I Brewed 27 Pots of Coffee to Find the Best Inexpensive Coffee Makers

Serious Eats has reviewed hundreds of coffee makers and accessories. We have picks for espresso machines, moka pots, French presses, siphons, and percolators. All of these devices can produce a solid brew, but nothing is more practical than an automatic drip coffee maker. These machines are the easiest way to make a large quantity of great-tasting coffee, especially with good beans. But modern coffee makers are getting flashy—and expensive. 

Our team recommends a handful of high-end drip coffee makers, but they’re not the only path to a good cup. I tested nine inexpensive coffee makers with ease, convenience, and quality in mind. This review focused on products ranging from $50 to $150; our winners are dependable,  budget-friendly alternatives to our other recommendations, which run from $230 to $370. 

The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker’s removable water tank makes it easy to add water. Its adjustable hot plate can keep coffee hot for hours without scalding the brew. 

The Tests

• Setup and General Use Test: I unpacked and set up each coffee maker, programming clocks where applicable. I placed each product on my kitchen counter, checking to see how well it fit under my cabinets. I took note of any user-friendly features or irritating quirks that affected the brewing process. 
• Brewing and Timing Test: For each coffee maker, I timed how long it took to brew a pot using the Scientific Coffee Association (SCA) standard brewing protocol and a 1000:55 ratio of water to coffee in grams. I repeated this process with a smaller batch using a 500:30 ratio. After brewing, I studied the grounds to check for even saturation and noted any channeling or dry spots. 
• Taste Test: I used each coffee maker to brew batches of light roast and dark roast coffee using a 1000:55 ratio. I tasted each brew to observe flavor and texture. 
• Brewing Temperature Test: During each batch, I used a thermocouple thermometer to measure water temperature at the shower head during brewing—I was looking for numbers between 195˚F and 205˚F.
• Warming Plate Test: To test the warming plate, I used each device to hold a pot of coffee for two hours. I checked the coffee’s initial temperature and took additional measurements after 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. After, I tasted the coffee to check for any burnt or off flavors. 

What We Learned

Brewing Temperature Was Key

Brewing temperature proved to be the single most important variable during testing because it’s critical for proper extraction. SCA protocols specify that drip coffee makers should brew between 195˚F and 205˚F. Those folks know what they’re talking about; a few degrees make a big difference.

I’m a certified sommelier—I’ve trained my ability to detect subtle flavors and aromas. Even so, I was slightly concerned that I wouldn't be able to discern the differences between nine cups of coffee made with the same beans and grind ratios. This wasn’t the case. Some machines, like the Zojirushi Dome models, brewed robust coffee with full fruity and nutty flavor profiles and balanced acidity. Others, like the Melitta Aroma Enhance Drip Coffee Maker, yielded weak, flat coffee. When I compared tasting notes to a temperature chart, it was abundantly clear: Machines that brewed above 195˚F yielded the most flavorful coffee. Hotter water more efficiently draws out acid, oil, and caffeine. These elements come together to create a balanced cup. Brewing with tepid water leads to coffee that’s both bitter and bland.   

Four of the machines that I tested reached the 195˚F benchmark: the Zojirushi Dome Programmable Coffee Maker, the Zojirushi Dome Brew Classic Coffee Maker, the Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip, and the Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer. These coffee makers produced the best-tasting coffee with both light and dark roast beans. Other models paled in comparison. The BUNN Speed Brew Elite 10-Cup Coffee Maker and the Melitta Aroma Enhance Drip Coffee Maker delivered the most disappointing results. Both of these machines brewed at a comparatively cool 186˚F and produced bland, under-extracted coffee. 

Detachable Carafes Were More User-Friendly 

Making a pot of automatic drip coffee is simple: Just add ground beans, fill with water, and press go. There’s not much to complain about. If I wanted to be picky (which is kind of my job), I’d point out that adding water to the base can be the most fiddly part of the process.

