Finding the right coffee maker when you’re working with a tight budget and limited counter space can feel like a daunting task. The market is saturated with compact, inexpensive models, but their performance can vary dramatically.
Choosing incorrectly can lead to a frustrating experience and a subpar cup of coffee. This guide is designed to cut through the noise, helping you identify true value without sacrificing quality.
We believe that a small price tag and a compact footprint shouldn’t mean compromising on a delicious brew. Our in-depth analysis focuses on finding the best cheap small coffee maker that delivers consistent results and excellent durability.
Join us as we explore the top contenders to help you find the best cheap small coffee maker to elevate your daily coffee ritual.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Best Cheap Small Coffee Maker Compared
🏆 BEST OVERALL Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker
- Compact design is ideal for small spaces.
- Auto-pause feature allows serving a cup before the brew cycle is complete.
- Removable filter basket simplifies the cleaning process.
- Ergonomic carafe with measurement markings is easy to handle and use.
4.6/5
Check Price on Amazon
🥈 2ND RUNNER UP Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens or single users.
- Includes a reusable filter, saving money and reducing waste.
- Helpful features like Pause ‘N Serve and a keep-warm plate.
- Clear water reservoir with level indicator makes filling easy and accurate.
4.5/5
Check Price on Amazon
� BEST VALUE Gourmia Coffee Maker – 5 Cup
- Extremely simple to operate with a single switch.
- Compact and lightweight design is perfect for small kitchens or offices.
- Pause & Serve feature works well and prevents spills.
- Automatic keep-warm function maintains coffee temperature.
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon
Amazon Basics 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker
- Automatic 2-hour shutoff for safety and energy savings.
- Compact and sleek design is ideal for small kitchens.
- Pause & Pour feature allows for serving a cup mid-brew.
- Durable glass carafe with a comfortable, drip-free pouring design.
4.4/5
Check Price on Amazon
Elite Gourmet EHC111A Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes 14Oz. Stainless Steel Interior Thermal Travel Mug
- Extremely fast brew time, under 60 seconds.
- Very compact and lightweight, ideal for small spaces.
- Simple one-touch operation is user-friendly.
- Includes a perfectly sized 12 oz. insulated travel mug.
4.5/5
Check Price on Amazon
Elite Gourmet EHC114 Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes 14Oz. Thermal Travel Mug with Stainless Steel Interior
- Includes a 14 oz insulated travel mug, making it an all-in-one system.
- Simple one-touch operation is very easy to use.
- Comes with a reusable filter, eliminating the need for disposable paper filters.
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices.
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon
Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
- Reusable filter is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
- Simple one-touch operation is very user-friendly.
- Pause ‘n Serve feature adds convenience for impatient coffee drinkers.
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
- Extremely compact and slim design is perfect for small spaces.
- Simple one-touch operation is very user-friendly.
- Brews quickly, delivering a fresh cup in minutes.
- Removable drip tray accommodates travel mugs up to 7 inches tall.
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch
- Vortex spray head ensures even water distribution for better flavor.
- ‘Sneak-a-Cup’ feature allows for pouring a cup before the brew cycle is finished.
- Carafe spout is designed to pour cleanly without dripping.
- Removable filter basket is dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup.
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon
Horavie Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup and Ground Coffee
- Supports both K-Pods and ground coffee for brewing flexibility.
- Fast brewing cycle, producing a hot cup in approximately 120 seconds.
- Compact and lightweight design is ideal for small spaces like offices or RVs.
- Simple one-button operation is very user-friendly.
4.4/5
Check Price on Amazon
Detailed Reviews of the Best Cheap Small Coffee Maker
Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker – Compact design is ideal for small spaces.
This coffee maker is a straightforward and compact appliance, well-suited for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or office spaces. Its design focuses on the essentials of coffee brewing without adding complex features. The ‘Grab-a-Cup’ auto-pause function is a practical touch, allowing you to pour a cup mid-brew without making a mess, which is great for busy mornings.
