Get coffee shop quality hot drinks in the comfort of your own home with the best budget coffee machine. The best coffee machines can be as simple as an Aeropress or as fancy as a barista-style appliance. But the crucial question you have to ask yourself is: Can a cafetière give you that creamy latte you crave? The same goes for filter coffee; it just doesn't have the intensity of a fresh espresso that's brewed under pressure to produce a rich crema. If decadent cappuccinos and indulgent macchiatos are your go-to treat, but you're feeling the pinch, investing in an affordable coffee machine could end up saving you money in the long run.
A regular-size coffee shop beverage is £4 and upwards. Buying just 12 hot drinks is £48, which is more than some of the best budget coffee machines we've included on this list in general. So it goes without saying that a home coffee machine can give you years of enjoyment for a fraction of the cost, where you can indulge in your favourite coffee any time of day or night. There are several brands to choose from, and it's well worth reading reviews on a range of coffee machines to get a feel for their performance and reliability.
Best budget coffee machine at a glance:
Budget coffee machines can cost less than £100 and are compact countertop appliances with built-in water tanks of generally less than one litre. If you're looking for a machine that's convenient and easy to use, opt for a coffee pod machine. Just be aware that you will have to pay for a supply of coffee pods too, which can range from 25p up to 75p per pod. The alternative is to go for a small filter coffee machine or espresso maker that takes ground coffee. If you really love your beans and want an authentic experience, you may want to pay a bit more for a bean-to-cup coffee machine. You'll be able to savour the wonderful ritual of making your coffee from scratch and save money in the long run as whole beans cost a lot less than coffee pods. Not to mention, it's better for the planet, too.
However, it's worth noting that budget appliances don't tend to have milk frothers like you'd see on a coffee shop machine. You can buy a separate gadget to froth the milk or opt for a coffee pod machine with pod varieties that contain milk powder. Brands like Nescafé Dolce Gusto offer an enormous range of rich and flavourful coffees with a creamy and velvety microfoam. If you're after a little more coffee maker brew-how, check out our FAQs below.
Best budget coffee machine
Best budget coffee machine overall

The Tassimo by Bosch Suny 'Special Edition' TAS3102GB Coffee Machine is a little powerhouse of the coffee world. This compact little gadget delivers coffee-shop quality at home, all with the press of a button. It may be compatible with Tassimo pods only, but thanks to Tassimo’s clever Intellibrew technology, they’ll be brewed to perfection. Whether you’re in the mood for rich espresso, creamy latte or even hot chocolate, there are over 70 different drinks to choose from in the Tassimo collection, and customers love the variety available. The automatic cleaning between drinks keeps flavours fresh, so the taste is always impeccable.
The Suny heats up fast, which is appreciated by customers online as it’s perfect for busy mornings. Plus, as it’s sleek and compact, reviewers found that it fits neatly on even the tiniest kitchen counters. However, the more compact size means that the water tank is on the smaller side, so some users wished it had a larger water tank to avoid frequent refilling. Other than this small drawback, the Tassimo Suny is a top choice for budget-conscious coffee lovers as it’s fast, easy and delivers consistently delicious results.
Pros
- Equipped with Intellibrew technology to ensure each drink, no matter what it is, is brewed to perfection
- Has a setting for automatic cleaning between drinks to keep the flavours of your drinks fresh
- Sleek and compact design so it won't take up lots of room on your kitchen counter
Cons
- As it is a more compact size, the water tank is a little on the small side
Dimensions: | H29 x W21 x D34.5cm |
Water capacity: | 0.8L |
Weight: | 2.37kg |
Power: | 1,300W |
Coffee format: | Tassimo pod |
Pressure: | 3.3 bar |
- Automatic shut-off
- Descale using Tassimo descaling tablets
Best budget coffee machine for eco pods

