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Best Coffee Makers Under $50

Updated January 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker with Auto Pause and Glass Carafe
Mr. Coffee
Coffee Maker with Auto Pause and Glass Carafe
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Best coffee maker under $50
Bottom Line

Recommended by our expert, this drip coffee maker with a 12-cup carafe is easy to use and performs reliably to make a delicious cup of joe whenever you need.

Pros

We like how easy this machine is to use. You don't need anything fancy to make decent drip coffee, and this basic machine gets the job done. The dual water window lets you see how much is in the reservoir. Our expert loved the auto-pause function that allows you to pour a cup before it's done brewing.

Cons

The warming plate doesn't have an automatic shutoff.

Best Bang for the Buck
CHULUX Small Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
CHULUX
Small Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
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Best single-serve coffee maker under $50
Bottom Line

If you love the simplicity of pod coffee makers, this budget single-cup model accepts K-cup 1.0 and 2.0 pods.

Pros

You can use it to make several cups, one after another, without a cool-down period. Its compact size is great for work or college; it stores easily when space is an issue. We appreciate that it also accepts ground coffee, although you need to buy the appropriate filter separately.

Cons

It takes a little longer to heat up than pricier pod coffee machines.

Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Dripper
Bodum
Pour-Over Coffee Dripper
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Best pour-over coffee dripper under $50
Bottom Line

We tested this coffee dripper and thought it was well-made, beautiful and easy to use for anyone with a few extra minutes to spare in the morning.

Pros

If you like pour-over coffee, this is a great choice. It has a simple yet attractive design. We found it easy to make coffee using it, although it takes a little time for the best results. The carafe holds 34 ounces, and the dripper comes with a reusable filter.

Cons

The metal filter may let some grounds through if you aren't careful about grind size.

Black+Decker 12-Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Maker
Black+Decker
12-Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Maker
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Best thermal coffee maker under $50
Bottom Line

Our expert chose this coffee maker for its great value, special features and durable design. Its 12-cup carafe is ideal for businesses or large households.

Pros

Our expert appreciates its programmability and the thermal carafe that keeps coffee warm without a hot plate. A showerhead design fully saturates ground coffee for a better-tasting brew. There's a strong setting for people who like bold, robust coffee.

Cons

You need to preheat the carafe if you want it to keep your coffee hot for an optimal length of time.

Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Mr. Coffee
5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
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Best compact drip coffee maker under $50
Bottom Line

In our testing, we found this one to be a solid budget choice for those who want a compact coffee maker that’s simple to use.

Pros

During testing, we found that the programmable "brew later" function worked well. The machine has a hot plate that shuts off automatically after two hours for peace of mind. It kept our coffee warm for the full two hours. The auto-pause function worked well when we wanted to pour coffee during brewing.

Cons

The hot plate timer starts when brewing begins, not when it's done, so it doesn't keep coffee warm for a full two hours.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

54
Models
Considered
130
Consumers
Consulted
8
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Researched
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Buying guide for Which cheap coffee maker is best?

While there are excellent high-end coffee machines on the market, not all of us have the budget for them — or the desire to spend that much. If you're looking for the best coffee maker under $50, the range of options is smaller, but you still have plenty of choice. 

You may find that a manual option such as a coffee dripper or French press gives you the best-tasting coffee for the money. However, you can also find drip coffee makers and single-serve coffee makers for under $50, if you prefer an automatic option. 

We spoke with three experts — Tim Hopfinger Lee of Tim’s Coffee, Tiffany Matthews from Mr. Coffee and Kelsey Waddell of Roasty Coffee — who each gave us coffee maker recommendations and insights on how to find a quality option for a reasonable price. In addition, the BestReviews Testing Lab researched and tested several coffee makers before narrowing down our list to the 10 below, including our all-around favorite, the Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker with Auto Pause and Glass Carafe.  

Our top picks

Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker with Auto Pause and Glass Carafe

 

Best coffee maker under $50

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Drip | Carafe Size: 12 cups  | Cup Settings: None | Filter Type: Paper | Smart Features: None

This 12-cup coffee maker is easy to use and does what you need it to. Paired with the right beans, you can make a delicious cup of coffee with this machine — and all for well under $50. 

