9 Best Budget Coffee Machines to Kick Start your Mornings
Some coffee machines can cost an eye-watering amount and leave a bitter taste. That is, unless you have one of these budget benchtop wonders.
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Pretty much every Millennial and Gen Z has been told to stop buying their coffees and make them at home to save money. But when a good coffee machine costs hundreds of dollars and a few scoops of instant just isn’t cutting it, what choice are you left with?
However, luckily there are a handful of high quality coffee machines that can provide a much needed caffeine kick without costing an arm and a leg.
Whether you’re an espresso drinker, cappuccino lover, or prefer a latte, you’ll be set with the Sunbeam EM5000K Café Barista Coffee Machine. This automatic machine does all the work for you and makes a consistently delicious coffee each time.
For those that prefer something a bit more barista-like, try the De’Longhi Stilosa. It includes all the features and basic manual gears that a traditional espresso machine has.
And for those who love a quick and easy pod coffee, you can’t go past Nespresso – in particular their Vertuo Pop Solo Coffee Machine. Shoppers have called this capsule machine “sleek,” “impressive” and “a game-changer.”
To help you find the perfect machine to make your favourite coffee without spending a small fortune, here are the best budget coffee machines that retail for $250 or less.
OUR TOP PICKS
Best budget espresso machine
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Coffee Machine, $149 at Amazon Australia
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Coffee Machine
What You Need To Know
De’Longhi are known for making high quality coffee machines with all the bells and whistles, but you don’t need to dig deep into your wallet to have one of their best on your countertop.
The De’Longhi Stilosa produces exceptional espresso thanks to its dual thermostat. This controls the steam and coffee temperature while the 15-bar pressure pump extracts the best coffee flavours and aromas.
If you love a more milky coffee, it’s got you covered with its built-in steam wand. The removable drip tray is also a helpful feature so you can make your cuppa in larger mugs.
Topping it off is its sleek matte black design that’ll suit any kitchen counter, and its compact size is an extra bonus for kitchens lacking in benchtop or cabinet space.
“This coffee machine is excellent,” raves one five-star review.
“My last one (another popular brand) was nothing compared to this De’Longhi, it’s far better than expected. Highly recommend, easy to use and makes a great coffee in no time at all.”
A second shopper loved how well the coffee machine worked despite its cheap price point, saying, “For the price I’m absolutely wrapped with it. Nice and compact for a tiny kitchenette like I have at my office.”
Best budget automatic coffee machine
Sunbeam EM5000K Café Barista Coffee Machine, $181 at Amazon Australia
Sunbeam EM5000K Café Barista Coffee Machine
What You Need To Know
Simply by pressing a few buttons and turning a dial, your morning coffee will be made just the way you like it with the Sunbeam EM5000K Café Barista Coffee Machine.
Retailing under $200, it’s one of the cheapest automatic coffee machines on the market, but still packs a punch and boasts Sunbeam’s quality kitchen appliance reputation.
You can choose to brew an espresso, cappuccino or latte as a single or double shot depending on the size of your mug and how strong your take your coffee. Once you’ve made your choice, the Thermoblock technology quickly heats up the entire system to get your coffee poured in a flash.
One of the best features is the built-in milk frother. It is designed to “take the guesswork out of milk frothing” with a dial to set how fluffy or silky smooth you want your milk to be. The milk reservoir of the frother is also removable to store inside the fridge and save for future brews.
“I’m not a coffee expert however as a daily coffee drinker over the past 20 something years I have now owned various machines from all different price points for daily at home use, but as long as Sunbeam keep making these I’ll be back to buy them if I ever need to again,” reads a five-star Amazon review.
A second shopper said they live on a pension and buying this cheaper machine was the “best decision I have made for a long time”.
Along with using freshly ground beans, they added, “this coffee machine makes great coffee and my advise [sic] is buy this machine and a separate bean grinder and save yourself heaps of money.”
Rounding out the positive reviews is an Amazon shopper who loved the variety of drinks as well as the price. “I use it every day for espresso, cappuccino, flat white, latte styles. A fabulous purchase. I’m a happy customer.”
Best budget coffee pod machines
Nespresso Vertuo Pop Solo Coffee Machine, $229 at Nespresso
Nespresso Vertuo Pop Solo Coffee Machine
What You Need To Know
Designed specifically for Nespresso Vertuo pods, this capsule machine by coffee juggernaut Nespresso is a fan favourite for those desiring a quick and tasty brew.
