Contents
- Cheap Coffee Makers Buying Guide: How to Find the Right Model for You
- Best Cheap Coffee Makers of 2020 [Top 9 Reviews]
- 1. Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker - Our Top Pick
- 2. Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker - Also Great
- 3. BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker - Best Drip
- 4. Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker - Fastest Pod Brewer
- 5. Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker - Best Programmable
- 6. Cuisinart DCC-1200CGR - Most Stylish
- 7. Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker - Most Compact
- 8. Aeropress Coffee Maker - Best for Travel
- 9. Hamilton Beach 45300R TruCount Coffee Maker - Most Consistent
- FAQs
Finally ready to ditch instant coffee but a quick look at the price of the most popular brewers put you off?
Don’t worry: while some affordable models can indeed result in low-quality bitter java, the best cheap coffee makers can ensure a delicious brew without breaking the bank.
To help you find the perfect one for your needs as well as your budget, we’ve tried and tested several models, only reviewing the very best cheap coffee makers currently on the market.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out our handy buying guide to understand exactly what type of machine is lacking in your life!
AT A GLANCE: OUR TOP PICKS
Mr. Coffee 12-Cup - Our Best Pick
- Does the job by brewing large pots of coffee
- User-friendly one-button design
- Brew pause feature
- Traditional dripper but with more features
- 24 h programmability
- 1-4 option for smaller carafes
- Programmability & small-batch feature
- Even extraction
- Best thermal carafe for a cheap coffee maker
Cheap Coffee Makers Buying Guide: How to Find the Right Model for You
While we understand that budget is a decisive factor, there are definitely some other features that you must consider if you want to get your money’s worth and actually upgrade your coffee routine.
What type of coffee would you like to drink?
The best cheap coffee makers can brew different types and quantities of coffee:
- Traditional drip is a popular choice for large households that want to enjoy a full carafe of coffee. Alternatively, if you sometimes need less, you can look for a model that also allows you to brew smaller quantities without compromising on flavor;
- Single-serve coffee makers are better suited for single professionals or small households where a full carafe would probably be wasted. They mainly involve K-Cups but, if you prefer fresh grounds, you can always consider a separate reusable filter (trust us: it’s worth it!).
Type of filter: single-use paper or reusable?
K-Cups aside, most coffee makers can rely on either paper or reusable filters: (1)
“There is no ‘bad’ method. [...] Just those that are inappropriate for a certain moment or for your taste.” L. Salomão, barista & Q grader
- Paper is practical to clean up after you’ve brewed your coffee and ensures smoother java, sort of like manual pour overs. However, keep in mind that single-use filters result in an additional expense;
- Reusable filters must be cleaned every time but they can often be chucked in the dishwasher. Plus, they’re kinder to the planet and cheaper over time. Because they allow the oils to filter through, your coffee will be richer-tasting and more intense but it might include some sediments… just like with French presses.
Type of carafe: thermal or glass
When you opt for drip, you’ll find two types of carafes:
- Thermal (usually stainless steel) is widely regarded as the best choice: it keeps your coffee hot for longer without spoiling its flavor and it’s definitely more durable;
- Glass carafes rely on a hot plate that can actually compromise extraction if you leave it on for too long. However, if you want to save a few extra dollars and you usually drink your coffee as soon as it’s brewed (why wait?), you can always consider them.
Extra features that matter to you
Cheap coffee makers usually have fewer features than higher-end models, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t find the one that could actually make your life easier.
For example:
- Programmability: to schedule your first brew of the day up to 24 h in advance;
- Brew pause: to enjoy the first mug of freshly brewed coffee before the rest of the carafe is ready;
- Strength control: to make the most of different roasts.
At the same time, if all you want is a one-button brew, we’ve included some of those, too.
Best Cheap Coffee Makers of 2020 [Top 9 Reviews]
Let’s start with a little overview:
Best Pick | Best Pick | Mr. Coffee 12-Cup |
| View on Amazon |
Also Great | Also Great | Hamilton Beach Programmable |
| View on Amazon |
Best Drip | Best Drip | BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup |
| View on Amazon |
Fastest Brewer  | Fastest Brewer | Keurig K-Classic |
| View on Amazon |
Programmable  | Programmable | Ninja 12-Cup |
| View on Amazon |
 | Cuisinart DCC-1200CGR |
| View on Amazon | |
Most Compact  | Most Compact | Keurig K-Mini Plus |
| View on Amazon |
Best for Travel  | Best for Travel | Aeropress |
| View on Amazon |
Most Consistent  | Most Consistent | Hamilton Beach 45300R |
| View on Amazon |
Something for everyone, right? Now let’s focus on the most important thing: the best cheap coffee maker for you!
1. Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker - Our Top Pick
FEATURES
Type: drip
Quantity: 12 cups
Filter: paper or separate reusable filter
Carafe: glass
Best for: a large, effortless carafe
If all you’re after is a simple carafe of good old black joe, your quest will probably end right here with this Mr. Coffee model.
It’s literally a one-button machine that results in up to 12 cups of joe. However, it also includes the practical brew pause feature.
This Mr. Coffee model is also easy to fill up and clean, and the on/off indicator light should remind you to switch it off after using it.
Available in black or white, it’s a versatile model that will work on any countertop.
Bottom line: this humble model is the definition of an affordable, no-frills coffee maker that does the job and never disappoints.2. Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker - Also Great
FEATURES
Type: drip
Quantity: 1-4 or up to 12 cups
Filter: paper
Carafe: glass
Best for: a simple but programmable brew
This Hamilton Beach model contains a surprising number of features for such a low price tag!
As well as letting you choose between regular or bold when it comes to taste, it also lets you program your brew up to 24 h in advance.
Whenever needed, you can also decide to brew less with the 1-4 cup option that optimizes its brew cycle for smaller quantities. And why not enjoy your first cup of the day ASAP with its brew pause feature?
PRO TIP: if you have low cupboards, the front-fill design of this practical and user-friendly coffee maker will simplify your morning routine.
From the auto shutoff for extra peace of mind and the automatic cleaning cycle reminder, this cheap coffee maker has thought of everything.
Bottom line: the best choice if you want a simple, cheap coffee maker but are tempted by the thought of your machine waking up before you do to spoil you with freshly brewed coffee.
3. BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Thermal Coffeemaker - Best Drip
FEATURES
Type: drip
Quantity: 1-4 or up to 12 cups
Filter: paper or separate reusable filter
Carafe: thermal
Best for: a large carafe of high-quality drip coffee
This model includes 3 strength levels, a small-batch option, auto-off, and 24 h programmability. Not bad for such a cheap coffee maker, right?
But that’s not even it!
Thanks to the even-stream showerhead technology, you can expect a perfectly extracted brew, but you don’t have to worry if you can’t drink it immediately.
This Black+Decker coffee maker features a double-walled, vacuum-sealed thermal carafe and a fresh brew timer to let you keep track of it for up to 2 hours.
Bottom line: Both the coffee maker and its stainless steel carafe clearly put quality first. Whether you drink it immediately or after an hour, your coffee will taste just as flavorful.
4. Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker - Fastest Pod Brewer
FEATURES
Type: single-serve drip
Quantity: 6, 8, 10 oz
Filter: K-Cups or separate reusable filter
Carafe: thermal
Best for: a quick and consistent cup of coffee
As you can read in our Keurig K-Classic review, we think that this is not only one of the best Keurig models, but one of the best single-serve coffee makers overall!
This is because the K-Classic packs in the most essential features while keeping the price tag low.
For example, it has 3 different brew sizes, a large 48 oz reservoir, an auto-off, and takes less than a minute to make a cup of coffee.
You can use it with K-Cups or make the most of fresh grounds by purchasing Keurig’s reusable K-Cup.
Are you going to opt for the versatile black or the eye-catching rhubarb model?
Bottom line: A game-changing choice for those who love the practicality of single-serve coffee makers and have no time to waste in the morning.
5. Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker - Best Programmable
FEATURES
Type: drip
Quantity: 1-4 or up to 12 cups
Filter: gold-tone permanent filter
Carafe: glass
Best for: a programmable brew and a few premium features
If the thing you’re looking forward to the most is waking up to the smell of coffee, you can’t go wrong with this simple Ninja model.
As well as its 24 h programmability, we love the fact that it includes a small-batch function, the brew pause feature, and a carafe with a flavor straw. This means that, by pushing the new coffee at the bottom, it avoids stratification and ensures an evenly extracted joe.
It also comes with a gold-tone permanent filter and a practical scoop to measure your coffee.
Bottom line: A simple Ninja model for those who value programmability and consistent extraction.
6. Cuisinart DCC-1200CGR - Most Stylish
FEATURES
Type: drip
Quantity: 12 cups
Filter: paper or reusable gold-tone permanent filter
Carafe: glass
Best for: those with an eye for interior design
This cheap coffee maker is available in different finishes, but we believe that the brushed metal options are the best choice to make a bold statement and match your other appliances.
