Jump to:
Many coffee makers in the market can offer high-quality brews and still have features usually associated with expensive models for $100 or less. But, of course, you can spend far less if you only want to make a simple cup of coffee.
In this article, we look at the leading options for the best coffee maker under $100 and weigh their pros and cons so you can pick the best for you.
at a glance: Best Coffee Maker Under $100
What is the concept of a Coffee Maker?
The basic concept is the same regardless of which coffee maker you choose – coffee is ground and held in a filter, and water is passed over, which extracts the flavor from the beans.
The water drains through the beans and the filter, delivering grit-free coffee into a mug or carafe.
Although the process is simple, not all coffee makers produce the same results. The water’s temperature can affect the flavors extracted from the ground beans, while the contact time of the water with the beans can alter the strength of the final product.
What Should You Look For if You Intend to Buy a Coffee Machine?
Functionality and Convenience
If you and your family have different coffee preferences, then you need a machine that allows you to alter the brewing strength.
Do you want a nearly hands-off coffee-making experience where the coffee is ready and waiting for you as you wake up, or do you look forward to brewing your coffee in the morning?
A fully programmable electric coffee maker can have your coffee ready when you wake up. Less automated machines may need more attention but are still operated by pushing a few buttons.
Manual pour-over coffee makers such as the French press brewers and stove espresso pots require your full attention to produce the perfect brew.
Pod machines are ideal for households where the residents all prefer different types of coffee and coffee is not consumed in large quantities.
Type of Coffee and Long-term Cost.
Buying a coffee maker is merely the start of your brewing expenses. A single-serving machine like Nespresso or a Keurig will require you to purchase the necessary pods or capsules regularly.
If you are considering getting a drip machine, you will buy new filters, beans, or grounds. It is advisable to determine which coffee machine will best suit your needs and be more cost-effective.
Consider the type of coffee you love to drink when buying a coffee machine. Are you satisfied with drinking espresso, or do you prefer cappuccino? You must be sure that the coffee machine you buy can supply you with the coffee you want.
If you want variety, hybrid coffee machines can brew different types of coffee. In addition, these machines can save you space because you don’t need to buy two separate coffee machines.
Brew Size and Capacity
There are coffee makers available that can brew the amount you need for your specific requirements.
Single-cup coffee makers are perfect if you live alone or if each person in your household prefers a different style or flavored brew. They are also convenient if everyone wakes up at varying times.
Coffee makers that can make larger quantities of ten to twelve cups are more convenient for people who drink lots of coffee or if you need coffee for the family for breakfast or dinner parties.
Keeping Coffee Warm
If you only plan to make a brew at breakfast for the family, then a glass brewer with a warming plate will suffice. However, these warmers can lead to a burnt and bitter taste if left on for too long.
If you drink coffee throughout the day, your best option is a thermal carafe with adjustable temperature control settings that will keep the coffee piping hot throughout the day.
Sizing
To ensure your coffee maker will fit, measuring the unit’s height, width, and depth is advised. It is also necessary to consider if the top of the machine needs to be lifted to add water and coffee grounds when choosing where to place the device.
Customizable Brewing Options
Many people choose to have coffee-making machines with no options apart from adding the desired amount of grounds and water.
There are coffee makers that can be programmed to brew at a specific time, keep the coffee warm, or automatically shut off. Some have audible alerts to indicate when the brew is completed, and most electric models will have lights to show that the unit is on.
More advanced coffee makers allow you to select water temperatures, brew strength, and various brew sizes. In addition, some coffee makers include features like milk froth and bean grinding. However, it must be noted that machines offering advanced options tend to have a higher price tag.
Cup and capsule machines offer options for making hot chocolate, tea, and various styles of coffee.
Maintenance
Buying a coffee machine is a significant investment. Therefore, maintenance is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a unit.
Before you decide on the type of machine you want to buy, determine the cleaning demands of that model and how much time you can invest in cleaning and maintaining the unit effectively.
Type of Coffee Maker
The following is a brief description of the different types of coffee machines to help you to find the coffee maker to fit your taste and style:
1. Pour-Over Coffee Makers
Pour-over coffee makers are a manual method of making coffee whereby hot water is slowly poured over coffee grounds that have been placed on top of a filter allowing the flavor and aroma to stand out.
