A great cup of espresso doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of choices available. It’s easy to find a low-cost and reliable coffee maker.
This model scored a high score in CR’s tests and it can be used to brew the standard pot or single-serve cups using pod beans or ground beans. It’s also programmable and convenient to use.
Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Coffee Maker
The Braun BrewSense 12-cup coffee maker offers consistent great flavor from the very first cup to the last drop. Its unique PureFlavor system reveals the full nuance of your favorite blend by adjusting the perfect temperature and the right amount of time to brew. The FlavorCarafe that seals in fresh aromas, as well as the premium LED control panel provide an intuitive operation. Easily choose your desired brew strength and set a 24-hour programmable timer to wake up with your morning cup of joe ready for you. When it’s time to clean your machine, a decalcification light will appear and the auto-shutoff feature will be activated.
The BrewSense is a great option for anyone who wants a reliable drip coffee machine that won’t cost a fortune. Its performance in our lab tests puts it in line with models that are more expensive, such as 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 optimal temperature range of 195 to 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 ideal.
In the home, a small footprint and clean lines make this machine ideal for cramped kitchens and dorm rooms. It also brews up to 12 cups (five ounces each) at a time or one large 11-oz travel mug. And it comes with a permanent gold-tone filter to help reduce recurring costs and a charcoal water filter that works in conjunction with the machine to deliver 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 hold one carafe of coffee in one go when you plan to make several large pots every day. BrewSense doesn’t have an option for cold brew. However, the hot water mode can be used to make cold brew in the same machine using the adapter that comes with it.
CASABREWS Single Serve Espresso Machine
Casabrews is an all-in-one espresso maker that produces barista-quality milk foam and the perfect shot espresso. It comes with an integrated grinder, which means you can grind your own beans and make the perfect blend. It also has steam wands, so you can make delicious cappuccinos and lattes.
Its 20-bar professional Italian pump and 1500W powerful motor give high-end extraction and a delicious aroma. The included precision conical burr grinder comes with 15 grind settings that are adjustable so you can customize the flavor you prefer. You can grind your beans before brewing to get the perfect cup of best affordable coffee machine. Additionally, the 92-oz clear water tank is removable and easy to fill.
The control panel that is programmed by hand and the LCD are simple to use however there is a slight learning curve as you get familiar with the various functions. It is essential to read the instruction manual before you begin brewing. You should also experiment with the settings until you discover the ideal combination. It’s not recommended to brew coffee when others are sleeping because the machine can be extremely loud.
In terms of steam wand, it is among the best delonghi coffee machine we’ve seen on an espresso machine of this price. It’s simple to use and produces rich, creamy microfoams that add flavor of your espresso. It’s fast to heat so you can start frothing milk in under two minutes.
This espresso maker comes with a one-year warranty. It comes with a cleaning kit unlike other espresso machines at this price. It is a sturdy and reliable coffee maker despite its low price.
The sleek design, compact style and exterior brushed stainless steel make this a stunning addition to any kitchen decor. It is also simple to clean and put together. It comes with a straightforward user’s manual and a quick-start guide, both with illustrations. It comes with a washable stainless steel filter to preserve the flavor of coffee. You can even make tea using it!
Technivorm Single Serve Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for a high-quality drip coffee maker, Technivorm has one that is manufactured in the Netherlands by a group of experienced coffee lovers. They may cost you a bit harder on the wallet than machines from companies that manufacture their products in Asia, but they have a loyal clientele and are renowned for their reliability and quality. They are also a green business, and their machines are energy efficient.
The Moccamaster Cup-One coffee machine is one-cup version of the popular Moccamaster KBG Select 10-cup coffee machine. It is designed to make the perfect espresso every time. The unique copper heating element ensures that temperatures remain within the brewing range ranging from 198-205 degrees that allows for optimal extraction and full saturation of your grounds. The cone-shaped brew basket and the water spray head with nine holes further promote the best budget coffee machine possible extraction without any over-extraction of delicate aromas and flavors.
The Moccamaster is also the first model to get certification from the Specialty Coffee Association of America which proves that it meets the strict requirements for coffee extraction. You can be assured that your coffee will taste fantastic since the Moccamaster is in compliance with the highest standards of quality in the home brewer.
Other features of the Moccamaster Cup-One include a thermal carafe that keeps your brewed coffee hot for up to six hours after the brew cycle is complete. The carafe is placed in a curved socket that helps to stabilize it, ensuring an even pour. The carafe is also simple to use and hold thanks to its thick glass body, that feels solid in your hand, and its funnel-like lip that allows for a controlled smooth, smooth pour.
The only thing that might be an issue is the lack of an option to control the flow of coffee, which is something that you will find in many other models of coffee makers. This isn’t a big deal but it means that you must have the right coffee grind to make this machine work efficiently.
Zwilling & Enfinigy Drip Coffee Maker
Zwilling is known for its knives and kitchenware as well as small appliances. Its Enfinigy drip coffee maker is the only item in the line that can make hot brew. It is sleek and minimalist look that will complement most modern kitchens. The Enfinigy is more expensive than our top choice. However, it has a few distinct features that make the Enfinigy worth the cost.
The first thing to remember is that this machine requires use of single-use paper filters, which could be a hassle for some people. It is possible to switch to reusable filters, but it will take some effort and time. The machine doesn’t have an instrument to measure water hardness like most of the other models we tested, which means you’ll have to purchase one prior to using it for the first time.
After you have completed the initial set up it is simple to use and does a great job of brewing. Its intuitive control panel includes an illuminated dial and a central button that allow users to switch between various options such as the bloom function (to disable the timer when the brewing), programmable start times and brewing/cup selection. It also features an electronic clock that you can program to display the current time.
Other notable features include a double-walled thermal caddy that keeps the hot plate from overheating and remains warm on the counter for long periods of time as well as a powerful shower head that thoroughly moistens grounds and a stainless steel boiler. The machine requires regular descaling but the process is automated and will inform you when to do it.
While the Enfinigy is a good machine for brewing and looks great on the counter, there are others with more features. For example, our previous top pick is more comfortable and offers a variety of brewing settings that allow you more control over your morning coffee. But if you’re willing to spend more then this Zwilling model is an excellent choice.