One of the most exciting things about being a coffee lover is that the technology for making good coffee at home gets better at such speed that it’s hard to keep up. That’s why I’d like to go through some of the best coffee makers that are currently in the market, get a good understanding of their features, and then bring you the short, straight-to-the-point version of each of these machines.
For this article I’ll be focusing onbest coffee makers that are within the range of 100 or less dollars.
Summary of the best coffee maker
| Name | Price |
| Veken French Press, 34 oz | $19.99 |
| Bean Envy Cold Brew Coffee Maker | $26.95 |
| Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker | $18.64 |
| Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster | $36.50 |
| Cuisinart DCC-3200 | $94.50 |
| Keurig K-Mini Plus | $91.82 |
| Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew | $69.99 |
| Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker | $89.99 |
| AeroPress | $29.95 |
| Ninja Programmable Brewer w/ 12-cup glass carafe | $99.99 |
Before we dive right into it, I want to let you know that getting a “cheap” coffee maker is actually the smart option. Unless you’re aiming for an espresso machine -and even there, there are good ones under $100- most coffee makers don’t have enough to justify a price higher than usual.
Here’s our list of the 10 Best Coffee Makers Under $100:
1. Veken French Press, 34oz
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whenever you want to buy a French press best coffee maker, you are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of designs and different colors, and so on.
The reality is that the simpler the French press, the better. The design is already a flawless one and has been making great coffee for decades. Features like stainless steel decorations or thermal insulation are all just there to charge a higher price.
What I love the most about the Veken is its design. The design is as classic as it gets, yet the black, heat-resistant material touches at the bottom, top, and handle make it look modern. And they still serve the very practical function of protecting you against the heat.
I can’t get enough of a good French Press coffee maker. You can definitely get more expensive ones and even several times cheaper. The expensive ones will rarely result in a better coffee and the cheap ones are prone to break because of low-grade glass.
2. Bean Envy Cold Brew Best Coffee Maker
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cold brew coffee might seem easy to make, but it really isn’t. I am a big believer in doing things yourself— if I can avoid buying a specific product, I do it.
For years, I tried to make cold brew in a mason jar, only using cloth filters and sifting the finer particles by hand (which is wasteful and a pain to do). I convinced myself I had outsmarted all of those gullible people that spent money on cold brew best coffee makers.
And then, out of boredom, I ordered a cold brew at my local coffee shop. It was amazingly flavorful. I knew then that I had screwed up. I got myself the best coffee maker for cold brew only and since then, I am in love with these kinds of coffee makers. The latest one that’s caught my attention is the Bean Envy coffee maker.
3. Bodum Pour Over Best Coffee Maker
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A bold move for a brand mostly known for their French press coffee makers, this pour over coffee maker is a step in the right track for Bodum.
The design seems to take inspiration from the classic Chemex, but is different enough to look unique and not like a copy. It’s the best coffee maker that beats most others just because of how easy it is to put a filter in place and secure it.
This coffee maker comes with a “permanent” metallic coffee filter, although it’s always recommended to use paper filters for better flavor.
4. Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There are many people that want to try to roast their coffee using a handy coffee roaster. Since it’s very easy to roast coffee this way, many people bought this kind of roasters, due to their simplicity, enjoying the popping sound due to the rear hole of the roaster.
The Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster however, rebels against the typical coffee maker. It has a very unique design that looks retro and modern at the same time. And what’s more important, you don’t need to know how to make coffee because with this coffee bean roaster, the process is easier than you think.
5. Cuisinart Perfectemp Coffee Maker, 14 Cup
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This compact Cuisinart best coffee maker is nothing short of a dream come true for drip coffee lovers. I’ve never been much of a fan of drip coffee because, well, I like to put some effort into everything I can. Pushing a button and getting coffee is not my idea of coffee.
The Perfectemp understands that a lot of us need to be involved in the making of our coffee. This coffee maker has a function for bolder coffee, as well as adjustable temperature control— which is (arguably) the most important thing when brewing coffee.
6. Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When it comes to buying a single serve best coffee maker our choices are limited. We have Nespresso first, but I’m of the opinion that Nespresso is getting the whole “single serve” thing wrong. It’s supposed to be convenient— the most convenient out of all other coffee makers. But Nespresso makes it inconvenient by making their machines accept only certain capsules, even more so with their VertuoLine.
And so, Keurig is the better option at this point. I’ve landed on the K-Mini Plus because I have seen it in action and I have loved it. It’s super small, which is one of the best things about it, and makes good coffee. It’s so convenient that I don’t see how they are going to beat this design.
7. Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew, 10-cup
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a player in this category, this coffee maker is packed with features. First you’ve got an incorporated water filter: okay, Mr. Coffee, you’ve got my attention. Then there is the programmable feature, which is quite common… Except it comes with a “Freshness Timer” that starts right when the coffee is brewed so you know just how long it’s been sitting there. Genius.
Besides those particularly attractive features, there’s also the carafe, which is of significantly higher quality than other drip coffee machines, made almost completely of stainless steel and capable of maintaining all the heat -and the aroma- inside.
As for the design, they somehow managed to make the stainless steel look work. It looks quite good, and the digital display also works really good in this design. It’s easy to use, convenient and actually practical.
8. Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker, 12-cup
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Who doesn’t want to tell their virtual assistant to brew their coffee? While the world is crying dystopia over AI, I’m thinking this is complete utopia because I can ask Alexa to start my coffee maker. Or, change the brew settings. It’s the best thing in the world.
