Best Coffee Makers Under £50 In The UK
Do you want to brew delicious coffee without emptying your bank account? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, Homegrounds will reveal this year’s top pick for the best coffee maker under £50. But depending on your needs, any of the coffee makers on this list could be the best choice for you.
At A Glance:
- OUR TOP PICK – Neo 1.5L Filter Coffee Maker
- GREAT AT WORK – Breville Flow Filter Coffee Machine
- FOR COLD BREW LOVERS – Primula Pace Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Below is a review of ten automatic coffee machines that cost less than £50. They’re all affordable, attractive, and you can count on any one of them to deliver a delicious morning brew.
What are the best coffee makers under £50?
Homegrounds has found the ten best coffee makers under £50 that outperform their price tag. Just because a coffee maker is cheap doesn’t mean great value, and some coffee makers under £50 are inexpensive because they are made of low-quality materials. However, you don’t need to spend a lot to brew great coffee; you need to read this article.
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Neo 1.5L Filter Coffee Maker Machine |
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Geepas 1000W Filter Coffee Machine |
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De’Longhi Active Line Drip Filter Coffee Machine |
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Taylor Swoden Filter Coffee Machine |
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Breville Flow Filter Coffee Machine |
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Salter EK2732 Digital Coffee Maker To Go |
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Melitta Easy Therm II Filter Coffee Machine |
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Morphy Richards 162501 Equip Filter Coffee Machine |
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Melitta 6707286 Aromaboy |
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Primula Pace Cold Brew Coffee Maker |
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1. Neo 1.5L Filter Coffee Maker – Best Overall
Capacity: 1.5 litres
- Dimensions: 28.6 x 18 x 39.5 cm
- Programmable timer: Yes
- Filter: Permanent mesh filter
Finding a coffee machine under £50 usually means giving up on all the bells and whistles but the Neo 1.5 L Filter Coffee Maker has a surprisingly good array of features for a machine at this price point.
From the front panel, you can program the start time up to 24 hours in advance to save you time in the morning. It’s one of the few machines on the list to have a strength option, for those who prefer their coffee with a little more kick. A 30-second anti-drip feature will give you enough time to pour yourself a sneaky cup while you wait for the full carafe to brew. To protect your coffee maker, there’s also boil dry protection, which shuts the machine off when the water level gets too low.
Rather than an all-plastic casing, this 1.5-litre coffee maker has a stainless steel front panel and base, giving it added durability and a more expensive appearance. You can also opt for a copper finish to add a pop of colour to your kitchen.
The one downside of this coffee machine is that it’s quite tall. At nearly 40cm high, and with a lid that opens upwards, it might not be suitable if you have low kitchen cabinets.
2. Geepas 1000W Filter Coffee Machine – Budget Pick
Capacity: 1.5 litres
- Dimensions: 18 x 33 x 26 cm
- Programmable timer: No
- Filter: Permanent mesh filter
Even among cheap coffee makers, it’s possible to find a truly budget option. The Geepas 100W Filter Coffee Machine falls well below the £50 mark, but still has everything you need for a great tasting batch of coffee. And in fact, if you wanted to save a few extra pounds, you could opt for the 800W version of the same coffee maker.
It has comparable features to many more expensive machines. It has a window in the water reservoir for easy refilling, an anti-drip function to let you pour a single cup while brewing, and an auto shutoff that kicks in 40 minutes after making your coffee. For added safety, the coffee machine has Boil dry Protection, which switches the hot plate off when the level of liquid in the carafe gets too low.
Where this budget coffee maker does lose points is the temperature control. It has a keep warm temperature of 75C, which is a little below the SCA minimum of 80C.
3. De’Longhi Active Line Drip Filter Coffee Machine – Best Value for Money
Capacity: 650 ml
- Dimensions: 17 x 22.5 x 26 cm
- Programmable timer: No
- Filter: Permanent mesh filter
The De’Longhi brand is associated with top quality domestic espresso machines, so you might be surprised to see the name on a budget coffee maker. The Active Line Filter coffee maker can’t live up to these high-end machines, but it’s still good value for money.
For the most part, it has similar features to other machines at this price point. It has a glass carafe, plastic casing, and a plastic water reservoir with a water level indicator. It includes a permanent mesh filter, but if you want a lighter cup of coffee, you can also use a #2 paper filter. The filter holder and carafe are both dishwasher safe.
The standout feature of the Active Line coffee maker is the Aroma button. This slows down the rate of water flow for a richer extraction and more flavorful coffee.
The downside to this machine is the small capacity water tank. It’s listed as a 5-cup coffee maker, but these are measured as small coffee cups (around 130 ml), rather than the coffee mugs that many people use.
