Using Your Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker
Quick answer
- Always use fresh, filtered water.
- Grind your beans just before brewing.
- Use the right coffee-to-water ratio.
- Keep your machine clean.
- Pre-heat your mug for single servings.
- Understand the two brewing modes.
Who this is for
- You just got a Hamilton Beach 2-Way.
- You’re looking to get the best cup from it.
- You want to brew both full pots and single cups.
What to check first
Brewer type and filter type
This machine is a drip coffee maker. It uses a permanent filter basket. You can also use standard basket-style paper filters if you prefer. Check the manual for the exact size needed if you opt for paper.
If you prefer using paper filters, ensure you have the correct size for your Hamilton Beach 2-Way coffee maker. You can find suitable coffee maker filters on Amazon.
- PACKAGE INCLUDES: 6 counts of Resin Media Water Filters fit Breville Coffee Machines.
- COMPATIBLE WITH BREVILLE: BES920XL, BES980XL, BES900XL, BES860XL, BES870XL Barista Espresso & BES840XL Infuser Espresso Machine and BKC600XL & BKC700XL Gourmet Single Cup Brewer.
- SUPERIOR QUALITY: All water filters are made out of resin in order to protect your Breville coffee machine from the damages posed by hard water buildup also eliminate the smell and taste of chlorine, sulfur and iron as well as some minerals, soften the hard water with a progress called ion exchange.
- EASY AND SAFE: These Breville Espresso replacement filters are incredibly easy to use as they are designed to simplify the filter exchange process. Each water filter is individually sealed with sufficient amount of resin beads in order to ensure the highest level of satisfaction.
- FOR THE BEST TASTING BEVERAGES: Exchange the replacement water filters every couple of months or every 60 water tank refills, replace them more often, if you have hard water in your area.
Water quality and temperature
Tap water can have minerals that build up and affect taste. Use filtered water for a cleaner cup. The machine heats the water for you. Just make sure the reservoir is filled.
Grind size and coffee freshness
For drip coffee makers like this, a medium grind is usually best. Too fine, and it might clog or over-extract. Too coarse, and you’ll get weak coffee. Freshly ground beans are key. Pre-ground stuff loses flavor fast.
Coffee-to-water ratio
A good starting point is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 oz of water. For a full pot, that’s about 10-12 tablespoons for a 12-cup carafe. Adjust to your taste.
Cleanliness/descale status
Mineral buildup is the enemy of good coffee. If you see scale or your coffee tastes off, it’s time to descale. Run a descaling solution or a vinegar/water mix through the machine. Check the manual for specific instructions.
Step-by-step (brew workflow)
1. Fill the water reservoir.
What to do: Open the lid and pour in fresh, filtered water up to the desired cup line.
What “good” looks like: The water level is clearly visible and within the marked range.
Common mistake: Overfilling or underfilling. Too much water can cause overflow, too little means a weak brew.
For the best results, always start with fresh, filtered water. If you’re looking for a reliable machine that offers both full pots and single servings, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Coffee Maker is a great choice.
- 2 WAYS TO BREW: SINGLE CUP OR FULL POT. The included single-serve scoop makes it easy to just scoop, place and brew. You can brew up to 14 oz. into a cup or travel mug on the single-serving side or make up to 12 cups on the carafe side with ground coffee.
- SIMPLE SINGLE-SERVE BREWING: With the included mesh scoop, adding your favorite ground coffee to the single cup coffee maker couldn’t be easier: just scoop, place and brew. (Not compatible with K-Cup* pods.)
- ECO-FRIENDLY AND EASY ON YOUR WALLET. For fresh flavor and less waste, skip the plastic pods. Since this Hamilton Beach coffee maker doesn't use K-Cup* pods, there's less to buy and throw away.
- HAMILTON BEACH PROGRAMMABLE COFFEE MAKER WITH MULTIPLE BREW SETTINGS: Choose whether to make a single cup or full pot, select bold or regular brew strength options, and program the coffee maker up to 24 hours in advance for wake-up ready coffee.
- GET YOUR FIRST CUP FAST WITH AN AutoPause & Pour COFFEE MACHINE: Enjoy a quick cup while your coffee is still brewing. There's no need to wait for the full pot, thanks to the AutoPause & Pour feature on this carafe and single-serve coffee maker.
2. Insert the brew basket and filter.
What to do: Place the permanent filter basket (or a paper filter) into the brew basket holder.
What “good” looks like: The basket sits securely in place.
Common mistake: Forgetting to put the filter in. This will make a mess.
3. Add ground coffee.
What to do: Add your desired amount of medium-ground coffee to the filter.
What “good” looks like: The grounds are evenly distributed.
Common mistake: Using too much or too little coffee. This directly impacts strength.
4. Select brew mode.
What to do: Choose between “Carafe” or “Single Serve” using the selector switch.
What “good” looks like: The switch clicks into the desired position.
Common mistake: Not switching it to the correct mode. This will lead to brewing into the wrong place.
5. Place the carafe or mug.
What to do: For “Carafe” mode, place the glass carafe on the warming plate. For “Single Serve,” place your travel mug or cup on the drip tray.
