As you all know, we are dedicated to providing you with impartial reviews so you can make the right choice when you are ready to purchase a new coffee maker.
We have tried and tested a huge number of models and makes of coffee machines, and we couldn’t resist talking today about the Hamilton Beach 49980A.
Brand: Hamilton Beach
Dimensions: 10.63″D x 12.2″W x 13.7″H
Special Feature: Auto Shut-Off, Timer, Permanent Filter, Programmable
Type: Drip Coffee Machine
This machine is a unique machine in that it can be used to brew a full 12 cup pot, or it can also be used to brew a single serve cup using either ground coffee or a pod.
We love the versatility this machine offers and the simple process too. Read on to find out more about:
- The features of the machine
- How the machine works
- The advantages of choosing this model
- The disadvantages of choosing this model
- Who the machine is ideally suited for
- Who the machine isn’t best suited for
- Some top tips to get the most out of the machine
The Features of the Hamilton Beach 49980A
“For all coffee drinkers and aficionados who despise the long café lines, dread the overwhelming coffee options or need a fix for those early morning caffeine pains; fear no more. There’s finally an affordable, low maintenance coffee maker that can brew a basic or premium roast coffee in a fraction of the time and cost of a coffee house. The two way brewer.”
This reasonably priced machine (it retails for around the $65 mark) has some great features including:
- Two ways to brew: Brew a single cup or a full or part pot.
- Two water tanks: The single serve tank is perfect for just one cup. The pot brewing tank is a large capacity tank complete with measurement markings for accurate filling.
- Single serve side has a mesh basket filter: This means that on the single serve side you don’t need filter papers. You simply pop your coffee grounds into the basket. It’s also compatible with coffee pods.
- Adjustable drip tray on the single serve side: Fits any cup size – simply move the drip tray to where you need it to accommodate your cup and prevent splashing.
- Brew strength selector: Choose from regular for a standard coffee taste or bold for a stronger, richer flavour.
- Programmable: You can set a timer anywhere within the upcoming twenty four hours to start your coffee brewing. This feature is available on the carafe side and the single serve side. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to wake up to the taste and smell of fresh coffee.
- Automatic shut off: The carafe side will automatically turn off after two hours saving you power and money
When you purchase the Hamilton Beach 49980A you will receive the following:
- A Hamilton Beach 49980A coffee maker
- An instruction manual
- A twelve cup glass carafe
- A mesh filter
- A standard twelve month warranty
You will also have the option to upgrade to:
- An extended warranty of three or four years for a small additional fee.
How this machine works
Simply add your coffee and water to the selected side.
Push the selector button to the side you want to use and select from bold or regular and you’re good to go.
- Budget-friendly
- Includes reusable filter
- Programmable and customizable
- The travel mug is not included
- The glass carafe may compromise flavor over time.
This machine makes great tasting coffee and the options of pod, single serve ground coffee or a large carafe of coffee is a brilliant innovation.
The programmable timer is easy to work and everything about this machine is designed with ease of use in mind. The ease of use, great tasting coffee and sleek design make a fantastic buy.
Add in the fact that the Hamilton Beach 49980A retails for less than $70 and you’re definitely on to a winner with this one.
Pros & Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Options: large carafe or single serve | ❌ The pod holder isn’t compatible with Keurig K-cups but works with Senseo pods. |
| ✅ Pod compatibility for convenience | |
| ✅ Affordable price | |
| ✅ Easy to use | |
| ✅ Consistently great-tasting coffee |
Top Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Machine
Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of this machine:
- Use only as directed by the manufacturer
- Make sure the machine is regularly and thoroughly cleaned
- Make sure the machine is descaled regularly
- Use a good quality coffee
- Grind your coffee immediately before using
- Don’t overfill the coffee filter – This won’t add to the flavour, it will just cause a leakage and might even impair the flavour as the extraction won’t complete properly. If you want a more intense taste, use the bold setting
- Use a coarser grind for the bold setting
- If possible, choose a coffee bean that has been roasted within the last week for the best flavour
Why should I buy this machine?
The Hamilton Beach 49980A is perfect for anyone who wants the option to make a single cup of coffee without the hassle of filling a large water tank and dirtying their carafe.
It’s great for anyone with a large family or who entertains regularly because of the large capacity water tank and carafe.
The single serve option is also a great addition for anyone who finds themselves entertaining a group with that one awkward person who will only drink decaf! Simply brew a pot of normal coffee, then make a single serve decaf option.
Who should not buy this machine?
Really, this machine is an ideal fit for most coffee drinkers. Even if you don’t think you would ever use the single serve/pod option, it won’t affect you just by being there, and with the great price and range of features, this machine is still a winner.
If you are someone who only ever makes single serve coffees, then you might find a better option that only dispenses single serve, especially if you only like drinking Keurig K-cup pods.
Bottom Line
Overall, this machine is a good buy.
The option for two ways to brew and serve makes it that little bit special and the ease of switching between the methods means it doesn’t ever have an adverse effect on your coffee making time.
The machine is well designed, built to last and looks attractive and not bulky. Definitely one to consider.