Cleanup is also simplified thanks to the removable ‘Lift & Clean’ filter basket. The updated glass carafe is comfortable to hold and pour from, and the ounce markings on the side are helpful for measuring the right amount of water. While it lacks programmable timers or brew-strength controls, it reliably performs its primary function: brewing a standard pot of coffee.
It’s a no-frills machine that prioritizes simplicity and a small footprint over advanced functionality, making it a solid choice for users who value ease of use.
Pros
- Compact design is ideal for small spaces.
- Auto-pause feature allows serving a cup before the brew cycle is complete.
- Removable filter basket simplifies the cleaning process.
- Ergonomic carafe with measurement markings is easy to handle and use.
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like a programmable timer or brew strength control.
- The glass carafe is less durable and retains heat for a shorter time than a thermal one.
Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve – Compact size is ideal for small kitchens or single users.
This 4-cup coffee maker is a solid, straightforward appliance, well-suited for small households or individual use. The semi-transparent water reservoir with a clear level indicator is a practical feature that helps prevent overfilling. Its compact size is a major benefit for anyone with limited counter space.
The inclusion of a reusable filter is a nice touch, making it both eco-friendly and more economical over time. Standard features like the ‘Pause ‘N Serve’ and the automatic ‘Keep Warm’ function perform reliably, adding a layer of convenience to the daily routine. While it lacks advanced settings, it consistently brews a decent pot of coffee without any complexity.
It’s a simple, no-frills machine that does exactly what it’s supposed to do, making it a good choice for a dorm, small apartment, or office.
Pros
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens or single users.
- Includes a reusable filter, saving money and reducing waste.
- Helpful features like Pause ‘N Serve and a keep-warm plate.
- Clear water reservoir with level indicator makes filling easy and accurate.
Cons
- Limited 4-cup capacity is not suitable for larger households or entertaining guests.
- Lacks advanced features like a programmable timer or brew-strength control.
Gourmia Coffee Maker – 5 Cup – Extremely simple to operate with a single switch.
This coffee maker is a solid, no-frills option for basic daily brewing. The one-touch operation is incredibly straightforward—just add water and grounds, then press a single button to start. Its 5-cup capacity is a good size for one or two people, yielding about two standard mugs of coffee.
I found the ‘Pause & Serve’ feature to be quite convenient, as it lets you grab a cup mid-brew without any dripping on the warming plate. The automatic keep-warm function does its job well, maintaining a decent temperature after brewing is complete. Its best feature is arguably the compact and lightweight design, which takes up minimal counter space and is easy to move or store.
While it lacks advanced settings like a programmable timer or brew strength control, it excels at its core function: making a simple, decent pot of coffee quickly and efficiently.
Pros
- Extremely simple to operate with a single switch.
- Compact and lightweight design is perfect for small kitchens or offices.
- Pause & Serve feature works well and prevents spills.
- Automatic keep-warm function maintains coffee temperature.
- Good capacity for one or two people’s daily needs.
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like a programmable timer or brew strength settings.
- The 5-cup capacity may be too small for households with multiple coffee drinkers.
Amazon Basics 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Automatic 2-hour shutoff for safety and energy savings.
This 5-cup coffee maker is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward and compact machine. Its sleek, modern design fits well in contemporary kitchens without taking up much counter space. The core features are practical and well-executed.
The 2-hour automatic shutoff provides peace of mind, ensuring safety and energy conservation. For those impatient for their first cup, the ‘Pause & Pour’ function works as advertised, allowing you to grab a cup mid-brew without creating a mess. The Duralife glass carafe feels sturdy, and the ergonomic handle helps with a clean, drip-free pour.
Cleaning is also simple thanks to the removable filter basket. While it lacks advanced programming or brew strength options, it reliably handles the essential task of brewing a small pot of coffee. It’s a functional appliance that delivers on its basic promises for daily use by one or two people.
Pros
- Automatic 2-hour shutoff for safety and energy savings.
- Compact and sleek design is ideal for small kitchens.
