Best Budget Coffee Maker Under $150

As a coffee expert who’s been in the game for decades, I know all about the struggle of balancing great coffee with a tight budget. Hence, this much-needed best budget coffee maker guide.

Let’s face it – we would all like perfect morning brews that don’t empty our wallets. Therefore, after exploring the market for dozens of affordable coffee makers, I’ve narrowed it down to my top five favorites.

If you’re a student, a young professional or someone who loves a decent cup of joe without the premium price tag, settle in for this review. I promise you, it’s well worth reading!

Best Budget Coffee Makers at a Glance

Here’s a sneak peek at the best coffee makers under $150 I’ll be discussing today:

Is It Worth Buying an Inexpensive Coffee Maker?

Many of us wonder if it’s worth sacrificing quality when choosing the best budget coffee maker, or indeed any kitchen appliance. After years of experience, I can confidently say that inexpensive coffee makers can definitely be worth it. But, there’s a caveat: you must consider a few essentials.

First, let me bust a common myth: Price doesn’t always equal performance. While most drip coffee machines boast fancy features, many in the $40-$150 range can brew java that’s just as satisfying.

Here are a few pointers on why the best inexpensive coffee maker might be your perfect match:

However, it’s not all rainbows with inexpensive coffee makers. You’ll also need to be mindful of the following factors:

The bottom line is: If you’re a die-hard coffee drinker who values flavorful mud, but don’t want to spend too much, the best budget coffee maker is absolutely worth buying. Just remember (and I’ll keep drumming this point home) great coffee is primarily a result of quality beans. It also depends on the correct grind sizes and high-quality water. These factors matter much more than a fancy machine.

The 5 Best Budget Coffee Makers

So, what does the best cheap coffee maker have to offer? Let’s look into my top five choices to help you determine which one best fits your needs:

Braun MultiServe: Best Overall

The Braun MultiServe combines sophisticated design with practical functionality. Besides a premium brushed stainless steel exterior, it also includes a stylish, drip-free glass carafe and top-mounted water reservoir. Below the water tank, is a digital clock, control panel and a handy brew size dial selector.

Notably, despite the glass carafe/warming plate set-up, this is an SCA-certified coffee maker. As such, it joins an elite group of exemplary home brewers that guarantee a good cup.

Versatility is also the name of the game here. Boasting four brew modes and 24-hour advance programmability, it sure is convenient. Plus – the clue’s in the name – it can brew a full pot or be your time-saving single-serve darling. Plus, because of the drip-stop lever, you won’t even have to wait for a full pot!

Overall, the Multiserve is a versatile coffee maker with a solid build and premium components. It will appeal to you if you value elegant aesthetics and professional brewing capabilities. True the $N/A price is significant, But the Specialty Coffee Association’s nod of approval hints at promising performance potential.

See Also: Braun MultiServe Review

Zojirushi Zutto: Best Under $100

If you want a truly simple coffee maker, the Zojirushi Zutto is it. This one-touch button wonder does precisely what it says on the tin – brew coffee.

At first glance, the Zutto doesn’t look like much. It’s primarily plastic, but don’t let that fool you. It still feels solid and is well-made. At $63.99, that may surprise you.

However, the devil’s in the details. I love the removable water reservoir with clear markings, which simplifies filling. And, the versatile filter cone that plays nice with paper or eco-friendly mesh filters. Another neat feature is the built-in charcoal water filter. This useful addition ensures your coffee starts off with the cleanest coffee water possible.

On brewing, this 5-cup coffee maker keeps things gloriously simple. Just press a button and let it do its work. And while I’m not crazy about the glass carafe and warming plate, you can’t have everything at this price.

For coffee lovers on a tight budget who appreciate simplicity and reliability, the Zutto punches way above its modest price tag. At under $100, this is the best budget coffee maker if you want to keep things simple.

