Get coffee shop quality hot drinks in the comfort of your own home with the best budget coffee machine. The best coffee machines can be as simple as an Aeropress or as fancy as a barista-style appliance. But the crucial question you have to ask yourself: Can a cafetière give you that creamy latte you crave? The same goes for filter coffee; it just doesn't have the intensity of a fresh espresso that's brewed under pressure to produce a rich crema. If decadent cappuccinos and indulgent macchiatos are your go-to treat – but you're feeling the pinch – investing in an affordable coffee machine could end up saving you money in the long run.
A regular-size coffee shop beverage is £3 and upwards. Buying just 12 hot drinks is £35 – the same price as Tassimo coffee pod machine. So it goes without saying that a home coffee machine can give you years of enjoyment for a fraction of the cost, where you can indulge in your favourite coffee any time of day or night. There are several brands to choose from and it's well worth reading reviews on a range of coffee machines to get a feel for their performance and reliability.
Best budget coffee machines at a glance:
• Best overall: Tassimo by Bosch Suny 'Special Edition' TAS3102GB Coffee Machine – View on Amazon UK
• Best for hot and cold drinks: DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Infinissima Pod Coffee Machine – View on Amazon UK
• Best for eco pods: Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Espresso Coffee Machine – View on Amazon UK
Budget coffee machines can cost less than £100 and are compact countertop appliances with built-in water tanks of generally less than one litre. If you're looking for a machine that's convenient and easy to use, opt for a coffee pod machine. Just be aware that you will have to pay for a supply of coffee pods too, which can range from 25p up to 75p per pod. The alternative is to go for a small filter coffee machine or espresso maker that takes ground coffee. If you really love your beans and want an authentic experience, you may want to pay a bit more for a bean-to-cup coffee machine. You'll be able to savour the wonderful ritual of making your coffee from scratch and save money in the long-run as whole beans cost a lot less than coffee pods. Not to mention, it's better for the planet too.
However, it's worth noting that budget appliances don't tend to have milk frothers like you'd see on a coffee shop machine. You can buy a separate gadget to froth the milk or opt for a coffee pod machine with pod varieties that contain milk powder. Brands like Nescafé Dolce Gusto offer an enormous range of rich and flavourful coffees with a creamy and velvety microfoam. If you're after a little more coffee maker brew-how, check out our FAQs below.
Best budget coffee machine
Best overall budget coffee machine
The Tassimo by Bosch Suny 'Special Edition' TAS3102GB Coffee Machine is a little powerhouse of the coffee world. It's a space-saving appliance that fits on a countertop and looks neat. It takes Tassimo pods only, but with over 70 drink flavours to choose from there's a hot beverage for everyone. Intellibrew technology reads the barcode on the pod and tells the machine how much heat, water and pressure to add to brew the beverage with perfect results. This Tassimo auto-cleans between each drink, so the taste is always impeccable. The cup stand is flexible so most mugs and cups will fit under the spout. The ideal petit treat machine.
Customer review: "I love Tassimo coffee machines and this was to replace a very old one that gave up the ghost. This machine is smaller than my other model, which is fine as it takes up less work surface. The downsize if that is the water tank is such a small capacity that I am filling it up way more than the other model."
Pros
- Coffee shop quality drinks
- Intelligent brewing
- Compact
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Small water tank
Best budget coffee machine for hot and cold drinks
With a design like no other coffee pod machine, the DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Infinissima is slimline and available in three colourways. Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods are compatible with this appliance and hot and cold drinks are brewed with a high-pressure 15-bar pump. The drip tray is adjustable to accommodate a range of cup sizes and it's super easy to use. Choose from over 40 flavours that are at the cheaper end of the coffee pod price range – on average 28p per cup.
Customer review: "Such a lot of positives getting this machine. Bigger selection of coffees to choose from and there was some I thought I would not like but they all so creamy and very enjoyable. Have to say the first and second coffee from this machine did not taste nice however I think this was because it is new machine. I persevered and now I can say it was worth it. Machine and pods are cost friendly which is one of the reasons I got this. Machine easy to use."