- Pause & Pour feature allows for serving a cup mid-brew.
- Durable glass carafe with a comfortable, drip-free pouring design.
- Removable filter basket simplifies the cleaning process.
Cons
- The 5-cup capacity is not suitable for larger households or entertaining guests.
- Lacks advanced features like a programmable timer or brew strength control.
Elite Gourmet EHC111A Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes 14Oz. Stainless Steel Interior Thermal Travel Mug – Extremely fast brew time, under 60 seconds.
This single-serve coffee maker delivers on its promise of speed and simplicity. The one-touch operation is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for busy mornings. It consistently brews a cup in about a minute, and the coffee comes out at a decent, hot temperature.
The included 12 oz. insulated travel mug is a significant plus; it fits perfectly under the dispenser, allowing you to brew directly into it and go. Its best feature is the compact design, which takes up very little counter space, making it a great fit for a small kitchen, dorm room, or an office desk.
While it lacks advanced features like brew strength control, it performs its core function—brewing a quick, single cup of coffee—very reliably. It’s a no-fuss machine for those who prioritize convenience and space-saving over customization.
Pros
- Extremely fast brew time, under 60 seconds.
- Very compact and lightweight, ideal for small spaces.
- Simple one-touch operation is user-friendly.
- Includes a perfectly sized 12 oz. insulated travel mug.
- Portable design is suitable for travel or office use.
Cons
- Limited to a single 12 oz. serving size.
- Lacks any customization features like brew strength or temperature control.
Elite Gourmet EHC114 Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker Brewer Includes 14Oz. Thermal Travel Mug with Stainless Steel Interior – Includes a 14 oz insulated travel mug, making it an all-in-one system.
The Elite Gourmet personal coffee maker is a straightforward and compact solution for single-cup brewing. Its main appeal is the all-in-one design, which conveniently includes a 14-ounce insulated travel mug that fits perfectly under the dispenser. The one-touch operation is incredibly simple—just add water, your favorite coffee grounds to the reusable filter, and press the button.
It brews a cup relatively quickly, making it suitable for busy mornings when you just need to grab your coffee and go. The reusable filter is a nice touch, helping to reduce waste and the ongoing cost of paper filters. While it lacks any advanced features, it performs its core function reliably.
It’s a no-frills machine that delivers a basic, hot cup of coffee without the hassle of a larger, more complex brewer. The overall build is functional for its price point, designed for convenience over customization.
Pros
- Includes a 14 oz insulated travel mug, making it an all-in-one system.
- Simple one-touch operation is very easy to use.
- Comes with a reusable filter, eliminating the need for disposable paper filters.
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices.
- Quick brewing process is convenient for on-the-go mornings.
Cons
- Strictly a single-serve machine, not suitable for making multiple cups at once.
- Lacks any customization for brew strength, temperature, or volume.
Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter – Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
This 5-cup coffee maker is a solid, no-frills appliance that performs its core function well. Its compact size is perfect for small countertops, and the 5-cup capacity is ideal for one or two people. I found the semi-transparent water reservoir with its level indicator quite helpful for preventing over- or under-filling.
The included reusable filter is a great feature, saving money on disposable paper filters and reducing waste. The Pause ‘n Serve function works as advertised, letting you grab a quick cup mid-brew without any dripping. Operation is as simple as it gets with a single illuminated on/off switch.
While it lacks the advanced programming of more expensive models, its simplicity is its strength. It consistently brews a decent pot of coffee without any complicated setup, making it a reliable choice for a basic morning routine.
Pros
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
- Reusable filter is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
- Simple one-touch operation is very user-friendly.
- Pause ‘n Serve feature adds convenience for impatient coffee drinkers.
- Clear water reservoir makes it easy to see the water level.
Cons
- Small 5-cup capacity is not suitable for larger households or entertaining guests.
- Lacks advanced features like an auto-shutoff function or a programmable timer.
Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker – Extremely compact and slim design is perfect for small spaces.
