The Best Budget Coffee Makers, Tested by Our Experts

What to Look for in a Budget Coffee Maker

By Derek Rose

Electric vs. Non-Electric

There are several types of coffee makers that can save you money and whip up a delicious cup of joe. Figuring out which style you prefer will narrow down the options and make the buying process much easier. A natural place to start is to decide between electric and non-electric devices. Drip machines, espresso machines, and pod-based brewers are common electric coffee makers. Drip is the most affordable of the three, but reasonably priced options are available in each category. The main advantages of electric coffee makers include speed, convenience, and a larger average brewing capacity. Customers interested in more artisanal coffee may prefer non-electric brewing devices. Here, you will find French presses, pour-overs, percolators, and more. While these items require more hands-on effort than electric brewers, they often produce stronger, more flavorful coffee.

Size

Most coffee makers take up a permanent spot on your countertop, so item size should always be considered before buying. If space is limited, you may need to rule out larger options, like espresso machines and certain drip coffee makers. Fortunately, budget coffee makers tend to be more compact. This is, in part, because items with smaller brewing capacities cost less than ones with larger capacities. Non-electric coffee makers also come in handy for those hoping to save much-needed kitchen space; French presses, AeroPresses, and pour-overs are all usually smaller than drip machines. Remember to check the depth and width of your countertop beforehand, as well as the height from countertop to cupboard.

Features

While budget coffee makers aren’t always equipped with the abundance of features seen in higher-end items, many still come with useful settings. Even cheap drip coffee makers can be programmable, have adjustable brew strengths, or come with a 1-4 cup setting. Consider what features are most important to you in a coffee maker and adjust your budget accordingly. It may be worth tacking on a few extra dollars for the convenience and versatility that certain features provide.

Durability

The double-edged nature of cheap coffee makers is that they can be, well, cheap. Some budget brewers are a great buy in the moment but don't last long enough to be worth it in the long run. If durability is a major concern, simplicity might be best. French presses, pour-overs, and stovetop coffee makers tend to last a long time because they have fewer parts—just keep in mind that many are made of fragile glass. See what customers say about product longevity and check an item’s warranty before buying.

Cleaning

Budget coffee makers are less likely to have a self-cleaning function, so expect to use a little elbow grease after each brew. For drip coffee makers specifically, there are a few small decisions that affect the ease of cleaning. First, do you want a machine with a permanent filter or one that uses paper filters? Second, would you rather have a glass carafe, which is generally easier to clean, or a thermal carafe? Those who purchase a non-electric coffee maker avoid the rigorous descaling process, but they will have to wash the item after every single use. Many French presses and pour-overs are dishwasher safe, however, so check ahead of time to ensure an easier post-coffee cleanup.

Glass vs. Stainless Steel

No matter the type of coffee maker you’re interested in, there are a variety of materials from which to choose. The most common decision comes down to glass versus stainless steel. Glass is more popular, largely because it’s cheaper and easier to clean. However, if you do choose to spend a little more on a stainless steel drip machine, French press, or pour-over, the main advantage is temperature retention. Stainless steel brewing devices use thermal insulation to keep your coffee hot much longer than glass.  

Types of Budget Coffee Makers

Drip

Enjoyed in kitchens and cafés across the country, drip is not only one of the most popular types of coffee but one of the most affordable, too. There are certainly some expensive drip machines out there—items that exceed the hundred-dollar mark—but this category contains a uniquely broad range of prices. Well-known brands, like Mr. Coffee, Black+Decker, and Hamilton Beach all manufacture bargain brewers that will leave you smiling with every sip. Some cost little more than a bag of coffee beans, especially if they have a smaller capacity. Drip machines also come at a significantly cheaper price than the common alternative of pod-based coffee makers—namely those manufactured by Keurig and Nespresso.

French Press

French presses are a great starting point for coffee lovers curious about non-electric brewing devices. They are stylish, easy to use, and, of course, affordable. On average, they are even cheaper than drip machines, and many prefer the coffee they brew. The bold, beloved French-press flavor is a result of the immersion brewing style, which is when coffee grounds and water soak together for several minutes rather than water being poured quickly through the grounds like with drip coffee. French presses, also known as cafetières, usually have a glass carafe, though stainless steel and ceramic options are widely available at a slightly higher price. As an added bonus, French presses can be used to make cold brew coffee.

Pour-Over

Many are familiar with the simplicity of pour-over coffee makers, even if they don’t realize it. This is because pour-over is essentially the manual version of drip coffee. All you have to do is put in a coffee filter, fill it with the right amount of grounds, and pour hot water over the grounds until your cup or carafe is full. Some pour-overs brew a single cup of coffee and are small enough to store in a bag while camping or traveling; others, like Chemex, make multiple servings of delicious coffee. This is a particularly worthwhile category for customers who love drip coffee but find that they never finish the full pot.

