Navigating the world of coffee makers in 2025 can feel overwhelming with the sheer variety of options, from drip machines to pod-based systems and espresso makers. For those seeking quality brews without breaking the bank, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the eight best affordable coffee machines available this year. Each has been rigorously tested by experts and chosen for its performance, ease of use, and value. This guide also includes a buying guide and FAQs to help you make an informed decision.
1. Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE251
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. The Ninja CE251 consistently produced the best-tasting coffee of all the models we tested, bringing out the sweeter chocolate and malty notes of the Big Bang Blend, with gentle fruity flavors to offer balance. There was very little difference in flavor quality between coffee brewed from the fresh-ground and pre-ground beans. Both had a creamy, rich body, which can be harder to achieve from pre-ground coffee in a cheaper machine, making this an especially good choice if you like buying ground beans. The brews on the Ninja were the hottest overall, with an average finished temperature of 188 °F. Not only did the hotter brewing water extract better flavors more thoroughly, it also means the coffee will be at a pleasant drinking temperature directly after brewing, even if you add milk.
Pros: Affordable, brews hot and balanced coffee, intuitive programming, removable water tank for easy filling and cleaning.
Cons: Warming plate can make coffee taste acrid after two hours, lacks advanced temperature stability features of pricier models.
2. Braun Pure Flavor 14-Cup Coffee Maker
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. However, this is a straightforward coffee machine that brews tasty coffee that you can grab for around $100 (or less if it’s on sale!), making it one of the most budget-friendly coffee makers we’ve tested. 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. In addition to brewing delicious coffee, our experts found it exceptionally easy to use. The Braun was one of the top-scoring drip coffee machines for making extra-tasty coffee. The Braun comes with several nice extra features, like the ability to brew smaller batches of coffee (1 to 4 cups) or full carafes, two brew strength settings, an auto shutoff if you remove the glass carafe, and three different settings for the warming plate. This last feature is particularly nice because one of the worst parts of cheap drip coffee makers is that they tend to make undrinkable hot coffee that tastes increasingly burnt the longer it sits on a hot plate.
Pros: Compact footprint, brews quickly, excellent taste, customizable brew strength and warming plate settings.
Cons: Tall when opened, requiring ample vertical space; glass carafe less durable than thermal options.
3. Nespresso Vertuo Pop+
For those working with a smaller budget, this more affordable edition within Nespresso’s Vertuo range is a stylish addition to any countertop. Available in six colours, it has an attractive body with rounded edges and an easy to use push-button interface, but what stands out to us most is the quality of the espresso. The coffee we brewed in the Vertuo Pop was rich and dark, with a thick, silky crema and light touch of acidity. Setting it up was a bit more of a faff – the manual is large and features all the models within the Vertuo range, which means a chunk of the information included isn’t relevant to this machine. Another noteworthy perk is that Nespresso recycles used pods if you send them back to the company, and the brand’s newest Vertuo machine is made with 54% recycled plastic. Finally, you can’t beat the price, and it requires barely any cleanup.
Pros: Stylish and compact, produces rich espresso with crema, eco-friendly pod recycling, minimal cleanup.
Cons: Setup manual is overly complex, pod system can be costlier per cup compared to ground coffee.
4. AeroPress Original Coffee Maker
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. Capacity: Makes one 10-ounce cup of standard coffee or up to three shots of espresso with one standard press. 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. The plastic components pick up scents and oils and will need to be deep-cleaned occasionally.
Pros: Extremely affordable, portable, brews excellent coffee, versatile for espresso-style drinks.
Cons: Manual brewing requires effort, plastic components need periodic deep cleaning.
5. De’Longhi Magnifica Evo One Touch
Best low-effort coffee at an affordable price: De’Longhi Magnifica Evo One Touch £419.99 at Lakeland. This is a more affordable option that has loads of similar features to the Delonghi Eletta Explore. You can get a double shot with the DeLonghi Magnifica, it just means you have to press the shot button twice. It’s definitely worth training up your machine to know just how you like your coffee – this is done by trial and error, and slowly adjusting the presets. Certainly, you can choose from a good array of coffee styles – 15, in fact. We found the initial warming-up process a bit long-w Цinded each time we switched it on. In a busy household with lots of users, the first person making the coffee bears the brunt of this. But as we were only really making one coffee at a time, it was slightly frustrating.
Pros: Versatile with 15 drink options, user-friendly presets, affordable for a bean-to-cup machine.
Cons: Slow warm-up time, less ideal for households with multiple users.
6. Mr. Coffee Pod and 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Mr. Coffee Pod and 10-Cup is another dual coffee maker that allows you to brew coffee pods as well as ground coffee. 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 is a straightforward coffee machine that brews tasty coffee that you can grab for around $100 (or less if it’s on sale!), making it one of the most budget-friendly coffee makers we’ve tested.
