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Last Updated on November 11, 2021
Today, we’ll compare two pretty different single-serve coffee makers – Chefman Single Serve Coffee Maker vs. Hamilton Beach 4981A.
At first sight, it seems like the only thing they have in common is that they both belong to the single-serve coffee makers category.
Is that so? We’re going to check in detail in this article. But let’s first look into the detailed Chefman Coffee Maker vs. Hamilton Beach 49981A comparison chart.
| Title | Hamilton Beach 49981A | |
| Image |  |
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| Brand | Chefman | Hamilton Beach |
| Model | Coffee Maker | 49981A |
| Type | Coffee Maker | Coffee Maker |
| Release | 2017 | 2014 |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
| Capacity | 1 Cup | 10 Cups |
| Auto-Off Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Water Tank | Yes | Yes |
| Water Tank Capacity | 10 ounces | 14 ounces |
| Adjustable Cup Height | – | 4 |
| Drip Tray | Yes | Yes |
| Water Level Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Milk Frothing System | No | No |
| Drink Strength Control | Yes | Yes |
| Bean to Cup | No | Yes |
| Pods | No | No |
| Ground Coffee | Yes | Yes |
| Batteries Required | No | No |
| Batteries Included | No | No |
| Strength Control | No | Yes |
| Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
| High Altitude Setting | No | No |
| Digital Clock | No | No |
| Energy Saver Mode | No | No |
| Cappucino | No | No |
| Espresso | Yes | Yes |
| Latte | No | No |
| Product Dimensions (HxWxL) | 6.8 x 13 x 5.3 inches | 9.8 x 7.6 x 13.5 inches |
| Product Weight | 2.2 pounds | 5.3 pounds |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Coffee Taste
When it comes to taste, it depends on the type of coffee you prefer. But, it looks like Chefman doesn’t brew coffee at an ideal or recommended temperature, which surely impacts the coffee taste. We won’t say that coffee is lukewarm, but it’s pretty close to it.
On the other side, Hamilton Beach 4981A is programmed to pause the brewing cycle a few times until it gets an optimal brewing temperature. You’ll be surprised how hot coffee it brews. All I’m going to say is that it’s much hotter than most coffee makers on the market, especially Chefman coffee makers.
Thus, when it comes to coffee taste, the clear winner is Hamilton Beach 4981A.
Ease of use (Interface and Programming)
Chefman Single Serve is probably one of the simplest to use coffee makers. This is because, put the coffee grounds in, pour the water and click the button. Have in mind that the cup shouldn’t be too short. Otherwise, the coffee might start splattering or spitting out around the cup.
Even considering this feature, Hamilton Beach 4981A seems to be the winner since it makes significantly less mess.
Capacity
Even if the Chefman coffee maker product description clearly states it has a capacity of up to 16 ounces, in reality, you’ll be able to get up to 10 ounces of coffee.
On the other side, Hamilton Beach 4981A has a capacity of 14 ounces, but it’s able to brew 8 ounces of coffee in just about 90 seconds. Since both machines are single-serve coffee makers, capacity isn’t that important. That’s why our choice, even considering this aspect only, would be Hamilton Beach 4981A.
Design
Chefman Single Serve coffee maker comes with a compact and sleek design, and it would be a great fit for any office desk. Of course, it would make a great addition to any kitchen design, especially its small footprint.
It’s made of stainless steel, and that seems to be its most precious feature.
Hamilton Beach 4981A is also made of stainless steel, but its rounded lines and overall design make it our favorite in this comparison. Chefman coffee maker looks like a stainless steel box with a hole compared to Hamilton Beach 4981A.
Carafe
Both coffee makers, Chefman and Hamilton Beach 4981A, come without a carafe. Thus you’ll need to use your coffee mugs. When it comes to coffee mugs, you better take care they are tall enough. Otherwise, the coffee will splatter or spit out around the mug. , the taller mug means less mess on the counter or your office desk. This applies only to the Chefman coffee maker.
Hamilton Beach 4981A has a metal piece at the bottom of the coffee maker, which goes upside-down and raises the cup, so there is no splashing or spitting the coffee around. Thus, even in this case, our winner is Hamilton Beach 4981A.
Features
Besides being made of stainless steel, the Chefman coffee maker comes with a permanent filter. Thus you don’t need to worry about changing it on time.
The manufacturer says you don’t need to use the Chefman coffee maker only for brewing coffee. Instead, you can use it for teas, instant soups, and making oatmeal.
Hamilton Beach 4981A also comes with a permanent filter. It’s a scoop or stainless steel mesh that keeps the coffee grounds from getting into your coffee. Besides the scoop, in other words, Hamilton Beach 4981A has another filter that aims to remove all impurities from the coffee.
Another important feature, which makes it more versatile than the Chefman coffee maker, is choosing between regular or bold coffee. This feature is pretty self-explanatory. If you prefer stronger coffee, you’ll push the ‘bold’ button. Otherwise, your choice will be a ‘regular’ or automatic drip.
So coffee brewing process is still simple as one push on a button, but it still makes the difference.
Of course, there is a learning curve which means you’ll need to experiment with the quantity of coffee in the scoop and bold and regular option, but you’ll get used to it.
Auto shut-off function is also important. It’s one of the details we like about it.
Overall Performance
We can’t help but get the impression that Chefman Single Serve is a coffee maker suitable only for emergency cases. So put, if you don’t have any other choice go and purchase it. However, according to users’ experience, the whole series has some serious issue that makes it hard to function properly for a long period.
Hamilton Beach 49981A is a far more versatile and convenient coffee maker which will satisfy your needs even if you’re a real coffee addict.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Made of stainless steel
- Simple to use
- Price
Cons
- The water could be hotter
- Durability is questionable
Hamilton Beach 49981A
Pros
- Proper brewing temperature
- Stainless steel mesh scoop
- Regular and Bold switch button
Cons
- You need to clean it with rubbing alcohol before first use
Final Verdict
The clear winner of this coffee maker’s battle is Hamilton Beach 49981A. It’s far more convenient and reliable than Chefman Coffee Maker. In addition, it’s built to last, and you won’t regret it if you purchase it.
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