—
For many, coffee is a daily necessity, but that doesn’t mean breaking the bank for a decent cup. The market for affordable coffee makers is vast, but navigating it can be tricky.
Finding the best best cheap coffee maker requires careful consideration of quality, brewing capabilities, and, crucially, value. We understand the importance of starting your day right without emptying your wallet.
That’s why we’ve rigorously researched and assessed a range of budget-friendly options. Our goal is to help you discover the best best cheap coffee maker that delivers a satisfying brew, reliable performance, and exceptional bang for your buck.
Read on to discover our top picks and learn how to make the most informed decision. —
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Best Cheap Coffee Maker Compared
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker
- Sturdy 12-cup Duralife glass carafe with measurement markings.
- Convenient ‘Sneak-a-Cup’ feature.
- Easy-view water window for accurate filling.
- Intuitive digital controls with rubberized buttons.
4.6/5
Check Price on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch
- Vortex Technology for improved coffee extraction.
- Sneak-a-Cup feature for convenient mid-brew pouring.
- No-Drip Perfect Pour Spout minimizes spills.
- Removable, dishwasher-safe filter basket for easy cleaning.
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon
Amazon Basics Coffee Makers
- Compact size ideal for small spaces
- Simple one-button operation
- Warming plate keeps coffee warm
- Overheat protection for safety
4.8/5
Check Price on Amazon
Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer
- Offers Classic and Rich brew styles for customizable flavor.
- Features a 12-cup glass carafe suitable for various batch sizes.
- Includes a 24-hour programmable delay for brewing in advance.
- Provides an adjustable warming plate to keep coffee warm.
4.5/5
Check Price on Amazon
SHARDOR 10-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
- 24-hour programmable timer for automated brewing
- LCD touch screen for easy operation
- Keeps coffee warm for 2 hours
- Two brewing strength options
4.7/5
Check Price on Amazon
Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve
- Semi-transparent water reservoir with level indicator.
- 4-cup glass carafe is suitable for individual or small-group use.
- Pause ‘n serve function for quick coffee access.
- Keep-warm function maintains coffee temperature.
4.3/5
Check Price on Amazon
Mr. Coffee® 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker
- Convenient Brew Later function for pre-setting brew time.
- Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause allows for mid-brew pours.
- Lift and Clean Filter Basket simplifies cleaning.
- Programmable LED display for easy operation.
4.6/5
Check Price on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup* Programmable Coffeemaker
- Large 12-cup capacity
- 24-hour programmable auto-brew
- Sneak-A-Cup feature allows mid-brew pouring
- Removable, dishwasher-safe brew basket for easy cleanup
4.4/5
Check Price on Amazon
Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter
- Semi-transparent water reservoir for easy monitoring.
- Convenient pause-and-serve feature.
- Reusable filter eliminates the need for paper filters.
- Simple on/off switch for easy operation.
4.4/5
Check Price on Amazon
Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Borosilicate Carafe
- Large 60oz capacity
- Durable borosilicate glass carafe
- Reusable filter included
- Keep-warm function with 2-hour auto shut-off
4.5/5
Check Price on Amazon
Detailed Reviews of the Best Best Cheap Coffee Maker
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker – Sturdy 12-cup Duralife glass carafe with measurement markings.
This coffee maker offers a decent set of features for its price point. The 12-cup Duralife glass carafe feels sturdy and has clear measurement markings, which is helpful for consistent brewing. The ‘Sneak-a-Cup’ feature is a welcome addition for those who can’t wait for the full pot.
The easy-view water window is convenient for accurate filling. The digital controls with rubberized buttons are intuitive and the screen is easy to read. The programmable auto-brew function is a significant plus, allowing you to schedule your brew in advance.
The 2-hour auto shutoff provides a degree of safety, however some users may want a longer shut-off time. Overall, it’s a solid machine with some convenient features.
Pros
- Sturdy 12-cup Duralife glass carafe with measurement markings.
- Convenient ‘Sneak-a-Cup’ feature.
- Easy-view water window for accurate filling.
- Intuitive digital controls with rubberized buttons.
- Programmable auto-brew feature for scheduled brewing.
- 2-hour auto shutoff for safety.
Cons
- 2-hour auto shutoff may be too short for some users.
- Cup size measured at 5 oz, may vary with different techniques.
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch – Vortex Technology for improved coffee extraction.
This coffee maker offers a range of features aimed at enhancing the brewing experience. The ‘Vortex Technology’ promises thorough saturation of coffee grounds, potentially leading to better flavor extraction. The ‘Sneak-a-Cup’ function is a convenient addition, allowing for an early cup without interrupting the brewing process, although users should be mindful of the time limit to avoid overflow.
