This is a review of the best coffee makers under $100. Dive on in and find your next machine.
I want to know all the most high-quality coffee makers under the hundred dollar price point. That led me to build this list of the top models and brands available.
I chose the Keurig K-Duo Essentials as the best option because it offers K-Cup and ground coffee compatibility. Combine that with its single-serve and carafe option, and you’ll have one of the most flexible coffee makers available.
It doesn’t have the most features, despite its variety. I’ll cover alternatives throughout this guide that offer add-ons that’ll enhance your coffee’s flavor and brewing experience.
Continue reading for the ultimate coffee maker comparison.
Best Coffee Machines Under $100
- Keurig K-Duo Essentials: Top pick
- Cuisinart DCC-5570 5-Cup Coffeemaker: Great for beginners
- Hamilton Beach FlexBrew: Best single-serve machine
- Farberware Yosemite Percolator: Includes thermal carafe
- Bialetti Moka Express: Best 12-cup maker
- Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable 25 Oz: Best programmable machine
- Zojirushi Zutto: Best automatic pour-over maker
- Keurig K-Mini: Best capsule maker
- Hamilton Beach 2-Way: Best machine, UK
Top Coffee Makers Under $100
The following sections will cover each machine’s pros and cons, whether it’s worth the cost, and other relevant information to help you determine whether it’s worth getting.
None of these coffee makers will include grinders. You probably wouldn’t want an integrated grinder with a coffee machine in this price range. As it wouldn’t provide high-quality grinds. You’re better off buying a separate grinder or using pre-ground beans.
I digress. Let’s dive into our reviews.
1. Keurig K-Duo Essentials: Best Overall
![9 Best Coffee Makers Under $100 in [currentyear] 1 keurig k duo essentials](https://timscoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/keurig-k-duo-essentials.png)
Price * | $$$ |
Dimensions | 13 × 13 × 14 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 12 fl oz = 2 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Capsule coffee maker |
Material | Plastic |
Carafe Material | Glass |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- Offers single-serve & carafe brewing options.
- Low-water indication button.
- Powers off after 5 min. or 2 hrs.
Cons
- Water reservoir is located at the back.
- No timer to set for automatic brewing.
- May have difficulty fitting beneath cabinets.
The K-Duo Essentials is a fantastic machine for folks who want flexibility. Whether you want pods or ground coffee. Or to serve a single person versus groups of more than 6 people.
This is a capsule coffee maker. It simplifies brewing by using pre-packaged ground coffee pods. You load the capsule, press a button, and it crafts your drink. Ideal for those seeking convenience, consistent flavor, and no mess.
The Essentials is worth the investment. It offers versatility, quality, and simplifies your coffee-making routine.
The Duo Essential is a dual coffee maker, which means it’ll brew full carafes of coffee using coffee grounds or single cups with K-Cups. Want to use coffee beans on the pod side? Use a reusable K-Cup.
It’ll automatically power off after 2 hours when using the carafe side. A warming plate will keep coffee brewed in a glass carafe warm during this period. Be careful, though. These could burn coffee in glass carafes after an hour.
I prefer a thermal carafe, but Keurig doesn’t offer many machines with such jars.
The single-serve side of the Duo will automatically shut off after 5 minutes. The shutoff feature is practical for anyone who wants to save money on electricity. In case you’re someone who frequently forgets to turn off your machine.
Too bad you can’t set a time for the machine to power on and brew automatically. It would be nice to have coffee made upon waking up.
It’s not the best at managing space. I wouldn’t place it under a low-hanging wall cabinet because the pod opening slot will require a couple of inches of vertical clearance. And you’ll need even more space to access the water reservoir. It’s not removable.
While it’s a pain to access the reservoir, at least there’s an LED light to let you know when you must refill the tank. It’s convenient since you don’t need to wait for the machine to stop spewing water to know when it’s low.
Not what you’re looking for? Dive into our beginner-friendly coffee maker review, ideal for newbies entering the brew scene.
