Can this coffee maker use both K-Cup pods and ground coffee?
Yes, this is a dual-format machine. Hamilton Beach says it brews up to 10 oz from a K-Cup pod or up to 14 oz from loose ground coffee using the included single-serve basket and reusable filter, so you're not locked into buying pods. It works well both ways, and it can handle loose tea and reusable pods too. If you switch formats often, rinse the basket after brewing grounds.
How fast does it brew a cup of coffee?
Hamilton Beach rates the FlexBrew to brew a hot 8 oz cup in about 2 minutes, and brew time is one of its strengths; it can be much quicker than an older machine. Against a Keurig it may be a touch slower, but the cup comes out noticeably hotter and richer, which is a fair trade.
How do you operate it, and can you choose brew strength?
It uses capacitive-touch controls that respond to a light tap, with Regular and Bold strength options. You pour in the water for the cup you want, add a pod or grounds, choose a strength and brew. A simple trick is to fill your mug with water first and pour that into the reservoir, so the cup comes out exactly the size of your mug.
How much water does the reservoir hold, and is it enough for more than one cup?
The reservoir holds 14 fluid ounces, with a water window so you can see the fill level. That covers one generous cup, since the K-Cup brew size tops out at 10 oz and grounds at 14 oz, but it isn't designed for back-to-back multi-cup brewing without a refill. The 14 oz limit can come as a surprise even if you're otherwise happy with the machine, and water capacity is a mixed point, so factor this in if you're brewing for more than one person.
Are there problems with durability or coffee temperature?
Yes, and they're worth taking seriously. Durability is its one clearly negative point, and coffee temperature is mixed rather than uniformly positive. Taste and ease of use are strong, and it can run hotter than the Keurigs it replaces, but a meaningful minority of machines don't hold up long-term, and the coffee is not always as hot as expected. Registering the one-year warranty is a sensible step.
Is it a good value compared to pricier single-serve machines?
For most people, yes. It costs less than many single-serve machines, and as a replacement for a pricier Keurig model the coffee and the value both hold up, including as a cheaper machine for a travel trailer. That said, value for money is a mixed point, so the lower price won't fully offset the durability and capacity trade-offs noted above for everyone.
