Braun has been working towards creating better coffee makers for the home user to take their experience to the next level. With the release of MultiServe, it’s evident that Braun is no longer doing only the ‘basic’ drip coffee maker anymore.

Braun MultiServe is a coffee brewing station that offers multiple serving sizes for every mood and occasion. From single serve, half or full carafe, travel mug size and more. The machine is also pre-set with multiple brew settings to make it even easier for you to prepare your coffee to your liking with a press of a button.

Features of Braun MultiServe Coffee Maker:

• Brew Choice Plus: choose from different coffee brewing settings: Light, Gold Standard, Bold or Over Ice.
• Multi-sizes: Dial your choice of serving size: single-cup (5, 8, 12, 16, 20 oz), half carafe or full 10-cup carafe.
• Pod-free system. Use your favorite ground coffee.
• Specialty Coffee Association Golden Cup certification ensures coffee brewing at optimal temperature to meet the association’s standards.
• TempSensor System: three sensors monitor temperature through out brewing process to achieve SCA brewing standard and keep coffee at the perfect temperature.
• Freshness Indicator: visible indicator to let you know your brewed coffee is fresh.
• Removable 50 oz water reservoir.
• Includes glass carafe and gold-tone mesh filter.
• Programmable digital clock with auto-brew settings.

Click here to learn more about Braun MultiServe, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Braun MultiServe vs. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker, What’s The Difference?

If you’re familiar with Ninja’s popular Specialty Coffee Maker (also known as Ninja Coffee Bar System), you’ve probably noticed by now how similar it is to Braun’s MultiServe.

The Ninja System is also a pod-free system that offer multiple sizes from single cup up to a full 10-cup carafe. Brewing programs include: Classic, Rich, Over Ice and Specialty. So far, they’re pretty much alike… but there’s one difference:

Ninja Specialty Fold-Away Frother (CM401) Coffee Maker, Single Serve to 10 Cup (50 oz.), Glass Carafe

• Specialty brew: brew super rich Coffee concentrate that you can use to create delicious lattes, macchiato, cappuccinos, and other coffeehouse style drinks
• Iced Coffee: brew fresh over ice for flavorful Iced Coffee that's never watered down
• 6 brew sizes: brew anything from a single cup or travel size to a half carafe or a full carafe in your Coffee maker
• Fold away frother: turns hot or cold milk into silky smooth froth
• Sca certified home brewer

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The Ninja Coffee Bar has a built-in milk frother that allows you to create delicious milk froth for making coffee drinks like Cappuccino or Latte. But does the Ninja coffee maker make espresso? No, it doesn’t. But it makes something close enough. The ‘Specialty’ program creates a 4 oz coffee concentrate to replace espresso for specialty coffee drinks. This gives you the choice to make more coffee recipes than Braun’s MultiServe, which does not have a milk frother or a coffee concentrate setting.

The Ninja Coffee Bar is also available with an option of glass or thermal carafe, which (as of now) the Braun MultiServe doesn’t have.

Read our previous review of the Ninja Coffee Bar here and Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed system here.

Ninja Coffee Bar System has been a really popular pod-free coffee system that brews single-serve coffee as well a full pot, offering different brew types and sizes all in one machine. Now, Ninja is at it again with a system that gives you the same convenience and quality of pod-free brewing, but with even more brew types and more intuitive controls.

What Is Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System?

Ninja has taken their brewing system to the next level to offer you more of the things you like, all in the same system. The Hot and Cold Brewed system offers:

• Traditional hot coffee, including specialty coffee drinks.
• Fresh 10-minute Cold Brew coffee.
• Iced coffee drinks.
• Hot brewed tea.
• Iced tea.

Let’s look at the features of the Hot and Cold Brewed System:

• Brew a variety of hot or cold coffee or tea drinks using fresh coffee ground and tea, no pods required.
• Choose from 6 brew sizes: single cup, XL cup, travel mug, multi-serve cup, half carafe and full carafe.
• Choose from 5 brew types: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, Specialty or Cold Brew.
• Choose from 5 tea types for automatic water temperature and steep time adjustment: Herbal, Black, Oolong, White or Green.
• Includes separate filter baskets for coffee and tea.
• Includes 50 oz (10-cup) carafe. Available as glass or thermal option.
• Built-in foldable milk frother.
• Digital display with clock.
• Easy controls using a dial knob and backlit icons.