Brands/Manufacturers

Black+Decker

Black+Decker has long been a go-to source for hardware and power tools, but this century-old American brand also manufactures an assortment of coffee makers that are both affordable and dependable. The company almost exclusively makes drip coffee makers, the majority of which are easy to find at various retailers both in-store and online. Black+Decker products generally come in two sizes—5 or 12 cups—but customers can also select a single-serve model, as well as one with a built-in grinder for those who want the freshest possible coffee.

Bodum

Coffee lovers of all different tastes should check out Bodum’s many products. The Danish-Swiss company sells everything from brewing devices to handy accessories, like grinders and frothers. Bodum is best known for its budget-friendly French presses, making it a top brand for buyers hoping to save money on a non-electric coffee maker. The sleek Chambord is its most popular option, while the Brazil and Eileen are two affordable models worth consideration as well. The brand also manufactures a highly reviewed pour-over coffee maker that comes in a variety of sizes and styles.

Mr. Coffee

Mr. Coffee found rapid success after its 1972 inception, and many coffee drinkers soon began associating the brand with affordable drip machines. Decades later, Mr. Coffee has maintained its reasonable prices but now offers a wider variety of brewing devices. Along with its signature drip machines, customers can also find espresso machines, an iced coffee maker, and a single-serve coffee maker compatible with K-Cups. All Mr. Coffee products are backed by a one-year limited warranty.

FAQs

How many scoops of coffee should I use?

Every brewing device has its own recommendations, but coffee does have a "Golden Rule" that provides a general ratio for the amount of coffee grounds to use. It's usually measured in weight, though, not scoops, since weighing coffee is the most precise method. So, if you have a kitchen scale, the rule of thumb is 1 gram of coffee for every 15 to 18 grams of water. If you don't have a scale or simply prefer the convenience of measuring in scoops, try using 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. Both ratios can be adjusted to suit your taste, whether you prefer your coffee stronger or weaker.

What does French press coffee taste like?

French press coffee is known for its strong flavor, but what really sets it apart is that it has a heavier body and longer-lasting mouthfeel than other types of coffee. This is, in part, because French presses are "immersion brewers." The coffee grounds steep—or are "immersed"—in water for several minutes. In contrast, brewing methods like drip and pour over have water pass through the coffee grounds quickly. That doesn't mean French press coffee is necessarily better than other brewing methods. But, if brewed properly, the flavors should envelop your taste buds in a unique way.

How is cold brew different from iced coffee?

Cold brew and iced coffee are both refreshing drinks, but there are two key differences in how they are made. First, cold brew is made with cold water, while iced coffee is made with hot water. Second, cold brew steeps for a much longer period of time, typically from 12 to 24 hours. Iced coffee, on the other hand, brews in just a couple minutes. These differences make cold brew a stronger and smoother beverage.

What is descaling?

Water is filled with minerals like magnesium and calcium. Over time, the mineral residue builds up inside of your coffee maker around parts that contact water. This can cause major issues with the machine if left untreated. Descaling is the way to avoid the problem. It’s the process of removing mineral buildup, typically done with vinegar or a special descaling solution. Brands may suggest descaling at different frequencies, but the basic rule of thumb is to do it every one to three months.

What is a 1-4 cup setting?

Many coffee drinkers question the purpose of the 1-4 cup setting on their device—how is it any different than a regular brew? Well, the reason for the extra button is that most machines are designed to brew a larger amount of coffee, so when you only want a few cups, the water pours too quickly through the coffee grounds and leads to a weak final product. A 1-4 cup setting adjusts the drip function to a slower speed and perfectly extracts the grounds to suit a smaller pot of coffee.

What size coffee grounds should I use?

Every style of coffee maker requires a specific grind size to achieve the best flavor. People with a pour-over, AeroPress, or drip coffee maker are in luck because these devices work best with a medium grind. Pre-ground coffee, readily available at grocery stores, is generally a suitable medium grind. In contrast, espresso machines need a very fine grind to brew bold shots and produce a frothy crema. Finally, French presses require coarse-ground beans. Too fine a grind and the resulting coffee will have a silty, gritty texture, and the French press itself may quickly become clogged.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ease of use, material, or price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie is a freelance food writer who specializes in product reviews and recipes. Her work has appeared on Serious Eats, Fine Cooking, and her own recipe blog, Cookistry.com. She's also the author of "Make Ahead Bread" a cookbook meant to simplify the bread-baking process.

This piece was updated by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He uses the Bialetti Moka Express at home, complementing it with a separate milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos.

Sources

Nigel Price is the founder and owner of Drip Coffee Makers in New York City and has worked in the coffee industry for more than a decade. Established in 2015, Drip now has multiple locations.