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

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Join me and 79% of Americans who prefer coffee made at home for our daily consumption of 400 million cups. While some invest over $100 on a perfect electric coffee maker, it can be challenging to find a budget-friendly option under $50 with lasting quality.

After thorough research, I've discovered the top five budget coffee makers on the market, ideal for those looking for an automatic, push-button machine. In this article, I'll introduce them briefly and also touch on some of the more manual brewing methods towards the end.

The Mr. Coffee Programmable 12-Cup Coffee Maker ranks highest as the best coffee maker under $50. Its plastic construction lacks durability, but its BPA-free materials come with programmable settings and make great-tasting coffee. This "old faithful" machine serves up a balanced, smooth, strong cup in just 10 minutes and 30 seconds, with a two-hour auto-shutoff feature for safety.

However, if you're looking for something that brews smaller volumes, Mr. Coffee made the cut for the best 4-cup coffee makers.

For those who prefer customization, the Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker with Stainless Steel Carafe is a contender. Its stainless steel carafe keeps the coffee warm, and both its auto-shutoff and brew-pause features offer additional convenience.

Other honorable mentions include the BLACK+DECKER DLX1050B Coffee Maker, the Hamilton Beach 46310 Programmable Coffee Maker, and the Black+Decker CM2035B 12-Cup Thermal Coffee Maker.

Whether you prefer a reliable, programmable option, or customizable features, these budget coffee makers offer great quality, making the perfect cup of coffee at home accessible to everyone.

One of the most durable coffee makers that I came across, coming in at a close second, is the Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffeemaker. This little machine, featured in our list of the finest 4-cup coffee makers, produces four cups, each measuring 5 ounces or about two mugs, which is just the right size for me. It allows me to have one cup at home and take the other with me, making it quite handy. In case I'm in a rush, the machine has a brew-pause function that allows me to snag a cup before the entire brewing period is over. The Cuisinart has a stainless steel carafe that is shatter-proof and features a knuckle guard that protects me from burns. The coffee, in general, is delightful.

However, compared to some other models, the Cuisinart isn't as user-friendly, and it requires frequent cleaning to keep it performing c-line. But, on the bright side, cleaning up is simple. The coffee could be a little hotter, and the auto shutoff kicks in after just 30 minutes, which may not be enough time for some coffee-lovers to savor their beverage slowly. That's not an issue for me, though. By and large, this unit is straightforward with no frills, but the Cuisinart moniker commands a $5-$10 premium.

Pros:

• - Sturdy build
• - Nice carafe
• - Brew pause feature
• Cons:
• - Requires regular cleaning
• - Short auto-shutoff time
• - Price increases due to brand name

Next, we have the Black Decker DCM600B Coffee Maker 5-Cup, which offers a variety of additional features. The machine boasts a minimalist design, complete with a water window, which is a significant benefit for people like me who tend to be prone to spills. Fill up the machine, press a button, and you're good to go. This compact model is among the most inexpensive of its kind while still offering excellent value for money. Additional features include a self-cleaning cycle that makes life easier, the ability to get charcoal water filters, and a dishwasher-safe filter basket (which most coffee makers lack). Not to mention, the enlarged showerhead ensures that the hot water is evenly spread throughout the coffee grounds.

However, during my trial, I noticed that the coffee produced by this model didn't taste as good as the higher-rated units because the water passes too quickly through the grounds. A finer coffee grind might help fix this issue, but there's no need to do so for the other varieties I tested. I would give the taste a C-.

This dainty little machine is not as sturdy as the Cuisinart or the Mr. Coffee, and it's likely that you'll have to replace it in three to five years.

Note: Black & Decker also produces a 12-cup model, most of which applies to this analysis.

Pros:

• - Easy to use
• - Self-cleaning functionality
• - Fantastic value for money
• Cons:
• - Substandard taste
• - Poorly crafted
• Finally, let's take a look at the Chulux QF-CM801 Coffee Machine.
• Pros:
• - TBA
• Cons:
• - TBA

Looking for an affordable coffee maker that won't break the bank? Look no further than the Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer for Single Cup Capsule. This small but powerful machine can brew a cup between 5-12 ounces in just 2-3 minutes. Simply insert your favorite coffee pod and hit the button to enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. The taste is exceptional and the machine can accommodate most coffee capsule brands, including K-Cup 1 and 2. Plus, it comes in six beautiful colors, including lime green and orange.

While this machine is cheap, it's important to note that you may receive a good or bad machine. However, the company has a great reputation for customer service and will assist if needed. One drawback of this machine is its tendency to breakdown, so it's crucial to clean it regularly to prolong its lifespan.

If you prefer to avoid pods for environmental reasons or taste preferences, the Hamilton Beach 49981A Coffee Maker is a great alternative. By using regular coffee grounds, you can select your preferred strength and personalize your coffee. This machine is made of sturdy stainless steel and is built to last.

However, if you prefer your coffee on the stronger side, you may find the regular setting to be too weak. Even the bold brew may not be bold enough for die-hard coffee fans. Additionally, the reusable filter may leave some sediment in your cup, but this can be remedied by purchasing Melitta filters. Lastly, the machine does not produce very hot coffee.

When searching for an affordable coffee maker, consider factors such as capacity, ease of use, and cleaning requirements. If you frequently brew for a crowd, a larger machine may be necessary. Additionally, a machine with easy set-up and cleaning may save you time and hassle in the long run.

Temperature

Ensure that you pay attention to the temperature settings since that affects the quality of your coffee. If you prefer a hot cup, steer clear from machines that are marked as less hot.

Brew Time

You may be running late for work, so it's wise to opt for a machine that reaches the required temperature and starts the brewing process quickly. Look for a timer too, so you don't have to worry about turning the machine off after brewing; let the machine do it for you.

Carafe

The carafe is a critical component of any coffee machine. Does it meet your needs and preferences? Is the pour spout comfortable for you? Also, examine the carafe's durability; you don't want it to break easily, especially if you are a bit clumsy.

Filter Basket

Some machines need a separate paper filter, while others feature their own semi-permanent filter that only requires rinsing and cleaning every after use. While paper filters are extra expenses, reusable types tend to accumulate dirt and grime over time.

Materials

Most coffee machines in this price range are made of plastic. However, the quality of plastic varies. So, give it a squeeze and poke to determine its sturdiness. The sturdier the machine's plastic, the higher the quality of the device.

Other economical brewing methods

This survey only considered automatic, electric machines. However, there are other cheaper ways to achieve superior coffee quality. For instance, you can use a pour-over cone brewer on top of your mug. This slow process extracts all the flavors of coffee and produces the best coffee you could ever ask for. You can acquire the brewer for only $15-20. By the way, on the quality of coffee, the cone brewer gets my vote as the best coffee maker under $50.

French presses or Italian moka pots are usually not expensive but make incredibly strong and well-balanced coffee. The AeroPress is the most straightforward device among the hand-brew options. It may be slightly more costly, but you can get one below $50. If any of the electric devices' coffee quality is disappointing, try one of these other alternatives.