Best Coffee Maker Under 50 (2021 Review)

For caffeine lovers, that first sip of coffee in the morning is an essential part of our routine.

Finding the best coffee maker under 50 that meets all your personal caffeine needs can be a bit of a challenge.

We’ve carefully picked out our top four best coffee makers under 50.

Keep reading as we dive into the details!

Top 4 Best Coffee Makers Under 50 (Our Review)

1. Best Capacity: Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach 46310 Coffee Maker

PRODUCT SPECS

Type of coffee maker: Automatic drip machine
Capacity: 12 cups
Size: 12.90 x 7.95 x 13.90 inches
Brew time: 8 – 14 minutes
Material: Plastic

With its reliability and ease of use, the Hamilton 46310 model has everything you need in a coffee maker.

Despite its compact size, this machine can make up to 12 delicious cups of coffee. There is also a 1-4 cup setting for those who aren’t looking to please a crowd.

It has a unique front-access to fill water up, along with a swing-out brew basket instead of a top-load one. These features make it incredibly easy to use and a whole lot easier to clean.

Another excellent feature is that this coffee maker is programmable. This means you have the option to set the brew time and strength of your coffee well in advance. Perfect for those busy mornings!

This model also has a pause-able brew cycle, allowing you to fill your cup and resume the cycle once your carafe is back in position.

The only downside we could find was in the heating plate. You’ll need to wait an extra few minutes after it has brewed to get a piping-hot cup.

Despite the downside, this great budget coffee machine is still worth investing in.

Pros

Cons

Why We Like It: This model is an excellent all-round budget coffee maker, guaranteed to meet the needs of most coffee lovers.

2. Best for Beginners: SHARDOR CM615S Coffee Maker

SHARDOR CM615S Coffee Maker

PRODUCT SPECS

Type of coffee maker: Automatic Drip Machine
Capacity: 8 cups
Size: 10.87 x 7.68 x 14.88 inches
Brew Time: 3 – 5 minutes
Material: Stainless Steel

If you’re a coffee newbie looking to buy your first proper coffee maker, this SHARDOR model is an excellent place to start.

This sturdy coffee maker is able to brew up to 8 cups of coffee with a capacity of 52 oz. This makes it well-suited for both personal uses and for entertaining crowds.

You’ll be able to program the machine to produce a fresh cup of coffee as long as 24 hours in advance. Plus, the SHARDOR has an amazing heating plate. This keeps your coffee hot for up to two hours without you having to brew it again.

The SHARDOR model features a smart LCD touchscreen, making it easier for you to choose the time and strength of your perfect cup of coffee.

Other favorite features of ours are its auto shut-off after two hours and its anti-drip function. These make the machine well-suited for those without coffee machine experience.

Although it is slightly bulkier than most budget coffee makers, this may not be an issue for everyone.

Pros

Cons

Why We Like It: This model is convenient and super easy to use, making it the perfect model to start off on if you’re new to the coffee-making world.

3. Best Single Serve: ChuluxQF-CM801 Single Serve Coffee Maker

ChuluxQF-CM801 Single Serve Coffee Maker

PRODUCT SPECS

Type of coffee maker: Single-Serve Pod Coffee Maker
Capacity: 1 cup
Size: 7.4 x 4.3 x 9.06 inches
Brew Time: 2 – 3 minutes
Material: Plastic & Stainless Steel

With its impressive brew time and delicious taste, the ChuluxQF-CM801 Coffee Maker has found its way into the hearts of many coffee lovers over the years.

It’s very rare to find a pod coffee maker at such a cheap price, which is one of the things that make this model so impressive.

Thanks to its easy single-button operation, all you need to do is insert the pod, push the button, and your cup will be ready in just 3 minutes. It also features an automatic shut-off function that stops overheating and helps to keep your machine safe.

The brewer can even accommodate your favorite big mug as it comes with a removable drip tray to make more space. It also comes in six different colors to add some character to your kitchen aesthetic.

Additionally, this model is a pleasure to clean, saving you even more time.

Thanks to its compact and lightweight design, the Chulux can easily turn into a trusted travel companion.

A reliable electricity supply is essential for this machine to work, so make sure your plug points are working.

We Think You’ll Like: Best Single Serve Coffee Maker – Brew the Perfect Cup Every Time 

Pros

Cons

Why We Like It: This incredibly inexpensive pod maker is compact and easy to use, making it perfect for a single homemade cup of coffee.

4. Most Compact: Chefman Instabrew Single Serve Coffee Maker

Chefman Instabrew Single Serve Coffee Maker

PRODUCT SPECS

Type of coffee maker: Automatic Drip & Pod coffee maker
Capacity: 1 cup
Size: 14 x 7.6 x 5.6 inches
Brew Time: 3 minutes
Material: Stainless Steel

With its fast brew time and one-touch operation, the Chefman coffee maker is a great product for such a low price. While this isn’t for coffee snobs, it’s perfect for those wanting a transportable machine on a budget.

This model is sleek and ultra-compact with a tall and thin profile. It’s super easy to store, making it the perfect portable coffee machine.

