It used to be that when you thought of a dual coffee makers you thought of that old Bunn model sitting in the break room at work. As you can see, things have changed quite a bit. I own the Krups model, but my kitchen is red and I’d like to get a Kitchenaid that had a regular carafe on one side, and an espresso maker on the other.
The two most popular dual coffee makers on the market right now are the Krups dual coffee maker and the Kitchen Selectives dual coffee maker. The Krups is the model you see below. It is available at Amazon, and usually at a very good price. Amazon can usually beat any other company’s price by at least $25 – $50. I believe the Krups probably outsells every other brand by about a 10 to 1 ratio.
The DuoThek (pictured to the right) is also great when you are having gatherings at your home. Many people like to server both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee for their guests at dinner parties, entertaining, or maybe in a small home office.
In some reviews we have read online, many people are buying their second or third machine because they were happy with their first one. You will see on the Krups that they use Stainless Steele carafes, rather than glass. This usually provides a better thermal carafe to keep the coffee hotter, longer. The main thing you are giving up with the Krups Dual Coffee Maker is the extra little things, like timers, clocks, programmable brewing, etc. that you would get with a single pot model. If those extras are not important, then this may be a good choice.
There are many variations of dual coffee makers to choose from. I know that Black and Decker, Cuisenart, Toastess, and Kitchen Selecitves make dual coffee makers. Bunn is probably THE #1 brand, but you must be willing to pay big bucks for those. They are designed more for large offices and restaurants than small business and consumer use. I would stick with the consumer brands if you are going to buy dual coffee makers.
You will find a price range from about $30 to $300. Some of the cheaper models are just that. I’m still holding out for my Kitchenaid model, but for now I’ll stick with my Krups. I’m a happy coffee drinker… as well as my family and friends. Like anything, if you take care of it, use filtered water, follow the cleaning instructions, and use quality coffee grounds, you’ll have this machine for several years to come. Maybe I can just paint my Krups dual coffee maker “Kitchenaid Red.”