In 2025, brewing barista-quality coffee at home doesn’t have to break the bank. With rising coffee shop prices, affordable coffee machines are more popular than ever, offering convenience and quality for under $150. This guide reviews the six best low-price coffee machines, tested for performance, ease of use, and value. From drip brewers to pod machines and espresso makers, we’ve curated top picks based on expert testing and real-world use. A detailed buying guide and FAQ follow to help you choose the perfect machine.
Top 6 Low Price Coffee Machines of 2025
1. Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE251 (Best Overall Drip)
Among the budget drip models we tested, the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE251 made the most balanced and the hottest cup of coffee. It has convenient, simple-to-use features, like different settings for a classic or richer taste, and its removable water tank is easy to read and fill. This model was also intuitive enough to program, so it’s suitable for shared kitchens. The Ninja has easy-to-read buttons for customizing and preprogramming a pot of coffee, but remember to select the features you want before pressing the brew button. The removable water reservoir is easy to both fill and clean.
- Price: ~$79.99
- Pros: Brews balanced, hot coffee; intuitive programming; removable water tank; classic and rich brew settings.
- Cons: Glass carafe requires careful handling; no thermal carafe option.
2. Nespresso Essenza Mini (Best Pod Machine)
Nespresso machines can make good espresso quickly and conveniently. We recommend the Essenza Mini because it’s compact, efficient, and easy to use. At just 33cm deep and 12cm wide, its countertop footprint is one of the smallest of all the coffee machines tested, yet brews single espresso with 10 bars of pressure to produce rich, flavourful coffee. If a longer short or lungo shots is your favourite, this is the perfect machine. It’s designed for speciality coffee pods and served consistently top-notch espressos. It can accommodate taller mugs, but it’s fairly noisy in use. Our expert also found the main lever for inserting capsules a little stiff, but these niggles aren’t dealbreakers, especially when it will deliver precise, speciality coffee day in, day out.
- Price: ~$129.99
- Pros: Compact design; quick espresso brewing; consistent flavor; easy to use.
- Cons: Noisy operation; stiff capsule lever; pods add long-term cost.
3. Braun BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker KF7150BK (Best Budget Drip)
Though the Braun BrewSense Drip Coffee Maker (KF7150BK) produced decent coffee, the machine didn’t stand out in our 2016 tests. There is a newer model of the Braun BrewSense, but we haven’t tested it yet. In our tests, the Braun Pure Flavor brewed hot coffee in the optimal temperature range and it kept the coffee hot for our full two-hour testing period. It has basic features like a timed auto-brew function and a “Strong” setting (which produced a far better cup than the standard). A positive point is that the machine comes with a reusable pod, so you can use your own fresh coffee. This 14-cup coffee maker brews quickly and we appreciate the smaller footprint to save some counter space. The one downside is it’s nearly 20 inches tall when fully opened, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough clearance if it’s going under your cupboards.
- Price: ~$99.99
- Pros: Hot, consistent coffee; compact footprint; reusable pod included; auto-brew function.
- Cons: Tall when open; older model lacks advanced features.
4. De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine EC260.BK (Best Espresso)
I’m including this in the sub £100 machines because although it’s just a few quid over, you can often get it for around £100 or a few quid under, and honestly, although it’s definitely not perfect, it’s the only machine in this price point with a boiler vs a thermoblock, and overall, it’s probably the best machine for this kind of money. If I were buying a £100 or under espresso machine and I was concerned about longer term value for money, meaning how long I’d get from it without having to replace it, then I’d be going for the Stilosa over the other options. De’Longhi do a very good job of building low cost machines that last. Yes, they’re plastic fantastic as most of these machines are (although slightly less plastic than some, the cup warmer is metal), but they’re the biggest (in turnover) coffee machine manufacturer on the planet, at the time of writing, and they’re one of the best brands when it comes to achieving not just low cost machines, but machines that also deliver good long term value for money.
- Price: ~$99.99
- Pros: Durable boiler design; good value; metal cup warmer; reliable brand.
- Cons: Plastic-heavy build; no solenoid valve; potential for portafilter sneeze.
5. Bella 14755 With Brew Strength Selector (Best Value)
The Bella 14755 With Brew Strength Selector is a CR Smart Buy thanks to its winning combination of performance and value. With a brew time of 9 minutes, this programmable machine lands superb scores in each lab test. Bella drip machines earn average scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in our latest member survey. Its features include auto-shutoff, a permanent filter, and brew-strength control. This 12-cup programmable coffee maker from Bella has solid ratings for its overall performance and convenient use. Its carafe is especially easy to handle and comfortable to hold. This model can brew a pot in 9 minutes, but a downside is that the carafe can’t be removed while coffee is brewing.
- Price: ~$49.99
- Pros: Excellent value; programmable; easy-to-handle carafe; brew-strength control.
- Cons: Carafe not removable during brewing; average reliability.
