Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer & Single-Serve Machine (model 49980R) provides flexible brewing choices to accommodate different coffee-drinking habits. It includes two separate brew functions: one designed for a full 12-cup carafe and another for preparing a single serving or travel mug with ground coffee. This dual-purpose design removes the need for K-Cup® pods, supporting both affordability and eco-conscious use. The supplied mesh scoop makes adding coffee grounds straightforward and tidy.

Crafted for user ease, the coffee brewer includes a programmable timer, enabling coffee to be ready in the morning when set the night before. Other highlights are a 2-hour auto shutoff for added safety, a pause-and-serve function that allows pouring during the brew cycle without mess, and a conveniently accessible water tank. Its stylish black finish with metallic highlights brings a contemporary flair to any kitchen surface.

Although the Hamilton Beach 49980R stands out for flexibility and user-friendliness, a few customers have mentioned that the brew strength may not match that of premium coffee makers. Still, for buyers looking for an economical model that maintains dependable performance, this machine delivers strong value. Its simple layout, paired with the capacity to prepare both individual servings and full carafes, makes it a sensible solution for homes with diverse coffee preferences.

Specification

Here’s a detailed overview of the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine (Model 49980R):

Model: 49980R
Dimensions: 13.9 inches (H) x 12.2 inches (W) x 11.1 inches (D)
Weight: 7.4 pounds
Color: Black with stainless steel accents
Material: Stainless steel exterior
Water Reservoir Capacity:
- Single Serve Side: Up to 14 oz. (approximately 410 ml)
- Carafe Side: Up to 60 oz. (approximately 1.8 liters)
Power: 950 watts
Voltage: 100–120V
Wattage: 950 watts
Included Accessories:
- 12-cup glass carafe
- Single-serve mesh scoop
- Permanent filter
- Brew basket
Not Included: Travel mug

Brewing Features

Dual Brewing Options:
- Single Serve: Prepare up to 14 ounces straight into a mug or travel tumbler with ground coffee (not designed for K-Cup® pod use).
- Carafe Side: Brew as many as 12 servings into the supplied glass carafe with rich, ground coffee.
Brew Strength Selector: Select either standard or strong brew intensity to match your flavor preferences.
Programmable Timer: Program the coffee machine to begin brewing at a designated time so your coffee is prepared when you wake.
Auto Pause & Serve: Enables you to serve a cup during the brewing cycle without drips, offering added convenience when pressed for time.
2-Hour Automatic Shutoff: The brewer powers down automatically after two hours to promote safety and conserve energy.

Maintenance & Usability

Easy-Fill Water Reservoirs: With separate reservoirs for single cups and full pots, topping up with water is quick and easy.
Removable Drip Tray: Enables simple cleaning while fitting a range of cup sizes.
Permanent Filter: Removes the requirement for paper filters, cutting down on waste and recurring expenses.
Mesh Scoop: Provided to simplify measuring and adding ground coffee.

Important Notes

Not Compatible with K-Cup® Pods: Designed for fresh ground coffee, this brewer skips K-Cup® pods for a more eco-friendly, cost-saving experience.
Travel Mug Not Included: Although the single-serve function fits travel mugs, a mug is not supplied with the machine.
Single-Side Brewing: The brewer operates on either the single-serve or carafe side, though not at the same time.

Key features

Here’s a concise overview of the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12-Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine (Model 49980R):

Dual Brewing Options: Prepare a single serving (up to 14 ounces) or an entire 12-cup carafe with your preferred ground coffee.
Programmable Timer: Program the brewer to begin brewing as much as 24 hours ahead, guaranteeing a fresh pot when you wake.
Brew Strength Selector: Select either mild or strong brewing intensity to match your flavor preferences.
Auto Pause & Pour: Enables you to serve a cup during the brewing process without drips, offering convenience when time is limited.
2-Hour Automatic Shutoff: The machine powers down on its own after two hours to enhance safety and conserve energy.
Easy-to-Fill Water Reservoirs: Individual water tanks for single-serve and carafe brewing simplify the filling process.
Mesh Scoop Included: You’ll get a mesh scoop that makes it easy to measure and fill your coffee grounds.

How to use the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker

Here’s a clear step-by-step guide on how to use the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12-Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine (49980R):

1. Setting Up

Position the coffeemaker on a level, sturdy surface close to a power outlet.
Plug in the machine.
Ensure that both the single-serve and carafe water tanks are emptied before initial operation.

2. Filling Water

Single Serve: Add up to 14 ounces of water to the single-serve reservoir.
Carafe: Fill the carafe reservoir with up to 12 cups (60 oz.) of water.
Tip: Whenever possible, utilize filtered water to enhance flavor and minimize mineral deposits.

3. Adding Coffee

Single Serve: Scoop your ground coffee into the single-serve basket using the included mesh spoon. Don’t use K-Cup® pods with this brewer.
Carafe: Place ground coffee into the carafe brew basket with the permanent filter.
Tip: Modify the quantity of coffee grounds according to your preferred brew strength.

4. Selecting Settings

Operate the brew strength control to select either Regular or Bold.
If preferred, utilize the programmable timer to schedule brewing up to 24 hours ahead.
To start brewing right away, press the Brew button.

5. Brewing

Single Serve: Set your cup or travel mug onto the drip tray and press the Brew button.
Carafe: Position the glass carafe on the warming plate and press the Brew button.
Auto Pause & Pour:The carafe can be lifted, or coffee poured mid-brew, as the brewing cycle will pause automatically.

6. After Brewing

The coffeemaker automatically powers down after two hours.
Carefully take out your carafe or mug.
Dispose of the used coffee grounds and rinse the brew basket.