The size and quantity of grounds, the temperature and volume of water used, plus the speed at which the water is poured over the coffee grounds can be measured and controlled, thus brewing the perfect cup of coffee to suit your tastes.
2. French Press
A French Press or Plunger is a manual coffee maker. A measured amount of coffee grounds and hot water are placed into a cylindrical carafe and percolates for about four minutes. The plunger with the fitted filter is then pressed down, separating the coffee from the grounds.
3. Drip Coffee Maker
The coffee maker most commonly found in kitchens is the Electric Drip Coffee Maker because it is easy to use and has a relatively short brewing time. Different models can either brew single servings or 12-14 cups with just the press of a button.
Some models have added features, such as:
- 24-hour programmability, enabling you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee.
- Keep warm settings that help keep the coffee heated for more prolonged periods.
- Large batch options allow you to make more coffee in one brewing cycle.
4. Coffee Capsule Machines
Coffee capsule machines have become popular as they are easy to operate, and the capsules are sealed for freshness. They are available in various blends, and you can vary your coffee choice instantly by choosing a specific capsule blend, and the coffee is made in under a minute.
Capsule machines have two main drawbacks. First, the capsules are expensive compared to an equivalent amount of coffee. Second, it is not great for the environment as constant use, and disposal of the pods or capsules will produce a lot of plastic trash.
5. Espresso Machine
Espresso machines range from inexpensive models to high-end devices to suit any Espresso drinker’s needs. In addition, there is a wide variety of Espresso styles ranging from Stovetop to pod machines.
A semi-automatic espresso maker is a popular choice if you want to brew a traditional espresso or create drinks like cappuccinos and lattes at home. These machines control the pressure of the brew but allow you to regulate the amount of water you use for the espresso shot.
Semi-automatic programming offers a more leisurely, hands-off experience than manual espresso makers delivering strong, bold-flavored coffee.
6. Cold Brew Coffee Makers
Cold-brew coffee machines use a slow-brewing method to create a high-caffeine coffee concentrate that has a smooth, rich taste and can be mixed with milk or enjoyed over ice. Cold-brew coffee is brewed by steeping coffee grounds in water for 12-24 hours.
Best Coffee Maker Under $100 – Our Top Picks
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Cuisinart DCC-3200 Coffee Maker |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
![]() | Hamilton Beach 49976 Coffee Maker |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
![]() | Keurig K55 K-Classic Coffe Maker |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
![]() | Ninja CE251 Coffee Maker |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
![]() | Black & Decker CM2035B Coffee Maker |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
It is unnecessary to sacrifice enjoying good-tasting coffee if you work on a small budget. Many coffee makers will give you an excellent brew for under $100. The following five coffee makers are recommended to help you select the best one to suit your needs and budget.
1. Cuisinart DCC-3200-PerfectTemp- Programmable Coffee Maker
Pros
- Large 14-cup capacity
- Bold or regular brew strength control
- Showerhead design for even extraction
- 1-4 cup brew size settings for smaller servings
- Charcoal water filter
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Thermal carafe would be a better option than a glass carafe
- Carafe design has a lip that makes it difficult to empty the carafe completely
Cuisinart is a company well-known for making quality kitchen equipment. The Cuisinart 14-cup, fully automatic programmable coffee maker is an excellent coffee maker at a reasonable price and has many easy-to-use features.
This coffee maker will be a stylish addition to your kitchen countertop. It is made of stainless steel, and there are several colors to choose from, ranging from brushed stainless steel and a sleek black to copper and cream.
Water Reservoir
The water reservoir has a water level indicator window on the side. It holds enough water to brew 14 cups of coffee, slightly more than the average coffee maker making 10-12 cups. In addition, the carbon water filter helps to remove flavors and odors that could alter the taste of your coffee.
Water Distribution
The showerhead design distributes the water evenly over the coffee grounds meaning that the water doesn’t just flow down the center and miss the coffee grounds around the edges of the filter.
Brew Pause
If you cannot wait for the entire pot to brew, the DCC3200 has a brew pause feature that allows you to pour yourself a cup while brewing.
However, the coffee maker will continue dispensing water into the grounds, so it is advised that you return the pot within 20 seconds to prevent the brew basket from overflowing.
