A brew basket for a hot beverage maker has a funnel-shape with a relatively wide top end and relatively narrow bottom end. A stepped support ring is integral in and defines a ledge around a circumference of the brew basket. A filter pod is supported on its periphery by the support ring during brewing. An adaptor can be integrally attached to the brew basket to give a user an option to place a second filter pod in the brew basket to yield more or stronger brewed beverage.