Best budget coffee machine for coffee shop quality drinks

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

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.