On a Budget? Here are the Best Coffee Makers Under $100
Making a perfect cup of coffee requires the right equipment. Coffee makers come in various sizes, shapes, and types, and finding the right one can be overwhelming – especially if you’re on a budget. In this article, we will focus on the best coffee makers under $100.
When looking for an affordable coffee maker, it’s important to first consider the brewing method. There are essentially four primary brewing methods: drip, French press, pour-over, and espresso.
Drip coffee makers are the most popular and the most practical. French press and pour-over coffee makers provide a slower, more hands-on brewing experience. Espresso machines are the most expensive and require some level of expertise to operate.
Apart from the brewing method, you’ll want to consider other factors like capacity, ease of use, cleaning, and durability. A coffee maker that is easy to clean and maintain will save you time and money in the long run.
After researching and testing various coffee makers under $100, we’ve identified those that deliver the best taste and value for money. So, let’s take a look at our top picks, based on features and performance.
Best Coffee Makers Under $100
If you’re looking for a great coffee maker that won’t break the bank, look no further. We’ve scoured the market and tested various models to bring you our top picks for the best coffee makers under $100.
Whether you’re looking to brew a single cup or a whole pot, we’ve got you covered. Our list includes coffee machines with programmable settings, reusable filters, and compact designs – all at an affordable price. So, grab a mug, get comfy, and let’s dive into our top picks for the best coffee makers under $100.
Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker
At just around $30, the Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a highly affordable coffee maker with great features.
- Generous Capacity & Durable Design: Glass carafe with 60oz capacity, this allows you to brew a large amount of coffee up to 12 full cups, or simply choose 2 or 4 at a time. It has an easy-grip handle for comfortable, drip-free pouring. The dishwasher safe carafe coffee pot is made of high-quality, non-porous borosilicate glass, which won’t absorb odors, while its superb heat-resistance will keep your coffee hotter for Ionger.
- Reusable Eco-Filter: Our permanent filter technology not only enriches the flavor of your coffee but also saves you the cost and waste of disposable filters. Easy to remove and clean, however filter paper can still be used if you prefer. Savor the flavor in every refill.
Pros:
- Generous 60oz capacity
- Easy-grip handle for comfortable, drip-free pouring
- Dishwasher-safe carafe
- Reusable eco-filter technology
- Removable filter is easy to clean
- Keep warm function maintains temperature
Cons:
- Can be noisy while brewing.
- Carafe lid can be a bit tricky to put on and take off
- Takes up more counter space than some other models
The Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker isn’t just super affordable – it’s easy to use and clean. The non-drip carafe and non-slip feet make for a safe, no-fuss, no-muss brewing experience. The built-in cord storage keeps your counter tidy.
If you want a nice coffee experience without breaking the bank (again, just $30), the Mueller 12-Cup is definitely worth a try.
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for an affordable coffee maker that can keep your coffee hotter for longer, then the BLACK+DECKER 12 Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Maker is a great choice.
- 5 LAYER VACUUM SEALED THERMAL CARAFE: keeps coffee hot for up to two hours with the 4 layer vacuum sealed thermal carafe.
- VORTEX TECHNOLOGY: The exclusive showerhead design evenly saturates coffee grounds, resulting in rich flavor extraction for maximum flavor.
- NO-DRIP PERFECT POUR SPOUT: Don’t put up with annoying spills. The carafe spout is designed to prevent spills and drips while pouring.
With its four-layer vacuum-sealed thermal carafe, you can enjoy a hot and fresh cup of coffee even after a couple of hours. The Vortex Technology ensures that the coffee grounds are evenly saturated, resulting in a rich and flavorful cup of coffee.
Pros:
- Vacuum-sealed carafe keeps coffee hot for up to two hours.
- Vortex Technology ensures that coffee grounds are evenly saturated
- Carafe spout is designed to prevent spills and drips
Cons:
- Small spout makes it difficult to pour and clean.
- Carafe lid is not removable
- Coffee maker is a bit loud when brewing.