But let’s not forget about the coffee itself!
With a 24 h programmable feature, auto shut-off, 1-4 option and brew pause, it’s impressive how this cheap coffee maker can improve your routine.
It also lets you choose between the included gold-tone filter and paper options.
Finally, it comes with a measuring scoop and a charcoal water filter for a purer brew.
Bottom line: A stylish coffee maker that looks great and brews like a pro.
7. Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker - Most Compact
FEATURES
Type: single-serve drip
Quantity: 6-12 oz
Filter: K-Cups or separate reusable filter
Carafe: glass
Best for: a small countertop footprint
If, as well as price, space is one of your main concerns, how about a cheap coffee maker that’s less than 5” side? We’re being serious!
This single-serve model puts portability first with features like the pod and cord storage.
However, because this smaller design was achieved by getting rid of the reservoir, you must get used to filling up its one-cup alternative before every brew.
Available in 4 charming colors and compatible with the reusable K-Cup, the Keurig K-Mini Plus has a strong brew feature and allows you to brew directly into your usual travel mug.
Bottom line: portable and reliable, this compact coffee maker can revolutionize even the smallest countertop.
8. Aeropress Coffee Maker - Best for Travel
FEATURES
Quantity: 1-3 cups
Filter: paper
Best for: wanderlust-filled coffee lovers
This relatively young, groundbreaking coffee maker went from being almost unknown to having its own world championship (2)(3).
“The ability to maintain one’s coffee routine no matter where they are in the world has been at the heart of AeroPress since its inception in 2005.” Fresh Cup Magazine
It combines manual pour over and immersion techniques to guarantee a cup (or 3!) of smooth but full-flavored coffee.
The AeroPress is compact, lightweight, durable and easy to clean, which means that you can use it both at home and on the go. You can even use it to brew espresso without a machine or to make cold brews.
No wonder it’s one of the best travel coffee makers and single-serve options!
Bottom line: a cult among coffee aficionados, the AeroPress is the perfect cheap coffee maker to use before work... or on the top of a mountain.
9. Hamilton Beach 45300R TruCount Coffee Maker - Most Consistent
FEATURES
Type: drip
Quantity: 1-4 or up to 12
Filter: paper
Carafe: glass
Best for: those who understand the importance of an even extraction
As you might have heard, consistency is key when it comes to coffee extraction.
With this cheap coffee maker, you have nothing to worry about: it features an integrated scale to count the scoops!
It’s also programmable and lets you choose between regular and bold coffee, either as a large pot or a smaller 1-4 cup option.
Thanks to the easy-pour design of its drip-free carafe, your first coffee of the day will be a breeze no matter how sleepy you are.
Bottom line: This user-friendly model guarantees a reliable jug whether you’re brewing for the entire household or just a couple of cups.
FAQs
1. What is the best inexpensive coffee maker?
The best inexpensive coffee maker is the Mr. Coffee 12-Cup model if you’re after a traditional brew or the Hamilton Beach programmable option if you could do with this handy feature.
However, it’s important to figure out the best inexpensive coffee maker for you, so make sure you check our buying guide before hitting the purchase button.
2. What is the difference between a cheap and expensive coffee maker?
The difference between a cheap and expensive coffee maker consists mainly of the features that they include: the most budget-friendly coffee makers are usually fairly basic, which is why they’re a handy option if you only want a pot of joe and maybe a feature or two.
However, some more expensive coffee makers can also result in a superior extraction because they rely on more professional heating and brewing systems. If you want to compare both, check out our article on the best drip coffee makers, too.
3. What is the lifespan of a coffee maker?
The lifespan of a coffee maker depends on the model and how well you care for it (e.g. descaling and cleaning it regularly). However, it’s usually between 6 and 10 years.
If you're budget-conscious, you should also know more about how many amps a coffee maker uses.
References:
1. Rosas, A. P. (2020, September 25). Green Home Brewing: Four Ways To Make “Paperless” Coffee. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2020/09/green-home-brewing-four-ways-to-make-paperless-coffee/
2. Carter, C. (2020, August 5). Guide to Brewing On-The-Go. Retrieved from https://www.freshcup.com/guide-to-brewing-on-the-go/
3. (n.d.). World Aeropress Champs.Retrieved from https://www.worldaeropresschampionship.com/