The ‘No-Drip Perfect Pour Spout’ addresses a common annoyance and appears to function well. The inclusion of a removable and dishwasher-safe filter basket simplifies cleanup. The ‘Keep Hot Carafe Plate’ maintains the coffee at a palatable temperature after brewing.
Overall, this coffee maker seems well-designed with practical features, although long-term durability remains to be seen.
Pros
- Vortex Technology for improved coffee extraction.
- Sneak-a-Cup feature for convenient mid-brew pouring.
- No-Drip Perfect Pour Spout minimizes spills.
- Removable, dishwasher-safe filter basket for easy cleaning.
- Keep Hot Carafe Plate maintains coffee temperature.
Cons
- Sneak-a-Cup requires attention to the 30-second time limit to prevent overflow.
- Long-term durability not yet known.
Amazon Basics Coffee Makers – Compact size ideal for small spaces
This compact coffee maker offers a convenient solution for individuals or small households seeking a simple and efficient brewing experience. Its 5-cup capacity makes it suitable for personal use or limited servings. The one-button operation ensures ease of use, while the warming plate maintains coffee temperature after brewing.
Overheat protection is a welcome safety feature. The removable, reusable filter basket simplifies cleaning and reduces the need for disposable filters. Overall, this coffee maker appears to be a practical choice for those prioritizing simplicity and ease of maintenance in a compact design.
The stainless steel accents provide a modern, clean look.
Pros
- Compact size ideal for small spaces
- Simple one-button operation
- Warming plate keeps coffee warm
- Overheat protection for safety
- Reusable and removable filter basket for easy cleaning
Cons
- 5-cup capacity may be insufficient for larger households.
- No programmable features (e.g., auto-start)
Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer – Offers Classic and Rich brew styles for customizable flavor.
The Ninja Programmable Brewer offers a variety of features designed to enhance the coffee brewing experience. With options for both classic and rich brews, users can customize the strength to their preference. The 12-cup glass carafe is suitable for both small and large batches, while the small batch function prevents diluted coffee when brewing less than a full pot.
The 24-hour programmable delay allows for preparing coffee in advance, and the adjustable warming plate keeps it warm for up to 4 hours. The removable water reservoir and clean setting contribute to ease of use. Overall, this brewer provides a solid set of functionalities for a customizable coffee experience.
Pros
- Offers Classic and Rich brew styles for customizable flavor.
- Features a 12-cup glass carafe suitable for various batch sizes.
- Includes a 24-hour programmable delay for brewing in advance.
- Provides an adjustable warming plate to keep coffee warm.
- Removable water reservoir simplifies filling.
- Integrated Clean setting for easy maintenance.
Cons
- Glass carafe is more prone to breaking than stainless steel options.
- Warming plate only keeps coffee warm for up to 4 hours, which might not be sufficient for some users.
SHARDOR 10-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker – 24-hour programmable timer for automated brewing
This coffee maker offers several useful features, including a programmable timer, an LCD touch screen, and a warming plate that keeps coffee hot for up to two hours. The ability to select between two brewing strengths is a nice customization option. The auto shut-off feature provides added safety and energy conservation.
The pause-and-serve function is convenient for those who want a cup before the brewing cycle is complete. Overall, this machine appears to offer a blend of convenience and functionality. However, the long-term durability and reliability are unknown and should be considered before purchase.
The touch screen might also be prone to issues over time.
Pros
- 24-hour programmable timer for automated brewing
- LCD touch screen for easy operation
- Keeps coffee warm for 2 hours
- Two brewing strength options
- Auto shut-off for safety
- Pause-and-serve function
Cons
- Long-term durability is unknown.
- Touch screen may be prone to issues over time.
Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve – Semi-transparent water reservoir with level indicator.
This small coffee maker is designed for individuals or small groups, brewing up to 4 cups of coffee. The semi-transparent water reservoir with a level indicator is a useful feature for monitoring water levels. The glass carafe allows you to easily see how much coffee is brewed.
The pause ‘n serve functionality is a convenient option for those who want a cup before the brewing cycle is complete. It also includes a keep-warm function to maintain coffee temperature after brewing. The reusable filter is a plus, reducing waste and the need for disposable filters.
Overall, it’s a basic but functional coffee maker with some convenient features for small-batch brewing.
Pros
- Semi-transparent water reservoir with level indicator.
- 4-cup glass carafe is suitable for individual or small-group use.
- Pause ‘n serve function for quick coffee access.