Lavazza have been ahead of the game with sustainability and their range of compostable A Modo Mio Eco Caps are affordable and widely available so you can sip away with less guilt. True to its name, the Tiny is compact, making it perfect for small kitchens. It heats up fast and delivers a smooth, rich espresso at the press of a button. It’s also easy to clean, with a removable drip tray that allows for average-size mugs if you want a bigger coffee than an espresso. Just keep in mind that despite that you can move the drip tray, you won’t be able to get a super-sized coffee from it, just a small coffee at just 40ml or a double espresso at 80ml.
Customers love its simplicity as it’s got no complicated settings, you just need to pop in a pod and go. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny is fast and fuss-free, so it’s a great option for an affordable, space-saving espresso maker.
Pros
- A great choice for those looking for a sustainable, budget coffee machine as the pods are fully compostable
- True to its name, the tiny is compact so it's great for small kitchens
- It's simple to use with no complicated settings for making coffee
Cons
- The maximum size coffee you'll be able to get from this is 80ml
Dimensions: | H31 x W32.1 x D18.7cm |
Water capacity: | 0.75L |
Weight: | 3.9kg |
Power: | 1,450W |
Coffee format: | Lavazza coffee pods |
Pressure: | 15 bar |
- Compatible with A Modo Mio Eco Caps
- Slow extraction for maximum flavour
- Single button operation
- Removable water tank
The Salter 2-in-1 Iced Coffee Maker is a versatile and compact addition to my kitchen. I love that I can brew both hot coffee and chilled iced coffee with a single machine, eliminating the need for multiple appliances and accessories.
It comes with a 420ml double-wall insulated stainless steel travel mug for hot drinks and a 440ml plastic iced coffee cup with a straw for chilled beverages. I appreciate the reusable mesh filter, which lets me use ground coffee instead of wasteful coffee pods. Plus, its compact size takes up less space than a standard kettle, making it perfect for small kitchens, office desks, or even caravans. The power cord length is just right for convenient countertop use, and the simple control panel features a power button, a hot coffee button, and an iced coffee button.
Brewing coffee is a breeze. I start by filling the water tank with cold water, then add three scoops of finely ground coffee to the filter using the included measuring spoon. After placing the filter into the brewing chamber and closing the lid, I can choose between hot or iced coffee. For iced coffee, I add 180g of ice to the cup before placing it under the spout. Then, I just press the corresponding button, and the brewing process begins. It takes about three minutes, with the button flashing as it brews. I make sure to let all the coffee drip fully before removing the cup to catch any remaining drops.
I found the coffee quality to be impressive. The hot coffee is served at a great temperature, and the iced coffee is refreshing, with hot coffee dripping over ice cubes for the perfect chill. The insulated cup keeps my iced coffee cool for longer, while the travel mug’s secure screw-on lid ensures my hot coffee stays warm.
I also love how user-friendly the machine is. The water tank has clear min/max indicators for precise measurements, and using the coffee cup to add water ensures accuracy every time. Cleaning and maintenance are easy too, with descaling recommended every 6-8 weeks to prevent limescale buildup.
One thing I noticed is a bit of noise towards the end of the brewing cycle as the last drops sputter into the cup. Steam is released from the vent in the lid, so I make sure not to touch the appliance immediately after brewing. I also let the unit cool for five minutes before reusing it, as residual heat and steam could cause burns. The filter basket should only be removed once the machine has fully cooled, making it easier to dispose of the coffee grounds.
If there’s one minor drawback, it’s that iced coffee requires a lot of ice. I sometimes use a whole tray for just one drink. But considering how refreshing the result is, it’s a small trade-off.
Overall, this dual-function coffee maker is a fantastic addition to my daily routine. Whether I need a hot coffee to kickstart my morning or a refreshing iced coffee on a warm day, it delivers great results with minimal effort. It's the perfect compact coffee maker for home, work, or on-the-go use.
Pros
- Dual-function for both hot and iced coffee
- Compact and space-saving design
- Easy-to-use control panel with simple buttons
Cons
- Requires a five-minute cooldown between uses
Dimensions: | 30.5 x 60 x 46.8cm |
Water capacity: | 440ml |
Weight: | 1.5kg |
Power: | 700 watts |
Coffee format: | Ground coffee, coffee pods |
Pressure: | N/A |
- Dual function
- Serve hot or cool over ice
- 3-year guarantee
Best budget coffee machine for iced coffee