Click here to learn more about Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Watch It in Action:

Cold Brew vs. Over Ice, What’s The Difference Between These Two Options?

You might be wondering, why do you need two options for making iced coffee? Is there a difference between how Cold Brew is made and how Iced coffee is made?

Yes, absolutely! And it all has to do with temperature and steep time:

• Usually, Cold brew coffee (or tea) is a type of brew where the coffee is made with cold water and steeped for long hours, from 8 to 24 hours. This results in smooth coffee concentrate that is usually either mixed with cold water, ice or milk.
• Iced coffee is your usual hot coffee brewed over ice.
• The difference in temperature gives each type of coffee brew a unique flavor profile.

With the Hot and Cold Brewed System:

• The Cold Brew option, either for coffee or tea, will brew over ice at a lower temperature of 110F, for about 10 to 15 minute.
• Over Ice coffee is brewed hot over ice immediately at 205F degrees.

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed vs. Ninja Coffee Bar, What’s The Difference?

We can say that the Hot and Cold Brewed System is the next generation of Ninja Coffee Bar. In the new system, you have the option to brew both coffee and tea, in a variety of drinks and serving sizes.

Brew types:

Hot and Cold Brewed System has two additional brew types, Cold Brew for coffee and tea, and Tea brews. Ninja Coffee Bar is a coffee maker only.

Servings Sizes:

Both models have a selection of 6 serving sizes – approximate volumes are (when using Classic brew):

• Cup: 9.5 oz
• XL Cup: 11.5 oz
• Travel Mug: 14 oz
• XL Multi-serve: 18 oz

Design:

The design of both machines are different, yet the operate in the same way. On the right of both machines, you’ve got your control panel which features backlit names and icons for each drink type and size. The Hot and Cold Brewed system has additional options, of course. But both are operated using a dial knob selector.

Included Accessories:

Both machines will include the carafe, either glass or thermal as you would choose. You’ll also get a coffee scoop and a permanent filter. In the case of the Hot and Cold Brewed system, you’ll be getting two permanent filters, one for coffee and another for tea.

Ninja Hot and Cold Brewer vs. Keurig, Which Is Best To Choose?

Those two are totally different systems, starting with the fact that Ninja’s brewers are pod-free while Keurig is a pod system.

Keurig has a lot of models under its belt, it’s hard to compare them to Ninja’s system specifically, but here are some general differences:

• With Keurig, you can brew coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and a lot of specialty coffee drinks. As long as they’re available as K-Cup pods. The drinks aren’t necessarily as fresh and can be loaded with added sugar and other bad ingredients. Using the Hot and Cold Brewed system, you can only make coffee and tea drinks, but you’ll be in control of your ingredients, and you’ll be using fresh milk for your specialty drinks that you can froth using the built-in frother.
• With a pod system like Keurig, there’s a continuous cost of buying pods – unless you opt for using a refillable pod. Ninja is a pod-free system, so there’s no additional costs other than buying your favorite coffee beans, which cost way less than pods.
• The Hot and Cold Brewed System offers a variety of brew type that Keurig lacks. With Ninja, you can select from 5 brew types for either coffee or tea, including the all-new Cold Brew that only this systems has. Keurig offers regular or strong brew options, some models might include an over-ice option that’s not much different than the regular brew.
• Brewing a full pot using a Keurig requires using the Keurig 2.0 line. This line requires that you use branded K-Cup pods, but also has refillable pods as a option. The largest size it can brew is 30 oz, which is about a 4-cup carafe.To brew a carafe, you have to buy K-Carafe pods. In fact, anything larger than a regular cup will require a special pod (K-Mug for larger mugs/travel mugs or K-Carafe pods for Carafe).

Should You Upgrade from Ninja Coffee Bar To the Hot and Cold Brewed System?

