As coffee aficionados, Americans consume a staggering 400 million cups of coffee each day. The lure of the perfectly brewed cup can even push some to invest in high-end coffee makers that come with a hefty price tag exceeding $100. But what if you’re working within a budget? Can you still land a coffee maker that offers you a quality brew without breaking the bank?
The good news is, yes, you can! For under $50, there are coffee makers out there that won’t compromise on your coffee’s quality. We’ve curated a list of five highly economical yet efficient coffee makers that won’t disappoint.
Chulux QF-CM801 Coffee Machine
This small, single-cup unit is designed to make between 5-12 ounces in 2-3 minutes. Once you insert the pod and hit the button, your brew will be ready in 3 minutes. It makes great tasting coffee and shuts itself off after 3 minutes.
Besides, it is available in different colors and fits most coffee capsules, including the K-cup 1 and 2.
It is recommended to keep it clean all the time to increase its durability.
Pros
- Compact design
- Pod machine
- All the pretty colors
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Needs regular cleaning
- Short life
- Mixed quality
BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker, Black, DCM600B
Even when on a tight budget, you will still afford to buy this unit. It is one of the least expensive around and does an excellent job within a short period.
It comes with some cool features, including a self-cleaning cycle, a water window, an enlarged shower head that spread water all other the coffee ground, and a dishwasher-safe filter basket.
However, it is good to note this machine is not as sturdy as most high-rated units on the market. Besides, we found the resulting brew didn’t taste great because the water ran too quickly through the grounds. Luckily, this issue is addressable by using a finer grind.
Pros
- Self-cleaning cycle
- Ease of use
- Great value
Cons
- Less well made
- Sub-par taste
Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker
Don’t like the idea of using pods? Then you will love this single-cup machine. For this unit, you add regular coffee grounds to the basket, add water, and brew. You can choose bold or regular, and it gives you some room to personalize your brew.
It prepares hot coffee, and its reusable filters don’t leave oil and sludge in your brew. However, if you love strong coffee, then you are better off with another unit.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Stainless steel
- Ease of use
- Single-serve, no pods
Cons
- Lower temperature
- Weak coffee
- Filter problems
Mr. Coffee Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Serve hot and great-tasting coffee with this unit. Mr. Coffee Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a reliable unit that gets you hot, tasty, and fresh coffee anytime craving some. It is BPA-free and large enough to make coffee for multiple people. It brews 12 cups in 10 minutes, 30 seconds, and its programmability is something you will really love. Give is a shot!
Pros
- Programmable
- Reliable
- Good coffee
Cons
- 10-11 minute brew time
- Plastic
- Not very customizable
Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker with Stainless Steel Carafe
You won’t regret dropping some dollars for this compact unit. It makes great tasting coffee, has a 30-minute auto shutoff, and a brew-pause feature that allows you to get a cup before it winds up total brewing.
However, it is not intuitive as other models, and you have to clean it regularly to keep it stronger for long. Additionally, it comes with no frills, and the name Cuisinart adds a $5-10 extra to the total price.
Pros
- Brew pause
- Sturdy
- Nice carafe
Cons
- Paying for the brand name
- Needs regular cleaning
- Short shutoff time
Choosing the Right Budget Coffee Machine
Before you pick your affordable coffee maker, consider these factors:
- Capacity: Cater to your coffee consumption or that of your family by choosing a machine with the right capacity.
- Cleaning: Some machines require more frequent cleaning than others. Avoid models with complex tubing for an easy cleaning experience.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly machine can significantly enhance your coffee brewing experience.
- Temperature: If you prefer your coffee piping hot, opt for a machine known for brewing at higher temperatures.
- Carafe: Ensure the carafe that comes with your coffee machine meets your expectations in terms of durability and size.
- Timer: Machines that auto shut off post-brewing are handy if you’re often in a rush or prone to forgetting.
Conclusion
Enjoying a top-quality brew at home doesn’t necessarily mean spending a fortune. With $50 or less, you can find a decent coffee maker that fulfills your needs. Consider the models we’ve discussed when you’re in the market for a reliable yet affordable coffee machine. You won’t be disappointed.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
