Cheap coffee makers can also be great coffee makers!
When it comes to brewing your favorite cup of coffee at home, most of us tend to believe that, to ensure high quality, a high price must inevitably be attached. The truth of the matter is that you can find an amazing amount of solid coffee production from the simplest (and most affordable) of machines. As with many products, consumers are constantly persuaded to purchase upsell features they will never use. What if you just need something to get the job done minus the bells and whistles at an affordable price? Luckily, with a little research, we can put to bed the myth that ‘cheap coffee makers’ are automatically ‘bad coffee makers.’ Value comes in all shapes and sizes, but not necessarily in higher dollar amounts.
Purchasing a cheap coffee maker under $25 does not mean you have to accept limited quality. There are numerous machines capable of delivering you robust coffee while still being smart investments. My picks for the best of this bunch are the Black and Decker Brew ‘n Go for single serve needs and the Black and Decker DCM600B for those who need more than a single cup to get going in the morning. I guess it’s fair to say that Black and Decker knows how to make good, cheap coffee makers! The other options below are also totally worthy of consideration, hence their inclusion in this list. Honorable mention goes to Bella for making their single serve coffee maker really cute.
Black & Decker DCM600B 5-Cup Coffeemaker
The Black & Decker DCM600B has a compact design with a capacity of 5 cups and a surprisingly modern look given its manageable price tag. The 1-4 cup capacity and duralife glass carafe equips coffee enthusiasts with plenty of fuel to get through the longest work days or study sessions. Ideal for small work spaces, apartments or offices, this coffee maker eliminates the bulk in size, as well as some of the extra features that you could do without. The one-touch operation and nonstick hotplate makes the DCM600B a simple, cheap coffee maker for buyers on a budget.
Amazon reviewer Lanie makes her case for the DCM600B by stating, “The price was an offer that I couldn’t refuse, even if it was a temporary replacement until I found something else. That’s not the case with this coffee maker. After using it a few times, I realized I got a really great deal on a really good product.”
Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker DRX5
Amazon reviewer Vortex Radar had this to say about the Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker DRX5: “It’s very easy to use. Just add water (it has guidelines to help you see how much you like), fresh coffee grounds, and a filter, and hit start! Super simple.”
A fitting introduction for this clever little machine, the Mr. Coffee DRX5 places emphasis on getting the most bang for your buck. It includes features like ‘pause and serve,’ which allows users to pour a cup even as the maker is brewing, and an easily removable filter basket which makes both filling and cleaning the device super easy. With an on/off indicator light to let you know the current power status, clock, and ‘delay’ brew feature, the DRX5 is a virtual Swiss army knife of coffee ingenuity. (Read our full review of the Mr. Coffee DRX5!)
Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker SK13
Mr. Coffee has been in the cheap coffee maker business since 1970, and because of this, their years of experience have allowed them to pack a mean punch in the smallest of machines. Their SK13 model holds12 cups of coffee, and comes with excess cord storage and simplified functionality. Its brilliance in practicality matches its ability to make rich, delicious coffee. The option to pause mid-brew cycle to grab a cup on the go is a feature even some of the high end expensive Keurig models don’t offer.
Amazon reviewer V.M. Coniglio, who apparently doesn’t like lights, breaks it down: “It makes coffee, it makes good coffee, and doesn’t have any stupid lights or annoying extra features.”
Black and Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug
Coffee maker manufacturers try really, really hard to seduce you with ridiculous components you would never need, so the Black & Decker DCM18S is a welcome change that delivers your favorite coffee dripped directly into a 15 ounce travel mug without any added distractions. The DCM18S has a permanent filter to avoid all the messy cleanup of paper filters, and the stainless-steel mug is designed to take a beating to embrace the longevity of your coffee drinking dreams. It employs auto shut-off for safety and dishwasher safe components. (Read our full review of the Black & Decker DCM18S!)
MySlideShowLife Amazon reviewer says, “I enjoy the small size since unfortunately our kitchen has practically no counter space to speak of. It does brew fast & was a great price..”
Bella BLA14436 One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker
The Bella BLA14436 is absolutely fabulous for smaller spaces like dorm rooms and compact kitchens while still maintaining the ability to brew your ground coffee with its 14 ounce water tank. The permanent filter has a removable brew basket that can be easily emptied when you are ready for your next round of coffee. Expensive coffee makers may have more features, but they also require more maintenance. The BLA14436 keeps your involvement with the machine at a mininum, making its affordability an added bonus with its ease of operation.
Margie McDaniels praises the Bella by stating, “I love this coffee maker. Its just the right size. I live alone and like my coffee brewed one cup at a time and unlike the Keurig makers, I can adjust my strength.”
Hamilton Beach 5-Cup Coffee Maker with Stainless Carafe (48137)
The Hamilton Beach 5 Cup Coffee Maker (48137) is a perfect example of how a cheap coffee maker does not necessarily mean a compromise in value. The stainless steel carafe completely eliminates the glass component, so there is nothing fragile to break or damage. The easily accessible swing out brew basket and auto pause component allow you to serve a cup at any time, making the Hamilton Beach a model of efficiency. With an easy to fill water reservoir and dishwasher safe materials, this 5 cup coffee maker appeals to anyone looking for simplicity and effectiveness.
Amazon reviewer Michael Price lets his enthusiasm do the talking: “Simple yet well-functioning. And it’s TINY, comparatively speaking. I like! EXACTLY what I have been looking for.”
Proctor Silex 12-Cup Coffee Maker (43602)
The Proctor-Silex 12 Cup Coffee Maker is a 4 star consumer rated machine, which speaks volumes about its abilities. Its easy-view water window and light weight are just the tip of the iceberg, for it has one of the best qualities a buyer can hope for: reliability. The machine has some fight to it with its longevity, and mixed with its creation of rich coffee, it serves as solid value in the world of cheap coffee makers. The 12 cup capacity and auto pause and serve capabilities check the necessary boxes on the list of features that actually carry value for a lot of users.
Amazon reviewer Victoria Jones marveled at its simplicity by remarking, “This is a nice coffee maker, simple and easy. No extra buttons or extra things that can go wrong with the coffee pot. I am so tired of coffee pots going bad and spending large amounts of money for the fancy ones when in reality, I did not use all the fancy extras on the coffee pot!”
[insert_php]
include ‘amazon_related_products_coffee.php’;
[/insert_php]