40]

+Melissa McIntosh That worked! Thanks again!

[@gabrielerayborn2806]

The Brewing side for the pot of coffee is extremely slow

[@joannebonnette4769]

hi again, i used the grounds and had a single cup but lots of grounds went into the coffee , should i lock it in place but pushing it down or not lock it?

[@KendallGiles]

Two things you can try: In the single cup basket for ground coffee, there is a notch with the word MAX on it -- avoid filling with coffee above that mark. Also, after removing the K-cup insert, the single cup basket for ground coffee fits inside the larger holder a certain way -- it should set inside the holder so it is flat on top. I don't really push it down -- it just sets inside the larger holder without using force. Then insert the holder into the coffee machine. It is important to press down on the lever when using K-cups, but not when using the single cup basket for ground coffee.

[@joannebonnette4769]

Kendall Giles thanks for all your help. now another question , i cant get the k cup insert back into the case. i am getting frusterated her but LOVE this MACHINE

[@KendallGiles]

One way I've found that is easy is to note that the end of the k-cup insert that snaps into the case has two knobs on it. I place one knob in the corner of the case where it is supposed to go, and the other end in the channel--not up in the air. Then twist the insert so that the knob that is in the channel rotates into position in the other corner. Kind of awkward to describe in text, but it just twists into place--you don't need to apply much force at all.

[@joannebonnette4769]

Kendall Giles lol.. can you do a video, I must be really stupid , middle age sucks .. i am still trying

[@joannebonnette4769]

Joanne Bonnette its ok , stupid me, my hubby figured it out, he just got home from work. he laughed at me.

[@charmaineboyd17]

My single cup side keeps saying error how can I fix this

[@KendallGiles]

+Charmaine Boyd I've had that happen when I put too much water into the single cup reservoir. There is a max fill line -- you can only put in one cup's worth of water at a time -- maybe that is what is happening? If so, you'll need to pour all the water out and start fresh.

[@andishifley1144]

+Kendall Giles Check! And the next fix for that would be.....?

[@PerkAngle123]

do u still use this. and if so how is it still working for u? thank u.

[@KendallGiles]

ReptiLife Yes, I still use mine -- I'm drinking coffee right now that I made in this coffee maker (am drinking Green Mountain Dark Magic). The machine is working fine, though I only use the single-cup Keurig side. It sounds like there were some quality issues with this brand though--I've heard from other people who received defective units.

[@PerkAngle123]

Kendall Giles thank u for the response. i was also wondering how would u clean the inside of the maker?

[@KendallGiles]

ReptiLife Since just water goes inside, when I first got the unit I filled with water then dumped out, then ran several batches of water through the machine as if I was making coffee (but didn't actually make coffee)--I just circulated water through the system.

[@brazildude2]

Very helpful! Thanks Dude

[@cmjsterling]

having a problem getting the piece into the machine that holds the kcups

[@KendallGiles]

Cynthia Sterling Hi Cynthia. It is kind of hard to describe, but I'll give it a try -- I know you can do it. So there is the larger tray, and then the k-cup insert. The tray has a groove. The k-cup insert has a protruding "handle" that has two knobs on it. The key is to start with the k-cup insert 90 degrees to the tray. Thread both knobs into the groove. Now push the handle so that both knobs slide down the groove. Rotate the k-cup insert so that it fits into the tray. The insert should now be locked into place by the two knobs in the tray groove. -- Give this a try and let me know how it goes!

[@cmjsterling]

+Kendall Giles Thanks for getting back to me, I have been trying for 2 days now & then & it just doesn't seem to lock in.. I know it has the 2 knobs on each side but it doesn't seem to fit all the way to the back, like the picture.. I will try it again tomorrow, it has to work!! I appreciate you taking the time to help me, noticed you had a page to subscribe to.. so I did as you are trying to help.. & I noticed other things on your page. Thanks I hope I can slide it in there... will let you know :))

[@KendallGiles]

Cynthia Sterling Hi Cynthia, Thank you for subscribing! Tomorrow when there is light I will try to make a short video demoing this.

