For those on a budget who need a morning caffeine fix with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, having the best cheap coffee maker is essential. Drip coffee makers with basic features can be affordable and still deliver a delicious cup every day.
Top Picks
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: This coffee maker is convenient for homes, apartments, and offices due to its 12 cup capacity, fitting easily into compact spaces
- SIMPLE OPERATION: Brew with ease using this drip coffee maker by pressing the ON/OFF switch. The indicator light clearly shows when the coffee maker is active for added convenience
- KEEP YOUR COFFEE HOT: This 12-Cup coffee maker has a warming plate that keeps your brew warm until you turn it off, without scorching
- OVERHEAT PROTECTION: This stainless steel coffee machine prevents stops brewing when water is low or temperature exceeds the rated temperature, helping prevent overheating and dry-boiling
- EASY MAINTENANCE: The reusable filter basket is removable for quick cleanup, reducing waste and making it easy to keep your coffee maker in top condition
- SEMI-TRANSPARENT WATER RESERVOIR holds up to 5 cups of water capacity with a level indicator to always ensure you have enough water ready for brewing.
- 5 CUP GLASS CARAFE for brewing the perfect quantity of hot fresh coffee for an individual or a small group of people.
- PAUSE 'N SERVE allows a quick sneak of fresh coffee in the middle of brewing of you're running low on time or just need a quick coffee fix.
- RE-USABLE FILTER in a swing-out basket is better for the environment and reduces additional cost of paper cone filters.
- SIMPLE ON/OFF SWITCH with a Power Indicator Light, plus no special programming or settings to complicate the coffee maker function.
- SEMI-TRANSPARENT WATER RESERVOIR holds up to 4 cups of water capacity with a level indicator to always ensure you have enough water ready for brewing.
- 4 CUP GLASS CARAFE for brewing the perfect quantity of hot fresh coffee for an individual or a small group of people.
- PAUSE 'N SERVE allows a quick pour of fresh coffee in the middle of the brewing cycle if you're running low on time or just need a quick coffee fix.
- KEEP WARM FUNCTION automatically turns on when brewing to keep your coffee hot & fresh.
- RE-USABLE FILTER with removable filter basket is easy to clean and better for the environment by reducing the need for paper cone filters.
Best Cheap Coffee Makers
BLACK+DECKER 12 Cup Digital Coffee Maker
BLACK+DECKER is a long-standing brand that delivers reliable appliances. This 12 Cup digital coffee maker with a glass carafe is under $35 and has programmable digital features that are easy to read. We love the “sneak-a-cup” feature that allows you to grab a cup without a mess when you are in a hurry and don’t want to wait for the whole pot to brew.
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker is the lowest price Keurig. If you prefer using coffee pods instead of ground coffee beans, we think this is the best pod maker. It’s a great cheap option if you only need one cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. It’s small design will fit easily in any kitchen set-up, so it could even be great for college students in dorm living who are tight on space.
More: Best Coffee Makers | Best Cheap Coffee Makers | Best Drip Coffee Makers | Best Cheap Keurig Coffee Makers | Best Single Serve Coffee Makers
Mr. Coffee Black Coffee Maker
Mr. Coffee is another reliable brand that makes cheap coffee makers that cover all the basic functions you need. This one has a simplistic design with just an on/off switch that is easy to use. It can brew up to 12 cups and the basket easily lifts out for cleaning and filling. Mr. Coffee coffee makers deliver a smooth, rich tasting pot of coffee for you to enjoy.
Taylor Swoden 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
We were not familiar with Taylor Swoden until we can across this 12-cup programmable coffee maker that is under $40. It has many programmable features like auto brew, clean and even a way to select your coffee strength. You can also brew your 12 cup pot and have it be kept warm for up to 2 hours. A measuring spoon and removable filter basket is included in the package so you can save even more by not needing paper filter cups. This coffee maker is easy to use and program.
BLACK+DECKER 12 Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Maker with Brew Strength and VORTEX Technology
If you like the design and extended warmth of a thermal coffee pot, we recommend this BLACK+DECKER 12 Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Maker. It’s a little pricer than that standard BLACK+DECKER model, but you get a lot of bang for you buck with the higher-quality thermal carafe and extra features like a brew strength selector and a basket with VORTEX technology that evenly soaks the coffee grounds in the basket for smooth, rich flavor.
Bodum 34 Oz Pour Over Coffee Maker
The Bodum 34 oz pour over coffee maker is a great alternative to the classic drip coffee maker and is perfect for coffee lovers who want a bold taste. You also really safe on space with Bodum’s design of a stainless steel basket that sits on top of a glass container and is connected together with an elegant leather tie and cork. Simply fill the basket with freshly ground coffee and slowly pour heated water into the top. In a few minutes, you will have a perfectly brewed up. It’s also more eco-friendly as you won’t waste on paper filter baskets and it is a long lasting product.
Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffee Maker with Reusable Filter
This mini 5-cup drip coffee maker from Amazon Basics is cute and compact and will brew a nice small pot of coffee. It’s easy to use with a simple switch and a see-through glass for the water level. Amazon makes a number of home appliances and essentials at a low price that are good quality. With fewer cups to brew, the brewing process is quick and makes delicious coffee.
Holstein Housewares – 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker
If you are looking for some flare and bold color from your coffee maker, Holstein Housewares makes an adorable 5 cup coffee maker that comes in a variety of colors including teal, red and yellow. Similar to other compact models, this is a very basic coffee maker that will start brewing at the flip of a switch and has a decent hot plate to keep your coffee at the ideal temperature. If you need a quick cup of coffee in the morning, this is a great and fun model that will meet your needs.