7. Cleaning & Maintenance

Clean the carafe, brew basket, and mesh scoop using warm, soapy water.
Clean the exterior surface with a damp cloth.
Descale the machine regularly to eliminate mineral deposits and maintain peak performance.

Tips and recipes suitable for the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker

The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12-Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine (49980R) gives you flexibility to brew just one cup or a whole pot, so you can experiment with both everyday tips and creative recipes.

Tips for Best Use

Use Freshly Ground Coffee – Grinding coffee beans immediately before brewing significantly enhances flavor.
Adjust Strength with the Selector – Select the Bold setting to achieve a stronger flavor profile, particularly with dark roasts.
Pre-Warm Your Mug or Carafe – Pre-rinse with hot water before brewing to maintain higher coffee temperature.
Filtered Water = Better Taste – It minimizes limescale buildup and enhances flavor.
Batch Brewing Tip – When brewing a full carafe, use 1–2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 oz. of water, adjusting to taste.
Travel Mug Brewing – Detach the drip tray on the single-serve side to fit taller mugs.
Flavor Add-Ins – Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg into the coffee grounds for a delicate spice note.

Simple Recipes to Try

1. Iced Coffee

Prepare a Bold single serving (approximately 8–10 oz.) directly into a tall glass filled with ice.
Add sweetness using simple syrup, as sugar dissolves more efficiently than granules.
Pour in milk or cream to make your iced coffee taste like it came from a café.

2. Vanilla Cinnamon Brew

Mix ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a few drops of vanilla extract into the coffee grounds prior to brewing.
Complements medium-roast coffees, perfect for a warm morning beverage.

3. Café Mocha (Single Serve)

Brew a strong single cup (8 oz.).
Mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (or hot chocolate mix) and 1 tablespoon sugar.
Add a layer of steamed milk or a swirl of whipped cream on top.

4. Caramel Coffee Pot

For a full 12-cup brew, incorporate 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the carafe prior to brewing.
Mix thoroughly after brewing, then serve with cream.

5. Cold Brew Hack (Overnight)

Put about 1 cup of coarse coffee grounds into the carafe basket.
Pour 4–6 cups of cold water into the reservoir and allow the coffee to steep overnight in the refrigerator, without powering on the machine.
The next morning, strain the coffee and savor a smooth, mild, low-acid cold brew.

Cleaning guide

Here’s a clear guide on how to clean the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12-Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine (49980R):

Daily Cleaning (After Each Use)

Turn Off & Unplug – Always disconnect before cleaning.
Remove Used Grounds – Remove and dispose of the used coffee grounds from both the single-serve and carafe brew baskets.
Wash Removable Parts – Wash the carafe, lid, brew baskets, mesh scoop, and drip tray with warm, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly.
Wipe Exterior – Clean the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth. Do not submerge in water.
Dry & Reassemble – Allow all components to dry completely before reassembling.

Deep Cleaning (Weekly or As Needed)

For daily use, clean the water reservoirs and carafe thoroughly once a week to prevent coffee oil accumulation.
Clean the mesh scoop and brew baskets with a soft-bristled brush.

Descaling (Every 1–3 Months)

Minerals from water can build up inside and affect performance. To descale:

Mix Solution – Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water (approximately 2 cups vinegar and 4 cups water for the carafe side).
Run a Brew Cycle
- Pour the cleaning solution into the carafe reservoir and initiate a brewing cycle.
- About halfway through, turn off your coffee maker and let it sit for half an hour.
- Turn the coffee maker back on to finish the cycle.
Rinse – Run 2–3 complete brewing cycles using only fresh water to eliminate the vinegar flavor.
Repeat for Single-Serve Side – Combine 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water in the single-serve reservoir and brew into a large mug. Follow by running two cycles with fresh water to rinse.

What to avoid when using the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker

Here’s a list of what to avoid when using the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12-Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine (49980R):

Avoid Using K-Cup® Pods
- This coffee maker does not support K-Cup® or capsule pods; it is designed for ground coffee only.
Don’t Brew Without Water
- Operating the machine without water can harm the heating element. Always verify the reservoir level before brewing.
Don’t Overfill the Reservoirs
- Fill both the single-serve and carafe reservoirs only up to the indicated MAX line to avoid spills and leaks.
Avoid Very Fine Grounds
- Very fine espresso-style grounds can block the filters and lead to overflow. For optimal performance, use medium-ground coffee.
Don’t Leave Coffee Sitting for Too Long
- The warming plate turns off automatically after 2 hours. Leaving coffee on it longer may cause a burnt flavor and residue buildup.
Don’t Block Vents
- Ensure that air can circulate freely around the machine while brewing to avoid overheating.
Don’t Use Harsh Cleaners
- Do not use bleach, harsh chemicals, or abrasive scrubbers, as they may damage the carafe, housing, and internal parts.
Avoid Brewing Both Sides at Once
- The coffee maker is built to brew from either the single-serve or carafe side, but not both at the same time.
Don’t Skip Descaling
- Mineral deposits from hard water can impair performance and shorten the coffee maker’s lifespan. Regularly descale using a vinegar solution.
Don’t Place in Dishwasher

The carafe and removable components may be washed by hand, but the main coffee maker must never be submerged or placed in a dishwasher.

In conclusion, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (49980R) is a reliable and versatile machine that lets you brew a single cup or a full pot with ease. With convenient features like a programmable timer, brew strength control, and auto shutoff, it’s practical for daily use. Perfect for households or offices, it delivers flexibility and value for coffee lovers who prefer ground coffee.

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