Pros
- Make hot and cold brewed drinks
- Unique design
- Large range of coffee pod flavours
Cons
- Need to use a jug to pour water in
Best budget coffee machine for eco pods
Lavazza have been ahead of the game with sustainability and their range of compostable A Modo Mio Eco Caps are affordable and widely available. If you love a quick caffeine hit in the mornings, this affordable and compact Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Espresso Coffee Machine is a slightly more eco-conscious option. It heats up fast and is super convenient as you just pop a pod in and press a button. Just be aware that an espresso is a small coffee at just 40ml. A double espresso is 80ml. This machine has a removable drip tray so you can pop a normal size mug under it, but don't expect super-size coffee with the Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny.
Customer review: "As a confirmed coffee lover, this is a must have. Makes the perfect espresso each time. Lots of gorgeous blends to choose from. This machine allows you to choose the strength of your coffee shot. I would not be without it."
Pros
- Free pour
- Simple to use
- Compact
Cons
- Espresso size only
Best budget coffee maker for portability
Get a hot cup of Joe to go in less than four minutes with the Salter EK2732 Digital Coffee Maker. This small coffee machine has a 430ml stainless-steel travel mug that makes this a perfect choice for commuting. Simply add a scoop of ground coffee or a coffee pad (not pod) and let it brew. There's a 24-hour timer, so you can set the appliance to brew in advance. It's super easy to use and has a clear LCD display – ideal for the school run.
Customer review: "Very easy to use and keep clean, and does make coffee as well as most other drip feed machines. Coffee is hot and the function only takes a few minutes. No warming plate but that's because it's a one shot coffee maker so there's no need for a warmer. One very small moan… it would have been helpful for a coffee scoop to have been included but it's a dessert spoon worth of coffee."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great for one cup
- Compact
Cons
- Thermal mug isn't the highest quality
Best budget coffee machine for iced coffee
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If you love getting creative with iced coffees or need that refreshing hit of a strong iced americano then the Breville VCF155 Iced Coffee Machine is for you. The insulated tumbler ensures that ice cubes don't melt and they actually cool the freshly brewed coffee down. You get an intense cold coffee kick that's not at all watered down. The tumbler is 625ml and comes with a lid and straw, so you can have your beverage to go. Add milk, syrups and squirty cream to recreate your favourite coffee shop frappe.
Customer review: "The drinks are delicious an refreshing and the kids love it, they find it easy to use as well."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good for one cup
- Works quickly
Cons
- No ice dispenser
Best budget Nespresso
Be in no doubt a coffee that's brewed in a Nespresso Vertuo Pop is going to be the most aromatic, intense and delicious drink. If you're a coffee connoisseur that loves a mug-size americano then this is the machine for you. It takes a larger coffee capsule that's exclusively sold through Nespresso. The Vertuo capsule is brewed under high pressure Centrifusion, rather than high pressure. This results in the most incredible crema that's more than an inch thick. In addition, Centrifusion releases coffee aromas and flavour notes. The machine itself is compact and available in a range of colours, to suit any kitchen or office décor. Get superlative coffee at the press of a button.
Customer review: "This coffee machine is nice and compact very easy to use fresh coffee in minutes. The only negative is the cup you have to use has to be relatively small or a certain shape which not a big problem I’m removing the drip tray to use my normal size cup but overall stylish machine adds splash of vibrant colour to the kitchen."
Pros
- No mess
- Quality coffee in less than a minute
- Excellent crema
Cons
- Only compatible with Vertuo capsules
Best manual coffee maker
The STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker is similar to an Aeropress, but it has a little bit more going on. It's versatile: as well as brewing espresso, you can add milk to make a range of caffé lattes and even brew tea. Use a coffee pod or ground coffee that's tamped hard into a puck. Press the ergonomic plunger to brew the coffee manually, so you have control over the brewing process. Take it anywhere with you and enjoy your favourite coffee in minutes. It's been awarded the Red Dot Design Award and is a unique coffee maker.
Customer review: "Amazing flavour, works perfectly with standard supermarket ground coffee, and satisfying to make. Lots of bits to dissemble when rinsing but well worth it."