2. Cuisinart DCC-5570 5-Cup Coffeemaker: Best for Beginners
![9 Best Coffee Makers Under $100 in [currentyear] 2 cuisinart dcc 5570 5 cup coffeemaker](https://timscoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cuisinart-dcc-5570-5-cup-coffeemaker.png)
Price * | $ |
Dimensions | 19.14 × 5.67 × 10.85 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 5 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip coffee maker |
Material | Stainless steel |
Carafe Material | Stainless steel |
Warranty | 3 years |
Pros
- Charcoal filter ensures clean-tasting coffee.
- Space-saving design.
- Carafe keeps coffee warm for hours.
Cons
- Not optimal design for folks with narrow counters.
- Difficult to open lids & reservoir.
The DCC-5570 works best for anyone who wants a cheap drip coffee maker to keep their drink warm for hours.
It does this through a stainless steel thermal carafe. The material’s heat-retention properties will keep your drink hot for hours without risking burning your coffee. If you need it to stay hot for an extra 30 minutes, it does include a warming plate that’ll also do that.
A drip coffee maker infuses water through ground coffee. Great for those who prefer simplicity over manual brewing.
The DCC-5570 is worth it. Excellent brewing technology ensures a rich flavor. The size is perfect for small households.
The machine will fit in narrow counters, but accessing the power button and seeing the remaining water in the reservoir could be challenging. Why not just place the button on the machine’s front, Cuisinart?
You’ll also need to reach over your machine to refill the water reservoir and grounds bin. Not ideal if you don’t have much vertical clearance over it.
The added charcoal water filter will remove chlorine, sediments, and other volatile organic compounds to improve your coffee’s taste. You’ll need to replace these, though. Adding an extra expense. The replacement frequency depends on how often you use your machine.
Try it out. If not, consider a different (single-serve) coffee maker.
3. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single-Serve: Best Single-Cup Coffee Maker Under $100
![9 Best Coffee Makers Under $100 in [currentyear] 3 hamilton beach flexbrew single serve](https://timscoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hamilton-beach-flexbrew-single-serve.png)
Price * | $ |
Dimensions | 11 × 4.9 × 13.8 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 14 fl oz = 2 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Capsule coffee maker |
Material | Plastic |
Carafe Material | NA |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- Supports K-Cups & ground coffee.
- Brews in fewer than 2 minutes.
- Offers a BOLD brew function.
Cons
- Not ideal for low-hanging wall cabinets.
- Water reservoir on machine’s rear.
- Not many cup customization options.
The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single-serve (49900) is optimal for anyone who wants a single-serve machine that works with K-Cups and ground coffee.
This capsule coffee requires you to load a coffee capsule and press start. The machine punctures the capsule, hot water flows through, extracting rich flavors. It’s perfect for coffee lovers craving convenience and consistency.
The FlexBrew is money well-spent. It’s robust, reliable, and offers a variety of brew options, ensuring personalized coffee every time.
It does support ground coffee, but only through a reusable K-Cup-like mechanism. You may not have the smoothest-tasting cup of coffee due to a lack of paper filters.
You’ll have no complaints if you need strong-tasting coffee. If the default brewing function doesn’t itch your caffeine craving, hit the BOLD button. It’ll brew the coffee slower, resulting in a stronger-tasting and more flavorful brew.
It doesn’t have carafe support, but it’ll support travel mugs. This is an ideal feature if you like brewing at home and drinking when working or running errands.
I wish it had more features and cup customization, though. And that it wasn’t so tall. It’s not wide, which makes it great for narrow spaces. But its height requires you not to have low-hanging wall cabinets.
You’ll need even more vertical clearance (at least a few inches) to access the water reservoir. And though it doesn’t have a window to see the remaining water, it doesn’t matter since you’ll need to refill it after every cup or 2.
It won’t keep your drink warm for long, though. If that’s not ideal for you, consider the next pick.
4. Farberware Yosemite Percolator: Best Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker Under $100
![9 Best Coffee Makers Under $100 in [currentyear] 4 farberware yosemite percolator](https://timscoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/farberware-yosemite-percolator.png)
Price * | $ |
Dimensions | 8.86 × 7.28 × 10.83 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 12 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Percolator |
Material | Stainless steel |
Carafe Material | Stainless steel |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- Non-reactive interior coating.