“This machine is not only sleek and stylish but also incredibly easy to use. The one-touch brewing system is a game-changer, delivering perfect coffee every time with minimal effort,” reveals one happy shopper.
“The range of coffee styles and flavors [sic] available is impressive, and the quality is consistently top-notch. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality coffee machine, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop Solo is a superb choice!”
It uses patented Centrifusion Technology which operates by reading the barcode on the capsules and automatically adjusting the settings to best suit your chosen pod. This means all the hard work is done for you without needing to fiddle with brewing settings and buttons.
If you’re more inclined to experiment with your coffee, the Vertuo Pop can be set to Expert Mode. This creates a more concentrated brew and is ideal for those who want to add a splash of milk or some frothy milk for latte art.
You can make six different sized espressos and the machine is compatible with three pods in their iced coffee range. Available in seven colours, it connects with the Nespresso app where you can watch guided coffee videos and reorder your pods.
One shopper said it’s “Such a beautiful machine! It looks great on my bench. And it makes the perfect coffee every time.”
Another appreciated the compact design, revealing, “This is perfect for the caravan. Love the simplicity of these machines while producing top notch coffee with the press of a button.”
Looking for an Original Nespresso machine? There are multiple to choose from, with the Nespresso Essenza Mini Solo being the best budget buy retailing at $219.
Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Coffee Capsule Machine with Milk Frother
What You Need To Know
Lavazza is one of the most popular home coffee brands on the market, and their A Modo Mio Jolie Coffee Capsule Machine proves why.
It uses Barista Technology with a slower extraction process to enhance the flavour profile, a consistent tamping level for each pod and the “ideal water pressure” for a more creamy taste.
You can choose two coffee lengths (espresso or espresso lungo), and the removable drip tray lets you fill up different mug sizes and heights.
The built-in milk frother is the standout feature thanks to its three settings. This will let you play with different milk textures to find the preferred option for your drinks. Once you’ve finished brewing five pods, it will automatically eject the capsule draw for you to empty.
One customer calls it “Nice and compact, easy to clean and makes the yummiest of coffees!”
Another has been using their machine for three years and reveals it “looks great and [is] easy to use.
“The milk frother is the best, and has the best reviews. So don’t hesitate it’s the best machine and price. If mine ever stops working I would buy another one.”
Best budget stovetop coffee machine
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker, from $38.97 (down from $64.97) at Myer
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
What You Need To Know
Sometimes it’s the simpler things that are the best, and the same can be said for the Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker. Made in Italy, it uses the same design from its original production in 1933.
It is incredibly simple to use. Just fill it with water, add your favourite ground coffee (without pressing), close the lid and let it work its magic on your gas, electric or induction stovetop (the latter will need an adaptor plate). Once you hear it gurgling, it’s ready to serve.
This coffee maker is available in different cup sizes to cater for all the espresso drinkers in your home, starting from 2-cups/90mL to 18-cups/810mL. Each size comes with a safety valve that prevents the coffee spilling over as it heats and a comfortable, ergonomic handle for easy pouring.
With more than 67,000 five-star reviews on Amazon alone, the reviews speak for themself on how well this maker works.
“I was looking for an easy and quick way to have my coffees in the morning that wasn’t instant coffee. This was the solution,” reveals one customer.
“I love how easy it is to use and to clean, and it fills the house with a beautiful coffee smell! Best thing is the coffee, it is delicious and I could not be happier with the quality.”
Meanwhile, a Myer shopper found it “Good and easy to use and not too expensive, need just coffee and water,” while a third raved “I love Bialetti! Makes a great coffee. Use it every morning for that perfect start to the day.”
If you’re looking for a bit more colour and personality, you can buy your Bialetti maker in red, pink, blue, green, black and cream. It’s also available in a wide range of themes, including Bridgerton, Squid Game, the Italian flag, Alpine and a Dolce & Gabbana red and blue collaboration. Pick your favourite now at Myer, Amazon or Kitchen Warehouse.
Best budget iced coffee machine
Sunbeam Frappe Iced + Hot Coffee Machine, $169 at Myer
Sunbeam Frappe Iced + Hot Coffee Machine
What You Need To Know
Catering for your coffee cravings throughout the year, this 3-in-1 coffee maker lets you make frozen frappés, iced coffee and hot coffee in one appliance, and all at an incredible price.