- Keep-warm function maintains coffee temperature.
- Reusable filter eliminates the need for paper filters.
Cons
- 4-cup capacity might be too small for larger households.
- Basic features, may lack advanced options found in larger or more expensive models.
Mr. Coffee® 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker – Convenient Brew Later function for pre-setting brew time.
This coffee maker offers a range of convenient features for a reasonable price. The “Brew Later” function is particularly useful for those who enjoy waking up to a freshly brewed pot. The “Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause” is a nice addition for impatient coffee drinkers, although it’s important to note it will interrupt the brewing process.
The lift and clean filter basket seems practical for easy maintenance, and the programmable LED display is a standard but welcome feature. The clear water window helps prevent overfilling, adding to the ease of use. Overall, the coffee maker appears to be a solid choice for everyday use, focusing on practicality and convenience.
Pros
- Convenient Brew Later function for pre-setting brew time.
- Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause allows for mid-brew pours.
- Lift and Clean Filter Basket simplifies cleaning.
- Programmable LED display for easy operation.
- Clear water window prevents overfilling.
Cons
- Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause interrupts the brewing cycle which might impact taste.
- The product description focuses on features, but lacks information about brew speed and coffee taste/quality.
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup* Programmable Coffeemaker – Large 12-cup capacity
This coffee maker offers a decent set of features for its price point. The 12-cup capacity is suitable for larger households or small gatherings, and the 24-hour programmable auto-brew function is a convenient addition for those who like to wake up to fresh coffee. The ‘Vortex Technology’ claims to improve flavor extraction, though the actual difference may be subtle for some users.
The ‘Sneak-A-Cup’ feature is practical for those who need a quick cup before the brewing cycle is complete. The removable and dishwasher-safe brew basket simplifies cleanup. Overall, it appears to be a functional and reasonably priced coffee maker.
Pros
- Large 12-cup capacity
- 24-hour programmable auto-brew
- Sneak-A-Cup feature allows mid-brew pouring
- Removable, dishwasher-safe brew basket for easy cleanup
- Vortex Technology promises improved flavor extraction
Cons
- Claimed flavor enhancement from Vortex Technology may be subtle.
- Primarily plastic construction may impact long-term durability.
Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter – Semi-transparent water reservoir for easy monitoring.
This coffee maker offers a straightforward and functional design, ideal for individuals or small households. The semi-transparent water reservoir is a helpful feature, allowing for easy monitoring of water levels. The 5-cup glass carafe is appropriately sized, and the pause-and-serve function is a convenient addition for those who want a quick cup mid-brew.
The inclusion of a reusable filter is a definite plus, eliminating the need for paper filters and reducing waste. Its simple on/off switch and lack of complex programming make it easy to use, even for those unfamiliar with coffee makers. The power indicator light clearly shows when the appliance is in operation, adding to the overall user-friendly design.
Pros
- Semi-transparent water reservoir for easy monitoring.
- Convenient pause-and-serve feature.
- Reusable filter eliminates the need for paper filters.
- Simple on/off switch for easy operation.
- Compact size ideal for individuals or small groups
Cons
- Only brews up to 5 cups, may not be suitable for larger households.
- Lacks advanced features like programmable timers.
Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Borosilicate Carafe – Large 60oz capacity
The Mueller coffee maker offers a generous 60oz capacity, capable of brewing up to 12 cups of coffee, making it suitable for households or small offices. The borosilicate glass carafe is a welcome feature, promising durability and resistance to odor absorption, while also keeping coffee warmer for longer. The inclusion of a reusable filter is a plus, reducing waste and potentially enhancing flavor.
The keep-warm function with a 2-hour auto shut-off is a convenient safety feature. The non-drip carafe and non-slip feet add to the ease of use and safety. It’s a straightforward, functional coffee maker with some thoughtful design elements.
Pros
- Large 60oz capacity
- Durable borosilicate glass carafe
- Reusable filter included
- Keep-warm function with 2-hour auto shut-off
- Non-drip carafe design
- Non-slip feet for stability
Cons
- Keep-warm function only lasts for 2 hours
- Not a smart device compatible
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Cheap Coffee Maker
Understanding Your Coffee Needs
When searching for the *best best cheap coffee maker*, it’s crucial to first assess your individual needs. How many cups do you typically brew at once? Are you brewing for yourself, or a larger household? Do you value programmability and advanced features, or are you looking for a simple, straightforward machine? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and find a coffee maker that aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
Key Features to Consider
While affordability is a primary concern, consider several key features. Carafe material (glass or thermal) impacts temperature retention. Programmability allows you to schedule brewing in advance. A “pause-and-serve” or “Sneak-a-Cup” feature lets you pour a cup mid-brew. Look for features like auto shut-off for safety and a removable, dishwasher-safe filter basket for easy cleaning. Many of the *best best cheap coffee maker* options include these features.