Of course, you still have to make sure there’s always coffee and water inside the machine… But still, it’s a big step in the right direction. Maybe one day you won’t even need to learn how to clean your coffee maker, but only need to ask Alexa to do it for you. And if you think you don’t need to clean your coffee maker: think again.
The game that Hamilton Beach plays is always attaching an attractive feature to a good (and that’s me being nice) coffee maker. You’ve got a coffee maker with an espresso maker, you’ve got a coffee maker with grinder…But this time, the additional feature doesn’t seem as pointless as those others.
In any case, the Smart Coffee Maker does not disappoint at all. It might not brew exceptional coffee, but it’s good enough for making coffee at home.
9. AeroPress Best Coffee Maker
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There’s few coffee makers that are so universally loved like the AeroPress. I, too, love it, and think it should be present in every home. Let me tell you why:
It’s incredibly versatile: With an Aeropress, you can make espresso, you can make pseudo-pour over, you can make French press coffee. You can even make iced coffee and even tea.
It’s convenient: No need for anything fancy. As long as you have hot water, coffee, and a paper filter (you can always use big ones and cut them to fit into the AeroPress, if you don’t have the specific ones for the AP) you can make great coffee.
Portable: The Aeropress is made of just three different parts: the chamber, the plunger, and the portafilter. They, in turn, are made of high-quality plastic and are very durable and light. You can easily take this best coffee maker with you to another country without having problems with weight or space.
10. Ninja Programmable Brewer, with 12-cup Glass Carafe
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ninja. Now, I own more than a few Ninja products because I sort of live in my kitchen. I like to make my own vegetable milks, I love making smoothie And Ninja’s always had some of the best options for me.
When it comes to coffee, though, I was a little cautious… Until I saw this best coffee maker.
In terms of design, it puts to shame all other drip coffee makers, drags them. The water tank is visible to make it easier to see how much water you have left and it even has markings that tell you how many cups you’ll be able to make depending on the water level.
The digital display and buttons are also the best looking out there. The glass carafe also looks great and the quality of the glass rivals that of the Chemex, which means it is quite durable and keeps coffee warm for a long time.
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use. UC Cubic Feet: 1.072. MC Cubic Feet: 1.262.
- 10-cup double-wall insulated thermal carafe
- Fully automatic with 24-hour programmability, self-clean and 1 to 4-cup settings
- Brew Pause feature lets you enjoy a cup of coffee before brewing has finished
- Automatically shuts off when brewing is complete
Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make espresso in a French press?
Not really. You can make something espresso-like by using much less water and a finer grind, but it’s never gonna taste like an espresso. The coffee-to-water ratio in a French press is usually 1:15. For an espresso, it’s usually 1:1 or 1:2
Is pour over better than drip coffee?
There is a general notion that drip coffee is the lesser version of coffee made with a Chemex, Hario V60, and so on. This is simply not true. While both methods are very similar, drip coffee machines now incorporate functions like a shower head for even distribution of water and so on— this makes them more competitive.
At the end of the day, it’s a matter or personal preference.
Do I need to own a grinder?
Grinders are usually expensive, big, and noisy. They definitely make your coffee taste a lot better and even save you money, but the prospect of having to buy a grinder right after buying a coffee maker can hurt right in your finances. Ground coffee, as long as it doesn’t hang around in the kitchen for more than a week or two, is fine.
You can also get yourself a manual grinder: they are cheap, small, and effective.
How to clean your coffee maker?
Your coffee maker will last longer if you take proper care of it. Cleaning might be a pain, but it’s necessary for 1: getting consistent flavor and aroma and 2: making sure your coffee maker doesn’t break down after a few months.
Drip coffee maker
Probably the easiest one to clean. As long as you don’t leave the water tank full overnight and remember to take out the coffee and filter as soon as your brew, that’s all you need to be doing.
However, if you don’t do this -and sometimes despite doing this- you’ll need to decalcify the machine. Minerals in the water will build up inside the coffee maker and eventually wreak havoc. Before it’s too late, decalcify it following these simple steps:
- Fill the water tank up to half capacity using one part water (preferably bottled water) and one part vinegar.
- Place a filter in the machine and run a brewing cycle.
- Repeat up to three times.
And like that, your coffee maker should be running like new!
French press & pour over
Made from virtually the same materials, these two best coffee makers don’t require a lot of work. As long as you rinse them thoroughly after each use, you should be fine. If you forget to rinse, you can always soak them in warm water and baking soda.
When it comes to the French press, the same is true, but some extra effort has to be put into keeping the filter clean. For this, use a brush (lucky us, the Veken includes a perfect one already) to get in there. Oils can stick, go rancid, and make coffee taste off.
AeroPress
When it comes to the AeroPress, the most important thing is ventilation. After thoroughly rinsing it and getting it clean, it is of the utmost importance that you don’t assemble it back. Instead, keep all three pieces apart for at least a few hours until they are completely dry.
Even then, it’s recommended you don’t assemble the AeroPress unless you need to, as it can make the chamber stretch out.
Using soap is rarely necessary. The rubber part might get a little odour on it; use a little vinegar or baking soda on that part, and that’s it.
Overall, it seems like the quality of best coffee makers under $100 is getting better and better each year. Which is good news!
But if you still can’t decide on what coffee maker to get, instant coffee isn’t that bad. You can always learn how to make whipped coffee, the South Korean invention that’s the only reason I bought instant coffee after 10 years.
Now, take your time weighing the pros and cons. Be sure not to be objective about it, since the goal here is to find the best coffee maker that suits you and makes good coffee according to your taste. Good luck!
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