There is a popular misconception that inexpensive coffee makers are synonymous with poor performance quality. And while it’s true that higher prices may indicate an increase in quality, good and inexpensive coffee makers do actually exist.
A significant number of manufacturers dedicates a segment of their domestic product divisions to designing well-balanced budget brewers for residential use. These appliances tend to stay within the comfortable under-$50 price range and mostly produce drip-style coffee.
While the materials used in the manufacturing of budget coffee makers are generally less expensive and therefore wear out faster, the models assembled by trusted brands can be both powerful and enduring for the brewers of their category.
List of Top Coffee Makers Under $50
| Photo | Product | Capacity | Programmability | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Hamilton Beach 49981A | 14 oz | — | View on Amazon |
 | Mr. Coffee SK13-RB | 60 oz | — | View on Amazon |
 | BLACK+DECKER DLX1050B | 60 oz | ✓ | View on Amazon |
 | Hamilton Beach 46310 | 60 oz | ✓ | View on Amazon |
 | Cuisinart DCC-450BK | 16 oz | — | View on Amazon |
 | CHULUX QF-CM801 | 12 oz | — | View on Amazon |
 | Mueller Ultra DC 750 | 60 oz | ✓ | View on Amazon |
 | Mr. Coffee BVMC-EVX23-RB | 60 oz | ✓ | View on Amazon |
 | BLACK+DECKER CM1160B | 60 oz | ✓ | View on Amazon |
 | KRUPS Simply Brew KM202850 | 40 oz | — | View on Amazon |
How to Choose a Coffee Maker Under $50?
Given that most inexpensive brewers in this range are drip coffee makers, it would be fairly logical to apply the same principles as you would to regular drip coffee makers.
This mainly includes defining what you prioritize the most in a budget coffee maker—functional features, brewing speed, design, or your favorite brand?
Capacity
This is the first thing you should look for regardless of brand or design preference. If you need to serve more than 3 people, then it’s vital to choose more voluminous appliances with 8, 10, or 12-cup serving capacity.
Single-person or two-person households shouldn’t worry too much about this aspect unless you are more than habitual coffee drinkers. Otherwise, classic single-serve or 4-5 cup coffee makers will suit you just fine.
Brewing speed
Nearly all budget coffee brewers of drip variety produce coffee at similar speeds, usually between 2-3 minutes, and 5 for larger reservoirs. Single-serve models might be even faster, but only by half a minute or so, typically closer to 90 seconds and only sometimes going as fast as 60 seconds.
Design
Coffee makers in this price category are typically made of plastic which may not seem too attractive but it makes them more lightweight and easier to move and clean.
Some models include stainless steel elements such as front panel decoration and various accessories. This doesn’t impact the quality of a brewer’s performance but it sure adds style.
Size also matters in this case, and not just the height but also the depth since some counter spaces can be too narrow for a bulky coffee maker. So don’t forget to always measure your countertops before buying a new appliance.
And finally, always check with verified user reviews and try to stick to known brands that have been backed by industry professionals.
Review of the Best Coffee Makers Under $50
Hamilton Beach 49981A
The Scoop Single-Serve Coffee Maker by Hamilton Beach is exceptionally compact, light, and fast, making it particularly attractive for smaller kitchens and households that don’t demand a large daily output of coffee.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 14 oz
- Serving options: Single-serve
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Controls: Push-button
- Dimensions: 8.35” x 6.7” x 8.67”
- Item weight: 5.25 pounds
Pros:
- Durable and stylish stainless steel finish
- Simple two-button interface
- Washable drip tray
- Second cup rest added for 8-ounce cups
- Easy loading and brewing
- Suits single- and two-person homes
Serving options include a standard 8-ounce cup that takes only 90 seconds to brew and larger 14-ounce travel mugs that can be ready in about 2-2.5 minutes.
The 49981A also features an automatic shut off option to save energy and allows you to choose between two levels of brew strength—regular and bold. The former is suitable for most standard drip-style brews, while the latter is best for finely ground coffee, strong roasts, and decaf.
Instead of a standard coffee basket, the brewer includes a stainless steel scoop that doubles as a mesh filter and fits directly into the dispenser compartment on top of the brewer. The scoop features two markers for measuring precise amounts of coffee grounds for a single serving.
The cup platform can be adjusted based on the type of drinkware you choose for each brewing cycle. For smaller cups, the brewer includes a flip-up cup rest that places your 8-ounce cup closer to the dispenser spout. Larger travel mugs can be accommodated by the lower cup rest which also features a removable drip tray.