While it might not be feature-rich, it does a great job brewing drip coffee. At the flip of a switch, this machine goes to work, and the warming plate stays on until you switch it off, keeping your brew warm as long as you need it to. 

We like that it pauses automatically when you remove the carafe during brewing. This lets you take a cup before the full carafe has finished brewing, which many people appreciate, especially first thing in the morning. 

Chulux Small Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Best single-serve coffee maker under $50

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Single-serve | Carafe Size: No carafe  | Cup Settings: 5 to 12 ounces | Filter Type: None  | Smart Features: None

If you like the idea of a Keurig pod coffee machine, this machine does a similar job at a more affordable price. In our opinion, it's the best single-serve coffee maker under $50 on the market right now. We love the fact that, although it's compatible with K-cups, you can also use your own ground coffee with a compatible filter (sold separately). 

As a single-serve coffee maker, there's no carafe. You brew one cup at a time, with cup size options between 5 and 12 ounces. 

This is a great small coffee maker that doesn't take up much space. We think it's a good choice for compact kitchens, dorm rooms, RVs and anywhere else where space is at a premium. 

Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Dripper

Best pour-over coffee dripper under $50

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Manual dripper | Carafe Size: 34 ounces  | Cup Settings: None | Filter Type: Reusable | Smart Features: None

If you're interested in a manual process, you might like this coffee dripper for making pour-over coffee. We tested it and loved it. First off, we liked the look of the coffee dripper. It's large for a manual dripper, but we appreciated the large 34-ounce carafe, which is an apt choice for brewing for a group. 

We enjoyed the flavor of coffee brewed with the Bodum. It was less bitter than the same coffee brewed using other methods, and we felt the acidity and other complex notes could shine through. 

All in all, this is a quality coffee maker that brews excellent coffee. However, it's best to go slowly with pour-over coffee, so it took us around 15 minutes from start to finish. As such, it's not the best choice for anyone perpetually in a hurry. 

Black+Decker 12-Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Maker

Best coffee maker under $50 with thermal carafe

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Drip | Carafe Size: 12 cups | Cup Settings: None | Filter Type: Paper | Smart Features: None

We like the range of features of this affordable drip coffee maker. While some cheap coffee makers are low on extra features, this one has a few stand-outs. For example, we like that it's programmable. It has a delay-brew function you can set for any time within the next 24 hours, so your coffee will be waiting for you when you want it. 

If you like your coffee more robust than average, there's a "strong" setting. This prompts the water to drip through more slowly, thereby increasing the strength of the brew. It also has a thermal carafe to keep your coffee warm. 

While this drip coffee maker has a few quirks — such as having to preheat the carafe with hot water to make the most of its thermal properties — it works well overall. 

Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Best compact coffee maker under $50

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Drip | Carafe Size: 5 cups | Cup Settings: None | Filter Type: Paper | Smart Features: None

We tested this 5-cup coffee maker and found it a solid choice for anyone needing a small coffee maker. While we didn't think it could compare to larger and pricier models, it's good for anyone on a tight budget and those who don't have the space or need for a bigger machine. 

In our testing, the programmable features worked with precision. It brewed coffee at exactly the time we set, which can be a big time-saver in the morning. It also has an auto-pause feature so you can pour yourself a cup while it's brewing without spillage. We found this worked well — there were a couple of drips, but the flow stopped as it was meant to. 

While we noted that a coffee machine of this type has its limitations, we found it a decent choice for the size and price. 

Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffee Maker

Best drip coffee maker under $50

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Drip | Carafe Size: 12 cups | Cup Settings: 1 to 4 cups or full carafe | Filter Type: Paper | Smart Features: None

This is a solid 12-cup drip coffee maker for a reasonable price. You can brew regular-strength coffee or bold-strength coffee. We appreciate the swing-out basket on this drip coffee maker. Since you don't need space for the top to lift, the machine can fit under cabinets more easily. You can also fill the tank from the front rather than the back, so you don't need to pull it out. 

