Coffee is the go-to beverage for millions of people worldwide, especially at the start of the day. While having coffee at a coffee shop is an option, most people prefer to avoid the commotion at the coffee shop and prefer having their share of caffeine in the comfort of their homes. This is where affordable coffee makers come in handy.
Why Should You Buy a Coffee Maker?
Modern coffee machines are easy to use. This is one of the main reasons that has positively impacted the sale of coffee machines and has led to their increased popularity and demand. Another reason for buying a coffee maker is that one can creatively experiment with various coffee flavors on their own. Some coffee makers are so compact, space-saving and lightweight, that you can even stuff the coffee maker in your suitcase for traveling.
Top 8 Coffee Makers Under $50
While there are many great and expensive coffee makers on the market, finding an affordable one that does not compromise the quality of brewed coffee is a challenging task. If you are interested in buying a personal coffee maker for your home but are intimidated by the prices, we have you covered. Here is a list of the best coffee makers on the market available at a reasonable price tag of under $50.
1. Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffeemaker With Glass Carafe and Reusable Filter
This black-colored coffee maker is one of the most convenient coffee makers available on the market. It retails at an affordable price and comes with a variety of useful features. The machine has an elegant build, with the material being glass. This AmazonBasics coffee maker can brew up to five cups at a time, with a capacity of 25 ounces/740 ml. A stand-out feature of this coffeemaker is its anti-drip function that allows you to pour a scorching hot cup of coffee while brewing.
Pros
- Fairly easy to use
- It comes with a removable filter basket and reusable soft mesh filter
- Auto-shutoff feature
- Compact design
Cons
- It has a limited capacity of five cups at a time
- Difficult to wash glass carafe and reusable filters with hands
2. Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker
As the name suggests, this rick black-colored coffee maker can make up to 12 cups of coffee at a time. So if you are searching for an inexpensive yet efficient coffee maker, this might be your match.
It takes around a few minutes to brew a full 12-cup pot and guarantees to produce a fresh flavored and scorching hot cup of coffee. An interesting feature is an anti-drip feature that means the coffeemaker auto stops if you need to grab a cup. This ensures that no mess is made and, thus, aids in being convenient.
Pros
- A beautiful see-through glass structure
- Easy cleaning of filter baskets
- Easy to use the one-control on and off switch
- Simple pre-programming
- A large jug ensures a large volume of coffee at one time
Cons
- No option for automatic shut-off
- Produces noise during the brewing process
3. Black+Decker 12 cup Programmable Coffeemaker
The Black and Decker 12 cup programmable coffeemaker is deemed one of the most innovative coffee machines. This white-colored stainless steel coffee maker has an elegant and sleek design. In addition, it has a diverse range of features, which are usually not found in other basic coffeemakers. The Black and Decker coffeemaker has various programming options which can be selected by pressing the relevant rubber-textured display buttons.
Pros
- A two-hour auto-shutoff option for safety purposes
- Transparent water window
- The hot carafe plate helps to keep the coffee hot for an hour
- Easy programming options
- “Sneak a Cup” feature
Cons
- The cup level marks on the pot are only on one side
- Limited temperature range
- Flimsy material for the lid
4. Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffeemaker
The Hamilton Beach Programmable coffeemaker makes use of innovative technology and showcases a wide variety of useful features. It retails at a low price. It has various distinctive features which make it stand out from other basic coffeemakers. A unique feature is how it displays the reminder for cleaning the coffee maker. It has a fluid capacity of 96 ounces, which is reasonable at this price point. Another unique feature it possesses is the option to add water from the front easily.
Pros
- Convenient auto shut off option
- Easy programming options with digital display
- The unique swing-out brew basket is easy to clean
- Built-in timer/programmable clock
- Keeps coffee hot for long periods
- Durable material
Cons
- Short cord length
- A bit expensive as compared to other coffee makers on the list
5. Bella 12 Cup Coffeemaker With Brew Strength Selector
If you are looking for slightly more than a basic coffee maker, the Bella 12 Cup Coffeemaker with Brew Strength Selector is a great choice. Within an economical price range, this Bella device offers a lot more functionality than the average coffee maker. It can make 12 cups of coffee at a time. As the name itself shows, it also has a brew strength selector that allows customization of coffee, which is excellent for people who prefer a specific brew strength. It has an elegant design that would look good on a kitchen counter.