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
Cons
- No features.
- Heavier than some other percolators.
Faberware’s percolator is best for camping in groups or for anyone who wants a long-lasting machine that produces an espresso-like beverage.
This is a percolator coffee maker. It brews by recycling boiling water through coffee grounds. Fans of strong, robust coffee, who enjoy the brewing process, prefer this type.
It differs from a stovetop maker that typically steeps grounds, not recycling the water.
The Yosemite is worth your money. It offers durable construction and consistent brewing, perfect for percolator aficionados.
The percolator’s thick body will keep your drink warm for hours, but it’ll weigh more than other coffee makers in the same category. And considering the machine’s price, it doesn’t come with any features (e.g., programmability.)
That’s not why you want this specific appliance, though.
If you get a percolator, you’ll want something that’ll brew great-tasting coffee, last for at least 10 years, and serve groups of people.
Unlike most similar coffee makers, this one uses a non-reactive interior. You’ll have less of a chance to have a metallic taste. Since metal is less likely to leach into your drink.
Meanwhile, the stainless steel body will keep your coffee warm for up to 40 minutes without requiring a warming plate. It’s the same material that stainless steel carafes use on some drip coffee makers.
But it’s not double-walled, which means your drinks won’t stay hot for many hours. And it requires a separate heating element to work. You must heat this on a stovetop.
Once there’s no more coffee, throw the Yosemite and all its components in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
I highly recommend percolators, but if you prefer stovetop coffee makers, try our next pick.
5. Bialetti Moka Express: Best 12-Cup Coffee Maker Under $100
![9 Best Coffee Makers Under $100 in [currentyear] 5 bialetti moka](https://timscoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/bialetti-moka-express.png)
Price * | $ |
Dimensions | 6.5 × 4.53 × 8.66 (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 12 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Stovetop |
Material | Aluminum |
Carafe Material | Aluminum |
Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- Produces robust & rich coffee.
- Easy to use.
- Durable & long-lasting.
Cons
- Can produce bitter coffee.
- Requires careful cleaning.
- Not suitable for all stovetops.
The Bialetti Moka Express is ideal for espresso lovers who don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for a proper espresso machine.
A stovetop coffee maker brews coffee using boiling water forced upward by steam pressure. Resulting in concentrated coffee. The compact design suits those seeking full-bodied, traditional espresso at home.
This concentrated coffee isn’t espresso; it’s espresso-like. Espresso has crema and requires at least 9 bars of pressure to produce. Moka pots use about 1.5 bars of pressure [1]. And because you have concentrated coffee, you risk brewing bitter coffee.
Only if you leave the coffee brewing for too long, though. You’ll need to pay a bit of attention to the Bialetti. Eventually, you’ll have a 6th sense of when to remove it from the heating element.
Ensure that the heating element isn’t an induction heater, though. The Moka pot’s aluminum body isn’t magnetic. Induction heaters require magnetic metals to heat. Placing an aluminum Moka pot will result in nothing happening.
The Bialetti Moka Express, known for durable craftsmanship and consistent performance, is a worthwhile investment for genuine espresso lovers. And coffee expert, James Hoffmann, agrees in a video where he praises the device.
Don’t throw this thing in the dishwasher. The searing water and chemicals from the detergent could cause corrosion. You’ll have to wash things daily with only hot water.
Get the Bialetti if you don’t mind manual coffee making. For automation, consider our next pick.
6. Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Programmable 25 Oz: Best Programmable Coffee Maker Under $100
![9 Best Coffee Makers Under $100 in [currentyear] 6 mr. coffee 5 cup programmable 25 oz](https://timscoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mr.-coffee-5-cup-programmable-25-oz.png)
Price * | $ |
Dimensions | 7.1 × 9.65 × 10.63 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 5 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip coffee maker |
Material | Plastic |
Carafe Material | Glass |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- Can program to brew later.
- Auto pause feature.
- Includes reusable filter.
Cons
- Requires a lot of vertical clearance.
- Doesn’t last very long.
- Short cord.
The Mr. Coffee 5-cup Programmable coffee maker works best for someone who wants a cheap coffee maker that you can set to brew for later.
