Hamilton Beach Gen 4 FlexBrew
Score: 83/100
Kidisle Espresso Machine
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Hamilton Beach Gen 4 FlexBrew 49901 features a large removable 50-oz reservoir and rapid 90-second brewing, providing strong performance and versatility across pod and ground coffee. It lacks detailed power-consumption specs and self-cleaning functionality. Perfect for households with multiple coffee drinkers needing fast, flexible brewing.
The Kidisle 20 Bar Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic espresso maker offering rapid 25-second heat-up and a generous 1.4 L water tank, while supporting multiple capsule types. Its lack of a built-in milk frother and relatively heavy build may limit portability. Ideal for espresso lovers in small spaces who value versatility.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 90 secondsbest | — |
1,479 mlbest | 1,400 ml | |
1,400 Wbest | 1,350 W | |
| ↓ lower better | 1,400 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 2,250 gbest | 4,418 g |
| ↓ lower better | — | 25 secondsbest |
— | 20 barbest | |
1 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Compatible Pod Systems | Pod packs | Nespresso Original, Dolce Gusto, Ground Coffee, ESE Pods |
Power(1) | ||
Power Wattage (W) | 1400 W | 1350 W |
Design & Capacity(3) | ||
Water Reservoir Capacity (ml) | 1479 ml | 1400 ml |
Weight (g) | 2250 g | 4418 g |
Dimensions (HxWxD) (cm) | 34.9x16.7x30.0 cm cm | 33.0 x 12.7 x 26.4 cm cm |
Features(1) | ||
Brew Size Options | 8-10 oz;8-14 oz | single, double |
Controls(1) | ||
Control Type | Touch-sensitive capacitive | Smart touch panel |
Accessories(1) | ||
Included Accessories | Pod holder;Single-serve brew basket;Removable cup rest | Water tank |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Consumer Reports lists the FlexBrew 49901’s specifications—including its removable 50‑oz reservoir, height‑adjustable drip tray, auto‑off feature, and K‑Cup compatibility—but does not provide detailed performance ratings or editorial commentary, leaving the professional assessment largely descriptive rather than evaluative.
Professional reviewers and editors commend the Kidisle 20 Bar for its broad capsule compatibility, rapid 25-second heat-up, and generous 47 oz water tank, noting that it delivers café-quality crema and is easy to operate via its smart touch panel. The main criticisms revolve around limited long-term data and the dedicated ESE pod basket that cannot accommodate ground coffee.
“effortless operation, crema quality, and fewer refills”
Everyday users consistently praise the machine's effortless operation, quick start-up, high-quality crema, and the convenience of a large water tank that reduces refilling. Complaints are sparse but include occasional accessory fit issues and the lack of an integrated milk frother.