Filter Baskets
The DCC3200 comes with a gold-tone metal basket and a cone-style plastic basket that takes a #4 size filter paper which is an excellent option if you prefer the cleaner-filtered coffee achieved from paper filters.
Brew Flexibility
The Cuisinart DCC-3200 offers more brewing features than the average drip coffee machine. For example, you can set the brew strength control at Bold or regular. The bold brew takes a bit longer as the water percolates slower to get more extraction.
The DCC-3200 has a 1-4 cup setting allowing you to brew smaller amounts of coffee rather than a whole pot every time.
Control Panel
The control panel is easy to use, with buttons around the display for setting the time, programming a brew cycle in advance, and a switch to turn the Ready Tone on or off if you are irritated by the beeping.
There is a Clean Button that will light up red when you need to descale your machine due to the effects of hard water. To descale, fill the reservoir with 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water and then press and hold the clean button till the machine is in cleaning mode.
Program Function
The Cuisinart Perfectemp DCC-3200 can be programmed for up to 24 hours before you want your coffee to brew. It is easy to set up. Add water to the reservoir, place coffee grounds in the filter, press the Program button, and select the time you want your coffee to start brewing.
GlassCarafe
The glass carafe holds 14 cups of freshly brewed coffee. The hot plate has three settings, warm, medium, and low, and users can choose how long the hot plate will remain on after brewing ranging from 0-4 hours to keep their coffee warm.
Using a hot plate can cause the coffee to develop a burnt flavor. An insulated carafe would be preferable to ensure your coffee stays warm.
Value for Money
The Cuisinart DCC-3200 brews a large, quality pot of coffee with programmability to make coffee making easy and convenient.
2. Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker
Pros
- Has separate water reservoirs
- Single-serve can use K-cups or ground coffee
- Can provide a pot or a single serving of coffee
- Can run Bold or Normal strength
Cons
- No self-cleaning
The main attraction of the Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew is its versatility. It has two automatic brewing options, two water reservoirs, and the ability to brew coffee grounds, K-cups, and pods.
In addition, its compact size will fit perfectly on your kitchen countertop.
Two-Way Brewing
Automatically having two options for brew sizes on the FlexBrew makes it more convenient and easier to get your desired cup of coffee at the push of a button.
You can brew a 12-cup batch of coffee on one side using the carafe, or you can use the dual-purpose single-serving option to brew a pod or ground coffee on the other side.
Carafe 12-cup coffee maker
The 12-cup coffee maker allows you to brew a whole pot of coffee and has easy touch programmability to select when the machine must start brewing up to 24 hours in advance. Unfortunately, this feature only works on the carafe side.
After brewing, the coffee will be kept warm for two hours in the glass carafe before the power automatically switches off. An auto pause and pour option allows you to stop the brewing process, pour a cup, and continue with the same brew.
Dual Purpose Single Serving Option
The single-serving option allows you to brew a cup with a K-Cup, Pod, or ground coffee. The pod holder and single-serve grounds basket will enable you to perform or use either option easily.
Water Reservoirs
Instead of having one large water reservoir, the Hamilton Beach 49976 has a separate water reservoir for each brewing side that is easy to fill. In addition, both feature a water window allowing you to check the water level.
Brew Strength
There are two brewing strength options; bold or regular. The bold option will give a more potent brew, and brewing takes a bit longer.
Cleaning
The FlexBrew is easy to clean as all the essential pieces are easily removable and dishwasher safe.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a dependable, sturdy coffee maker, the Hamilton Beach 49976 is worth considering.
3. Keurig K55 K-Classic Coffe Maker
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of...
- Brews multiple k-cup pod sizes: (6, 8, 10 ounce) – the most popular k-cup pod brew sizes. Use the 6 ounce brew size to achieve the strongest brew.
- Large 48 ounce water reservoir: Allows you to brew 6 plus cups before having to refill, saving you time and simplifying your morning routine. The water reservoir is removable, making it easy to refill...
- Descaling: An important part of cleaning your keurig brewer. This process helps to remove calcium deposits, or scale, that can build up inside a coffee maker over time.
- Auto-off: An auto-off feature is easily programmed to turn off your coffee maker after it has been idle for 2 hours, helping to save energy.
Pros
- Easy to use
- 48-ounce water reservoir
Cons
- K-cups are expensive
- Accumulates a lot of plastic trash
The Keurig K55 K -Classic is the ideal coffee maker if you want a single cup of coffee at a time and don’t want to worry about filters, coffee grounds, and brewing a whole pot of coffee.