Here’s how a drip coffee maker works. The water heats up in a reservoir, then flows into a filter basket. Then it saturates the coffee grounds, and gravity pulls the water through, making coffee.
They’re perfect for folks desiring hands-off brewing and a consistent taste.
Weighing its cost and performance, the Mr. Coffee 5-cup is worth the investment. It’s reliable, programmable, and brews excellent coffee.
Despite the machine’s low price, it allows you to set coffee to brew for later. Great for having coffee ready immediately when you wake up.
The auto-pause feature will activate a blocking mechanism in the filter holder, preventing more water from coming through. Useful if you need to grab your coffee before the brewing cycle ends.
Speaking of coffee filters, this one includes a reusable one. It’ll save you money in the long run since you won’t need to buy replacement paper filters. However, they’re a pain to clean because the grounds wedge into the mesh.
Finer grounds could bypass the mesh altogether and end up in your drink. Giving you a gritty-tasting coffee. Not the best, but it’s a great way to save money.
All my gripes with this machine come from the design choices. It’s made from cheap plastic. Meaning it’s susceptible to wear and tear. And to access the water reservoir and grounds, you must lift the lid, which requires several inches of vertical clearance.
I wouldn’t place this under a wall cabinet if they’re low-hanging. I also wouldn’t put this too far away from a plug outlet. As the cable is only a couple of feet long.
While it does have a viewing window for the water reservoir—to see the remaining water—it’s located on the machine’s side. Making it difficult to view if you have other appliances surrounding it.
However, the machine will automatically power off after a couple of hours. Saving you money on electricity.
Let’s dive into the best drip coffee maker, delivering that flawless brew each time.
7. Zojirushi Zutto: Best Drip Coffee Maker Under $100
![9 Best Coffee Makers Under $100 in [currentyear] 7 zojirushi zutto](https://timscoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/zojirushi-zutto.png)
Price * | $$ |
Dimensions | 6 × 8 × 10 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 5 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip coffee maker |
Material | Stainless steel |
Carafe Material | Glass |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- Water filter lasts for 2 years.
- Compact.
- Controls are easy to use.
Cons
- Constantly dripping coffee could lead to a bitter drink.
- Difficult to access water reservoir.
- Doesn’t shut off automatically.
The Zojirushi Zutto is perfect for folks who need a compact coffee machine and don’t want to deal with many features.
A drip coffee maker brews coffee by heating water, then dripping it over coffee grounds. It’s ideal for those seeking a straightforward coffee-making experience.
It’s worth the investment. It boasts longevity, excellent performance, and a compact design that suits small spaces.
America’s Test Kitchen tested the Zutto against many other coffee makers under $100 and recommended it due to its compact size and easy cleanup [2 paywall]. They had many other noteworthy machines, but now they’re priced higher than this point.
Despite the above, it’s a bit difficult to access the water reservoir, since it requires several inches of vertical clearance. Making it a bad appliance to place under some kitchen cabinets. However, it’s easy to tell how much water you have remaining due to the window to see the water tank.
And the reservoir’s removable, which makes it much easier to clean and refill in most instances.
I need to run you through the coffee-making process to explain the pros and cons:
- Place grounds in the filter, which sits in a nest inside the carafe.
- You press 1 button to power your machine on/off (no programmability).
- Coffee brews.
- Coffee cools while coffee continually dribbles from the filter nest.
The machine won’t automatically power off. Giving the warming plate a chance to burn your coffee Meanwhile, there’s no barrier between the coffee filter and your carafe, allowing water to continually pull coffee into your brew. Resulting in a much stronger-tasting drink.
Fix the first issue with a smart plug and the second by removing the filter immediately once your machine finishes brewing. Or by drinking your coffee quickly. Once you fix these problems, you’ll get some of the best value regarding drip coffee makers.
It’s not made of stainless steel, but Zojirushi usually makes durable, long-lasting appliances based on my experience.
The included charcoal water filter will last for over a couple years and ensure your coffee doesn’t drink funny.
I have noticed a difference in taste when using their filters. You could put some horrible-tasting water in your machine then find yourself amazed that such a small machine could make an enormous difference.
