best small espresso machine Budget Coffee Machine

A good cup of coffee doesn't have to be expensive. With the variety of options available on the market, it's easy to find a reliable, simple coffee maker that won't cost a fortune.

This model scored highly in the CR's tests and lets you choose between making a pot or single-serve cup using pod beans or ground beans. It's also programmable and easy to use.

Braun BrewSense 12-Cup Coffee Maker

The Braun BrewSense 12-cup coffee maker offers consistent great flavor from the first cup until the last drop. Its unique PureFlavor system helps to extract the rich nuance of your favorite blend using just the right temperature and brewing time. It also has an elegant glass FlavorCarafe that retains the fresh aroma, and a premium LED control panel that has intuitive operation. Set a 24-hour timer and choose the strength of your coffee. When it's time to clean your machine, a light for decalcification will be displayed and the auto-shutoff function will be activated.

BrewSense is a great choice for those looking for a reliable drip device that isn't expensive. In our lab tests it performed in line with machines of higher quality such as the $190 Bonavita Moccamaster KBT741 and the $299 Technivorm Moccamaster BV01002US. In fact it was the sole 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 in line for what SCAA research suggests as the ideal.

This machine is perfect for small kitchens and dorm rooms. It has a small footprint, clean lines and a compact design. It can also brew up to 12 cups (5 pounds) at a time or a large 11-oz. travel mug. It also includes a gold-tone permanent filter to reduce recurring costs and a charcoal water filter that works with the machine to provide superior water composition and improved flavor.

This machine has a limited capacity this is the only drawback. If you're planning to make large pots of java each day, think about a larger model with the ability to handle a full carafe at a time. 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 by using the adapter included.

CASABREWS Single Serve Espresso Machine

The Casabrews espresso machine is a sleek all-in-one coffee maker that delivers the perfect shot of espresso and barista-quality milk foam. It has a built-in grinder, so 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 powerful motor give the highest quality extraction and a luscious aroma. The included precision conical burr grinder comes with 15 grind settings that are adjustable that allow you to alter the flavor of your coffee. You can grind your beans before brewing to get the best coffee pod machine drinkers.

The first thing to be aware of is that this machine needs the use of single-use paper filters which can be a problem for some. It is possible to change from single-use paper filters to reusable ones but it takes some time and effort. It doesn't come with a water-hardness test strip, like most of the other machines we've test. You'll need to purchase one before using it for the first time.

Once you've completed the initial set up the coffee maker is easy to use and does a fantastic job at brewing. The intuitive control panel comes with a backlit dial with an omni-directional button that lets you to switch between the various options. It has the bloom function that turns off the timer while you are brewing as well as programmable start-up times and the ability to select a cup. It also features a digital clock which 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 stays warm on the counter for long periods of time, the shower head is powerful and thoroughly moistens grounds and a stainless steel boiler. It does require regular descaling however, the process is fairly automated and the machine will alert you when it's time for you to do so.

While the Enfinigy is a good machine to brew and looks great on the counter, there are others that have more functionality. For example, our previous top pick is more friendly and has a variety of brewing options that give you more control over your morning cup of joe. If you're willing spend more than this, the Zwilling model is a great option.