Brewing your caffeine fix in less than four minutes, it uses a built-in blender, measurement system and double sided scoop to get the perfect ratio of coffee, water and/or ice each time.
Included with the machine is a reusable, double-wall insulated travel tumbler to drink your coffee on the go, as well as a lid and straw, reusable filter and digital recipe book to get you started on making your cafe quality drinks.
Many shoppers love how cheap it is and how much money they save making their coffee each day. One said they “Saved a fortune with this wonderful gadget. No more need to get take out when I can make my own at home.” Another agreed, calling it “So easy, my teenage kids even use it everyday. Has saved us a fortune on iced coffees.
“Would highly recommend and it doesn’t take up too much space and it’s super quick to use in the morning before work.”
Best budget cold brew coffee machines
Instant Cold Brew Coffee Maker, $79.95 (down from $129) at Kitchen Warehouse
Instant Cold Brew Coffee Maker
What You Need To Know
Cold brew coffee became a big trend in the mid 2010s after major coffee chains started to sell the refreshing drink. Instead of relying on the coffee shop, you can now make yours from home with your own cold brew maker, and the Instant Cold Brew Maker takes the cake.
Traditionally, cold brew takes about 24 hours to release the full flavours of the beans. However, this Instant maker uses FlashExtract technology, which can make cold brew in as little as 20 minutes thanks to its power base. It also lets you customise the strength and length of your brew with timers from five to 30 minutes, helping you create a truly personalised drink.
If you’re after something a bit different, you can use tea leaves and make yourself an iced tea. Once you’ve finished, it’s super easy to clean as the glass jug, lid and brewing basket are all safe to go in the dishwasher.
“The design is sleek and functional, making it easy to use and clean. Perfect for warm days or a refreshing morning pick-me-up,” praises one recent shopper.
“Highly recommended for coffee lovers!”
Best budget drip coffee machine
Breville the Aroma Style Electric Drip Coffee Maker, $87.20 (down from $109) at Myer
Breville the Aroma Style Electric Drip Coffee Maker
What You Need To Know
A drip coffee maker is the type of coffee machine you’d see in the background of an 80s American sitcom set in a diner where the waitress comes and refills the character’s mugs. While it may look like a novelty, they actually produce great coffee, and all for a reasonable price.
This Breville drip coffee maker is one of the best. While the compact size is ideal for small kitchens, it’s still large enough to freshly brew up to 1.5L of coffee in just 10 minutes.
Its intuitive water flowing system releases hot water evenly over the grounds for better extraction and leaves behind a great flavour, while the non-drip valve lets you remove the coffee pot while it’s still brewing and will stop dripping until you replace it.
Using its LCD screen and one-touch buttons, you can customise the strength of the coffee and delay the brewing process with its 24 hour timer, so you can set it the night before and wake up to fresh coffee in the morning.
This is one of the best features for several five-star reviews. One shopper said, “The delay brew setting is the best, nothing beats coming downstairs to fresh hot coffee in the morning! The strength setting is great also, uses less coffee and the flavour is more intense.”
If you sleep in, it’s not a worry as the keep warm plate helps maintain the heat for longer.
“I’m an American in Australia, so I need my drip coffee every day,” revealed one Amazon shopper.
“I’ve used the Sunbeam one for a couple years until I dropped the carafe. Replaced with this fella and I’m very impressed at the improved quality. Great ‘cuppa’, as y’all call it.”
Best budget French press
Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker, from $29.97 (down from $49.95) at Myer
Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
What You Need To Know
A French press is a classic way of making deliciously rich and flavourful coffee by mixing coffee grounds with water (known as steeping). The Bodum Chambord French Press achieves this by combining a stunning design with great tasting coffee.
Made in Portugal, this coffee maker uses the original 1950s design while incorporating modern additions like a heat resistant glass body that is dishwasher safe, as well as chrome plated stainless steel for a touch of elegance.
It also has a patented safety lid to keep the coffee and plunger within the press and prevent spills if knocked over.
“It is a lovely French press, sleek, very robust compared to the last one I had – and fantastic value. I’m extremely happy with it,” praises one customer at Myer.
A second shopper said in their five-star review, “I have tried other plungers but the Bodum plunger is the absolute best by far. No grainy coffee and no spills. 10/10. I highly recommend this brand.”
Sizes start at 350mL, but you can also buy it in 500mL, 1L and 1.5L varieties.
