combination toaster and coffee pot

They’re touted as space savers, efficient, three-in-one – combination coffee brewers. But are they worth it? We turn to coffee expert Liz Clayton, who penned an article early this month on 5 Coffee Splurges That Aren’t Worth The Money:

Just about anyone who’s ever had to set up a gift registry has probably hovered their mouse over one of these things while trolling the virtual aisles of Bed Bath & Beyond: After all, they look like the perfect compromise, making coffee one minute and fresh espresso the next.

I hate to burst your cappuccino bubble, buddy, but just like people, machines can spread themselves too thin. Try to do too much at once, and you’ll likely find that even if you manage to finish, your work won’t be nearly as good as if you’d specialized and focused. Same with these dual-purpose brewers—considering that don’t they regulate temperature or brewing time well enough to make a truly stunning pot of brewed coffee, can you really expect them to handle the pressure and heat requirements asked of a delicious shot of espresso? It’s like trying to make a soufflé in an Easy Bake Oven, people.

We’re with you Liz, and we’d like to take a look at five of the most ridiculous coffee combination brewers available on the market today.

5. LG Combination Microwave Coffee Maker

microwave_coffee_maker

I don’t want radioactive micro-waves anywhere near my brew! Take it back, puh-lease!

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4. Maxi-Matic 2-In-1 2 Slice Toaster Coffee Maker

maxi-matic-one-cup-combo

We know toast like we know our coffee – we want the best for both, and two-in-one just won’t do.

3. Hello Kitty Toaster Oven Griddle Coffee Combo

hello-kitty-toaster-griddle

Ah, gah! It’s looks like a toy you’d find at a flea market. We wouldn’t recommend putting eggs, bagels, or coffee anywhere near this pretty-in-pink monstrosity.

2. Deloghhi Hoop Dreams Coffee Maker

espresso-hoops

Want to play a game of horse while brewing some sound ground? Taken care of. The hoop can also double as extra turbulence for a more refined brew.

1. Hamilton Beach Step And Brew

step-and-brew

Brew a cuppa while getting your steps up? Now we’ve seen everything. Oh, brother!

Let’s find out what Liz’s advice is for anyone even considering these combo-bombs:

Try this instead: Invest in one unitasking coffee brewer for home that is convenient, reliable, and makes batches you can enjoy on most days: A high-quality electric brewer like a Technivorm Moccamaster, for instance, or an inexpensive pour-over set-up. When you’re craving espresso, go out for it: Make that your splurge, and insist on the good stuff—don’t settle for the swill that squirts out of that pathetic Krups you bought on a whim for your apartment. You and I both know you deserve better.

Take it one step further with a Baratza Forte coffee grinder, a Breville “Peek-A-Boo” toaster, and a bag of Hacienda Esmeralda. Now we’re talking!

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