Discover the Top Coffee Makers of 2023 for Less Than $50

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I am proud to say that I am among the 79% of Americans who enjoy preparing their coffee at home. Together, we consume a staggering 400 million cups each day.

While some enthusiasts may be willing to splurge over $100 for their ideal electric coffee maker, I am content with a budget-friendly alternative that does not sacrifice quality or durability. However, finding a coffee maker under $50 that can efficiently brew delicious coffee and withstand the test of time can prove to be quite a challenge.

Thankfully, I have taken the time to conduct extensive research and I am eager to share my findings with you. In this article, I assume that you are interested in automatic machines with push-button functionality, though I will briefly discuss some more manual brewing methods towards the end.

If I had to choose just one machine from my list, it would undoubtedly be the Mr. Coffee Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker available on Amazon:

Although Mr. Coffee is my top recommendation, I have extensively explored all the best-selling budget coffee makers on the market and managed to narrow the selection down to five standout models. Depending on your personal preferences, one of the following may be the perfect fit for you:

Now, let us take a closer look at each of the machines.

The Top 5 Coffee Makers Under $50

Mr. Coffee Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker

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Undoubtedly, the Mr. Coffee Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker is the best option for those on a budget. It expertly crafts hot, delicious, and flavorful coffee and is regarded as the most dependable and reliable of all reasonably priced coffee makers. While it is made of plastic, the material is BPA-free, which is reassuring.

This machine produces well-balanced, smooth, and satisfactorily strong coffee that fulfills most people's expectations. It has a small footprint on your countertop and takes only 10 minutes and 30 seconds for a 12-cup brew. Safety precautions such as the two-hour burner shutdown feature are also included, and the programmable options are a fantastic addition for those who cannot function without their morning coffee. Additionally, if you frequently prepare coffee for multiple people, this coffee maker is your best bet!

If you require a much smaller volume of coffee, Mr. Coffee also made it to our list of the best 4-cup coffee makers.

Pros:

• Dependable
• Produces Great Coffee
• Programmable
• Cons:
• Made of Plastic
• Customizability is Limited

10-11 Minute Brew Time

Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker with Stainless Steel Carafe

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The Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker with Stainless Steel Carafe has also earned a spot on my list. It is an excellent option for those who consume a smaller volume of coffee. Unlike Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart's carafe is made of stainless steel, giving it an advantage over cheaper coffee makers' fragile glass carafes.

This machine delivers an even, robust taste, making it a contender for the title of the most flavorful 4-cup coffee maker. The brew time is only five minutes, making it an ideal choice for those in a hurry. The carafe can be easily washed and does not require a lot of maintenance.

Pros:

• Durable Stainless Steel Carafe
• Great Taste
• Quick Brew Time
• Cons:
• Costs More Than Other Models
• Limited Volume
• No Programmable Features

• BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker

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Another fantastic option is the BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker. This model boasts a wide range of features, including a removable filter basket, easy-view water window, and a keep-hot carafe plate. Unlike other coffee makers, it possesses an ergonomic handle that makes pouring coffee beverages more manageable.

The coffee that this machine brews is rich and aromatic. Its compact size is also a significant advantage, making it perfect for small kitchen spaces. It takes five to seven minutes, depending on your chosen volume, to brew.

Pros:

• Easy to Pour
• Great Taste
• Multiple Features
• Cons:
• Limited Volume
• Not Programmable
• Carafe Not Ideal for All Users

• Hamilton Beach BrewStation 12-Cup Coffee Maker

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The Hamilton Beach BrewStation 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a unique and innovative machine that brews coffee directly into an internal container. The container is easily removable and dispensable, making it incredibly convenient for dispensing just the right amount of coffee.

This model's coffee is tasty, convenient, and practical, thanks to the gentle brew and keep-warm mechanisms. It is also a breeze to clean and does not require any additional effort. This machine takes roughly ten minutes to brew, but it is well worth the wait!

Pros:

• Innovative Internal Container
• Low Maintenance
• Quick Dispensing Process
• Cons:
• Limited Customizability
• Some Users May Find Dispensing Challenging
• It Is an Unusual Concept

• BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffeemaker

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The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffeemaker is another reasonably priced option that produces great-tasting, hot coffee. It has a fantastic auto-brew function that allows you to program it up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that you wake up to freshly brewed coffee.

This machine has a wide range of options, including a Sneak-A-Cup feature that allows you to abruptly pause the brewing process to pour coffee without the risk of any drips or messes. The BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffeemaker is a fantastic purchase that offers great value for money.

Pros:

• Programmable Features
• Sneak-A-Cup Function
• Consistent Temperature
• Cons:
• Noisy Operation
• Requires Frequent Cleaning
• Finicky Latch Design

In conclusion, investing in a coffee maker under $50 no longer means having to compromise on quality, durability, taste, convenience, or functionality. The models mentioned above are all great options that cater to different needs and preferences. Now you can start brewing delicious, hot coffee without breaking the bank!

The runner-up in the list of strong and reliable coffee makers is the Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker, which has also earned a spot among the best 4-cup coffee makers. The Cuisinart machine is perfect for me because it makes four 5-ounce cups of coffee, just enough for my home and on-the-go sipping pleasure. With its brew-pause feature, I can even sneak a cup before the brewing cycle is complete. Thanks to its shatterproof stainless-steel carafe and knuckle guard, I can enjoy drinking coffee without worrying about burning myself. The taste of the coffee produced by this coffee maker is excellent too.