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Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, Auto-iQ Tea and Coffee Maker with 6 Brew Sizes, 5 Brew Styles, Frother, Coffee & Tea Baskets with Glass Carafe (CP301)

• Brew multiple brew sizes, ranging from a pod-free single cup or travel mug, all the way up to a full carafe
• Hot Brewing lets you enjoy a bold, flavorful cup of hot coffee or tea. Or brew Over Ice to create full-flavored, refreshing iced beverages
• Brew your favorite style of tea, whether you use tea bags or loose-leaf, with the specially designed tea brew basket
• Auto-iQ One-Touch Intelligence Technology
• Built-In frother turns hot or cold milk into silky-smooth froth in seconds, with nothing more than the press of a button.The thermal carafe is NOT dishwasher safe

−$34.01

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If you already own a Ninja Coffee Bar, is it worth it to upgrade to the newer version? The two reasons that might be worth the upgrade are:

• The Cold Brew function: If you like to splurge on cold brew every now and then, and I say splurge cause we all know how expensive a cup of those can be, then you’ll really like this feature. Although the coffee isn’t steeped overnight like specialty coffee houses do it, you still get a great result using this feature. It will save you a lot on your cold brew purchases.
• Tea brewing: If you enjoy brewing coffee, the Hot and Cold Brewed System will make a lot of difference to you, too. It doesn’t only brew tea, it brews each type of tea to different parameters to get the optimal results. By selecting the type of tea you’re brewing, the machine to adjust the temperature and steep time to match the tea type. This is the equivalent of having a variable temperature kettle with a timer, or even an electric tea maker.

A coffee maker that makes both single serve and carafe servings, also known as a 2-way coffee maker or a dual coffee maker, is a very convenient choice for anyone looking for the best of two worlds. Lucky for anyone who’s looking for this type of coffee maker, many choices are available. You can get a two-way coffee maker that uses ground coffee, coffee pods, or both. Even a coffee maker with built-in grinder that does both a single cup and carafe serving is available. All which we will be listing below.

What To Consider Before Choosing a Single Serve and Carafe Dual Coffee Maker:

• Do you want to use ground coffee or single serve pods? There are brands that use both and others that rely on pods only.
• Cup sizes: many people want to brew right into a travel mug when choosing the single serve option. If that’s something you want, make sure the coffee maker you’re buying can accommodate a travel mug and support this brewing size.

Best Rated 2-Way Single Serve and Carafe Coffee Makers:

Best Choice

Product Name

Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker, Single Serve and 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer, Compatible with K-Cup Pods and Ground Coffee, Black

Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Coffee Maker, Single Serve & Full Pot, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Programmable, Black (49976)

Cuisinart SS-15 Maker Coffee Center 12-Cup Coffeemaker and Single-Serve Brewer, Silver

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Best Choice

Product Name

Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker, Single Serve and 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer, Compatible with K-Cup Pods and Ground Coffee, Black

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Product Name

Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Coffee Maker, Single Serve & Full Pot, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Programmable, Black (49976)

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Product Name

Cuisinart SS-15 Maker Coffee Center 12-Cup Coffeemaker and Single-Serve Brewer, Silver

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Keurig K-Duo Single-Serve and 12-Cup Coffee Maker:

• For the first time ever, Keurig is introducing a coffee maker that is compatible with both K-Cup pod and ground coffee!
• Multi-serve coffee maker that has to compartments, one for using K-Cup pods and another for carafe brewing using ground coffee.
• Brew carafe sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 cups.
• Brew single cup sizes: 6, 8, 10 and 12 oz.
• Large 60oz water reservoir that is shared between the two sides of single-serve and carafe brewing.
• Strong Brew option for single cup brewing.
• Programmable auto brew for carafe brewing. Program your machine to brew a carafe up to 24 hours in advance.
• Includes a 12-cup glass carafe.

Click here to learn more about Keurig K-Duo, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Hamilton Beach Flex Brew 2-Way Coffee Maker:

• coffee maker with two brewing spouts: one for carafe and another for single serve.
• Single serve side can accommodate a travel mug up to 8” tall.
• Carafe side features auto on/off.
• Brew single serve cups using ground coffee or K-Cup pods.
• Brew up to 10 oz using K-Cups or up to 14 oz using ground coffee. (for single serve side).
• Choose from 2 strength settings.
• Uses two separate reservoirs for each side.
• Automatically pausing brewing when you remove the carafe.
• Carafe capacity: 12-cups.

Click here to learn more about the Hamilton Beach Flex Brew, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Common Questions about Hamilton Beach Flex Brew:

Will K-Cups Work in Hamilton Beach? What Kind?

Yes, in the Hamilton Beach Flex Brew pictured above, you can use K-Cup pods, either old or branded type. The adapter needed to use K-cups is included with the machine. Your other option would be to use the second included basket for ground coffee.

Can I Use a Reusable Filter or Paper Filter?

Both filters can be used, the choice is all yours!

