Do you love the smell of fresh coffee in the morning but hate the thought of spending a lot of money? Many people feel the same way! Buying a coffee maker can be tricky. There are so many types, and some cost a lot of cash. It’s hard to know which one will make great coffee without emptying your wallet.
You want a coffee maker that works well and doesn’t break the bank. Maybe you’re a student on a budget, or just someone who enjoys a good cup of joe without fancy gadgets. The good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune for a decent brew. We’re here to help you find a coffee maker that fits your needs and your budget.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best cheap coffee makers out there. We’ll show you what to look for, what features are important, and which ones give you the most bang for your buck. Get ready to discover how to enjoy delicious coffee every day without spending too much!
Our Top 5 Cheap Coffee Maker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Coffee Maker Detailed Reviews
1. Amazon Basics Coffee Makers
Rating: 8.8/10
The Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffee Maker is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable brew without a lot of fuss. Its sleek black and stainless steel design looks good on any counter, and its small size makes it ideal for kitchens with limited space, dorm rooms, or even your office desk. This coffee maker is all about simplicity, letting you enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with just the push of a button.
What We Like:
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: This coffee maker is small and doesn’t take up much space, making it great for apartments or offices. It brews just 5 cups, which is perfect for one or two people.
- SIMPLE OPERATION: You just plug it in and press the ON/OFF switch. An indicator light tells you when it’s working, so there’s no guesswork.
- KEEP YOUR COFFEE HOT: The warming plate keeps your coffee hot for a while after brewing, so you can enjoy a second cup without it getting cold. It won’t burn your coffee either.
- OVERHEAT PROTECTION: The machine has safety features that stop it if the water gets too low or if it gets too hot. This keeps it from overheating.
- EASY MAINTENANCE: The reusable filter basket is easy to remove and clean. This saves you money on paper filters and is better for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity: While 5 cups is good for small households, it might not be enough for families or if you have guests over often.
- Brewing Speed: Compared to larger, high-end coffee makers, this model might brew a bit slower.
This Amazon Basics coffee maker offers a straightforward way to get your daily caffeine fix. For those who value simplicity and a compact design, it’s a solid addition to any small kitchen or workspace.
2. Gourmia Drip Coffee Maker – 5 Cup
Rating: 8.6/10
Wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee without lifting a finger with the Gourmia 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker. This sleek, black machine is designed for convenience and perfect for small kitchens or busy mornings. Its one-touch brew feature makes starting your day simple, and the adjustable keep-warm function ensures your coffee stays at the perfect temperature.
What We Like:
- Set & Forget Convenience: Program your coffee to brew up to 24 hours in advance. Your coffee will be ready when you are!
- Perfect for Small Spaces: Its compact size (9.2″D x 6.2″W x 10.1″H) and light weight (3 lbs) make it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or office desks.
- Adjustable 4-Hour Keep Warm: You can set the hot plate to keep your coffee warm for anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. A freshness timer also tells you how long the coffee has been brewing.
- Pause & Serve Mid-Brew: Need a cup before the pot is done? The auto-stop drip lets you grab a mug without making a mess.
- EZ-View Water Window: Easily see how much water you’re adding. It uses #2 cone filters and the glass carafe is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- Brew Capacity: At 5 cups, it might be too small for households that drink a lot of coffee.
- Material: The plastic exterior, while lightweight, might not feel as premium as some higher-end models.
The Gourmia 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker offers fantastic features for its size and price point. It’s a smart choice for anyone who values convenience and a fresh cup of coffee on demand.
3. BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch
Rating: 8.5/10
Start your day right with the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker. This sleek black machine makes brewing delicious coffee simple and mess-free. Its smart design ensures every cup is full of rich flavor, and cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re in a rush or savoring your morning, this coffee maker is a great addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Vortex Technology: This special showerhead evenly wets the coffee grounds. This helps get the most flavor out of your coffee, making it taste richer.
- Sneak-a-Cup Feature: Need a quick cup before the whole pot is ready? This feature lets you pause brewing to pour your first mug without spills. Just remember to put the carafe back in 30 seconds.
- No-Drip Perfect Pour Spout: Say goodbye to messy countertops! The carafe’s spout is designed to pour coffee cleanly, so no more annoying drips.
- Removable Filter Basket: Cleaning up after brewing is super easy. The brew basket comes out and can be washed in the dishwasher. It works with regular basket-style paper filters.
- Keep Hot Carafe Plate: Your coffee stays warm and ready to drink. The plate keeps the coffee in the 12-cup carafe at the perfect temperature after brewing.
- Easy On/Off Switch: Simple to operate, you can easily turn the coffee maker on and off.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user guide advises returning the carafe within 30 seconds for the Sneak-a-Cup feature to avoid overflow. This might require a little attention.
This BLACK+DECKER coffee maker offers great flavor and convenience for your daily coffee routine. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and reliable brewing experience.
4. Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking for a simple way to make a perfect cup of coffee? The Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker is here to help. This coffee maker is designed for easy use, making your morning routine a breeze. It brews up to 5 cups, which is just right for one person or a small group. Plus, it has helpful features to make brewing even easier.
What We Like:
- The semi-transparent water reservoir has a clear level indicator, so you always know how much water you have.
- It comes with a 5-cup glass carafe, great for brewing just the right amount of coffee.