Mr. Coffee SK13-RB
One of the most popular affordable options, Mr. Coffee SK13-RB delivers fast drip-style coffee with a large selection of brew sizes, efficient dispensing system, and automatic warming option.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 60 oz
- Serving options: 12-cup carafe
- Materials: Black plastic
- Controls: Switch
- Dimensions: 8.43” x 11.76” x 12.56”
- Item weight: 3.6 pounds
Pros:
- Powered by a 900-watt heater
- Includes a convenient cord storage compartment
- Inexpensive and fast-brewing
- Serves up to 6 people in one go
This rather simplistic drip coffee maker is extremely convenient for larger kitchens with a higher daily demand for coffee and other hot beverages.
The integrated 60-ounce water tank is equipped with two exterior water windows that help with monitoring the unit’s water levels during brewing and refilling.
Coffee is loaded into the filter basket located in the top compartment. The fine mesh filter can be easily removed and washed after each brewing cycle. Then the fresh brew is delivered directly into the 12-cup glass carafe which is also easy to handle thanks to its heat-resistant handle.
Simple tumbler switch also includes a bright indicator light for showing the brewing status, and the machine’s Grab-A-Cup option allows you to sneak in a cup of coffee before the end of a cycle.
BLACK+DECKER DLX1050B
The Black+Decker DLX1050B is a 12-serving coffee maker capable of extracting coffee at optimal brewing temperatures and in large single-cycle quantities, keeping it consistently warm and allowing you to choose brew sizes as well as brewing time.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 60 oz
- Serving options: 12-cup carafe
- Materials: Black plastic
- Controls: Soft-touch buttons + digital timer
- Dimensions: 11.5” x 8.8” x 14.06”
- Item weight: 4.9 pounds
Pros:
- Makes 12 five-ounce coffee servings
- Warming plate with non-stick surface
- Weighs under 5 pounds
- Soft buttons with delay start feature
The DLX1050B brewer comes with its own 12-cup glass carafe able of holding 60 ounces water and about 48 ounces of coffee. It also features a brew-through lid and a curved plastic handle for easy pouring.
Located underneath the carafe platform, the front-facing QuickTouch control panel with soft-touch buttons and a digital timer allows for easy cleaning and programming. In addition to the brew cycle, you can program the 24-hour delay and Sneak-A-Cup options.
The brewer also includes a removable filter for holding coffee grounds, a warming plate for the carafe with automatic 2-hour shut-off, and visible water windows for more precise control of water levels.
Hamilton Beach 46310
With this Hamilton Beach 46310 Easy Access coffee maker, the brewing is made much faster while each step of the way becomes neater due to the smart construction of the unit’s functional compartments.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 60 oz
- Serving options: 12-cup carafe
- Materials: Black plastic + stainless steel
- Controls: Push-buttons + digital timer
- Dimensions: 12.9” x 7.95” x 13.9”
- Item weight: 5 pounds
Pros:
- Ergonomic swing-away dispenser basket
- Adjustable brew-strength control and brew time
- Smooth stainless steel accents
- Small batch brewing option
As a classic 12-cup model, the 46310 extends the same capacity to its integrated water tank and holds up to 60 ounces of water per cycle which is enough to brew around 48-50 ounces of coffee.
The large volumes of the machine’s reservoir and glass carafe don’t limit your options to just one type of brew: the stainless steel front panel allows you to choose smaller 1-4 cup batches and customize between 3 brew strength options.
Other functional features include brew delay start, 2-hour automatic shut down, digital clock, and cleaning alert activated after every 30 brews.
As opposed to top-loading or side-loading models, this brewer makes it easier to add coffee grounds and water to its swing-out compartment located in the front panel.
Cuisinart DCC-450BK
A more compact coffee maker designed for multiple servings, the Cuisinart DCC-450BK brews strong 16-ounce portions of coffee per cycle enough to fill either 4 small cups, 2 large cups, or one travel mug.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 16 oz
- Serving options: 4-cup carafe
- Materials: Black plastic
- Controls: Push-button
- Dimensions: 10” x 8” x 5.25”
- Item weight: 3.25 pounds
Pros:
- Designed for smaller spaces
- Fast loading and refilling
- Serves two people comfortably
- Stainless steel pot
This 4-cup brewer is more on the compact side, fitting even narrow countertops and other restricted spaces.
The coffee is delivered into the carafe as it passes through the top-loading filter basket and saturates coffee grounds at the optimal speed.
Made of stainless steel for better thermal consistency, the 4-cup carafe is also safe to work with thanks to its drip-free spout and plastic handle with additional knuckle guard section.
One-touch power switch starts and ends the cycle while also displaying the current brewing status with visible indicator light.
Other features that add to the efficiency of performance are the popular Brew Pause option and the prompt 30-minute shut down included for both safety and energy-saving reasons.