Cuisinart DCC-5570 5-Cup Coffeemaker with Stainless Steel Carafe
If you value high-end brand but are on a budget, this Cuisinart 5-Cup coffee maker with stainless steel carafe is a great option. It’s small, but you will enjoy the higher quality that Cuisnart bring to the world of home appliances. The water reservior is removable to make it easy to fill and it comes equipped with a charcoal water filter to give you the best taste. The warmer plate will keep coffee warmer for up to 30 minutes and the stainless steel carafe can even extend that time frame, keeping coffee warm and fresh in a tightly sealed thermal container.
Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffee Maker
We love the sleek design of this Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffee Maker. The swing out basket and water container make it very easy to fill and clean. It has all the features you could want like programming to start at a particular time, clean function and strength control with 4 settings. If you want a cheap, long-lasting, quality coffee maker, this is a great choice.
FAQs on the Best Cheap Coffee Maker
Do cheap coffee machines make good coffee?
Yes, you don’t need an expensive coffee maker to have good tasting coffee. Plenty basic models can do an excellent job brewing a strong pot of coffee. In our opinion, the taste is impacted more by the quality and type of coffee beans than the actual appliance. It’s also important to keep your coffee maker clean. There can be build up of mold from water sitting around, limescale and coffee grinds if you don’t properly clean your coffee maker regularly. Running a mix of distilled white vinegar and water through your pot once a month can help kill mold and reduce buildup.
What is the best coffee maker under $50?
Most of our top picks above are under $50. We think the best cheap coffee maker under $50 is the BLACK+DECKER 12 Cup digital coffee maker. It’s a reliable manufacturer and is easy to use and clean. We like that it has more features than a simple on/off switch, so you can program the timing, strength and cleaning. This coffee maker will meet all your needs for daily use or when you guests.
What is the best self making coffee machine?
Keurig has been the most popular self making coffee machine for years. Just fill with a cup of water, add a coffee pod with your desired strength and flavor, and with the press of a button you will have the perfect single cup of coffee. No drips and no grinds to clean up. There are many different Keurig models to choose from and as the brad has maintained popularity, they have added more features and colors. We recommend the Keurig K-Mini Cup coffee machine if you are in a budget and don’t need to make a big pot of coffee everyday.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive coffee makers?
While cheap and expensive coffee makers can both produce good tasting coffee, there are some difference you may want to consider before deciding which model is best for you.
Material: cheap coffee makers are usually made from plastic, while more expensive models are made from stainless steel. Additionally, if you want a durable product from the best materials, you may have to spend a bit more.
Water heater: a more expensive model will have a better water heater to make the perfect temperature with more options for precise temperature control.
Brewing time: more expensive coffee makers brew a pot of coffee quicker. A shorter amount of time for extraction of the beans results in a smoother, less bitter taste.
The differences in these features may not be too great between a cheaper model and more expensive, so it wouldn’t hurt to try a cheap model first to see if it meets your satisfaction.
Is there really a difference in coffee makers?
The basic function of a drip coffee maker is that same no water which brand you choose or how much you spend. Hot water drips slowly into the basket of coffee grinds and into a pot. The differences can come from features. For example, there is a feature to change the temperature of the water and the temperature of the hot plate, or to slow the speed of the drip to make a stronger flavor. Also some coffee makers have water filters to remove impurities and enhance taste. So if you are not too picky and simply want a cup of coffe from home, a basic cheap coffee maker will meet your needs. If you are a coffee enthusiast, you may want to invest in a more advanced model with more features.
What is a reliable coffee maker?
A reliable coffee maker will consistently deliver a good tasting cup of coffee and will not break for at least a year. Some manufacturers will offer a two to five year warranty, so you can rest at ease that you have chosen a reliable appliance. BLACK+DECKER, Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart and Keurig are all quality brands that are well made and reliable.
What is the number one selling coffee brand?
Some of the top selling coffee brands in the US are Starbucks, Lavazza, Folgers, Maxwell House, Dunkin’ Donuts and Pete’s. The popularity of Starbucks coffee shops significantly help to drive sales of their whole coffee beans and ground coffee in retail stores, making it the number one selling coffee brand. Folgers comes ina close second and has been a household name for ground coffee since 1850.
When it comes to coffee pods for Keurig, Green Mountain Coffee is the number one selling coffee brand for K-Cups with over 100 flavors and varieties.
Does a coffee maker save money?
Yes, having a good, cheap, reliable coffee maker will save you money in the short and long term. A regular cup of coffee costs $2.45 – $3.50. If you order a specialty drink it’s more that $4. If you drink coffee everyday, you could save over $1,200 a year making your coffee at home and that money could be better spent elsewhere.
What is the average lifespan of a coffee maker?
The average lifespan of a coffee maker can very depending on the usage, how well you maintain and clean it and the brand. It general, your coffee maker should last around 4-5 years or at least 2 years for a cheap coffee maker.
Some signs that it may be time to replace your coffee maker are if the taste of our coffee changes and is not as good, the temperate is not hot enough, or if it just stops working consistently.
What is a good coffee maker that keeps coffee hot?
If you want your coffee to stay hot for a long time, you should look for a coffee maker with a thermal carafe that is insulated and tightly sealed. For a cheap coffee maker that keeps coffee hot, we recommend the Cuisinart DCC-5570 5-Cup Coffeemaker with Stainless Steel Carafe.
The Bottom Line
Overall a cheap coffee maker has the same basic function as an expensive model and can still delivery a great tasting cup of coffee without breaking the bank. Selecting a reliable brand like BLACK+DECKER or Cuisinart will ensure your product is reliable and will last a long time.
You can enhance the taste of your coffee by selecting quality beans with the strength you prefer. There are so many brands and varieties to choose from. Just remember to keep your coffee maker clean to ensure that lifespan of your product and avoid build up that could make a bad taste.
