Top 7 Budget Coffee Makers Under $100

                                                                            

You know that feeling when you’re standing in front of the coffee maker aisle, phone in hand, squinting at reviews? Cheap ones look like they’ll die by Tuesday. Fancy ones cost more than my monthly rent. I just wanted something that wouldn’t leak, burn the coffee, or break the second I poured water in. So I went on a mission. Not for the “best” machine. But for one that actually works. And doesn’t cost a fortune. Over the years, I’ve burned through more coffee makers than I care to admit. Some died in weeks. One made coffee that tasted like plastic. Another leaked so bad I had to put a towel under it. But a few? They stuck. And honestly, they saved my mornings. Here are 7 budget coffee makers under $100 that I actually trust—not because of ads, but because I’ve used them, spilled on them, and relied on them when I was half-awake and desperate.

1. Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker

This thing is basic. And I love it for that. No screen. No app. No nonsense. Just a pot, a filter, and a switch. Pause-and-serve feature is a game-changer. I don’t have to wait for the whole pot to brew before I get my first cup. Costs under $50. Lasts years if you clean it. Does exactly what it says. If you want coffee, not a gadget, this is it.

2. Black+Decker 5-Cup Coffee Maker

Perfect for one or two people. Not for families. Small. Simple. Fits in tiny kitchens, dorms, or office desks. Brews fast. Shuts off automatically. Looks cheap, but works better than some pricier ones. I keep one at my sister’s place. She hates coffee machines. Even she likes this one.

3. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew

This one’s smart. Lets you brew a single cup with K-Cups **or** a full pot with ground coffee. Two machines in one. And it’s under $70. I use the pod side when I’m tired. The pot side when I have guests. Not the fanciest. But the most flexible.

4. Cuisinart DCC-450BK 4-Cup Coffee Maker

I use this at my cabin. Small space. No room for big machines. Stainless steel carafe. Feels sturdy. Doesn’t break like glass. Heats up fast. Brews clean. And shuts off after 30 minutes. For a small-batch brewer, it’s one of the best.

5. KRUPS Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker

KRUPS knows how to build things that last. This one’s simple. Big button. No screen. No settings. Just plug it in, add water and coffee, and hit brew. It’s quiet. Reliable. And looks clean on the counter. If you hate complicated gadgets, this is your guy.

6. CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker

I travel with this one. Seriously. It’s light. Small. Works with K-Cup pods. Makes a decent cup. Not barista-level. But better than hotel coffee. Great for one person. And if you’re picky about your morning brew on the road, this is worth the space.

7. Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffee Maker

Don’t laugh. This $30 machine surprised me. I bought it as a backup. Ended up using it for months. Makes hot, clean coffee. No leaks. No weird tastes. Shuts off automatically. Is it fancy? No. Does it work? Yes. Sometimes, that’s all you need. Here’s what I learned after years of bad coffee and broken machines: Price doesn’t always mean better taste. A $30 machine can make great coffee—if you use fresh beans, clean water, and clean the pot regularly. Also: smaller machines often brew better. Why? The water doesn’t sit as long. Stays hotter. Extracts better. And one more thing: clean your damn machine. Seriously. Scale builds up. Water tastes bad. Coffee turns bitter. Just run vinegar through it once a month. You’ll thank me. Finding a good coffee maker under $100 isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing what you actually need. Do you want a full pot every morning? Or just one cup? Do you want simplicity or flexibility? Once you figure that out, the right machine is out there. And here’s a pro tip: If you find one you love? Buy a second one on sale. Keep it in the closet. Because when your coffee maker dies—and it will— You’ll be ready. And your mornings won’t have to suffer.