However, compared to its competitors, the Cuisinart is slightly complicated to use, and regular cleaning is necessary. On the plus side, its cleaning process is relatively easy. I should mention that the coffee might taste slightly less hot than other models, and the 30-minute automatic shutoff feature may not appeal to all coffee lovers who enjoy savoring their brews. But, none of these are deal breakers for me. The only disadvantage of the Cuisinart is that it's an expensive model, partly because of its brand name.

Pros:

• - Strong and sturdy design
• - Comes with a shatterproof carafe and brew pause feature
• Cons:
• - Requires regular cleaning
• - Short 30-minutes shutoff time
• - Expensive because of the brand name

The Black Decker 5-Cup Coffee Maker is a budget-friendly option that offers numerous features. With its minimalistic design, the machine comes with a water window, making it spill-proof. The machine is easy to use; fill it up, press a button, and voila, your coffee is ready. The self-cleaning cycle saves you time and energy. In addition, the coffee maker allows for charcoal water filters, has a dishwasher-safe filter basket, and comes with an enlarged shower head, spreading water evenly across the coffee grounds.

Nevertheless, during testing, the coffee produced tasted less satisfactory than the higher-rated coffee makers. This might be due to the water that runs through the coffee grounds too quickly. It might need a finer ground to make it taste better, but we didn't find this issue with other models. Hence, I give it a C- for the taste.

The Black Decker coffee maker is not as sturdy as its competitors; it might need a replacement every few years, even though it comes with a 12-cup alternative.

Pros:

• - Affordable
• - Easy to use
• - Comes with a self-cleaning cycle
• Cons:
• - Subpar taste
• - Not as well-made as its competitors

The Chulux QF-CM801 Coffee Machine is also a budget-friendly alternative with unique features. It comes in a sleek design, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any space. Its single operation button makes it easy to use, and its compact design means its footprint is minimal. The machine also boasts of an effective and durable brewer needle, and the coffee maker is compatible with capsules and ground beans.

Unfortunately, the disadvantages are the most striking. The taste quality of coffee is seriously lacking, and the machine's construction is not sturdy. It might not last more than two years of regular use.

Pros:

• - Affordable and stylish
• - Simple to use and compact
• Cons:
• - Coffee isn't of the highest quality
• - Low-quality construction and material

The Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer for Single Cup Capsule is the cream of the crop when it comes to affordable pod machines. This petite and efficient machine can brew a delicious cup between 5-12 ounces in just 2-3 minutes. Insert the pod, give it a push, and let the machine do the rest - it will automatically shut off after 3 minutes. The taste of the coffee is noteworthy, and it fits both K-Cup 1 and 2 capsules. Plus, with six stunning colors to choose from, including my personal favorites, lime green and orange, it's hard not to fall for this one.

It's true that it can be challenging to find a quality pod machine under $50. With the Chulux, it's a hit or miss - some will last longer than others, but the company has a good track record of assisting customers. It's crucial to clean the machine regularly to avoid breakdowns and ensure it lasts as long as possible.

If you prefer to skip the pods altogether, the Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker is a reliable choice. This single-serve machine allows you to add your favorite coffee grounds to the basket, add water, and brew to your desired strength - bold or regular. The machine is stainless steel, and its durability will ensure its longevity.

However, the regular setting produces weak coffee, and even the bold setting may not offer strong enough flavor for some coffee enthusiasts, like myself. Adding milk and sugar may help, but the reuseable filter does leave some residue in the coffee. This issue can be resolved with Melitta filters that will fit the machine. Also, the temperature of the coffee is not as hot as most people prefer.

When searching for an affordable coffee maker, consider the machine's capacity, ease of use, and cleaning. Depending on how many people you typically make coffee for will determine the size of the machine you need. If you're not a morning person, make sure the machine is straightforward to operate in the morning. Finally, choose a coffee machine that is easy to clean since the tubing is difficult to clean and can be a haven for bacteria. Regular cleaning will prevent most, if not all, breakdowns.

Temperature

The temperature of your coffee is important to consider. If you prefer a piping hot cup, then avoid machines that I've labelled as less hot.

Brew Time

Most people rush during the morning. Look for a machine that can quickly heat up and start brewing. Additionally, search for a timer that automatically turns off after brewing so you won't have to worry about forgetting to do it yourself.

Carafe

Pay attention to the carafe. Determine if it meets your needs regarding size and shape. Check if the pour spout is convenient for you, and if the carafe looks durable enough to withstand accidents.

Filter Basket

Certain machines require separate paper filters, while others come with their own reusable filter. Depending on your preference, either option can work fine, but keep in mind that paper filters can be an additional expense, and reusable filters need to be cleaned after every use.

Materials

Most machines at this price point will be made of plastic. However, there are different types and levels of plastic quality. Examine the material closely by poking and squeezing it gently. The sturdier and less flimsy it feels, the better quality the machine is.

Alternative Affordable Brewing Methods

Although ease and familiarity are usually what people want in a coffee maker, there are cheaper and effective alternatives. For the best-tasting coffee, I recommend using a pour-over cone brewer that sits on top of your mug. Slowly pour hot water onto the coffee to extract all the flavors. A brewer can be purchased for $15-20 and makes the best coffee in my opinion.

Other affordable options include a French press or an Italian moka pot, which are strong and well-balanced. For ease of use, try an AeroPress. While it is slightly more expensive, you can usually find one for under $50. If you're disappointed with the quality of coffee from an electric device, try one of these alternatives.