Cuisinart SS-15 12-cup Coffee Maker and Single Cup Brewer:

• Fully programmable coffee maker with 12-cup glass carafe.
• Single-serve side brews sizes: 6 oz, 8 oz and 10 oz.
• Single serve can brew ground coffee or K-Cup pods.
• Programs include auto on/off (for carafe side), strength control and temperature settings.
• Single serve side can accommodate travel mugs.
• Water reservoir capacity: 60 oz on the carafe side, 40 oz on the single-serve side.

Click here to learn more about the Cuisinart SS-15, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Keurig 2.0 K-Cup Coffee Maker:

• Keurig 2.0 is the first Keurig machine that can brew single serve and  full pot using K-Cup pods.
• Available in different sizes, from small to large water reservoir.
• Can brew up to 18 oz mug/travel mug or up to 30 oz carafe – depending on the model.
• Brews K-Cup pods or can brew your own coffee ground using a refillable K-Cup filter.
• Easy to use touch LCD display allows you to program volume, strength or temperature settings.

Click here to learn more about Keurig 2.0 and the difference between models.

Ninja Coffee Bar System:

• A full coffee bar system with a variety of coffee sizes and options:
• Single serve sizes: Cup, XL Cup, XL Multi Serve and Travel Mug, up to 22 oz.
• Carafe Sizes: Full carafe, half carafe.
• Choose from brew types: classic, rich, specialty, over-ice or Cafe Forte (exclusive to Ninja).
• Uses ground coffee only, for both single serve and carafe.
• Built-in milk frother allows you to create creamy milk froth for specialty coffee drinks.
• You can read our comparisons of Ninja Coffee Bar models here.

Click here to learn more about the Ninja Coffee Bar, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Common Questions about Ninja Coffee Bar System:

Can You Make Lattes in Ninja Coffee Bar?

Yes, absolutely! using the built-in milk frother, you’ll be able to create delicious froth for your drink. On the machine, using the Specialty option, you’ll be able to brew a coffee concentrate close enough to espresso, which will be the base of your latte or cappuccino.

Can You Use K-Cups in a Ninja Coffee Bar?

No, Ninja is not compatible with K-Cup pods. You can make your single cup of coffee using coffee ground only.

What Kind of Coffee Do You Use for Ninja Coffee Bar?

You can buy any brand or roast you like. Just make sure it’s medium grind, which is the recommended grind for a drip coffee maker.

Does the Ninja Coffee Bar Grind Beans?

No, it does not have a built-in grinder.

Breville Grind Control Coffee Maker:

• Choose to brew a single cup or a full carafe up to 12 sizes.
• Built-in coffee grinder for a grind and brew coffee experience.
• Grinder can be shut off to use pre-ground coffee.
• Choose from 8 coffee strength settings
• LCD screen gives you realtime feedback on your water level, brew time, grind size, strength settings and other selected settings.
• Auto start settings starts the grind and brew process at your selected time.
• Does not use any coffee pods. Only ground coffee.

Click here to learn more about the Breville Grind Control, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Which Of These Coffee Makers Is Best To Buy?

There are lots of variation in features in the coffee makers we listed above. Here are a few things to consider:

• Budget: If you have a budget under $100, the Hamilton Beach Flex Brew and Cuisinart SS-15 are budget-friendly. Although they lack the extra features that the other two (Ninja and Breville) can offer.
• Do you want a coffee maker that uses K-Cup Pods? Then again, your choices would be either the Hamilton Beach or Cuisinart.
• If you want a coffee maker with the most serve size options, then it’s the Ninja Coffee Bar. It has the most single serve size options, brewing up to 22 oz travel mug size. It also has the option for making specialty coffee drinks like Cappuccino and Latte, thanks to its built-in frother. However we do have to note that, since espresso – which is the base of these coffee drinks – requires a pump machine, the Ninja bar doesn’t make an authentic espresso. What it brews is a coffee concentrate that is the next best thing and delivers a similar taste.
• If you want the freshest coffee, then the Breville Grind Control is your best bet as it brews coffee from freshly ground coffee with its built-in conical burr grinder. If you don’t already have a grinder, this coffee maker makes a great all in one option.
• Neither the Breville Grind Control or Ninja Coffee Bar use pods, but ONLY coffee ground.

Video Reviews

Review of Cuisinart SS-15:

Review of Ninja Coffee Bar System:

Review of the Breville Grind Control:

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