Types of Coffee Makers
Drip coffee makers are the most common and affordable type. They work by heating water and slowly dripping it over ground coffee. Within this category, you’ll find various sizes and feature sets. Consider a model with a reusable filter to save money on paper filters and reduce waste. For those seeking a *best best cheap coffee maker* that offers value and functionality, drip models are the best choice.
Materials and Durability
While aiming for affordability, consider the materials used in the coffee maker’s construction. A durable glass carafe is a good starting point. Look for models with sturdy plastic components that can withstand daily use. Review customer reviews to get insights into the product’s longevity and reliability.
Budget Considerations
The term “best best cheap coffee maker” implies value for money. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Compare prices across different retailers and look for sales or discounts. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best value in the long run if it lacks essential features or has a short lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Cheap Coffee Maker
What is the ideal carafe material for a cheap coffee maker?
Glass carafes are common in *best best cheap coffee maker* models and allow you to monitor coffee levels. However, they require a warming plate to maintain temperature, which can alter the coffee’s flavor over time. Thermal carafes, typically found in more expensive models, keep coffee hot longer without a warming plate, preserving the flavor. If you drink your coffee quickly, a glass carafe is fine; otherwise, consider budgeting for a thermal carafe for better taste.
What features are essential for a cheap coffee maker?
Essential features include a removable filter basket for easy cleaning, an auto shut-off function for safety, and a clear water level indicator for accurate filling. A “pause-and-serve” function is also highly desirable, allowing you to grab a cup before the brewing cycle is complete. Programmability is a nice-to-have but not essential if you’re primarily looking for a simple, affordable option.
How important is programmability in a cheap coffee maker?
Programmability, which allows you to set a brewing time in advance, is a convenient feature, especially for busy mornings. However, it often adds to the cost of the coffee maker. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind manually starting the brewing process each day, you can save money by opting for a non-programmable model. Many *best best cheap coffee maker* options do include programmable features.
Are reusable filters worth it in a cheap coffee maker?
Reusable filters are an excellent addition to any *best best cheap coffee maker*. They eliminate the need for disposable paper filters, saving you money in the long run and reducing waste. Look for a model with a well-designed reusable filter that’s easy to clean and doesn’t allow grounds to seep into your coffee. Some even enhance the flavor of your coffee.
What size coffee maker should I buy?
Consider your typical brewing needs. A 4-5 cup coffee maker is suitable for individuals or small households, while a 12-cup model is better for larger families or those who entertain frequently. Remember that a larger coffee maker can still brew smaller batches, but a smaller coffee maker can’t brew more than its capacity.
How important is the “Sneak-a-Cup” feature?
The “Sneak-a-Cup” or pause-and-serve feature is a significant convenience for impatient coffee drinkers. It temporarily stops the brewing process, allowing you to pour a cup before the entire pot is finished. This feature is particularly useful when you’re in a hurry or don’t want to wait for the full brewing cycle. Look for models that offer this.
How can I ensure my cheap coffee maker lasts longer?
Regular cleaning is essential for prolonging the life of your coffee maker. Descale the machine regularly to remove mineral buildup, and clean the carafe and filter basket after each use. Use filtered water to reduce mineral deposits. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the machine’s surfaces.
What is the best way to clean a cheap coffee maker?
Descale your coffee maker regularly using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Run the mixture through a full brewing cycle, then run two cycles with fresh water to rinse. Clean the carafe and filter basket with warm, soapy water after each use. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning recommendations.
What should I do if my cheap coffee maker stops working?
First, check the power cord and outlet to ensure they’re functioning correctly. If the coffee maker still doesn’t work, check for any visible damage or blockages. Consult the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting tips or contact customer support. If the coffee maker is still under warranty, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced.
How do I choose the *best best cheap coffee maker* for my dorm room?
For a dorm room, prioritize a compact coffee maker with a small footprint. Look for a model with a reusable filter to save space and money. A simple on/off switch is preferable to complex controls. Auto shut-off is a good safety feature. Finally, consider a model that brews directly into a travel mug for easy portability to class.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker this coffee maker offers a good balance of features and ease of use at an affordable price. the programmable brewing and sneak-a-cup features make it a convenient choice for everyday use. if you’re looking for a reliable and functional coffee maker without breaking the bank, this is a good option.