- The “Pause ‘N Serve” feature lets you grab a quick cup before the brewing is finished.
- It includes a reusable filter, which is good for the planet and saves you money.
- A simple on/off switch with a power light makes it super easy to operate. No complicated buttons or settings!
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5-cup capacity might be too small if you regularly make coffee for a larger crowd.
- While simple, it lacks advanced features like programmability or brew strength control.
This coffee maker is a fantastic choice for anyone who values simplicity and a good cup of coffee without any fuss. It’s a reliable option for your daily caffeine fix.
5. Amazon Basics Coffee Makers
Rating: 9.4/10
The Amazon Basics 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a straightforward and practical choice for anyone who enjoys a good cup of coffee at home, in their apartment, or at the office. Its sleek black and stainless steel design looks good on any countertop. This coffee maker is designed for ease of use, making your morning routine a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 12-cup capacity is great for families or when you have guests.
- It fits easily in smaller kitchens, which is a big plus for apartments.
- Starting your coffee is as simple as pressing an ON/OFF switch.
- A handy indicator light tells you when the coffee maker is on.
- The warming plate keeps your coffee hot without burning it.
- Safety is built-in with overheat protection, stopping the brew if the water is low or it gets too hot.
- The reusable filter basket is easy to remove and clean, saving you money and reducing waste.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more advanced brewing options, like strength control.
- The warming plate might not keep coffee hot for extremely long periods without some cooling.
This coffee maker offers a simple and reliable way to enjoy fresh coffee. It’s a solid option for daily use, providing convenience and safety.
Your Guide to Finding a Great, Affordable Coffee Maker
Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee to start their day? And who doesn’t love saving money? Finding a cheap coffee maker doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste or convenience. We’ll help you pick a brewer that fits your budget and your morning routine.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a budget-friendly coffee maker, keep these important features in mind:
- Brewing Capacity: How much coffee do you need? Most cheap makers brew 4-12 cups. Think about how many people will be drinking coffee.
- Programmable Timer: Some affordable models let you set a timer. This means your coffee can be ready when you wake up. It’s a nice convenience!
- Pause and Serve: This feature lets you grab a cup before the whole pot is brewed. It’s handy if you can’t wait.
- Carafe Type: You’ll usually find glass carafes. They are easy to clean but can break. Some slightly more expensive ones have thermal carafes that keep coffee hot longer.
- Removable Filter Basket: This makes cleaning up much easier. You can just toss the used grounds.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a coffee maker affect its durability and how it performs.
- Plastic: Most cheap coffee makers use plastic. Look for BPA-free plastic to be safe. Good quality plastic will last longer.
- Glass: Glass carafes are common. They are easy to see how much coffee is left. Be careful, as they can break.
- Stainless Steel: You might find some parts made of stainless steel, like the warming plate. This material is strong and won’t rust.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Even with a cheap coffee maker, some things make a difference.
- Heating Element: A good heating element brews coffee at the right temperature. This is important for taste. Some very cheap ones might not get hot enough.
- Water Reservoir Design: An easy-to-fill water reservoir is a big plus. If it’s hard to pour water in, it can be messy.
- Filter Quality: The coffee filter itself matters. Paper filters are common. Some machines use a reusable mesh filter, which saves money on filters.
- Build Sturdiness: Does the machine feel wobbly? A sturdier build often means it will last longer.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your coffee maker.
- For a Single Person or Couple: A smaller 4-6 cup maker is perfect. It saves counter space and brews just enough.
- For a Family or Roommates: You’ll want a larger 10-12 cup model. This ensures everyone gets a cup.
- For Busy Mornings: A programmable timer is a game-changer. Set it the night before, and wake up to fresh coffee.
- For Occasional Coffee Drinkers: A simple, no-frills model might be all you need. Just press a button and wait for your coffee.
A cheap coffee maker can be a wonderful addition to your kitchen. By focusing on these features and materials, you can find a machine that brews delicious coffee without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a cheap coffee maker?
A: The most important feature is usually its brewing capacity. You want to make sure it can brew enough coffee for your needs.
Q: Can I get a programmable coffee maker for cheap?
A: Yes, many affordable coffee makers offer a programmable timer. It’s a popular feature even on budget models.
Q: Are glass carafes safe?
A: Glass carafes are safe, but they can break if dropped. Handle them with care.
Q: What does “pause and serve” mean?
A: “Pause and serve” lets you take a cup of coffee out of the carafe before the brewing is completely finished.
Q: Should I worry about the plastic used in cheap coffee makers?
A: Look for BPA-free plastic. It’s a safer choice for your health.
Q: Are reusable filters better than paper filters?
A: Reusable filters save you money in the long run and are better for the environment. They can sometimes let more oils through, changing the taste slightly.
Q: How do I know if a cheap coffee maker will make good-tasting coffee?
A: Look for reviews that mention consistent brewing temperature. A good heating element is key for flavor.
Q: Are cheap coffee makers hard to clean?
A: Most are easy to clean. A removable filter basket makes cleanup much simpler.
Q: How long do cheap coffee makers usually last?
A: Durability can vary. A sturdier build and good quality plastic can help them last longer.
Q: Can I make iced coffee with a cheap coffee maker?
A: You can brew hot coffee and then cool it down to make iced coffee. Some machines have special settings for this, but they are usually more expensive.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!