See Also: Zojirushi Zutto Review

Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker: Best Programmable

Wanna meet a family-size coffee maker that looks stylish while doing its thing? Introducing the Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker! This beauty has that classic Cuisinart design, that je ne se quoi that makes it look good in every kitchen.

Build-wise, this machine boasts a solid stainless steel and durable plastic construction. The glass carafe (stylish but not my thing) also ensures drip-free pours.That it comes in various color finishes adds to its appeal.

But it’s the programmable brewing functions that makes this, like other Cuisinart coffee makers, really shine. With a 14-cup capacity, it’s perfect if you regularly brew for large crowds. Also (I’m not crazy about this), it is pod-compatible. I love that it boasts 24-hour programmability, for coffee ready whenever you are. Plus, a mild to bold brew-strength control and brew-pause feature, so you can enjoy your coffee how and when you like it. 

I also tip my hat to the money-saving features on this office-style coffee maker. Its permanent gold-tone mesh filter saves money on paper filters. And its built-in charcoal water filter for clean, fresh-tasting coffee every time.

I gotta say: This reliable kitchen companion strikes a fine balance of quality, affordability and convenience. It delivers consistent, hot coffee with just enough advanced features to simplify brewing. What’s more, at $78.99, you’re getting a true workhorse.

See Also: Cuisinart 14-Cup Coffee Maker Review

KitchenAid KCM1208

True to KitchenAid’s long-standing reputation, the KitchenAid KCM1208 is stylish, bold and attractive. I’d say it’ll level up any kitchen. And at $109.99, it also sits in that space where quality meets value.

Available in several color-popping finishes, its sturdy construction features premium materials with absolutely no flimsy parts. The 12-cup glass carafe is pleasingly ergonomic. Ditto the water reservoir. It features clear markings that make filling a breeze.

When it comes to brewing, this programmable drip coffee machine hits all the right notes. Its 29-hole spiral shower head optimizes extraction. Also, its 24-hour programmability means your coffee will be ready whenever you are. And the variable brew strength selector? It lets you customize your cup from regular to bold, while importantly, maintaining optimal brewing temperatures.

User-friendly features also abound on this best cheap coffee maker contender. It boasts a reusable gold-tone filter for better-tasting coffee and a removable water reservoir with dosage chart for easy refilling.

As it has a glass carafe, it naturally has the dreaded warming plate. By now, you know I’m not a fan of this setup. Thankfully, this coffee maker redeems itself with clean-up; it’s pretty straightforward thanks to the removable and dishwasher-safe parts.

In short, this KitchenAid coffee maker guarantees you renowned quality. Unlike the SMEG Retro Coffee Maker, it proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a stunningly gorgeous yet functional machine.

Se Also: KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker Review

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker

The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker makes it on my best budget coffee maker list for its no-nonsense, no-frills approach. At a very, (and I mean very) reasonable $36.98, this budget-friendly brew master has surprised me.

Let’s be real – this coffee machine won’t win any beauty contests. It has a basic black, mostly plastic design but, importantly, a design that works. Plus, its compact size means it won’t hog counter space.

Like other Mr Coffee machines, this model prioritizes simplified brewing. The large 12-cup carafe (naturally glass at this price point) has a comfortable grip for smooth, drip-free pouring. And although it doesn’t have a removable water reservoir, the removable filter basket pops out easily for cleaning.

On actual brewing, this Mr Coffee machine embodies KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). Just add water and coffee grounds, hit the switch and you’re good to go. The simple On/Off switch is impossible to mess up. Plus, its “grab-a-cup” auto-pause function lets you sneak a cup mid-brew.

While it doesn’t boast fancy features like programmable brewing and temperature control, it consistently delivers a hot, satisfying cup of coffee. As such, it’s perfect for coffee lovers on a tight budget, first-time buyers or anyone who appreciates simplicity. This is why it’s included in this best inexpensive coffee maker line-up.