4. Taylor Swoden Filter Coffee Machine – Best Programmable
Capacity: 1.5 litres
- Dimensions: 35.5 x 30.9 x 19 cm
- Programmable timer: Yes
- Filter: Permanent mesh filter
Just like the Neo machine above, the Taylor Swoden Filter Coffee Machine is packed with features that make it great value for money at such a low price point.
You can pre-program the start time to wake up to fresh coffee up to 24 hours in advance. This coffee maker has a showerhead design that results in a more even and rich extraction, but if you want an extra flavour boost, there’s a “strong” button. As with other coffee makers on the list, there’s also a brew-pause function to let you pour a single cup.
One unique feature is the clean button, which will rinse out the machine. You’ll still need to empty the filter and give it a regular deep clean, but this will help to keep it fresher between brew cycles. Both the filter and the carafe are dishwasher safe.
5. Breville Flow Filter Coffee Machine – Best for Small Offices
Capacity: 1.7 litres
- Dimensions: 32.7 x 20.2 x 32 cm
- Programmable timer: No
- Flter: Permanent mesh filter
The first thing you’ll notice about the Breville Flow Filter Coffee Machine is the design. In a sea of black and silver kitchen appliances, the slate grey colour with a textured finish offers something different.
Where this affordable coffee maker really stands out, however, is the large capacity water tank. With the option to brew up to 12 cups of coffee (and a minimum of 4), it’s a great choice for keeping everyone caffeinated in a small office.
It has a fuss-free operation with a simple on/off switch and a permanent mesh filter for easy filling. The brew-pause feature allows you to grab a cup during the brewing cycle, so there’s no waiting around for the full carafe.
The downside here is that the keep warm function shuts off after just 30 minutes. If you’ve got a lot of people sharing then you’ll get through the carafe in that time, but if it’s just one or two people, you’ll need to switch it back on manually.
6. Salter EK2732 Digital Coffee Maker to Go – Best Single Serve
Capacity: 420 ml
- Dimensions: 18.3 x 13.5 x 28.8 cm
- Programmable timer: Yes
- Filter: Permanent mesh filter
You won’t find a Keurig or Nespresso machine at this price, but there are still options for single-cup brewing. With the Salter Digital Coffee Maker To Go you can brew with ESE pods for convenience, or with ground coffee if you want the freshest tasting cup of joe. You can even use both together if you so desire.
This affordable machine is designed for those who want to rush out the door first thing in the morning. It brews directly into a stainless steel travel mug, which has thermal insulation to keep your drink hot on your commute. From the LCD screen, you can program a start time up to 24 hours in advance, making busy mornings even easier.
The one thing to be aware of is that this machine isn’t particularly efficient–it can’t match a capsule coffee maker in terms of speed. Brewing a single cup can take around 3-4 minutes, only slightly quicker than some drip machines take for a full carafe.
7. Melitta Easy Therm II Filter Coffee Machine – Best Thermal Carafe
Capacity: 1 litre
- Dimensions: 35 x 17.3 x 23.8 cm
- Programmable timer: No
- Filter: #4 paper filters
Coffee makers with thermal carafes are almost always more expensive, so finding one under £50 is nothing short of impressive.
Instead of the regular stainless steel carafe, the Melitta Easy Therm II features a plastic jug with double-walled glass insulation. It will keep your coffee hot for two hours after brewing, but you’ll need to be careful not to drop it. Thankfully, it’s still sturdy enough to go in the dishwasher.
The carafe has a brew-through lid, which helps to retain heat during the brewing process. It’s been designed for use with one hand, with a lever within easy reach of the jug handle. To make cleaning the jug easier, the lid can be removed and replaced with a click.
There’s no option to program a start time, but it does have a couple of useful features. The filter basket swings out to the side for filling, so you don’t need extra clearance above the machine to open it. The drip stop filter prevents mess when you remove the jug, and there’s built-cord storage to keep things tidy.
8. Morphy Richards 162501 Equip Filter Coffee Machine – Easiest to Use
Capacity: 1.2 litres
- Dimensions: 22 x 21 x 32 cm
- Programmable timer: No
- Filter: Permanent mesh filter
One of the fastest ways to cut down the cost of a coffee maker is to remove the special features. You’ll notice many of the machines on this list only have an on/off button, making them incredibly straightforward to operate–just fill them up and turn them on.
The Morphy Richards has an equally simple operation, but with a couple of features that make it easier to get a good cup of coffee. First is the showerhead design, which mimics a manual pour over brewing method, resulting in a more even extraction. The second is the built-in Aroma Blender, which circulates the coffee in the carafe to ensure the last cup is as good as the first.
It’s a slight step up in terms of build from an all-plastic coffee maker, with a brushed metal casing around the front of the machine.
Before you buy the Morphy Richard Equip, take into consideration how quickly you drink your coffee. The hot plate is set to switch off automatically after 30 minutes, which is fine if you’re sharing the carafe, but if you’re on your own you’ll need to keep switching it back on.