How we choose our products
To help you find the best coffee machines without forking out the big bucks, our experienced team spent hours going through reviews and ratings of the best products on the market. Aside from price, we also considered the elements that make a good coffee machine, like size, milk frothing abilities, time it takes to brew and if it uses coffee grounds or capsules.
What to consider before buying a budget coffee machine
Size: Most budget coffee machines are on the smaller size, but there can still be a big variance between models which can determine how much bench or cupboard space you’re left with. Always check the dimensions before buying to make sure it is suitable for your kitchen.
Machine Type: Coffee machines come in a huge variety of models and makes. The most common are automatic, manual and capsule/pod machines. But there are a few extra types to consider, like iced coffee makers, drip coffee machines and cold brew makers.
Brewing Capabilities: A coffee machine will almost always be able to brew an espresso no matter their price point, but some are able to make a few different types of coffee. Pod coffee machines can typically make a variety of coffees depending on the type and flavour of pod you’re using. Other machines can suit different mug or cup types, and can make your coffee with single or multiple shots.
Ground Coffee or Pods: Coffee pods give you the convenience of simply dropping a capsule inside your machine, starting it up and letting it brew. They come in a huge range of flavours and strengths, though not all pods can be used across the different machine brands. One the other hand, some more advanced machines use coffee beans, and come with a grinder or burr. Cheaper versions usually use coffee grounds or instant coffee rather than grinding beans to give you your much needed caffeine fix.
Milk Frothing: If you’re less of an espresso fan and more of a milky coffee drinker, look for a machine with milk frothing reservoirs or wands. This will turn your regular coffee into something you’d get from your favourite cafe.
Extra Features: Coffee making isn’t as simple as it used to be. Machines across both ends of the price point scale can come with an array of fancy features to up the ante of your morning brew. Some come with multiple coffee types, milk frothing capabilities, different strength and length settings and removable drip trays to fit different sized mugs. All these extras can increase the price, so consider if it’s worth having these inclusions or whether a standard machine is more in your price range.
Price Point: We’ve rounded up machines that fall under the $250 price point, but this still might be a bit too expensive. Weigh up how much you’re willing to spend before you add it to your cart so you know it’s in your budget.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE MAIN TYPES OF COFFEE MACHINES? WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT?
Some people think that a coffee is a coffee and that you can get along just fine with a couple of scoops of instant in your mug. But there are dozens of ways to brew a coffee, which can be achieved in different ways depending on the type of machine you’re using.
Espresso Machines
An espresso machine is designed specifically to make one type of coffee – you guessed it: espresso. Advanced models grind and tamper coffee beans under high pressure through water to create your brew. More budget-friendly machines use pre-ground coffee.
There are a few varieties of espresso machines on the market that vary in price, functionality and features:
- Manual espresso machines: These give you complete control by operating a lever to apply pressure when extracting the grounds or beans. They usually need a lot of practice to get the hang of and are normally used by baristas.
- Semi-automatic espresso machines: These machines take care of the water temperature and pressure while the user manages the amount of water used.
- Automatic espresso machines: As the name suggests, most of the work is automatically done for you with these machines. After choosing your settings, it will make your coffee and give you delicious and consistent results every time.
- Pod espresso machines: The majority of coffee pods are available as espressos. Just pop one in and it will extract the coffee and pour it straight into your mug.
Manual Coffee Machines
A manual machine gives you a hand-on coffee making experience without automatic functions or presets. You’re in control of the extracting, temperature, tamping and milk frothing.
They give you the ability to customise the strength, grind size, extraction pressure and length of your brew. And they aren’t just the massive units you see in cafes, but a French press and AeroPress also fall into the manual category.
It can take a long time to make a single cup and will need a lot of trial and error to get the hang of, so it’s not the best option for beginners.
Automatic Coffee Machines
An automatic coffee machine gives you a delicious coffee without needing to do all the hard stuff. These machines can grind, tamper, froth milk (if it comes with a milk frother) and pour out your coffee just by pressing a couple of buttons.
This will save you a lot of time and will constantly produce great results with your chosen settings. Most models are on the more expensive side, while cheaper machines may not have as many settings, so customisation can be limited.
Pod Coffee Machines
Capsule or pod coffee machines take pre-packaged servings of coffee and brew them quickly and easily without having to fiddle around with settings or serving sizes. Just insert your pod, start your machine, and out comes your cuppa.