Pros
- Well-designed pouring spout which ensures no dripping
- Digital LCD for display
- A special cleaning cycle
- Compact design
Cons
- The brewing process is noisy
- Short auto-shutoff timer
6. Mueller 12 Cup Coffeemaker
With its unique anti-drip system and durable permanent filter, you can make up to 60 ounces of coffee using the Mueller 12 cup coffeemaker. It has a sleek and smart build; the striking black color adds to its aesthetic appearance. In addition, the anti-slip technology ensures no spillage. All of these innovative features are available at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Capacity to brew a large amount of coffee
- Dishwasher safe
- Glass carafe made up of a heat-resistant material
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Noisy brewing
- Flimsy plastic lid
- No automatic turn-off feature
7. Brentwood Coffeemaker
With an astonishingly low price tag, the Brentwood coffee maker is thoroughly efficient in brewing a hot and fresh cup of coffee. It can produce up to four cups of coffee simultaneously, so it is more suitable for small families than large parties. In addition, this small-sized coffee maker is ideal to be kept in compact spaces. Finally, the black color and glass carafe adds to its visual aesthetic.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact design
- The warm plate keeps the coffee hot for long periods
Cons
- No auto-shutoff feature
- No pre-programming feature
8. Gevi 4 Cup Coffeemaker
The Gevi coffeemaker is one of the better and more price-friendly options available, packed with convenient features. It can make up to four cups of coffee (approximately 600ml). This black-colored coffee maker has a striking stainless steel finish which adds to its aesthetic. This compact coffee maker is relatively easy to use as well. It has a permanent filter that ensures no need to purchase paper filters, ultimately saving money and time. Get your brewed coffee made with this affordable and efficient coffee maker, and devour each sip.
Pros
- Convenient swing-out design
- Cost-effective as there is no need to buy paper filters
- Auto shut-off feature
- Dishwasher safe
- Warming plate keeps coffee warm for at least 2 Hours
Cons
- The lid of the carafe is made of flimsy material
Buying Guide — Choosing the Best Coffee Maker Under $50
Before purchasing a coffee maker, it is crucial to consider a few factors that can help you make your decision.
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Temperature of Brewing
The brewing temperature is one of the essential factors in achieving the right taste of coffee. It is presumed that the ideal temperature should be not less than 85 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, not all coffee machines have the right temperature range, which means the coffee might not have the right temperature or taste. You should aim to purchase a coffee maker with a brewing temperature of at least 90-93 degrees. Some advanced coffee makers even let you adjust the temperature range before brewing.
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Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes to sip on coffee knowing that the coffee maker wasn’t clean. With everyday life being already hectic as it is, some people may ignore cleaning their coffee makers. However, you will be surprised to know that this can affect the taste of your brew. Like any other kitchen appliance, coffee makers need attention to keep them germ-free and thoroughly clean. If properly maintained and taken good care of, coffee makers will efficiently work for many years to come.
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Material of Jug
Usually, coffeemakers come with either of the jugs; thermal (stainless-steel) or glass. With glass jugs, it is, no doubt, easier to see the amount of coffee present. Stainless steel is opaque and not transparent, so one cannot see the remaining amount of coffee. However, stainless steel is composed of metal, so it keeps the coffee hot for a relatively long time, as compared to a glass jug. Thermal carafes like stainless steel use their insulated walls to retain maximum heat. This makes it suitable for keeping the coffee hot for long. Some coffee makers with glass carafes use a hot plate in an attempt to keep the coffee warm. If you cannot be bothered to reheat your coffee, again and again, you may want to choose the thermal carafes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
1. How do I clean my coffee maker?
It is very important to maintain the cleanliness of a coffee maker. Please adhere to the instructions provided in the coffeemaker manual, as every coffeemaker requires a specific way of cleaning. Some are recommended to be hand-washed, while others are dishwasher safe.
2. Is an expensive coffee maker better than a cheaper one?
An expensive, advanced coffee maker comes with more functionality and better quality. However, purchasing an expensive coffee maker does not automatically mean that it would be better than an inexpensive one. At times, cheap coffee makers perform with the same efficiency. Similarly, you do not need to spend too much on a coffee maker if you only require the basic features.
3. Is a glass carafe better than a thermal carafe?
Glass carafe and stainless steel (thermal carafe) are both widely popular materials used for coffeemaker carafes. While glass carafes are see-through and visually aesthetic, they are, comparatively, less efficient in keeping the coffee warm for more extended periods. Thermal carafes use their insulated walls to retain maximum heat and, thus, are capable of keeping the coffee hot for a longer time.
4. What is the life expectancy of a coffee maker?
If taken proper care of, coffee makers can last up to at least five years. Some remain efficient for even more than five years and last up to a good ten years. The key to making them last for a maximum time is to ensure proper maintenance and regularly clean them. So, make sure to take good care of your coffee maker!
Conclusion
This consolidated list comprises the best coffee makers to buy under only $50. It covers all the finest coffee makers, their features, and their design. The negative aspects and positive aspects have also been highlighted separately to give you an idea about which coffeemaker will best suit you.
Owning a coffee maker at home will save your energy and time by avoiding a trip to a nearby coffee café. It will also give you the fun opportunity to experiment with making coffee according to your taste and preference by choosing from various flavors and different coffee types.
Naturally, the material and functionality depend on your preference. We hope our list and buying guide can help you in making the right choice for your home.