Best Budget Coffee Machine

A great cup of espresso doesn't have to be expensive. There are a variety of options on the market. It's easy to find a low-cost and reliable coffee maker.

This model earned a strong score in CR's tests, and allows you to make the standard pot or single-serve cups with pod beans or ground beans. It's also programmable and easy to use.

Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Coffee Maker

Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Coffee Maker consistently delivers great flavor, from the first cup to the last drop. Its unique PureFlavor system helps to extract the rich flavor of your favorite blend by using the right temperature and the right amount of time to brew. The FlavorCarafe, which seals in fresh aromas, and the premium LED control panel provide an intuitive operation. Easily choose your desired brew strength and set a 24-hour programmable timer to get up in the morning with a cup of coffee waiting for you. When it's time to clean your machine, a light for decalcification will appear and the auto-shutoff feature will be activated.

The BrewSense is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable drip coffee maker that will not cost a fortune. The performance of the machine in our lab testing puts it on par with higher-end machines like the $190 Bonavita BV01002US and $299 Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741. In fact it was the only model we tested that consistently brewed coffee at the temperature range that is optimal, between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. It also achieved an extraction rate of 23 percent - which is close to the mark for what SCAA research has shown as optimal.

In the home, a tiny footprint and clear lines make this device ideal for cramped kitchens or dorm rooms. It can also make up to 12 cups (5 8 ounces) in a single go or a huge 11-oz. travel mug. It is equipped with a long-lasting gold-tone filter to reduce the expense of recurring bills and a charcoal water filter that works with the machine to provide superior water composition and improved flavor.

The only issue with this otherwise stellar machine is its small capacity. Look into a larger model that can handle a carafe of coffee at a time when you plan to make several large pots every day. It's also important to know that the BrewSense is not made to use with cold brew as it does not have a separate brew mode. The hot water mode can to be used with the same machine for cold brew with the adapter included.

CASABREWS Single Serve Espresso Machine

The Casabrews espresso machine is a sleek, all-in-one coffee maker that gives the perfect shot of espresso and barista-quality milk foam. It has an integrated grinder, which means you can grind your own beans to create the perfect blend. It also has a steam wand, so you can make delicious cappuccinos and lattes.

Its 20-bar professional Italian pump and 1500W motor offer the highest quality extraction and a luscious aroma. The conical grinder has 15 grind settings that are adjustable that allow you to alter the flavor of your coffee. You can grind your beans prior to making your coffee to make the most delicious cup of coffee. The 92-oz tank for water is easily removable and can be filled.

The manual-programmed control panel and LCD are easy to operate, although there is a little learning curve as you become familiar with the various functions. It is important to read the user instructions before beginning to brew. It is also recommended to play with the settings to find the perfect blend. The machine is loud while operating, so it's probably not a great option to make coffee when others are sleeping.

The steam wand on this espresso machine is the best for frothing we've ever seen. It is easy to use and produces rich, creamy microfoams that enhance the flavor of your espresso. It also heats up quickly, so you can start frothing your milk in just two minutes.

This espresso maker is protected by a limited 1-year warranty. It comes with a cleaning kit, unlike other espresso machines of this price. Despite the low price it's still an extremely reliable and robust coffee maker.

The sleek design, compact style and exterior brushed stainless steel makes this a beautiful addition to any kitchen decor. It is simple to clean and put together. It comes with a straightforward user manual and a quick-start guide, both with diagrams. It also includes a reusable, stainless steel filter that helps preserve the taste of your coffee. You can even make tea using it!

Technivorm Single-Serve Coffee Maker

If you're looking for a top-quality drip coffee maker, Technivorm has one that is made in the Netherlands by a group of smart coffee enthusiasts. They may cost you a bit harder in the wallet than machines from companies who make their products in Asia, but they have a loyal customer base and are renowned for their high-end quality and reliability. They are also a green business and their machines are energy efficient.

The Moccamaster Cup-One is a single-cup version of the Moccamaster's popular 10-cup KBG Select coffee maker. It has a brew time of four minutes and is designed to produce the perfect cup of coffee every time. The unique copper heating element maintains temperatures within the brewing range ranging from 198-205 degrees, which allows for ideal extraction and full saturation of your grounds. The brew basket's cone-shaped design and the water spray head with nine holes will further aid in achieving the best value coffee machine possible extraction, without over-extraction of delicate aromas and flavors.

It's worth noting that the Moccamaster is the first model to be endorsed by the Specialty Coffee Association of America for its compliance with the strict standards for proper extraction of coffee. You can be assured that your coffee will be delicious since the Moccamaster is in compliance with the highest standards of quality in the home brewer.

The Moccamaster Cup-One also has a thermal carafe, which keeps your coffee hot for up to six hours after the conclusion of the brew process. The carafe is placed in a curved socket which helps to stabilize it and ensures a perfect pour. It's also a pleasure to hold and operate, with a thick glass body that feels solid in your hand, and a unique funnel-like lip that allows for a smooth, controlled pour.

The only thing that could be an issue is the lack of a flow control feature, which is something that you will see in other coffee makers. This isn't an issue, but you will require the proper grind of coffee for this machine to function.

Zwilling Enfinigy Drip Espresso Maker

While Zwilling is best commercial coffee machine known for its kitchenware and knives, the brand has also put its name on a collection of small appliances. The drip machine from Enfinigy is the only one in the line that can create an entire pot of hot brew. It's a minimalist and sleek design that will fit in with the majority of modern kitchens. It's not cheap particularly when compared to our top pick however, the Enfinigy has a few unique features that make it worth the price for coffee lovers.

The first thing to note is that this machine needs the use of single-use paper filters, which could be a hassle for some. It is possible to change to disposable filters, but it will take some effort and time. The machine doesn't have an instrument to measure water hardness as do the majority of other devices we tested, so you will need to buy one before using it for the first time.

Once you've completed the initial setup the coffee maker is easy to use and does a fantastic job at brewing. The intuitive control panel comes with a backlit dial as well as a central button that lets you to cycle through options such as the bloom function (to disable the timer during brewing), programmable start times and the option of brewing or cup selection. It also features a digital clock which can be programmed to display the time of the day.

Other notable specifications include a double-walled thermal carafe that prevents the hot plate from overheating and remains warm on the counter for long periods of time, the shower head is powerful and thoroughly moistens grounds and a stainless steel boiler. It requires regular descaling but the process is quite automated and the machine will alert you when it's time to do so.

While the Enfinigy is a great machine for brewing and looks great on the counter, there are other models with more features. Our previous top pick, for example, is more user-friendly and comes with a range of choices for brewing, giving you greater control over your morning cup. If you're willing to spend more than this, the Zwilling model is a great option.