The Keurig K-Mini is a straightforward, no-frills single-serve coffee maker that excels in its primary purpose: saving space. At less than five inches wide, it fits perfectly in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office nooks. Operation is simple – just add water to the reservoir for each cup, insert a K-Cup pod, and press brew.
It quickly brews a decent cup of coffee in sizes ranging from 6 to 12 ounces. The build is lightweight, and features like the cord storage and removable drip tray for travel mugs are practical additions. While it lacks any advanced settings like temperature or strength control, it reliably delivers a hot beverage in minutes.
The auto-off feature is a nice touch for energy savings. It’s a purpose-built machine for those who value convenience and a minimal footprint over extensive customization options.
Pros
- Extremely compact and slim design is perfect for small spaces.
- Simple one-touch operation is very user-friendly.
- Brews quickly, delivering a fresh cup in minutes.
- Removable drip tray accommodates travel mugs up to 7 inches tall.
- Auto-off feature helps conserve energy.
- Compatible with a reusable filter for using your own ground coffee.
Cons
- The single-cup reservoir must be refilled with water for every brew.
- Lacks any brew customization features like temperature or strength control.
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch – Vortex spray head ensures even water distribution for better flavor.
This coffee maker is a straightforward and functional appliance that handles the basics well. The Vortex Technology showerhead is designed to saturate the coffee grounds more evenly, which seems to contribute to a well-rounded and flavorful brew without much effort. For daily convenience, the ‘Sneak-a-Cup’ feature is quite useful, allowing you to grab a cup mid-brew without creating a mess, provided you return the carafe promptly.
The no-drip spout is also effective, preventing annoying spills on the counter or hot plate. Cleaning is simple thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe filter basket. The ‘Keep Hot’ plate does its job, maintaining a warm temperature for a while after brewing is complete.
It’s a reliable machine that focuses on core functions rather than extra features, making it a solid choice for everyday coffee needs.
Pros
- Vortex spray head ensures even water distribution for better flavor.
- ‘Sneak-a-Cup’ feature allows for pouring a cup before the brew cycle is finished.
- Carafe spout is designed to pour cleanly without dripping.
- Removable filter basket is dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup.
- Heated plate keeps the carafe of coffee warm after brewing.
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like a programmable timer or brew strength control.
- Relies on a hot plate for warmth, which can alter the coffee’s taste if left on for too long.
Horavie Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup and Ground Coffee – Supports both K-Pods and ground coffee for brewing flexibility.
The Horavie single-serve coffee maker is a practical and versatile appliance for individual use. Its main strength lies in its dual-brewing capability, accommodating both K-Pods and ground coffee, which offers great flexibility. The machine allows for brew sizes between 6 and 12 ounces, catering to different preferences.
Operation is straightforward with a single button, and it brews a cup in about two minutes, which is convenient for busy mornings. Its compact footprint makes it a solid choice for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or an office desk. The construction feels sturdy, using BPA-free materials, and the water-level window is a helpful touch.
The inclusion of a self-cleaning function and a descaling reminder is a significant advantage for long-term maintenance and performance, helping to keep the coffee tasting fresh. It’s a well-designed machine for its intended purpose of making one cup at a time.
Pros
- Supports both K-Pods and ground coffee for brewing flexibility.
- Fast brewing cycle, producing a hot cup in approximately 120 seconds.
- Compact and lightweight design is ideal for small spaces like offices or RVs.
- Simple one-button operation is very user-friendly.
- Features a helpful self-cleaning function and descaling reminder light.
- Adjustable brew sizes (6-12oz) to suit personal taste.
Cons
- The water reservoir is small and must be filled for each individual cup.
- Strictly a single-cup brewer, not suitable for serving multiple people at once.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Cheap Small Coffee Maker
No buying guide available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Cheap Small Coffee Maker
No FAQs available.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker this is a solid, basic coffee maker that does its job without any fuss. it’s recommended for anyone seeking a simple, space-saving, and easy-to-clean machine for daily coffee brewing.