Most big brand coffee companies produce a range of coffee pods, including Moccona, Vittoria, Lavazza and L’OR. This often makes them cheaper and more easily accessible. Nespresso is one of the most famous coffee pod companies and specialises in these machines.
One major downside is they are not as fresh as ground coffee. Another is their versatility – not all types of pods can fit inside all machines. The prime example is the Nespresso Vertuo range, which only accepts Vertuo style pods, and none from any other brands.
HOW DO I FROTH MILK?
There are a few ways to turn your ordinary milk straight from the carton into a frothy and silky treat to add to your coffee. Some take more time than others to make, and may add to the cost of your machine.
- Milk Frothers: A milk frother is a kitchen utensil that aerates milk to create a foamy texture. Some coffee machines have one built-in, though low budget machines will likely need one purchased separately. An electric frother heats and froths with the press of a button, while manual frothers will need a bit of elbow grease by using a pump that plunges into the milk.
- Steam Wands: These are often found on the side of espresso machines so you can froth or steam milk to add into the espresso you just brewed and create macchiatos, lattes and cappuccinos. Move the wand around the jug filled with milk as the steam flows through. Soon enough it will become frothy for you to mix in.
- Handheld Frothers: These are like steam wands that are not connected to a coffee maker. You submerge a handheld frother into milk and move it around until it is creamy and frothy.
- French Press: While typically used for coffee, a French press can also make frothy milk. It operates the same way as a manual milk frother by pumping the plunger into the milk as it warms on the stove.
- Whisk: This is the old fashioned way. Pour milk into a saucepan and heat it on the stovetop while you whisk away until you get the desired result.
HOW DO I GRIND COFFEE?
Using freshly ground coffee beans is one of the best ways to get the most flavour from your coffee. We spoke to the Director of Australian Coffee Entrepreneurs Tal Avni who revealed “If you’re not grinding your own coffee, you’re losing about 20 per of the experience.”
But this isn’t always easy to achieve, and you will need to purchase a coffee grinder. A burr grinder is a good option as it creates a consistent result so flavours are better extracted.
It then comes down to how strong you want your coffee and how well your machine brews.
“If you can grind your own coffee, that’s fantastic,” says Avni, but added, “You want to consume within a week to 10 days.” This is because after this amount of time, the coffee will begin to lose its freshness, and therefore loses its best flavour profiles.
WHAT IS A FRENCH PRESS?
A French press (also known as a cafetière) is a type of coffee maker that produces bold and rich flavours. This is achieved by immediately mixing coffee grounds into water before the brewing process begins (known as steeping).
It is recommended to use coarse grounds as fine grounds can create sediment inside your cup, which can lead to over-extracting the flavours and result in a bitter taste.
Simply pour boiling water over the grounds in the French press and leave them to steep for around four minutes. Then use the plunger to push the grounds to the base of the press so you can serve and enjoy.
WHAT IS COLD BREW COFFEE?
Cold brew uses a similar method to a French press as it steeps beans in water. However, instead of steeping in hot water, it is made with cold water and left to extract the flavours for up to 24 hours. Using cold water makes the flavour of the coffee less acidic but creates a higher concentration.
Simply add cool water to your coarse coffee grounds and leave it to steep for the designated time. The typical ratio is around 1:4, so if you’re using approximately one cup of beans, you should be adding around four cups of water.
After it has finished steeping, pour the coffee through a coffee filter to remove the beans from the beverage, and then sip away on your cool and refreshing coffee.
CAN A CHEAP COFFEE MACHINE MAKE A GOOD COFFEE?
It is more than possible to make a good coffee from home, even in the cheaper machines.
Marketing Manager of Australian Coffee Entrepreneurs Mariah Stock says “you can absolutely make coffee as well as a cafe a home,” telling us it comes down to the beans and grounds you use, their grind size, how it is prepared, and the water and brewing method you use.
Avni also added that a good tasting coffee needs precise measurements and recommends investing in a set of kitchen scales to get that cafe coffee flavour.
He said “The size of coffee shops used to be seven grams,” however, cafes have recently been inclined to use “about 10 or 11 for a shot of coffee.”
More Coverage
More coffee content:
- De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next review: Is this the ultimate homemade coffee upgrade?
- Best Nespresso coffee machines for quality coffee
- Best Breville coffee machines for pods, espresso & more
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