You may not want to deal with the cleanup involved with the Zutto. The next machine will make cleanup much easier.
8. Keurig K-Mini: Best Pod Coffee Maker Under $100
![9 Best Coffee Makers Under $100 in [currentyear] 8 keurig k mini plus](https://timscoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/keurig-k-mini-plus.png)
Price * | $$$ |
Dimensions | 11.3 × 4.5 × 12.1 in (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 1 cup |
Coffee Maker Type | Capsule coffee maker |
Material | Plastic |
Carafe Material | NA |
Warranty | 1 year |
Pros
- Brews coffee quickly in 2–4 minutes.
- Compact & lightweight design for portability.
Cons
- Requires refilling the reservoir for each brew.
- Lacks advanced tech features.
The Keurig K-Mini is a boon for anyone who needs a single-serve coffee maker that’ll fit in narrow spaces.
A pod coffee maker simplifies brewing. Just insert a coffee pod, press start, and voila—fresh coffee. It’s perfect for coffee lovers valuing convenience and speed.
The K-Mini justifies its price. It delivers quality coffee swiftly, suiting small spaces and fast-paced lives.
There’s also the K-Mini Plus, which costs more and includes features like a removable water reservoir, cord storage, and strong brew button. The last button means the Keurig will brew slower and extract more flavor.
The price difference isn’t much, but it places the Plus over the $100 mark. Pick it if you want richer-tasting coffee, and don’t mind spending a bit extra. No matter the machine, you’ll have the 2–4 minute brew time for a quick drink.
The fast heat-up time and compact size make this a great pick for home offices, college dorm rooms, RVs, and studio apartments. While small, Keurig sacrificed a water reservoir to give me more space flexibility. Requiring you to refill it after each brew.
I’d opt for a machine with a better reservoir if you drink more than a cup of coffee daily. Or if you want features like programmability and more drink control.
You can’t make many mistakes with 2 buttons. And if you have a travel mug, you could remove the drip tray to fit it.
If you’re outside the US, the above machines may not suit your preferences. Before you leave, consider our final pick.
9. Hamilton Beach 2-Way: Best Coffee Maker Under £100, UK
![9 Best Coffee Makers Under $100 in [currentyear] 9 hamilton beach 2 way](https://timscoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/hamilton-beach-2-way.png)
Price * | ££ |
Dimensions | 27 × 30.9 × 34.7 cm (D, W, H) |
Water Capacity / Enough for | 12 cups |
Coffee Maker Type | Drip coffee maker |
Material | Stainless steel |
Carafe Material | Glass |
Warranty | 3 years |
Pros
- Offers flexibility with brewing options.
- Easy to use with clear instructions.
- Amazing water reservoir design.
Cons
- Demands a lot of counter space.
- No specific features on brew types, though it supports them.
- Not many cup customization options.
Due to the brand’s wide-reaching warranty policy, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way is the best affordable coffee maker for folks in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. And its ability to fit in various home sizes.
What’s an automatic pour-over (drip) coffee maker?
You pour water, it heats, then drips through a basket of ground coffee. Perfect for beginners, it offers straightforward, consistent brews. The single-serve side requires you to plop a capsule in the slot, press a button, then it automatically brews.
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way is worth every penny. It’s versatile, durable, and delivers superior taste.
This machine uses Nespresso Original line pods and K-Cups. Making this one of few non-knock-off machines under £100 to use Nespresso capsules. Or you could use your own coffee grounds in reusable pods.
Despite all these choices, you don’t have many options to customize your drinks besides a Bold button, which makes your coffee taste stronger.
Nespresso and Keurig offer plenty of drink types and tastes, though.
The water reservoir is located on the machine’s rear, making it a nightmare to access if you have low-hanging cabinets. But it’s not difficult to see the remaining water, as the reservoir extends past the machine and has indicator markers.
Remove the reservoir come time to refill, which will take a while due to its immense size. However, since it’s removable, it’s much easier to clean.
Such a large water tank makes this machine demand more counter real estate—not great for small spaces. And despite the machine’s size, it doesn’t include many features like temperature adjustments or automatic cleaning.