This coffee maker is easy to use and program with its digital controls. You can easily program the 24-hour auto-brew feature, customize the brew strength, and even delay brewing for up to 24 hours. The LCD display also includes a fresh brew timer that indicates how much time has passed since the coffee was brewed, up to 120 minutes.
The BLACK+DECKER 12 Cup Thermal Programmable Coffee Maker is fairly easy to clean, thanks to its removable filter basket. It’s also compact and doesn’t take up too much counter space.
Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Coffee Maker
Is there anyone you can rely on more for a super affordable coffee maker than Mr. Coffee? He’s always there, even during times of duress, like a longtime friend or a trustworthy neighbor.
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause lets you grab a cup before brewing is finished
- Lift & Clean Filter Basket makes for easy cleanup
- Compact design is great for small spaces; updated ergonomic carafe offers easy pouring and handling, and features ounce markings for perfect measuring; The carafe is made of glass
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Coffee Maker is compact, easy to use, and easy to clean, and clocks in at just $20.
Pros
- Compact size is perfect for small spaces.
- Ergonomic carafe design with ounce markings makes measuring easy.
- Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause lets you pour a cup before the brewing cycle is complete.
Cons
- Carafe is made of glass, which is quite fragile.
- Maximum capacity is just 25 oz.
- Doesn’t have a programmable feature.
We’ve been using the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Coffee Maker for a few weeks now, and it’s no slouch. The compact design allows it to fit nicely into any small kitchen, and the updated ergonomic carafe design with ounce markings takes the guesswork out of measuring.
The Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause feature is convenient when you’re in a hurry and can’t wait for the brewing cycle to complete.
The Lift & Clean Filter Basket makes for easy cleanup, and the coffee maker is easy to operate with the ON/OFF switch. It also reminds you to shut off the coffee maker when you’re done brewing.
It should be noted that the carafe is made of glass, which means it might not withstand accidental drops or bumps. The maximum capacity of 25 oz. might not be enough for larger groups. Some might miss having a programmable feature to set the brewing time in advance.
All in all, though, it’s hard to gripe about a coffee maker that costs just $20.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker
The most expensive of the bunch – but still just under $100 – the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker is both versatile and fast. It can brew a single cup or a full pot, and it is chock full of great features.
- 3 WAYS TO BREW. Brew a single 10 oz. cup with a pod or 14 oz. with coffee grounds or brew up to 12 cups using your favorite ground coffee.Filter type:Paper.Recommended uses for product: Travelling
- FAST BREWING — BREW A SINGLE CUP IN ABOUT 90 SECONDS. In the morning, every second counts. Unlike 2 way coffee makers of the past, the FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker prepares a single cup in in 90 seconds so you have more time to enjoy your coffee.
Pros
- 3 ways to brew so you can choose between a single cup with a pod, a single cup with grounds, or a full pot with grounds
- Brews a cup in 90 seconds, which is perfect for busy mornings
- Large 56 oz. water reservoir allows you to brew up to 7 single servings without refilling
Cons
- Needle can get clogged easily, requiring frequent cleaning
- Carafe is not insulated, so the coffee may not stay hot for long periods of time
- Can be a bit noisy when brewing a full pot.
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker has impressive versatility and speed. Again, you can choose between a single cup or a full pot, depending on your needs. And the 90-second brewing time is a game-changer on busy mornings.
The large water reservoir is definitely a stand-out feature. It allows you to brew multiple cups of coffee without stopping to refill. This is especially convenient if you have guests over.
Some users report that the needle can get clogged easily, and we’ve noticed the same thing. However, it’s a minor inconvenience that can be easily remedied with a toothpick or similar tool.
Additionally, the carafe doesn’t keep the coffee hot for very long, so it’s advised to transfer the coffee to a thermal carafe if you’re not going to drink it right away.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker, especially if you’re on a budget. It’s a great option for anyone who wants a versatile and fast coffee maker that can brew a single cup or a full pot.
Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker
If you love using coffee pods (and you’re looking for something budget-friendly), the Keurig K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker is definitely worth considering.
- STRONG BREW: Increases the strength and bold taste of your coffee’s flavor.
- 3 CUP SIZES: Brew an 8, 10, or 12 oz. cup at the push of a button.
- MULTIPLE CUP WATER RESERVOIR: 42oz. removable reservoir lets you brew up to 4 cups before refilling. 8 oz. cup size
- FAST & FRESH BREWED: Delicious coffee made in minutes.
- TRAVEL MUG FRIENDLY: Removable drip tray accommodates travel mugs up to 7.4” tall.
Pros
- STRONG button allows you to brew a bolder and more intense coffee taste.
- Choose from three different cup sizes (8, 10, or 12 oz.) at the push of a button.
- Removable 42 oz. water reservoir lets you brew up to four cups before refilling.
Cons
- Can be noisy while brewing
- Plastic construction feels flimsy and may not be as durable as other models
- Some users report watery coffee when choosing a larger cup size
The Keurig K-Express performs well. It brews quickly and efficiently, and the coffee tastes great. Many users appreciate the STRONG button, which allows you to customize the strength and boldness of your coffee.
In addition, the machine is travel mug-friendly, energy efficient, and works with universal K-cups.
Some users report that the machine is noisy, which may be an issue if you’re looking for a quiet coffee maker. Additionally, the plastic construction feels a bit flimsy.
Overall, we think the Keurig K-Express is a great budget-friendly option for anyone who wants a fast and easy way to brew delicious coffee at home. If you’re looking for a more durable and high-end model, you may want to consider other options.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best coffee makers under $100, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop:
Capacity
Consider how much coffee you need to make at once. If you’re the only coffee drinker in your household, a smaller capacity machine may suffice. However, if you frequently entertain guests or have a big family, a machine with a larger capacity may be more suitable.
Brewing Options
Different coffee makers offer different brewing options, such as drip, single-serve, and espresso. Consider which brewing method you prefer and choose a machine that offers that option.
Programmability
Some coffee makers offer programmable features, such as a timer or auto-shutoff. These features can make your morning routine more convenient and ensure that your coffee is always fresh and hot.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Look for a coffee maker that is easy to use and clean. Features such as a removable water reservoir and dishwasher-safe parts can make cleaning a breeze.
Price
Of course, price is an important consideration when shopping for a coffee maker. Fortunately, there are many great options available for under $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best single cup coffee makers under $100?
If you’re looking for a single serve coffee maker that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of options available. Some of the best single cup coffee makers under $100 include the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew, the BLACK+DECKER Family Single Serve, and the Keurig K-Mini Single Serve.
Which are the best small drip coffee makers?
For those who prefer drip coffee, there are many small drip coffee makers for under $100. Some of the best options include the Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew and the Hamilton Beach 5-Cup Coffee Maker.
What are the top 12-Cup coffee makers under $100?
If you’re looking for an affordable coffee maker that can brew a larger quantity of coffee, there are many options available. Some of the best 12-Cup coffee makers under $100 include the Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker and the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker.
What are the best coffee makers with grinders under $100?
For those who prefer freshly ground coffee, there are also many affordable coffee makers with grinders. Some of the best coffee makers with grinders under $100 include the Gourmia Digital12-Cup Coffee Machine and the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Mill and Brew Coffeemaker.
How much should I spend for a good coffee maker?
While there are many high-end coffee makers that can cost hundreds of dollars up to $5000, there are also many great options available for under $100. Consider your needs and preferences, and how important coffee is to your daily routine. You can find a perfectly adequate coffee maker for as little as $20.
Is there a noticeable difference in coffee quality between expensive and cheap coffee makers?
While expensive coffee makers often come with more features and higher quality materials, there isn’t always a noticeable difference in the quality of the coffee they produce. In fact, many affordable coffee makers can produce coffee that is just as good as their more expensive counterparts. Ultimately, the best coffee maker for you will depend on your individual needs and taste preferences.