As it’s a programmable coffee maker, you can set it to brew for up to 24 hours in the future. The hot plate keeps your coffee warm, and we like the peace of mind that comes from having an automatic shutoff feature. 

Bodum Travel Double Wall French Press Coffee Maker

Best travel French press coffee maker under $50

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Travel French press | Carafe Size: 15 ounces | Cup Settings: None | Filter Type: None | Smart Features: None

Part travel mug, part French press coffee maker, you can brew your coffee in the same container you drink it from. It's a travel version of a French press, so you add your ground coffee and water, leave it to steep and push down the plunger to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. 

The travel mug holds 15 ounces and has an insulated double-wall design to help keep coffee warm. A silicone band around the exterior allows you to grip it comfortably. 

We're especially fond of this coffee maker for on-the-go purposes. It's a great single-serve option for people who only need to make coffee for one. 

Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker

Best 12-cup drip coffee maker under $50

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Drip | Carafe Size: 12 cups | Cup Settings: 2, 4 and 12 | Filter Type: Paper | Smart Features: None

We appreciate the no-frills approach of this simple drip coffee maker. It has an on/off switch and brews when you turn it on; that's about all you need to know to make a decent cup of coffee. 

The 12-cup capacity allows you to brew coffee for a group. But, if you don't use it all at once, there's a warming plate with a two-hour automatic shutoff function. You also have the option to simply brew 2 cups or 4 cups. 

This is another great automatic coffee maker for under $50. It's basic, but it has features we like, such as the non-drip carafe and the pause-and-serve feature that lets you pour a cup before it's finished brewing. 

Elite Gourmet Personal Single-Serve Compact Coffee Maker

Best single-serve coffee maker under $50 with travel mug

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Single-serve | Carafe Size: No carafe | Cup Settings: 8, 10 and 14 ounces | Filter Type: Reusable | Smart Features: None

If you like the idea of a single-serve coffee maker but don't want to use coffee pods, you'll be pleased to know that this machine uses standard ground coffee. So, you can grind your own beans or use your favorite ground coffee. It has a reusable filter, which is more cost-effective and eco-friendly than paper filters. 

You can make cups of 8, 10 or 14 ounces by adjusting the amount of water you put in the reservoir. It also comes with a 14-ounce travel mug, which is great for use on the go. 

We appreciate the compact, space-saving design of this coffee maker. It's a suitable choice for small kitchens or dorms. 

Mainstays Black 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker

Best 5-cup coffee maker under $50

Product Specifications 

Coffee Maker Type: Drip | Carafe Size: 5 cups | Cup Settings: None | Filter Type: Paper | Smart Features: None

If drip coffee makers that brew 9 to 14 cups are too big for your needs, you might appreciate this smaller 5-cup model. It's fantastic when making coffee for one or two — and if you don't drink it all at once, there's a keep-warm function. 

This choice is suitable for anyone who wants something basic and easy to use without unnecessary features. It's small, cheap and convenient, and it makes decent coffee for an impressively low price.

Expert insights on choosing the best coffee maker under $50

We interviewed multiple coffee experts for their insights on what to consider when choosing an affordable coffee maker. Kelsey Waddell from Roasty Coffee, Tim’s Coffee founder Tim Hopfinger Lee and Mr. Coffee senior brand manager Tiffany Matthews gave us helpful tips on choosing a coffee maker under $50.

Expert picks

We asked our expert consultants which affordable coffee machines they preferred. They gave us a range of choices to explore along with helpful insights on why they’re worth checking out.

Kelsey’s pick

"The best coffee maker under $50, in my opinion, is the Mr. Coffee programmable 5-cup coffee maker," says Waddell. This is a tried-and-tested machine for her. "I recently had the opportunity to use it when my fancier espresso maker was out of commission, and it turned out to be the perfect affordable short-term solution," she remarks. 

She loves that it's programmable and can be set up the night before use, saving precious time in the morning. What’s more, because water quality can be a factor in great-tasting coffee, Waddell says, "The built-in water filter is a nice touch for enhancing coffee taste, and it's removable if you prefer not to use it." Waddell also commented on this pick’s handy safety feature. "I appreciate the automatic shutoff after two hours because I'm frequently in a rush in the morning and don't want to worry about whether the plate was left on while I'm gone.”