Pros: Dual pod and drip, affordable, includes reusable pod for fresh coffee, simple to use.
Cons: Limited features, pod brewing less cost-effective than ground coffee.
7. Cuisinart DCC-T20 Touchscreen 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
A traditional drip coffee maker with a modern twist, the Cuisinart DCC-T20 offers slick touchscreen controls and makes plenty of coffee for a full house, thanks to its 14-cup glass carafe. This model hits our tests for brewing performance and convenience out of the park, and it’s better than most when it comes to handling the carafe. It has auto-shutoff, an indicator to let you know when it’s time to clean the machine, and a cupcake-style filter. It’s a little on the pricey side compared with other models that perform just as well—but as a drip coffee maker brand, Cuisinart receives our highest ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction in CR’s member survey, so it’s a machine you can count on.
Pros: Large capacity, reliable, user-friendly touchscreen, easy-to-clean carafe.
Cons: Slightly pricier than similar models, glass carafe less durable.
8. L’or Barista Sublime
Best for capsules: L’or Barista Sublime £59.99 at Amazon. It’s by no means a machine with frills, and it can be a touch noisy but for a budget pod-eating buy it’s our absolute favourite. The coffee we brewed was rich and dark, with a thick, silky crema and light touch of acidity. It’s an ideal coffee maker for beginners who want to enjoy experimenting with different custom drinks.
Pros: Very affordable, produces rich coffee with crema, simple for beginners.
Cons: Noisy operation, limited features compared to higher-end pod machines.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Affordable Coffee Maker
1. Type of Coffee Maker
- Drip Coffee Makers: Ideal for brewing multiple cups at once, perfect for households or offices. They’re simple to use and often the most affordable.
- Pod/Capsule Machines: Convenient for quick, single-serve coffee. Great for small spaces but can be pricier per cup.
- Manual Brewers (e.g., AeroPress): Offer hands-on control and portability, ideal for coffee enthusiasts on a budget.
- Bean-to-Cup Machines: Grind fresh beans for each brew, offering premium taste at a higher but still accessible price point.
2. Budget Considerations
Affordable coffee makers typically range from $50 to $400. While cheaper models (under $100) can deliver solid performance, those in the $100-$200 range often offer better temperature control and durability. Consider long-term costs, like pods or filters, which can add up.
3. Features to Look For
- Programmability: Allows you to set brewing times for convenience.
- Thermal vs. Glass Carafe: Thermal carafes keep coffee hot longer without burning it.
- Brew Strength Control: Adjusts flavor intensity for personalized taste.
- Ease of Cleaning: Removable parts and self-cleaning functions save time.
- Size and Counter Space: Ensure the machine fits your kitchen setup.
4. Coffee Preferences
If you love espresso-based drinks, consider pod machines or entry-level espresso makers. For black coffee, drip or pour-over styles excel. Cold brew fans may prefer machines with dedicated settings.
5. Maintenance
Regular cleaning extends your machine’s life. Look for models with removable water tanks, rinse systems, or descaling alerts. Pod machines require less daily maintenance but need occasional deep cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most affordable coffee maker that still makes great coffee?
The AeroPress Original Coffee Maker is one of the cheapest options at around $40, delivering exceptional coffee with a hands-on approach. For automatic machines, the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker CE251, priced around $80, consistently brews hot, balanced coffee.
2. Are pod coffee makers worth it for budget-conscious buyers?
Pod machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ or L’or Barista Sublime are convenient and produce high-quality coffee, but the cost of pods (around $0.50-$1 per cup) can add up. They’re best for those prioritizing speed and ease over long-term savings.
3. How often should I clean my coffee maker?
Clean removable parts (carafe, filter basket) after each use. Run a descaling cycle with a citric acid or vinegar solution every 3-6 months, depending on water hardness, to prevent buildup and maintain taste.
4. Can affordable coffee makers make espresso?
Most budget drip or pod machines don’t produce true espresso, which requires 9 bars of pressure. However, the AeroPress can mimic espresso-style coffee, and pod machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ deliver espresso-like drinks with crema.
5. How do I make my coffee taste better with a budget machine?
Use fresh, high-quality beans and grind them just before brewing. Ensure water is heated to 195-205°F (many budget machines achieve this). Experiment with brew strength settings and clean your machine regularly to avoid off-flavors.
Conclusion
The best affordable coffee makers of 2025 strike a balance between cost, performance, and convenience. Whether you’re after the simplicity of a drip machine like the Ninja CE251, the portability of an AeroPress, or the versatility of a bean-to-cup De’Longhi Magnifica Evo, there’s a budget-friendly option to elevate your morning brew. Use this guide to match your coffee preferences and lifestyle to the perfect machine, and enjoy café-quality drinks at home without the hefty price tag.