Most of the machines that I tested suggest filling the coffee pot with water and using it to fill the reservoir. The Serious Eats team and I advocate for weighing your beans and water for a better brew, but I get that not everyone wants to do that. If you’re going to measure and pour by volume, the pot had better be well designed. Classic coffee pots like those found on the Müeller, Melitta, and Bunn machines have a wide spout and a removable lid. I had to turn them almost upside down to pour out all of the contents, and it was easy to splash water over the sides while filling the reservoir. The Müeller’s hinged lid was particularly annoying: It flapped open and sprayed water when I tilted it past 45 degrees.

This process also requires a decent amount of headspace. My kitchen cabinets have a generous 21-inch clearance. This was more than enough space to accommodate the 15.25-inch-tall Zojirushi Dome Programmable and Zojirushi Dome Classic machines when closed, but I had to scoot them out from under the cabinets to open the lid and add water.

The  Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip, Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer, and Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker used a different design. These models featured removable water tanks. Filling these tanks directly in the sink and fitting them back on the machine was an easy, splash-free experience. 

Special Features Were a Personal Choice

The coffee makers that I tested ranged from minimalist plug-and-go devices like the Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip to tricked-out programmable machines with automated brewing, adjustable warming plates, and clean cycles. If you want to save money on a coffee machine, skip these features. 

The best feature for most people is an auto-brew cycle that turns your cheap coffee maker into a programmable coffee maker. This function allows the user to add water and grounds the night before and set the machine to brew in the morning. Brewing a 10-cup pot of coffee took me between six and 13 minutes, and on rushed mornings, every minute counts. Out of the nine machines that I tested, five were programmable (the Zojirushi Dome Programmable Coffee Maker, Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker, Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Brewer, Cuisinart Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, and Melitta Aroma Enhance Drip Coffee Maker). All of the programmable models included auto-brew capability. 

Other features, such as a built-in clean cycle, were less essential. Cleaning and descaling are part of routine coffee maker maintenance, which can be done with or without preprogrammed settings. To descale a machine with an automated clean cycle, you fill the tank with water and a descaling solution and press clean. This will initiate a longer brewing cycle—the Ninja’s clean cycle runs for 25 to 35 minutes. For machines without a dedicated cycle, you can descale by filling the machine with the same solution and running a standard cycle. Tom-ay-to tom-ah-to, as they say. 

The Criteria: What to Look for in an Inexpensive Coffee Maker

The best inexpensive drip coffee makers have a powerful heating element that can brew between 195˚F and 205˚F. If you want to wake up to freshly brewed coffee, choose a programmable machine. Assess your countertop and look for a coffee maker that fits in your space. Removable water tanks make for easy under-cabinet storage and splash-free filling. 

Our Favorite Inexpensive Coffee Makers

The Best Inexpensive Coffee Maker

Zojirushi Dome Programmable Coffee Maker

$150 at Amazon View on Walmart $128 at Wayfair

What we liked: The Zojirushi Dome Programmable Coffee Maker brews great-tasting coffee thanks to its consistent 200˚F brewing temperature. During testing, light roast coffee was fruity and aromatic with balanced acidity and a medium body. Dark roast was robust and flavorful without bitter or burnt notes. This model features a built-in bloom cycle. The shower head sprays water over a clear plastic dome, which disperses the drops and helps achieve even saturation of the coffee grounds. This programmable machine is simple and intuitive—you can adjust the clock and set up auto brewing with a few button pushes. 

What we didn’t like: This was one of the slower models that I tested. It took just under 11 minutes to brew a 10-cup pot of coffee. Although the water reached the ideal 200˚F brewing temperature, it took over five minutes to climb to this temperature. This 15.25-inch-tall machine fits under cabinets when closed. Opening the lid, however, adds another eight inches—you’ll need to scoot the machine out from under the cabinets to fill it with water.  

Key Specs

• Capacity: 12 cups
• Dimensions: 10.75 x 8.13 x 15.25 inches
• Features: Auto brew, iced coffee, clean 
• Brew time: 10:44 for a 10-cup pot

The Best Small Inexpensive Coffee Maker

Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Drip Coffee Maker

$80 at Amazon $80 at Target View on Walmart

What we liked: This petite machine packs a powerful punch. The Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup Coffee Maker is just 10 inches tall—small enough to fit under any kitchen cabinet. It reached 199˚F during brewing and made balanced, flavorful coffee. It was easy to fill and handle the small, removable water carafe. Setup couldn’t be any easier: Just plug it in, flip a switch, and enjoy.  

