How much coffee do you drink in a day? The average coffee lover enjoys 2-3 cups per day. You likely need (or at least want) to buy a device for your home or office that can make a large batch of coffee you can enjoy throughout the day.
When it’s just me, I like to use my AeroPress or Pour Over. But, when I have friends over for game night, I make a large batch of drip coffee to share. That’s where the Cuisinart DCC-3000 and Hamilton Beach (48465) come into play. These devices are coffee on demand machines that allow you to brew once and then get more cups of hot java whenever you please!
Let’s talk about what makes coffee on demand machines unique and why you should think about getting one!
Cuisinart DCC-3000
Hamilton Beach (48465)
What is a coffee on demand machine, and how does it work?
Unlike a standard drip coffee maker, coffee on-demand machines don’t have a removable coffee carafe. Instead, the fresh coffee grounds are brewed directly into an internal coffee tank. I like that on demand coffee machines can store up to 12 cups of java. This means that you can brew one pot and then get fresh coffee for hours without having to make another batch! And when I’m ready for that second pot, the water is already at the correct temperature, just waiting for you to add more of your favorite light roast coffee or espresso roast coffee.
Who Should Buy a Coffee on Demand Machine?
If you are someone who drinks multiple cups of coffee throughout the day, a coffee on demand machine might be the perfect addition to your household. These devices allow you to enjoy fresh coffee whenever it is convenient.
Coffee on demand machines are great for small offices. The coffee stays hot for hours, and there is no need to brew multiple small batches. Of course, this means that you will want a device with the capacity to hold enough coffee for everyone in your office!
Which Coffee on Demand Machine is Better?
I prefer the Hamilton Beach (48465) to make the best on demand coffee. It’s gone through a few revisions over the years and has become a reliable coffee on demand machine. The Cuisinart DCC-3000 has all of the same features, but I like Hamilton Beach’s modern look and feel better than Cuisinart’s design. The Hamilton Beach also has a “Brew Strength” feature for creating a more potent brew or plan to add cream and sugar.
Both coffee makers have removable coffee reservoirs. The entire top section of the Hamilton Beach coffee maker is one unit, which makes it much easier to remove and clean. The Cuisinart has a removable coffee reservoir that fits into the top, under the lid, and is removed with a small handle.
I also prefer the Hamilton’s design. The cup filling area is taller and allows for more varied containers to be easily filled. The Cuisinart’s reservoir is lower, and its lid design makes it more challenging to fill cups with taller mugs. The Cuisinart’s digital display can be difficult to read depending on your angle to the machine.
Both coffee makers produce the same great cup of java, but I favor Hamilton Beach overall due to their fresh modern look and feel. If you are looking for a true on demand machine that looks fantastic in your office or home, then the Hamilton Beach is the device for you!
Cuisinart DCC-3000
The Cuisinart DCC-3000 allows the user to have fresh coffee whenever they want. It can brew 12 cups of java before it needs to be refilled. The coffee gauge on the front shows how much coffee is left inside the tank (and it looks like a fuel gauge which is perfect for your favorite mechanic).
The DCC-3000 can fit regular-sized mugs and medium-sized tumblers. The bottom drip tray can be removed to allow a slightly taller container, great for grabbing a cup on the go.
Some users have complained that the power cord is a bit too short, making it difficult to use the machine on a countertop with limited power outlets (unless you use an extension cord).
Best Features
- Easy-to-use actuator dispensing actuator
- Removable water reservoir for easy filling and cleaning
- Drip tray beneath coffee dispenser to keep counters clean. Drip tray can be removed to allow larger capacity tumblers to be filled
- The reservoir is double-walled to insulate heat
- Max capacity of twelve 5 oz. cups of coffee for coffee all morning long
- Fully programmable with 24-hour advance brew start, programmable auto shutdown to wake up to fresh coffee
- The Coffee Gauge is a indicates how many cups of coffee are left
- Permanent gold-tone basket-style filter means no need for paper filters
- Charcoal water filter help make better coffee and prevent mineral buildup
Hamilton Beach (48465)
The Hamilton Beach (48465) makes coffee on demand as well, but it has a few features that make it stand out from its competition. The first is the ability to control brew strength at the touch of a button. The second is the “keep warm” setting, which keeps the coffee hot for four hours after being brewed.
This machine can hold up to 12 cups of coffee, and there are two small windows on the sides that show how much coffee is left inside. Additionally, users love the “Start Time” function that allows them to prepare their machine the night before and wake up to the smell of fresh coffee.
The removable water reservoir and coffee reservoir make cleaning the coffee machine easy. The removable drip tray also helps to keep wayward drips from staining your countertop.
With brewing options for hot or iced coffee, this on demand machine is perfect for those who like to switch things up during the day. The Hamilton Beach (48465) is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a coffee maker that doesn’t skimp on features!
Best Features
- Internal heater in the enclosed brewing system keeps coffee warm and fresh for up to 4 hours
- Removable coffee reservoir for easy cleaning
- Programmable so you can wake up to fresh coffee
- Can brew standard drip coffee or iced coffee
- It makes up to 12 cups of regular drip coffee. Enough to share.
- Coffee disperse bar works like your favorite soda machine to dispense coffee
- Removable internal water reservoir for easy cleaning
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of coffee machines out there, but I prefer the Cuisinart DCC-3000 and Hamilton Beach (48465) because they allow me to have fresh hot coffee whenever I want it. Being able to brew coffee with fresh grounds and then dispense it quickly and easily at the press of a button is a huge convenience!
FAQs about On Demand Coffee Maker
Below are some common questions about on demand coffee makers.
How do you clean a coffee on demand device?
The best way to clean a coffee on demand device is to wipe down the exterior and rinse the coffee reservoir after each batch. For more difficult stains, use a little baking soda and water and scrub with a sponge. Like most coffee makers, a monthly water/vinegar run is recommended.
Do I need to use paper filters with the on demand coffee makers?
No, this is one of the many features of the Cuisinart DCC-3000 and Hamilton Beach (48465). They can use a reusable metal coffee filter basket or a paper filter.
How long does the coffee stay hot with an on demand coffee maker?
The “keep warm” setting will maintain hot coffee for up to four hours.
What are some potential drawbacks of on demand coffee makers?
One drawback is that they don’t use a separate carafe that can be removed and a second carafe inserted to make more coffee.
Is there an on demand coffee maker with built in grinder?
There is currently no coffee on demand device with a built in grinder.