CHULUX QF-CM801
One of the more accessible pod coffee makers, this single-serve CHULUX QF-CM801 brewer uses all types of pre-measured coffee capsules to prepare quick and flavorful pod espresso while minimizing the mess and energy consumption.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 12 oz
- Serving options: Single-serve capsules
- Materials: Black plastic
- Controls: Rotary + push-button
- Dimensions: 4.3″ x 7.5″ x 9.8″
- Item weight: 2.31 pounds
Pros:
- Automatic shut off feature
- Uses single top dial to switch between functions
- Single power on/off button with status indicator
- Removable drip tray
Unlike small drip coffee makers, this capsule-based espresso brewer doesn’t lose water on delivery—if you pour 12 ounces worth of water, you will get 12 ounces of coffee.
The QF-CM801 supports 1.0 and 2.0 pods as well as a variety of drinkware sizes, though the maximum cup height is 5.3 inches.
Powered by an 800-watt heater and 3.5-bar pump, the brewer takes only 1 minute to prepare a 5-ounce cup of coffee which is the minimum brew size for this model. The largest size is 12 ounce and even this takes only 2-3 minutes.
For more convenience, CHULUX reduces the dimensions and bodyweight of this one-person brewer to make it easy for you to move it around and store away in kitchen cabinets or drawers.
Mueller Ultra DC 750
This fully-automated Mueller Ultra DC 750 services up to 12 cups of coffee in one brewing session while giving you more control over various aspects of the brew prep.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 60 oz
- Serving options: 12-cup carafe
- Materials: Black plastic + stainless steel
- Controls: Push-button + timer
- Dimensions: 15.7” x 11.4” x 9”
- Item weight: 5.59 pounds
Pros:
- Pause-and-serve feature available
- Brews at 205 degrees Fahrenheit
- Water gauge prevents overflowing
- Rounded handle with knuckle protection
Equipped with a built-in reservoir and top-loading filter, the Ultra DC 750 allows for faster water refills and less messy brewing. The permanent coffee basket is designed for multiple usages, and the reservoir is easy to monitor through the see-through measuring window.
In addition to its fast high-temperature brewing, the coffee maker supports an adjustable brew strength option control and 24-hour delay feature. With the former, you will be able to choose between regular and bold coffee, and the latter allows you to set the exact time for future brewing.
The classic 12-cup carafe is made of glass for better flavor preservation, while its brew-through lid and protective handle add to the overall operational efficiency.
All features can be customized with the help of the stainless steel control panel with responsive backlit buttons and an adjustable digital timer.
Mr. Coffee BVMC-EVX23-RB
Another 12-cup brewer from Mr.Coffee, albeit a slightly smaller take on the familiar drip coffee maker, this Mr. Coffee BVMC-EVX23-RB is large enough to fit up to 60 ounces of liquid yet still compact enough to fit most kitchen counters.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 60 oz
- Serving options: 12-cup carafe
- Materials: Black plastic
- Controls: Push-button + timer
- Dimensions: 10.5” x 9.8” x 13.7”
- Item weight: 4.55 pounds
Pros:
- Automated brewing and power off functions
- Easily washable carafe and lid
- Fast 900-watt boiler
- Front-facing control panel with a digital timer
This 900-watt brewer is also programmable, meaning you will be able to control the starting time of each cycle, setting it to activate in the upcoming 24 hours.
Apart from that, you will also be able to enjoy automatic features such as the ready signal alerting of a cycle’s completion, the Grab-A-Cup brew pause and the auto shut off that preserves energy by limiting the unit’s power intake.
The kit comes with a large glass carafe made as a perfect fit for the brewer’s nozzle. The 12-cup carafe is also dishwasher-safe.
BLACK+DECKER CM1160B
In terms of functionality, the BLACK+DECKER CM1160B is pretty similar to the above-mentioned DLX1050B with some minor differences in interface and design. Just as the previous model, the CM1160B is designed for brewing 12 cups of coffee, so it’s perfectly suitable for home and office.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 60 oz
- Serving options: 12-cup carafe
- Materials: Black plastic
- Controls: Buttons + timer
- Dimensions: 8.25” x 12.25” x 11”
- Item weight: 4.45 pounds
Pros:
- Automatically shuts down after 2 hours
- Includes Sneak-a-Cup option
- Control panel with anti-slip surface and digital clock
- Water window is visible through the front panel
The coffee maker holds up to 60 ounces of water at once, capable of brewing an entire potful of coffee in one cycle and delivering directly into the Duralife glass carafe.
Since the water reservoir is fully integrated, the viewing window is added to the front of the unit instead of any of its sides, so you can check for remaining water levels and also while refilling the tank.
Like with most drip coffee brewers, this BLACK+DECKER also uses a top-loading filter basket that can be washed after every cycle and used multiple times.