Pros
- Perfect for travel, camping or on the go
- Well constructed with a sturdy, functional stand
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires disassembly for cleaning
Best budget coffee machine for pod value
De'Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Mini Me, Coffee Machine Starter Kit comes with six boxes of coffee pods. This compact coffee machine does it all; brew hot or cold coffee creations and choose from over 40 Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods. If you love Starbucks, you're going to be delighted with the House Blend and Caramel Macchiato pods. It's a mains-operated countertop appliance that's one of the smaller models, so it's perfect if you're short on space.
Customer review: "Honestly, I can't recommend the De'Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Mini Me enough. It's not just a coffee machine; it's become a beloved part of my daily routine, and I look forward to my mornings more than ever. If you're a coffee lover like me, do yourself a favour and bring this little coffee powerhouse into your life! It is really easy to use and there are a lot of different options for different taste buds."
Pros
- Ideal if you love coffee shop variety
- Space-saving
- Easy to use
- Great gift idea
Cons
- Only takes Nescafe Dolce Gusto pods
Best budget bean-to-cup coffee maker
If you live on black coffee or you're making coffee for more than one person, this cleverly designed coffee maker is a budget bean-to-cup option. The Salter EK4368 Black 750ml Caffe Bean-To-Jug Filter Coffee Maker takes a scoop of whole coffee beans, grinds them, and brews two large cups worth of fresh coffee. In addition, it can take ground coffee too. Simple to use and economical,
Customer review: "Good machine for one or two people. I have been using it for 2/3 weeks now The machine is great and easy to use, compact and nice looking. Before I had a machine where I could use filter papers so advantage is you don't need papers though now have to rinse and strain the grinds so as not to block sink. All in all pleased and good price."
Pros
- Value for money
- Affordable bean-to-cup
- Brews more than one cup
Cons
- Some reviews comment that it's a bit noisy
What to consider in your coffee machine
When buying a coffee machine, there are several factors to consider so that you get an appliance that suits your needs.
First – set your budget – home coffee machines can range from £20 to in excess of £1,000. How do you take your coffee? Coffee makers come in various types: there are drip coffee makers, espresso machines, cafetières, and single-serve pod machines – each with their own brewing method. This choice comes down to how you like your coffee and how much time you have to brew it. Third, water tank capacity is important if you're looking for a coffee machine for more than one person. A large household or office will need a machine with a higher capacity (i.e. more than one litre). Also, note how much space you have available for a countertop appliance. Go for a compact or space-saving model if you're limited for space.
Drilling down further into features, you may decide that a programmable timer, brew strength settings, automatic shut-off, or even a frothing wand are essential. All of us want an easy life, so look for an appliance that's user-friendly and has removable parts for easy cleaning. Finally, expect to descale a coffee machine from time to time, especially if you live in a hard water area.
FAQs: Best budget coffee machine
What's the cheapest way to make coffee?
Traditional brewing methods, such as using a drip coffee maker or a cafetière, are the cheapest way to make coffee. In addition, buying whole coffee beans in bulk and grinding them yourself can save money too. It's more cost-effective than purchasing pre-ground coffee. Of course, avoiding expensive coffee shop purchases also helps cut costs too.
Also, it's worth noting that drip coffee makers and manual brewing methods are more energy-efficient than mains-powered coffee machines. However, automatic shut-off and using the machine sparingly can help reduce energy consumption. And it's a whole lot cheaper than overfilling the kettle.
How can I make a home coffee bar on a budget?
Creating a home coffee bar on a budget can be easy if you focus on the essentials first. Purchase a budget-friendly coffee maker or cafetière (around £30-£50), basic coffee beans or grounds (£10-£15), and attractive mugs (£10-£20). Form the centrepiece of your bar setup by repurposing furniture or find second-hand pieces to keep costs low.
Coffee-themed wall art, a chalkboard menu, repurposed coffee cans as storage, and decorative coffee coasters can add a personal touch without breaking the bank.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances. When she's not testing sparkling water makers, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.
