Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 49920 Coffee Maker Review

Description

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker Review – A Dual Coffee Lover’s Dream?

Let me share my honest thoughts on the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker, model 49920, after a couple of months of daily brewing. This machine claims to be the ultimate dual-purpose coffee maker, allowing you to switch seamlessly between single-serve brewing (with pods or grounds) and a full 12-cup pot. Sounds like a dream device, right? Well, it’s a mixed bag of amazing features, quirks, and a few frustrations.

My Journey with the FlexBrew Trio

Picture this: a groggy Monday morning, my usual travel mug nowhere to be found, and a desperate need for caffeine. This coffee maker saved the day by brewing a 14 oz. travel mug of coffee directly on the single-serve side, a feature I hadn’t used before. You can’t imagine my glee when I realized it supports taller mugs—no awkward tilting required! However, let’s just say the removable water reservoir on the single-serve side was a bit finicky to reattach. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be mindful about when rushing in the morning.

The programmable timer was a lifesaver on family brunch days. I set up the 12-cup thermal carafe the night before, and waking up to the smell of fresh coffee was bliss. As a bonus, the stainless steel carafe kept coffee hot without burning it for hours. But, oh boy, the carafe’s pour spout? It’s like a bad joke—I spilled coffee on the counter almost every time.

Features That Shine

The 5 brewing sizes for single-serve (6 oz. to 14 oz.) and the carafe’s 56 oz. capacity make this a versatile machine. I appreciated its compatibility with both K-Cup pods and ground coffee, which allowed everyone in my house to choose their preferred brew. The bold brew option for stronger coffee was a game-changer for my husband, who enjoys a robust morning cup.

Another highlight was the quick brewing speed. For single-serve, it took just 90 seconds to brew an 8 oz. cup, and the full pot was ready in under 8 minutes. The machine also scored points for its easy-to-clean design, especially the removable needle for the K-Cup side. Compared to my old Keurig, cleaning this was a breeze.

The Annoying Bits

No review is complete without addressing the flaws, right? The water reservoir levels on the carafe side were nearly impossible to read unless I used a flashlight. For a tall person like me, this was frustrating. Also, the single-serve side steamed up like a sauna, making me worry about long-term durability. My coworker, who also owns this model, warned me about potential leaks from the pod side after a few months of use.

The control panel for programming the timer was another sore spot. It’s unnecessarily complicated, and I had to pull out the manual more than once to figure it out. Why can’t manufacturers make this intuitive?

Comparing to Competitors

I’ve used a Keurig Duo before, which has a similar concept. While the FlexBrew wins in brew strength customization and the thermal carafe, the Keurig Duo felt sturdier and had better customer support. On the flip side, the Hamilton Beach is a better value for money, especially since it includes a reusable filter for grounds. However, I’d say the build quality of the Keurig was slightly superior.

Is It Worth It?

Looking at the features, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio does offer significant value for its price point, especially for households needing both single-serve and full-pot options. However, the quirks like the carafe spout and steaming issues on the single-serve side are worth considering before buying.

Pros

• Multiple Brewing Options: Brew a single cup with pods or grounds or a full 12-cup pot.
• Fast Brewing Speed: An 8 oz. cup is ready in just 90 seconds.
• Thermal Carafe: Keeps coffee hot longer without burning.
• Customizable Brew Strength: Choose between regular and bold for stronger coffee.
• Easy Cleaning: Single-serve needle and removable reservoir make maintenance simple.

Cons

• Carafe Spout Design: Makes pouring messy and frustrating.
• Steam from Single-Serve Side: Excessive steam may affect durability.
• Hard-to-Read Water Levels: Reservoir indicators are unclear.
• Complicated Timer Setup: Not intuitive and requires frequent manual reference.
• Potential Leaks: Long-term use might lead to issues with the pod brewing side.

What Comes with the Product

• Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker (Model 49920)
• 12-Cup Stainless Steel Thermal Carafe
• Reusable Grounds Filter for Single-Serve Side
• Removable K-Cup Pod Insert
• Removable Water Reservoir (for Single-Serve)
• User Manual and Warranty Card

How to Use Guide

1. Choose Brewing Side: Decide whether to brew a single cup or a full pot.
2. Fill the Reservoir: For single-serve, fill the 56 oz. removable reservoir. For a carafe, add water directly into the carafe reservoir.
3. Select Brewing Size: Use the buttons to choose 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 oz. on the single-serve side. For the carafe, just add the desired water amount.
4. Insert Coffee: Use a K-Cup pod, reusable filter, or grounds.
5. Set Timer (Optional): Use the programmable clock to set your brew time.
6. Brew: Press the brew button and wait for your coffee.
7. Clean Up: Empty the grounds or pod holder and rinse. Remove the carafe and clean it if needed.

Warranty & Support Information

The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker comes with a 1-year limited warranty, covering manufacturing defects. However, wear and tear or misuse is excluded. Be cautious, as some reviews suggest issues with warranty replacements, particularly refurbished units.

For support, you can contact Hamilton Beach Customer Service via their website or phone number listed in the manual. Keep your purchase receipt handy when filing warranty claims, and consider extended warranty options for peace of mind.