The control panel features a digital timer with surrounding rubberized buttons that are pretty hard to miss on accident. There you will be able to program brewing options and set the 24-hour delay for the brew should you need it.
KRUPS KM202850
A known customer favorite, KRUPS makes their coffee makers both affordable and truly efficient in operation. The 5-cup KRUPS Simply Brew was made with working people in mind, designed to fit right in with students, busy parents, and office workers alike.
Features:
- Brewing capacity: 40 oz
- Serving options: 5-cup carafe
- Materials: Silver plastic
- Controls: Switch
- Dimensions: 8.7” x 3.7” x 10.7”
- Item weight: 3.54 pounds
Pros:
- Includes the efficient Pause & Serve feature
- Simple one-button operation
- Glass carafe with clear measuring lines
- Comfortable carafe handle
Even though the Simply Brew may not be as large as 12-cup brewers, it’s more than capable of delivering enough coffee to serve 5 people per brew.
The integrated tank is accessible through the lid at the top and takes up to 1.2 litres of water in one go. It’s enough to produce up to 10 standard cups but the brewer is designed to work with smaller batches of five cups per cycle.
Once extracted from the reusable mesh filter, the hot coffee is dispensed into the 5-cup glass carafe that sits atop a warming plate made to keep the fresh brew hot for longer. The coffee maker comes with a neat coffee scoop to help you measure grounds for each batch.
Q & A
The effectiveness of each coffee maker depends on the requirements of your household. Smaller families will find single-serve residential coffee makers most suitable, while more demanding settings will need a bigger 12-cup brewer.
One great example of a reliable single-serve coffee maker is Hamilton Beach 49981A with durable stainless steel design and one-mug capacity.
As for more affordable large brewers, customers tend to prefer 60-ounce coffee makers from Hamilton Beach, Keurig, Cuisinart, and Mr. Coffee. A good 12-cup option would be Hamilton Beach 46310 with programmable brew settings.
Generally speaking, any coffee maker capable of brewing coffee at the temperature of at least 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit can qualify for this category. Another factor is the addition of a warming plate or another keep-warm function that maintains hot brew temperatures for longer.
As with any big household purchase, coffee makers are naturally first sorted by price. After the available budget is outlined, the next step is to look at several qualifiers at the same time:
– Brewing process (drip, pods, espresso, etc)
– Brewing capacity (water tank + carafe if applicable)
– Programmable features
– Level of automation
– Size and weight
– Type of filtration
– Predominantly used materials
More than a few coffee makers are bound to suit your preferences and particular requirements of your daily routine.
What generally separates more expensive or even elite coffee makers is their feature selection and the level of their automation, the materials of both interior and exterior components, and of course brand name recognition.
While some expensive multi-purpose or speciality beverage coffee makers are highly regarded by industry professionals and crown many customer lists, they simply aren’t necessary to make decent coffee if you are a casual coffee drinker.
Everyone tends to stick to their coffee habits, and if your morning or daily routine only needs a fast and strong brew, then a simple drip coffee maker will work for you just as well as its more expensive and complex alternative. And it’s hardly financially viable to spend an entire fortune on an overpriced coffee machine with an endless selection of functions most of which won’t even be used.
There is a tendency for the most popular small coffee makers to also be of a single-serve variety that mostly works with coffee pods. And when it comes to drip coffee makers, the smallest are also usually designed to deliver one-cup servings—two cups when pushed.
One such compact coffee maker is the customer darling Hamilton Beach Scoop which stainless steel design pushes it to stand out among similar models.
But if you need a small coffee maker with more substantial brewing capacity, then look no further than KRUPS Simply Brew with the width measuring just below 4 inches and weight not exceeding three-and-a-half pounds.
Most inexpensive coffee makers are designed to serve for about 3 years. This estimate is usually provided for moderate usage, but you may be able to increase the life span of your coffee maker by conducting regular maintenance such as cleaning and descaling.
Top-performing coffee makers with powerful heaters and price temp control tend to be rather pricey, and the best options usually come from such mid-range brands as Breville, Bonavita, and OXO.
One of the more affordable coffee makers with the ability to brew at 200 degrees is Mueller Ultra DC 750 that also includes a large-capacity water tank and programmable features.
If you don’t want to spend your savings on a fancy 12-cup coffee maker but still need a brewer with this exact capacity, then your next best choice would be 12-cup coffee makers from popular budget brands like Hamilton Beach, KRUPS, BLACK+DECKER, and Mr. Coffee.
One such coffee maker is the well-balanced BLACK+DECKER DLX1050B with programmable features and voluminous 12-cup carafe.
About every 3 to 5 years. In some cases, you might need to replace a coffee maker much earlier, for example, if the original carafe with the brew-through system has been damaged or broken.
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