6. AeroPress Original Coffee Maker (Best Single-Serve Manual)
What we liked: Brass tacks: The Aeropress is really cheap and super portable. It’s lightweight (half a pound), and can be popped in a backpack or carry-on bag. It also makes great coffee, and it’s respected within the industry. The Aeropress is good on its own, but the Fellow Prismo makes it even better. The Aeropress works best when it’s inverted, which can be precarious. The Prismo allows you to brew right-side up and avoid flipping it upside-down. What we didn’t like: The Aeropress is inexpensive and reliable. But it’s not an automatic drip machine, so your brewing experience will be interactive, even once you’ve mastered the technique. Most brewers take flat bottom filters or #4 cone filters. Brewers often come with a mesh filter, but using a paper filter with it will produce a cleaner, grit-free coffee.
- Price: ~$39.99
- Pros: Extremely affordable; portable; produces great coffee; simple to use.
- Cons: Manual brewing process; not ideal for multiple cups; requires technique.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Low Price Coffee Machine
Types of Coffee Machines
- Drip Coffee Makers: Ideal for brewing multiple cups at once, perfect for households or offices. They’re simple, affordable, and produce smooth, light coffee. Look for programmable models with brew-strength controls for versatility.
- Pod Machines: Convenient for quick, single-serve espresso or coffee. They’re compact and easy to use but rely on pods, which can be costly and less eco-friendly. Nespresso models are popular for their quality.
- Espresso Machines: Best for espresso lovers who want control over their brew. Budget models are manual or semi-automatic, requiring some skill but delivering rich flavors.
- Manual Brewers (e.g., AeroPress): Affordable and portable, these are great for single servings and hands-on brewing. They require more effort but offer excellent coffee quality.
Key Features to Consider
- Brew Performance: Look for machines that maintain water temperatures between 195°F and 205°F for optimal extraction. SCA certification is a bonus for drip brewers.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive controls, clear water tank markings, and easy-to-clean parts are crucial, especially for daily use.
- Size and Footprint: Compact machines like the Nespresso Essenza Mini or AeroPress suit small kitchens, while drip brewers need more counter space.
- Durability: Budget machines often use plastic components, but brands like De’Longhi prioritize longevity. Check warranty and repairability.
- Cost Per Use: Pod machines have higher long-term costs due to capsules. Drip and manual brewers are cheaper with ground coffee or beans.
Budget Considerations
You can find excellent coffee makers under $100, with some as low as $40. Machines under $50, like the Bella 14755, sacrifice advanced features but deliver solid performance. Spending closer to $100–$150 gets you better temperature control, durability, and features like programmability or espresso capabilities. Calculate long-term costs, especially for pod machines, where capsules add up over time.
Maintenance Tips
- Cleaning: Regularly clean carafes, water tanks, and filters to prevent buildup. Pod and espresso machines need descaling every few months.
- Water Quality: Use filtered water to reduce scale and improve taste.
- Storage: Store manual brewers like the AeroPress in a dry place to prevent mold. Keep drip machines unplugged when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the best coffee machine for a small apartment?
For small spaces, the Nespresso Essenza Mini or AeroPress are top choices. The Essenza Mini has a tiny footprint (12cm wide) and brews quick espresso, while the AeroPress is lightweight, portable, and stores easily. Both deliver excellent coffee without taking up counter space.
2. Are pod machines worth it compared to drip brewers?
Pod machines like the Nespresso Essenza Mini are convenient for quick, single-serve coffee but have higher long-term costs due to pods (around $0.70–$1 per capsule). Drip brewers, like the Ninja CE251, are more cost-effective for multiple cups, using ground coffee at a fraction of the price. Choose based on whether you prioritize convenience or budget.
3. Can budget espresso machines make good lattes?
Yes, machines like the De’Longhi Stilosa have steam wands for frothing milk, allowing you to make lattes and cappuccinos. However, they require practice to achieve barista-quality microfoam, and steam power may be weaker than high-end models.
4. How often should I clean my coffee machine?
Clean removable parts (carafe, water tank, filter basket) weekly with warm, soapy water. Descale pod or espresso machines every 3–6 months, depending on water hardness. Drip brewers need descaling every 6–12 months. Regular cleaning ensures better taste and machine longevity.
5. Is it better to buy whole beans or pre-ground coffee for these machines?
Whole beans, ground fresh before brewing, produce the best flavor, especially for drip or espresso machines. A budget burr grinder (around $30–$50) is a worthwhile investment. Pre-ground coffee is convenient but loses freshness quickly, impacting taste.
Conclusion
The best low-price coffee machines of 2025 offer impressive performance without the hefty price tag. The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE251 stands out for its balanced drip brewing, while the Nespresso Essenza Mini excels in compact espresso. For espresso lovers, the De’Longhi Stilosa offers durability, and the AeroPress is unbeatable for portability. Use our buying guide to match your needs—whether it’s convenience, flavor, or budget—and enjoy café-quality coffee at home.
For more coffee machine reviews, check out Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping, and Serious Eats.