Step into our comprehensive buying guide for snagging the best coffee maker under $100.
How to Choose the Best Coffee Maker Under $100
Consider these factors when shopping for a coffee maker under $100:
Factor | Why to Consider & How it Makes Life Easier |
Machine Type | The ease of use & quality of coffee brewed. |
Machine & Water Tank Size | Balances countertop space with coffee output. |
Features | Advanced features provide convenience & safety. |
Ease to Clean | Time spent on cleaning. |
Additional Costs | Upfront price may be low, but consider costs of filters, coffee beans & maintenance. |
Drinks it can make | Versatility expands drink options. |
Read the following sections and learn why each factor is critical to consider. From there, use my advice to build your own checklist. As everyone’s preferences will differ.
1. Type of Machine
Coffee machine types will determine the overall taste and ease of use of your machine. Let’s compare all the options you’ll have available under $100.
Coffee Maker Type | Best For | Avg. Price |
Drip Coffee Maker | Ideal for those valuing automation & consistency each morning. | $20–$200 |
Manual Espresso Maker | Best for coffee connoisseurs who appreciate hands-on brewing. | $100–$500 |
Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker | Perfect for those wanting control, yet enjoy some automation. | $50–$700 |
Manual Pour-Over | Suited for coffee lovers who cherish the brewing process. | $15–$50 |
AeroPress | Good for traveling coffee enthusiasts desiring quick & quality brews. | $30–$40 |
Stovetop Coffee Maker | Ideal for users seeking simplicity, durability & strong brews. | $20–$80 |
Still confused? Here’s who should get what regarding machines:
- Choose a drip coffee maker if: You require large volumes of straightforward, easy-to-brew coffee daily.
- Opt for a manual espresso maker if: You appreciate the craft & can dedicate time to brewing espresso.
- Pick a semi-automatic espresso maker if: You desire espresso but require a balance between control & convenience.
- Go for a manual pour-over coffee maker if: You value a clean, refined cup & has time for brewing.
- Get an AeroPress if: You appreciate fast, smooth coffee with easy cleanup.
- Select a stovetop coffee maker if: You enjoy strong coffee & have a stove or heat source available.
You’ll seldom see capsule coffee makers under $100—like a couple Keurig models—hence why I didn’t include it in the above table. If you frequently drink coffee yourself, I recommend opting for pods over coffee grounds.
You don’t need to buy and maintain a grinder, won’t waste time grinding beans at a store, and won’t have to maintain coffee beans. K-Cups cost up to $850 a year [3], but they save you a lot of time. And maybe money.
Meanwhile, you’ll have coffee with a consistent taste.
Regarding coffee makers that serve more people (e.g., anything with a carafe), I recommend a percolator or stovetop coffee maker. Both don’t have a bunch of components that are susceptible to damage and are robust enough to last for more than 10 years.
You may find the coffee they produce as too intense, though. Since it’s concentrated and espresso-like. Water it down in that case to nullify the intensity.
2. Machine & Water Tank Size
Larger coffee makers typically boast greater features and larger water reservoirs. They can handle brewing large batches, serving multiple coffee lovers at once. Their robust build often means a rich set of features–timers, brew strength controls, and more.
However:
Smaller coffee makers are perfect for compact kitchens or for those who love to travel. Their small footprint doesn’t sacrifice the quality of coffee they can brew.
The size of the water reservoir affects the amount of coffee you can brew at once. With a larger reservoir, enjoy multiple cups without refilling it constantly.
Coffee makers under $100 typically have a reservoir size ranging from 4 to 12 cups. Their machine size often depends on this capacity, making them ideal for compact and spacious settings.