9. Melitta 6707286 Aromaboy – Best Small Coffee Maker
Capacity: 340 ml
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 17 x 20 cm
- Programmable timer: No
- Filter: #100 paper filters
If you have a small space, or you just don’t drink a lot of coffee, downsizing is a great way to get a coffee maker under £50. The Melitta Aromaboy made it to HomeGrounds’ list of the best compact coffee machines as it is a very compact machine. It is without many bells and whistles, but it has everything you need for a good cup of coffee.
Operation is a simple on/off switch (you don’t have any options to adjust your brew) and the machine will keep your coffee warm 40 minutes after the brew cycle has finished, before switching off. The glass jug and filter holder can be popped into the dishwasher for an easy cleanup.
The Aromaboy has been in production since 1979, which might be obvious from the retro style. It’s available in all black, white, or a rather 1970s beige and black colour scheme.
Just be aware that although this is a 2-cup machine, it doesn’t take the standard #2 filters. You’ll need to track down the #100 paper filters, which are a little smaller.
10. Primula Pace Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Best For Cold Brew
Capacity: 1.5 litres
- Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 18.5 cm
- Programmable timer: No
- Filter: Permanent mesh filter
This is the only machine on this list that doesn’t require electricity. That is no surprise, given that you’re making a cold brew and there’s nothing to heat up. The Primula Pace makes cold brew coffee – or other infused beverages like iced coffee, iced tea and flavoured waters.
This cleverly designed brewer, made from heavy-duty borosilicate glass, acts as a brewer, storage, and serving vessel all in one. The compact design fits in fridge doors, and the sealed lid keeps cold brew fresh for up to two weeks while also allowing a drip-free pour. When it’s time for cleaning, the Primula Pace is entirely dishwasher safe.
It makes up to 6 cups, but you can also use it to prepare cold brew concentrate, which you can dilute into many additional servings. The well-constructed mesh filter ensures you’ll only get smooth cold coffee, with no unwanted grounds or silt, even as you near the bottom of the batch.
What factors should you consider before purchasing a coffee maker?
There are three things to consider before purchasing the best coffee maker under £50. This buyer’s guide will walk you through it.
1. The size
Before purchasing a coffee maker, the most important thing to consider is how much coffee you need to make. If you’re buying for an office or a large household – or you love to drink a lot of mugs of coffee – then opt for one of the machines that brew a 12-cup carafe. On the other hand, if you only need to brew a single cup or two, it makes much more sense to opt for one of the single-serve coffee makers. In the middle, there are 5-cup options, or go for something like the Hamilton Beach 46299 model, which has a small serving mode.
2. Brew style
Another thing to think about is the type of coffee you like. If you prefer a stronger coffee, it’s worth buying a machine that gives you the option of a bolder brew. Alternatively, a cold brew coffee maker is the way to go if you like cold brew.
3. Durability
How long do you want your coffee maker to last? Models with more stainless steel and less plastic will generally last longer. But if you want something to serve you well for years, it might be worth spending more than £50 upfront.
What are other affordable brewing methods?
If you don’t want an electric coffee machine, there are many other affordable ways to brew coffee with balanced flavour and taste. And as a bonus, because they don’t require electricity, many alternative coffee makers are excellent for travel and camping.
If you enjoy rich and strong coffees with a heavy body, then for less than £50, you can get a nice French Press, percolator or Moka Pot. If you prefer a cleaner-tasting coffee with a light body, many inexpensive pour-over drippers are available. Take a look at the Hario V60, Kalita Wave, or classic Melitta Dripper.
The Aeropress is a perennial favourite for a brew that falls somewhere in the middle. It is one of our best rated coffee makers at any price. And the up-and-coming Clever Dripper is quickly gaining a following.
The Verdict
If you want a great coffee maker and only have a small budget, don’t despair. While there are plenty of cheap duds on the market, some great value-priced brewers are also there. The HomeGrounds overall favourite is Neo 1.5 L Filter Coffee Maker – a fully programmable and well-made coffee machine that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
FAQs
The best coffee maker under £50 is the Neo 1.5 L Filter Coffee Maker. It is made of high quality parts, has a good array of features and comes at a very affordable price point.
A more expensive coffee maker differs from a cheaper model in longevity. So, it isn’t the quality of coffee it makes; it’s how long it will last. Expensive coffee makers are made of more durable and high-quality materials. In terms of coffee quality, expensive coffee makers typically have a more accurate brewing temperature and a better shower system, which allows for better extraction. Experienced coffee drinkers will taste the difference.
If you prefer a coffee with a lighter body and cleaner mouthfeel, you should use a paper filter in your coffee maker. They are also easier to clean, especially if you have compost. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier-bodied coffee with a creamy mouthfeel, you should use a metal filter. These have the advantage of being reusable, so you’ll save money in the long run and generate less waste.