See Also: Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker Review

Choosing an Inexpensive Coffee Maker: What to Look For

When shopping for an affordable coffee maker, there are a few key features to look for in order to get the most bang for your buck. These include:

Size and Design

First, let’s talk about size. And, yes, in this instance, size does matter. I learned this the hard way when I bought a decent Black and Decker 12-cup coffee maker for my tiny apartment. Only to realize it wouldn’t fit on my counter!

Capacity is also a big deal. Too big a machine, and you’ll make too much coffee that goes cold too soon. Too small, and you’ll have to brew multiple times in one session. 

Speaking of space, look for what I call the “TARDIS” of coffee makers – compact on the outside but roomy where it counts. A well-designed machine doesn’t need to hog your entire counter or boast extra features like a built-in grinder. All it needs to do is brew great coffee.

And another thing: Check that you can easily access and fill the water reservoir. If it looks like you’ll need to pull yoga moves to add water, keep shopping. Your half-awake morning self will thank you!

Construction Materials

Let me share a little best budget coffee maker horror story. My first one was a “plastic-fantastic.” It lasted about as long as my New Year’s resolutions. Let’s just say I wasn’t best pleased, and learned that construction materials do matter.

So what should you look for material-wise? Opt for mostly stainless steel with durable plastic accents. It’s the only material that can handle the daily grind. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that plastic is the enemy. However, an all-plastic construction just won’t cut it in the long run.

Another essential consideration is the carafe. In this regard, you want a substantial coffee maker with thermal carafe. If you can’t get a thermal carafe, a durable borosilicate glass one will do. 

Same goes for the filter basket and water reservoir. If these parts feel flimsy, keep looking. Remember, they’ll be handling your precious coffee grounds and brewing water every single day. So, they need to be as reliable as your coffee craving!

Ease of Use

Let’s get real; nobody loves a complicated coffee routine first thing. Your main aim is to get that coffee fix and get it fast. In this regard, I’m all for machines, like the Technicorm Moccamaster, which prioritize intuitive controls. 

Another consideration: How easy is it to fill the water reservoir? It should have clear water level markings or dosage charts for accurate filling. Bonus points if it’s also removable for easy refilling and cleaning.

Ease of use also covers cleaning and maintenance. Try to look for a model with removable and dishwasher-safe parts that disassemble easily. In fact, the only complication that should arise when using the best budget coffee maker is deciding whether or not to have that third cup!

Special Features

Do advanced or special features matter on the best cheap coffee maker? Or are they there just for the “flair-of-it?” If you’ve ever experienced hazy mornings, you’ll realize that these features can be helpful. Albeit at a price.

First, programmable brewing. This is a real game changer. It ensures you wake up to the heavenly aroma of already-brewed coffee. Another is the mid-brew pause-and-serve function. It’ll save your sanity on a particularly hectic morning.

Next in line – brew-strength control, which allows you to match your caffeine levels to your mood. And yet another is a precision temperature brewer. This brewer enables you to make a consistently good cup by controlling not only brewing temperatures but extraction rates.

Finally, try to get a machine with an auto-shut off feature, or as I like to call it, the “Anxiety Eliminator.” The last thing you want is to worry about whether you’ve turned off your coffee maker while you’re miles away. It’s a valuable safety feature to have.

Decision Time: Which Budget Coffee Maker Makes the Cut? 

In the quest for great coffee on a budget, I’ve discovered that you don’t need to splurge. This best budget coffee maker list shows that affordable doesn’t necessarily mean mediocre.

Whether you choose the $36.98 Mr Coffee 12-Cup or another model, these budget coffee machines can all produce rich, flavorful coffee.

Just remember, the secret to great coffee lies more in your brewing basics. By that I mean fresh beans, grind sizes, quality brewing water and correct measurements. Sure, premium coffee makers might offer more bells and whistles. But the best inexpensive coffee maker delivers where it matters most: in your cup.

Best Budget Coffee Maker FAQ