Tim’s pick

Lee's top pick under $50 is the Black+Decker 12-Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Maker. He finds the value you get for the money to be “impressive,” specifically citing its large capacity: “Perfect for a few guests or for office use.

Once you've made a pot of coffee with this machine, Lee notes that the thermal

carafe keeps coffee at an “ideal temperature." He also appreciates its programmability. "With programmable settings, this coffee maker can start brewing at a preset time, ensuring you wake up to freshly made coffee ready for you," he remarks. 

Tiffany’s pick

Matthews recommends the Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker with Auto Pause and Glass Carafe. Although she is affiliated with Mr. Coffee, we wanted to include her pick since she has firsthand insight into which Mr. Coffee machines are best. 

Matthews says this machine is especially suitable "for coffee drinkers who like their coffee black" — though, of course, you can always add cream. She remarks that Mr. Coffee purposely designed it with a simple on/off switch for ease of use, and she notes that the "Grab-a-Cup Auto-Pause function” adds to the convenience.

“We're fans of the capacity, too,” Matthews says. "The carafe holds 12 cups of coffee to help coffee addicts, families or co-workers grab some fuel throughout their busy day.”

Functionality and ease of use

There are perhaps two main things you want from a coffee maker: decent coffee and ease of use. "The best affordable coffee makers are those that are simple to use and create a consistently good cup of coffee," remarks Matthews. She notes that coffee makers should include clear directions and have a fast brewing time so “people can quickly grab their cup of coffee and start their day without delay."

Size

"One thing that even I forget sometimes when buying is the size of the coffee maker," says Lee. He’s referring not just to the capacity but also the dimensions of the machine — you need it to fit your space. Some machines can fit on a counter under wall cabinets, but others need more room. For instance, Lee notes, "Although the Black+Decker is an excellent machine, its height may require it to be placed in an open area due to its 22-inch clearance needed when opening the lid." 

So, think about the space you have in your kitchen and where you want to position your coffee maker. Do some measuring before you buy, if you need to. "Also, being able to see the water level and whether the machine has a backlit display could be important factors based on where you'll be using it," Lee adds. 

Expert tips on making the most of your cheap coffee maker

You can't compare the coffee you get from a $30 machine to that made in a professional-quality $1,000 espresso machine, but you can make the most of a cheap coffee maker. Waddell recommends paying close attention to what you put into the machine. “Using clean, filtered water and fresh, high-quality coffee will make the biggest difference,” she says.

Matthews agrees that both coffee beans and water are of prime importance. "A good cup of coffee always starts with the right grounds," she says. She recommends using "freshly ground beans for an ideal cup" but notes that if you have pre-ground coffee, you should use it "within two weeks of opening the package for optimal freshness." Water quality also makes a strong impact on coffee flavor, she told us, noting that cool, filtered water is the best choice.

How we analyzed

We wanted to get expert opinions on cheap coffee makers in addition to the tests we performed ourselves. We spoke to three coffee industry experts to learn their favorite coffee makers under $50, and we trialed two to see how they performed. The rest of our list was compiled after performing deep research. We considered dozens of models, comparing factors such as size, brewing method and value. 

Our expertise

Lauren Corona is a coffee lover with experience working as a barista prior to her writing career. She's been writing about coffee makers and other coffee-related equipment for BestReviews since 2017. She's used a range of affordable coffee makers in her time, and the current go-to coffee maker sitting in her kitchen cost her under $50. 

Sources

  1. Interview with Kelsey Waddell of Roasty Coffee
  2. Interview with Tim Hopfinger Lee, founder of Tim’s Coffee
  3. Interview with Tiffany Matthews, a Senior Brand Manager at Mr. Coffee
  4. The Best Ways to Make Awesome Coffee on the Cheap, Rick Broida 
  5. My Opinion: The Way to Make Coffee at Home, Asser Christensen  
  6. The Ways to Make Coffee, According to Baristas, Tiffany Hopkins