The Chefman also allows you to switch between pods and coffee grounds for a drip coffee. Plus, you also have the option to brew loose-leaf tea.

The Chefman’s re-boil function allows you to brew cup after cup without having to wait. This feature is great for those who like to enjoy many cups of coffee throughout the morning.

The Chefman also comes with a permanent filter. This avoids you having to buy single-use paper filters.

We were a bit disappointed to find that bigger travel mugs don’t fit under this machine.

We also found that the steam at the end of each cycle blows coffee grinds into your cup. To avoid this, turn off the machine straight after brewing.

We Think You’ll Like: Best Coffee Maker with Grinder

Pros

Cons

Why We Like It: With its impressively sleek and lightweight frame, this budget pick is ideal for anyone looking for a transportable coffee maker.

Cuisinart DCC-3400 Review

In this review of the Cuisinart DCC-3400, we will explore the features and benefits of this programmable thermal coffee maker and find out how it compares to other products on the market.

Learn More

Buyers Guide to Purchasing the Best Budget Coffee Maker Under 50

pouring coffee with a coffee maker

We’ve put together a summarized buying guide below to help you pick out the ideal coffee maker for yourself.

Most common types of coffee makers to consider

Drip Coffee Makers

These are the most common coffee brewers.

Like the Hamilton 46310 model, automatic drip makers are best for pleasing a crowd as they tend to have the largest capacity.

After adding water into the chamber, all you’ll need to do is add coffee to the filter, switch the machine on, and run it through the coffee into the pot.

Single-Serve Pod Coffee Makers

If you’re someone who prefers K-cups over loose grounds, a single-serve brewer is what you should look for.

Instead of ground coffee, these machines use store-bought pods, capsules, or tea bag-like packets.

They tend to be more expensive and generate more waste than other coffee makers, but they are more convenient.

Related Review: Best Single Serve Coffee Makers with No Pods

1- to 2- Cup Drip Coffee Makers

Producing enough coffee for one or two cups, these coffee makers are best for one person.

You can buy either a drip or pod model. Both models brew directly into your mug, ready for drinking straight away.

Cold-Brew Coffee Makers

Cold-brewers use room-temperature water to brew concentrated coffee, without heating it up. You can then dilute your coffee with hot or cold water, depending on what your preferences are.

While cost-effective, these are not suited for on-the-go coffee drinkers.

The brew time of automatic models ranges from 4 to 45 minutes, while manual models take 12 to 24 hours to brew coffee.

Important Features You Should Consider

Brew Time

For those on a tight schedule, a machine with a shorter brew time is the way to go.

The average coffee machine brew time is around 5 to 10 minutes per cycle. This is long enough for the coffee to infuse, bringing out the best coffee flavor.

There are many models, but that offer brewing times of only 2 or 3 minutes.

Heat-Holding Capability

If you’re making for a crowd or like to enjoy many cups yourself, you’ll want a machine capable of retaining heat for a long time without having to brew again.

The heat-holding capacity of an average coffee maker is 2 to 3 hours.

Some models, like the SHARDOR model, are able to keep warm longer. While others may only stay warm for around 30 minutes.

Machine Size

Size is an important feature for those concerned about space or the aesthetic of their coffee maker.

Some models are thinner and more compact, while others are more bulky and oversized.

Keep in mind that slimmer coffee makers are easier to fit in cupboards and refrigerators. Chunkier ones are fine though if you have lots of counter space.

Material

Most coffee machines are plastic and stainless steel.

Stainless steel models usually have a shiny appearance with a more durable body than plastic ones. Plus, stainless steel material allows for a longer-lasting machine.

On the other hand, plastic makes for a more lightweight and compact design. This is ideal for moving around for traveling or camping trips.

We definitely recommend steering clear of plastic carafes. Hot beverages tend to react badly with plastic, which might affect the taste of your coffee.

Best Budget Coffee Makers (FAQs)  

coffee maker and a clear cup of coffee in black background

When do you clean your coffee maker?

Regular cleaning is key to ensuring your machine lasts.

We recommend rinsing your machine with water after every use. All detachable components should be washed once a day with hot water and soap.

Lastly, the inside of your machine should be cleaned according to the manual once a month.

Related Review: Best Coffee Maker Under 100


Can a coffee maker be used to make hot chocolate and tea?

Yes! For making hot chocolate, just replace the coffee ground with cocoa powder, then press the button as normal. Don’t forget to add sugar!

You can also use a coffee maker to brew tea. If you don’t wash your machine well though, your tea might have some unwanted after-tastes.

How much coffee ground do I use for 4 cups?

The amount of coffee you add should be based on the amount of water you use.

We recommend using 2 round tablespoons of coffee grounds per 6 oz. of water. For a strong coffee, you may want to add a bit more.

Conclusion

Overall, our best pick is definitely the Hamilton 46310 model.

This model is an excellent all-round budget coffee maker under 50, guaranteed to meet the needs of most coffee lovers.

The Hamilton ticks all our boxes. It’s easy to use, has a large capacity, and compact build, along with a range of other impressive features.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and feel free to share your own reviews to help out your fellow coffee lovers.