What “good” looks like: The vessel is centered under the brew head.
Common mistake: Not positioning the mug or carafe correctly. This can cause spills.
6. Pre-heat your mug (Single Serve only).
What to do: Run a cycle with just hot water in your mug before adding coffee grounds.
What “good” looks like: Your mug is warm to the touch.
Common mistake: Skipping this. Cold mugs cool your coffee down too fast.
7. Turn on the brewer.
What to do: Press the power button. The indicator light should come on.
What “good” looks like: The light is illuminated, and you hear the machine starting to heat water.
Common mistake: Forgetting to plug it in or turn it on. Simple, but happens.
8. Wait for brewing to finish.
What to do: Let the machine complete its brew cycle. It will stop dripping.
What “good” looks like: Dripping has ceased, and the brew head is no longer active.
Common mistake: Trying to remove the carafe or mug too early. This leads to drips.
9. Serve and enjoy.
What to do: Carefully remove the carafe or mug and pour.
What “good” looks like: Hot, delicious coffee.
Common mistake: Burning yourself. The carafe and plate are hot.
10. Clean up.
What to do: Discard used grounds. Rinse the brew basket and filter. Wipe down the machine.
What “good” looks like: Everything is clean and ready for the next brew.
Common mistake: Leaving grounds in the filter. They can go stale and affect future brews.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using stale coffee beans | Weak, bitter, or flat tasting coffee | Use fresh beans, grind just before brewing. |
| Using tap water with high mineral content | Scale buildup, poor coffee flavor | Use filtered or bottled water. |
| Incorrect grind size (too fine) | Bitter, over-extracted coffee, potential overflow | Use a medium grind for drip. |
| Incorrect grind size (too coarse) | Weak, watery, under-extracted coffee | Use a medium grind for drip. |
| Not cleaning the machine regularly | Scale buildup, slow brewing, off-tastes | Descale regularly according to manual. |
| Overfilling the water reservoir | Messy overflow during brewing | Fill to the indicated line. |
| Forgetting to switch brew modes | Brewing into the wrong container | Always double-check the selector switch. |
| Not pre-heating single-serve mug | Coffee cools down too quickly | Run a hot water cycle first. |
| Leaving wet grounds in the filter | Mold growth, stale odors | Discard and rinse immediately after brewing. |
| Using old, dirty filters | Off-flavors, slow brewing | Replace paper filters regularly; clean permanent ones. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If your coffee tastes bitter, then try a coarser grind because too fine a grind over-extracts.
- If your coffee tastes weak, then try a finer grind or add more coffee because under-extraction is likely.
- If you’re brewing a full pot, then ensure the “Carafe” mode is selected because otherwise, it will brew into the single-serve area.
- If you’re brewing a single cup, then ensure the “Single Serve” mode is selected because otherwise, it will brew into the carafe.
- If you see white deposits in the machine, then it’s time to descale because mineral buildup affects taste and performance.
- If your coffee brews very slowly, then check for clogs or scale buildup because these can impede water flow.
- If you want a hotter cup of single-serve coffee, then pre-heat your mug because a cold mug will cool it down fast.
- If you’re using a paper filter, then make sure it’s the correct size and type for your machine because the wrong filter can cause issues.
- If your coffee has an off-taste, then try fresh beans and filtered water because these are the most common culprits.
- If you’re in a rush for a single cup, then still try to use fresh grounds because stale grounds won’t give you a good flavor, no matter the speed.
- If you notice coffee grounds in your cup, then check your filter and brew basket to ensure they are properly seated and not damaged.
FAQ
Q: Can I use any type of coffee in this machine?
A: Yes, you can use any ground coffee you like. The key is the grind size – medium is generally best for drip brewers.
Q: How often should I descale my Hamilton Beach 2-Way?
A: It depends on your water hardness. If you use filtered water and brew daily, every 2-3 months is a good starting point. If your water is hard, you might need to do it more often.
Q: What’s the difference between the “Carafe” and “Single Serve” modes?
A: “Carafe” mode brews a full pot into the glass carafe. “Single Serve” mode brews one cup directly into your travel mug or regular mug.
Q: Can I use a reusable K-Cup with the single-serve side?
A: This machine isn’t designed for K-Cups. It brews single servings by dripping into your mug, similar to how the carafe brews.
Q: My coffee tastes burnt. What could be wrong?
A: This could be from stale coffee, a dirty machine, or brewing at too high a temperature. Ensure your machine is clean and you’re using fresh beans.
Q: How much coffee should I use for a single serving?
A: Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for a standard 8-10 oz mug. Adjust based on how strong you like it.
Q: Does the warming plate keep the coffee hot indefinitely?
A: The warming plate is designed to keep the coffee warm for a period. It’s best to consume the coffee within an hour or two for optimal flavor.
Q: Can I brew tea in this machine?
A: While you can technically run hot water through it, this machine is designed for coffee. For the best results, use it only for coffee.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Specific cleaning solutions or detailed descaling procedures (check your manual).
- Advanced brewing techniques like blooming or specific water pour patterns.
- Comparisons to other coffee maker brands or models.
- Troubleshooting electrical issues beyond basic power checks.