[@KendallGiles]

Cynthia Sterling Hi Cynthia -- I made a video to demo inserting the k-cup holder into the outer tray (along with addressing a few other questions I've received) -- I hope this helps! Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4eqpYNprLlmrdE

[@kellygimblett1877]

Hamilton Beach 2-way Flexbrew - I am beyond frustrated with this product. The concept is a great idea but FAILS. I purchased this coffee make from my local Canadian Tire Store about a month ago,(Summer 2014) for $99.00. I've given up trying to use it and thinking that it is user error. It is not. P...roper amount of water is used all brew buttons are correctly selected and the K-Cup is firmly set with the "PRESSER" pushed down. This Coffee Maker is dangerous. - I've scalded my fingers different times when trying to make a second K-Cup, due to the fact the steam continues to build inside even after the light goes out and the beeping signal is finished. - This coffee maker leaks hot water all over the counter top and splatters coffee all around. - Steam covers the entire coffee maker and drips all over. - the large pot brewing area steams up inside the filter basket,and the hot plate gets hot. - the electronic clock and program displays are filled with steam on the inside. - It is hit and miss on whether any coffee will even appear in the cup. - Wasted K-Cups due to the fact that once the K-Cup is pierced more than once coffee grounds fill you cup if the coffee maker does work. the water reservoir window does not show an accurate amount of water in the coffee maker. -The Single brew basket is ineffective as well, as it's hard to tell how much water is actually in the reservoir, when it's over filled the only way to fix it is to take everything off the coffee maker unplug it and tip some of the water out over the sink. While the concept for this coffee make is great, it has far to many FAIL points to be ready for the market. This coffee make is a hazard and needs to be recalled before someone is seriously hurt.

[@Titan52berg]

I bought one of these...it SUCKS! I tried to insert a K-cup pack, it buckled when I put it in and nothing happened! All I got was hot water, no coffee. Now the damn thing is cracked and I have to find some way to fix it or get it replaced by Hamilton Beach! Either way, I won't be purchasing any product from this company again!

[@joannebonnette4769]

i had no problems, i guess i was lucky, coffee is great with the k cup option

[@BenClark42]

I'm going to echo the complaints of several other users. The keurig brewing side leaves the coffee as an undrinkable plastic/chemical swill. And secondly the fact that they didn't take the time to separate the heating element from the single brew side just indicates how lazy their product designers are.

[@barbszabo1983]

Just got this and my problem is not only the plastic taste but the coffee it makes is awful. It comes out basically as light brown water. I first thought it was the coffee so today I bought Melitta pods, the darkest roast they offer and my coffee came out like light colored water. This one is going back. Does anyone know of any other 2 way brewers?

[@zinadineman123]

Hi Kendall! Just had one question for you. Would you happen to know if the SINGLE SERVE side of the machine is programmable to work at a designated time or does it only apply to the CARAFE side? Thank you for the detailed review! -Michael

[@Deathbyfitz]

I just tried to do that last night with mine and it does not allow single serve programming :(

[@Jansy28]

I'm not a happy camper either. Idiots didn't put a manual or quick start booklet in with the coffee makere!!!

[@shawn8982]

forgot to press down

[@netaylor1]

Too bad this does not have a water reservoir as it is a pain to fill each time with a cup of water. I will not buy it

[@fireworkstoo]

well, you did a great review of this product on how amazing it makes coffee 3 different ways.... however, it does NOT make good coffee. That chemical taste you taste? That's the plastic the reservoir is made of. Wish you coulda been honest about the outcome or you haven't truly had a good cup of joe :) Otherwise the rest was fabulous.

[@carolynkuhn1110]

Worst coffeemaker ever purchased.. lasted only 10 months, in which it quit brewing. terrible plastic taste, It would take almost 50 minutes to brew one pot and that was brand new. When brewing it created so much steam my lid has warped. The Kcup side I would have to put in the microwave after brewing because it was not hot enough. Sometimes when brewing a carafe, water would come out the Kcup sidecreating water over my counter and a 1/2 pot of coffee........ went back to my $29.99 Mr ,Coffee

[@ljr44816]

You're lucky. I don't get any coffee in the one cup K-cup mode. It randomly dispenses just enough to make a mess randomly while brewing a pot! Really disappointing product. Idea great! Result: VERY DISAPPOINTING

[@KendallGiles]

+Linda Rupprecht Sorry to hear Linda. Yes, the quality control seems to vary quite a lot on this product.

[@mattpeters79]

Maybe I got a defective model or something, but this is hands down the worst coffee maker I've ever owned. Takes me near 30 minutes(?) to brew a single cup, and the thing sounds like it's about to explode the whole time. Coffee always tastes weird. I mean really, the instructions in the manual are 6 PAGES LONG. 6 PAGES, let that sink in! Lol terrible product, will never buy another.

[@lachrymalsighs]

is it programmable for the k-cup side?