The FlexBrew 2-way is a versatile machine that brings the best of both worlds to your kitchen and fits under kitchen cabinets.
You can check out the key differences between the Costco FlexBrew 49957 and the FlexBrew Trio 49902 below.
This article reviews the Flexbrew 2-Way so you can understand if it’s the right coffee maker for your situation and compare vs the Trio.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker
Hamilton Beach has found a way to make everyone in the house happy with their a top rated Trio 2-way coffee maker that has a bunch of useful features.
We feel it’s one of the best coffee makers at Costco. However, there is a newer model 49902 that is available at Amazon. Click here to jump down to read the differences.
FlexBrew Features
- Auto pause and serve
- Brews up to 10 oz. with K-Cup®* pack or 14 oz. with ground coffee
- Includes single-serve pack holder and brew basket
- Programmable with 2 hour shutoff
- Carafe side with programmable timer and auto shutoff
- Brew a single cup or a full pot
- Use a single-serve pod or ground coffee
- Compatible with K-Cup Pods
- 2 easy-fill reservoirs and easy-view water windows
- Brew cup or remove storage area for travel mug
- Bold or regular brew strength options
We reviewed them all. Check out which one is best!
The Good & The Bad of the FlexBrew
Since K-Cups use a different type of brewing technology there is a separate water tank for the single service. This has some benefits and drawbacks.
The good thing is that you can fill it up and use that water immediately, forcing you to use fresh water every time, which is important to get a great tasting cup of coffee.
The downside to that is it isn’t possible to program the K-Cup. Which usually shouldn’t be a problem, but the reservoir isn’t kept warm all the time like many other machines.
While this does save energy, it does take anywhere from 4-6 minutes to brew a cup from the time you push the button to coffee getting in your cup.
While this does save energy, it does take anywhere from 4-6 minutes to brew a cup from the time you push the brew button to a full cup of coffee getting in your cup.
Check out our review of the best coffee urns on the market.
Is the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Easy to Clean Up?
The ease in which to clean up is probably one of the best features of the FlexBrew.
It comes with special tools to clean up those hard to reach parts. Most of the time you can simply rinse out the K-Cup basket.
That being said, there were a few reviews that complained the machine clogged and leaked water.
To combat this issue the company explains to clean the pack-piercing assembly tool regularity.
If it’s brewing slow then you need to descale. Keeping it clean will help reduce the chance clogging significantly.
Descaling can be done by running a half and half vinegar to water through. Once it’s done let it sit for 30 min. Run water through the machine several times until the you can’t taste the vinegar anymore. Usually about 2 times.
FlexBrew User Manual
If you have more questions about this coffee maker you can check out the official user manual here.
PROS
- Self-Cleaning Feature
- Fits under kitchen cabinets
- 2 reservoirs - 2 heaters
- Storage area under single cup serving
- Use K-cups or your own coffee
CONS
- Only brews 1 side at a time
- 5 min brew time for K-Cup
- 2 reservoirs to clean
- Doesn't fit under kitchen cabinet
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We reviewed all the sub $500 espresso machines at Costco. Check out the one we thought was best!
Hamilton Beach Flexbrew Replacement Parts
FlexBrew Trio 49902
The newer FlexBrew 49976 solves a few issue by incorporating a single 40oz reserve tank.
The single tank keeps water warm to get a single cup of coffee in 90 seconds.
49957 vs 49902
The first thing you’ll notice between the FlexBrew 49957 and the FlexBrew Trio 49902 is the LCD screen.
The LCD screen on the 49902 illuminates a brighter blue so it’s easier to read.
Another difference between the FlexBrew 49957 & the 49902 is that the FlexBrew 49902 Trio has “Fast Brewing”. This feature allows for a single cup to brew in 90 seconds.
An additional feature with the FlexBrew Trio 49902 is customizing the single serving size.
49902 Trio single serving sizes with a pod are:
- 6 oz
- 8 oz
- 10 oz
49902 Trio single serving sizes with ground coffee are:
- 6 oz
- 8 oz
- 10 oz
- 12 oz
- 14 oz
There is one single 40oz, detachable water tank on 49902 and it’s larger than the older 49957.
What's the tallest cup size that can fit in the single serve side?
By removing the bottom you can fit a 7 3/4 inches tall travel cup.
Does the carafe warmer stay on when you brew a single cup?
No, the warmer turns off when you brew using the single serve side. Once the single serve is complete it must be manually turned back on.
What is the brew temperature of the FlexBrew?
The FlexBrew brew temperature is 186°
Hamilton Beach claims all their coffee makers brew between 185° and 195°F.
Is the FlexBrew BPA Free?
Yes, the FlexBrew is BPA free.
Final Thoughts on the FlexBrew Trio 2-Way
If you live in a household where sometimes K-Cups are preferred and sometimes a larger pot of coffee is needed then the FlexBrew Trio is a top notch dual brew coffee maker to consider.
Like any coffee maker there are drawbacks. The biggest one was however much water was added into the single tank is what will get brewed. If you are fine with that then this is a great coffee maker.