K-Pod System
The K-pod system allows you to place a single-serve pod in the Keurig coffee maker each time you want a cup of coffee. The K55 can brew K-pod sizes of 6,8 and 10 ounces, the most popular pod sizes, while the six-ounce pod will give you a more potent brew.
There is also a wide variety of coffee flavors in K-pods for you to choose from, giving you lots of options to enjoy your favored brew.
Water Reservoir
The Keurig K55 HAS A 48-ounce water reservoir that allows you to brew 6-8 cups before refilling the reservoir, simplifying your routine if you intend to brew more than one cup at a time and saving you time.
The water reservoir is removable and thus easy to refill when required.
Control Panel and Programmability
The control panel is easy to operate. Just insert the pod, select your desired cup brew size, and you will have a cup of coffee in less than a minute. In addition, an auto-off feature can be programmed to turn off the machine if it has not been used for two hours.
Descaling
Descaling is an integral part of cleaning your Keurig K55. To remove calcium build-up from the Keurig K-55, fill the water reservoir half full with vinegar and top up with water. Then, start the brew cycle without inserting a K-cup. Repeat until the water reservoir is empty.
Conclusion
If a single-serve pod coffee maker is what you are looking for, the Keurig K55 is the ideal choice.
4. Ninja CE251
Pros
- Removable water reservoir
- Compact and stylish
- One-year Limited Warranty
- Reusable gold tone filter
Cons
- Coffee maker is a bit noisy
The Ninja CE251 12-cup-Programmable Coffee Maker is the perfect coffee maker for under $100 if you want to enjoy good quality and great-tasting coffee.
Brewing Technology
The Ninja CE251 has an advanced boiler designed to help regulate the brewing temperature at an ideal 200 degrees Fahrenheit for consistency during the brewing process. You can also choose between Classic and Rich brew strengths, giving you a more robust extraction.
Water Reservoir
The Ninja CE251 has a 60-ounce removable reservoir, making it easy to take to your sink for easy refilling and clearly labeled level markers. In addition, the Ninja CE251 comes with a reusable mesh filter that is replaceable if damaged.
Glass Carafe
The glass carafe has a well-designed spout that reduces spillage when pouring your coffee and is fitted with a flavor straw that helps circulate the coffee during the brewing process. The warming plate is fully adjustable for up to four hours.
Programmability
The CE251 can be programmed to brew coffee 24 hours in advance and has a Mid-brew pause option if you want a cup before the brewing cycle is complete.
The Ninja CE251 could be your coffee maker if you enjoy bold, full-bodied coffee with large, consistent batches.
5. Black & Decker CM2035B Coffee Maker
Pros
- Thermal carafe
- Easy to clean – dishwasher safe
- Affordable price
Cons
- No removable water reservoir
The Black & Decker 12-cup coffee maker is an easy-to-use appliance with several convenient features, such as a thermal carafe at an affordable price. In addition, its relatively small size makes it perfect for apartments or smaller working spaces.
Brew Quality
The Black & Decker CM20358 allows you to choose the strength of your brew from regular, bold, and strong, and there is an option to make smaller batches (1-4 cups). The Evenstream showerhead ensures that water is distributed evenly over the coffee grounds.
This coffee maker has a safety auto-off feature that turns the machine off if unused for more than two hours.
Thermal Carafe
The 12-cup thermal carafe is double-walled and vacuum-sealed to keep your coffee warm for several hours. The carafe is designed with a wide opening to ease pouring and cleaning.
Cleaning
The carafe, brew basket, and carafe lid are all dishwasher safe.
If you are looking for a reliable, affordable coffee maker with a thermal carafe to keep your coffee warm, then the Black & Decker 12-cup is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick for the Best coffee maker under $100 is the Cuisinart DCC-3200-PerfectTemp- Programmable Coffee Maker.
The Cuisinart DCC-3200 is a durable coffee maker that is simple to operate and has many features usually associated with more expensive coffee brewing machines, such as:
- Carbon water filter
- Showerhead water distribution design
- A gold-tone filter plus a plastic basket for size #4 paper filters
- Indicator for when the machine needs descaling and an automatic cleaning program.