Best Budget Coffee Machine

A great cup of coffee doesn't need to cost a lot. With so many choices on the market, it's easy to find a reliable and simple coffee maker that won't cost a fortune.

This model earned a strong score in CR's tests, and offers options to brew a standard pot or single-serve cups with 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 provides consistent, great taste from the first cup to the last drop. Its unique PureFlavor system extracts the rich flavor of your favourite blend using just the right temperature and time for brewing. It also features the glass FlavorCarafe that retains the fresh aroma, and a premium LED control panel with intuitive operation. Set the timer to 24 hours and select the strength of your coffee. When it's time to clean your machine, a decalcification light will be displayed and the auto-shutoff function will be activated.

BrewSense is a great option to anyone who is looking for a reliable drip system that won't break the bank. Its performance in our lab tests puts it on par with higher-end machines like the $190 Bonavita Technivorm BV01002US and $299 Moccamaster KBT 741. It was the only machine that consistently brewed at the optimal temperature range of 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, and achieved 23 percent extraction that is exactly what SCAA research says is optimal.

This machine is perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. It features a small footprint, sleek lines and an elegant design. It can also make up to 12 cups (5 pounds) at a time or a large 11-oz. travel mug. It is equipped with a long-lasting gold-tone filter that helps reduce recurring costs and a charcoal water filter that works with the machine to offer superior water composition and enhanced flavor.

The only real drawback to this otherwise stellar machine is its limited capacity. If you plan to make large pots of coffee each day, consider a larger model with the ability to handle a full carafe at a time. It's also important to note that the BrewSense is not intended for use with cold brew because it doesn't have a separate brew mode. The hot water mode is able to be used with the same machine for cold brew with the adapter included.

CASABREWS Single Serve Espresso Machine

Casabrews is an espresso machine that produces barista-quality milk foam and the perfect shot espresso. It comes with an integrated grinder, so you can grind your own beans and create the perfect blend. It also has steam wand, so you can make delicious lattes and cappuccinos.

Its 20-bar professional Italian pump and 1500W powerful motor provide top-quality extraction and a rich aroma. The conical burr grinder comes with 15 different grind settings to tailor your preferences. You can grind your beans before making the best espresso machine possible extraction without any over-extraction of delicate aromas or flavors.

The Moccamaster is also the first model to be awarded certification from the Specialty Coffee Association of America, proving that it meets the strict requirements for coffee extraction. These are the highest standards for a home coffee brewer and you can be sure that your cup of coffee will be delicious.

Other features of the Moccamaster Cup-One include a thermal carafe that keeps your coffee hot for up to six hours after the brewing cycle is complete. The carafe sits in a curved socket which helps to stabilize it and ensures a perfect pour. It's also enjoyable to hold and operate, with a thick glass body that is solid in the hand and a unique funnel-like lip that allows for a smooth and controlled pour.

The only thing that could be an issue is the lack of an option to control the flow of coffee which is something you can expect to see in other coffee makers. This isn't a big deal, but it will mean that you must have the right grind of coffee to make this machine function efficiently.

Zwilling Enfinigy Drip Espresso Maker

While Zwilling is best coffee machine for latte known for its knives and kitchenware but the company has also been putting its name on a range of small appliances. The Enfinigy drip machine is the only one of the line that can make hot brew. It's sleek and minimal design that can be incorporated with the majority of modern kitchens. It's expensive, especially when compared to our top choice however, the Enfinigy has a few unique features that make it worth the price for coffee lovers.

The first thing to remember is that this machine requires use of single-use paper filters which may be a pain for some. It is possible to switch to reusable filters, but it will take some effort and time. It does not come with a water-hardness test strip like the majority of the models we examined. You will need to purchase one prior to using it for the first time.

After you've completed the initial setup, this coffeemaker is simple to use. It also does an excellent job of brewing. Its intuitive control panel includes a backlit dial and central button that allows you to cycle through options that include the bloom function (to disable the timer during the brewing), programmable start times and brewing/cup selection. It also has a digital clock that you can program to display the current time.

Other notable features include double-walled thermocarafes that stops the hot plate from overheating and keeps it warm for hours on the counter and a powerful spray head that thoroughly dampens the soil and a corrosion-resistant stainless steel boiler. The machine requires regular descaling but the process is automated and it will let you know when it is time to complete it.

While the Enfinigy is a great machine for brewing and looks stunning on the counter, there are other models that have more functionality. Our previous top pick is more user-friendly and offers several options for brewing that allow you greater control over your morning coffee. If you're willing spend more and want to make a bigger investment, this Zwilling model is a great choice.