3. Additional Features
When shopping for coffee makers, consider these features:
Coffee Maker Feature | Why It’s Useful |
Programmable Settings | Enables coffee preparation at set times for ready coffee when needed. |
Auto Shut-Off | Enhances safety & power efficiency, no need to remember turning it off. |
Multiple Brew Sizes | Provides flexibility in serving sizes, catering to varying caffeine needs. |
Pause & Serve Feature | Allows users to pour a cup mid-brew, saves waiting time. |
Water Level Indicator | Provides visual confirmation of water amount, prevents over-or under-filling. |
Thermal Carafe | Keeps coffee hot for extended periods, reduces need for constant reheating. |
Easy-to-Clean Components | Saves time & effort in maintenance, ensures a clean brewing experience. |
Brew Strength Control | Allows customization of coffee strength to individual tastes. |
Filter Type (Reusable) | Reduces ongoing costs & environmental impact associated with disposable filters. |
Coffee makers with a bunch of features tend to sit in the $90 plus range. Depending on sales tax in your area, the price may rise to over $100.
Can you find coffee makers under $100 with a grinder? No. Unless you get a knock-off version that’ll allegedly break within a week.
Most coffee makers under the $50 mark will have features like a compact size, water level indicator, and programmability. These work best for folks who want something cheap that’ll make them coffee to help them survive the day.
Not for taste.
No coffee makers under $100 include significant features to improve or control taste. Coffee makers more than $100 often allow you to control your brew strength and temperature to better tailor drinks to your preferences.
They also include pre-wetting features that help extract more flavors from beans. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then consider raising your budget.
4. How Easy It Is to Clean
A few factors contribute to easy cleaning: detachable parts, dishwasher-safe elements, and non-stick surfaces. Detachable parts let you deep-clean, while dishwasher-safe components save time. Non-stick surfaces prevent stubborn coffee stains.
Are cheaper models easy to clean? Not always. Often, coffee makers under $100 lack these features, making them harder to maintain.
5. Hidden Costs
Hidden costs with low-priced coffee machines may inflate the true price, making affordability deceiving.
Consider these costs with machines under $100:
- Electricity: Powering a coffee maker daily can increase your utility bill.
- Coffee Beans: Beans could cost more than $0.27 a cup [4].
- Paper Filters: Drip coffee machines require these, adding an estimated $0.10–0.20 daily [5].
- Water Filters: Some machines require filtered water, adding costs for replacements.
- Machine Maintenance: Regular cleaning & descaling adds up, adding costs for cleaning materials.
Choosing a cheap coffee maker may lead to frequent replacements due to inferior build quality, escalating costs over time.
To mitigate these costs, consider the following. Opt for a machine compatible with reusable filters, reducing waste and ongoing expense. Purchase beans in bulk, yet ensuring freshness. Try using tap water if safe, to avoid costs of water filters.
Regularly maintain your machine for longevity, preventing frequent replacements. Maintenance you must perform includes descaling and cleaning. And be mindful of electricity use, switching the machine off when not in use.
6. Drinks It Can Make & Whether It Includes Milk Frother
Here’s a list of drinks that coffee makers under $100 are capable of brewing:
Americano | Cortado | Long macchiato |
Black coffee | Espresso shots | Manilo Long Black |
Black Eye | Red Eye | Lazy Eye |
Cappuccino | Flat White | Mocha |
Dripped Eye | Cubano | Marocchino |
Macchiato | Latte |
Black coffee makers (e.g., drip machines) can’t make most of the drinks above. As a majority of them are espresso-based beverages. Only espresso makers, and maybe stovetop makers, could brew these.
You’ll need a milk frother to froth/steam milk to make drinks like flat whites, lattes, and macchiatos. Almost all automatic espresso machines include a steam wand or milk frother. Even at such a low price range.
FAQs for Coffee Makers Under $100
Read on to find commonly asked questions about coffee makers under $100.
Does Nespresso Make Coffee Machines Under $100?
Nespresso doesn’t offer any coffee makers for under $100.
Our Verdict
Here are our top choices:
- Keurig K-Duo Essentials: Brews K-Cups in carafes & single cups.
- Cuisinart DCC-5570: The water filter results in clean-tasting coffee, while the thermal carafe keeps it warm.
- Hamilton Beach FlexBrew: Supports K-Cups & ground coffee.
I went with the Keurig K-Duo Essentials as the best pick because it’ll support brewing in carafes and single cups. Making it ideal for serving single coffee drinkers or large groups.
Footnotes:
- * Price will vary by model, manufacturer, and vendor.