What we didn’t like: This is a small, pared-down brewer that lacks programming features. If you’re serving a large crowd or auto-brewing is a priority, the Zutto probably isn’t the machine for you. 

Key Specs

• Capacity: 5 cups
• Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 10 inches
• Features: Removable water carafe 
• Brew time: 7 minutes for a 5-cup pot

The Best Inexpensive Coffee Maker with a Removable Reservoir

Ninja CE251 12-Cup Coffee Brewer

$90

$70 at Amazon $90 at Target $81 at Wayfair

What we liked: The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is sturdy and packed with user-friendly features. It includes an easy-to-use auto-brewing option, a clean cycle, an iced coffee setting, and a temperature-adjustable warming plate. This machine reached 195˚F during brewing—just hot enough to produce a flavorful, balanced cup of coffee. I loved this model’s removable water carafe. I was able to remove the tank, fill it in the sink, and replace it without moving the 14-inch-tall machine out from under the cabinet. 

What we didn’t like: Compared to the Zojirushi machines, the Ninja yielded a slightly less-balanced cup of coffee. While still flavorful, it leaned bitter.

Key Specs

• Capacity: 12 cups
• Dimensions: 8 x 10 x 14 inches
• Features: Auto-brew, clean cycle, iced coffee setting, adjustable warming plate, removable water carafe
• Brew time: 8 minutes for a 10-cup pot

The Competition

• Zojirushi Dome Brew Classic Coffee Maker: This is a solid coffee maker that achieved a 200˚F brewing temperature and produced a flavorful cup. The lack of any special features or noticeable perks kept it from claiming a top spot. 
• Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee Maker: I liked this model’s thermal carafe and removable water tank, but it failed to reach 195˚F during brewing, and the resulting coffee tasted dull. 
• Cuisinart Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker: The Cuisinart Brew Central failed to hold coffee at a consistent temperature over the two-hour testing period. 
• BUNN Speed Brew Elite 10-Cup Coffee Maker: The confusing setup and under-extracted coffee knocked this machine out of the running. 
• Melitta Aroma Enhance Drip Coffee Maker: The Melitta Aroma produced watery, depressing coffee and only reached 186˚F during brewing. 
• Mueller 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker: This machine’s plastic body felt cheap and flimsy. It was also the slowest machine that I tested—it took almost 13 minutes to brew one liter. 

FAQs

What's the best coffee maker under $100?

The Zojirushi Zutto 5-Cup is especially good, considering it costs around $80. The Ninja 12-Cup Brewer is also good and under $100, but it didn't get quite as hot as the Zutto while brewing.

What’s the best time to buy coffee makers on sale?

Major retailers often run sales around holidays. Check for deals on coffee makers around Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, or Prime Day.

Are Keurig coffee makers cheap?

Keurig coffee makers range from $60 to $180. Keurig coffee pods range from $0.55 to $1 per pod. Pod prices vary depending on style, quantity, and subscription purchases. 

How do you make good coffee?

Good coffee starts with high-quality beans and great-tasting water. If your tap water has an unappealing flavor, consider using filtered water to brew your coffee. For best results, use a burr grinder to grind beans right before brewing. For drip coffee, select a medium-coarse grind setting. Choose a coffee maker that reaches at least 195˚F—this will ensure proper extraction. 

What coffee filters should you buy?

Most brewers use flat-bottom filters or #4 cone filters. Coffee makers typically have a mesh filter, but you should still use a paper filter. That will result in better-tasting, grit-free coffee.

Why We’re the Experts

• Madeline Muzzi is a writer, editor, and video producer.
• She has written many reviews for Serious Eats, including wine decanters and countertop ice makers.
• For this review, Madeline tested nine inexpensive drip coffee makers. She brewed three batches of coffee with each model and evaluated temperature, taste, and cleanup.