If you love getting creative with iced coffees or need that refreshing hit of a strong iced americano, then the Breville VCF155 Iced Coffee Machine is for you. This little gem delivers a bold, refreshing coffee hit without diluting the flavour. The magic lies in the insulated 625ml tumbler, which keeps your ice intact while rapidly cooling the freshly brewed coffee so every sip is as strong and smooth as it should be. The tumbler comes with a lid and a straw so you can enjoy your favourite beverages on the go.
Many happy users rave about how quick and easy it is to use, brewing a delicious iced coffee in just minutes. It’s also a dream for those who love to customise their drinks, as you can simply add syrups, milk, or a swirl of whipped cream to craft your perfect pick-me-up. That said, some customers wish it made hot coffee too, but since it’s built purely for iced drinks, it does that job exceptionally well. A few mention that the tumbler lid isn’t completely leak-proof, so it’s best kept upright when on the go.
Pros
- Tumbler is insulated so it will keep drinks nice and cool
- Tumbler comes with lid and a straw so you can enjoy drinks while out and about
- Keeps the flavour of the coffee strong as it is cool without having ice in it
Cons
- Lid isn't completely leak proof so you need to keep it upright when using out and about
Dimensions: | H32.9 x W15.6 x D21.3cm |
Water capacity: | Tumbler capacity is 625ml |
Weight: | 1.08kg |
Power: | 700W |
Coffee format: | Ground coffee |
Pressure: | Not specified |
- Removable nylon filter
- Coffee scoop included
- Button control
Best budget Nespresso coffee machine

If you’re after barista-style coffee without the barista price tag, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is the perfect budget-friendly pick. This stylish little machine delivers aromatic, full-bodied coffee with a luxurious, velvety crema that’s over an inch thick, ideal for anyone who loves a rich and satisfying brew. The Vertuo Pop doesn’t use the standard Nespresso pods. Instead, it takes Vertuo capsules, which are spun at high speeds using Centrifusion technology. This extracts every bit of flavour and aroma, creating coffee that's smooth, bold, and perfectly balanced.
Customers love how effortless it is to use this machine as you can just pop in a capsule, press a button, and enjoy coffee-shop quality in seconds. Plus, with its compact size and choice of vibrant colours, it looks great in any kitchen without taking up too much space. Some users are miffed that as this machine only works with Nespresso's exclusive Vertuo pods, meaning you’re locked into their range rather than being able to use third-party options. A few people also find that while the crema is luxurious, it can sometimes be a little too frothy for their liking. However, for sheer convenience, taste and style, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is a fab choice if you love smooth, aromatic, mug-sized coffee.
Pros
- Delivers full-bodied coffee with an inch thick crema for a luxurious touch
- Ensures you get every bit of flavour from the Vertuo capsules with its Centrifusion technology
- Comes in a choice of vibrant colours so you can choose the one that best suits your style or your kitchen
Cons
- Only compatible with Vertuo capsules so you're locked into that brand and can't try other third party options
Dimensions: | H25 x W13.6 x D42cm |
Water capacity: | 560ml |
Weight: | 3.5kg |
Power: | 1,260W |
Coffee format: | Vertuo capsules |
Pressure: | N/A Centrifusion system |
- One-touch brewing
- Connects to Nespresso app
- Low energy consumption
Best budget coffee machine for pod value

De'Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Mini Me, Coffee Machine Starter Kit comes with six boxes of coffee pods. This compact coffee machine does it all: brew hot or cold coffee creations and choose from over 40 Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods. If you love Starbucks, you're going to be delighted with the House Blend and Caramel Macchiato pods. There's no shortage of options, so whether you crave a frothy cappuccino or a rich espresso, this machine has you covered. As it's a mains-operated countertop appliance that's one of the smaller models, it's perfect if you're short on space in your kitchen.
Customers love how quick and easy it is to use. Just pop in a pod, adjust the lever, and you're done. No mess, no fuss. The compact design is another big plus, especially for small kitchens. A few also wish it had an auto-stop function, as you have to manually stop the water flow, but these are minor gripes.
Pros
- As a mains-operated countertop appliance that's got a compact design, it's perfect if you're short on space
- Quick and easy to use as you just pop in a pod and adjust the lever to make your drink
- Comes with six boxes of coffee pods to get you started
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it had an auto-stop function as you have to manually stop the water flow
Dimensions: | H37 x W16 x D24cm |
Water capacity: | 0.8L |
Weight: | 3.16kg |
Power: | 1,500W |
Coffee format: | Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods |
Pressure: | 15 bar |
- Adjustable drip tray
- Easy to clean removable water tank
What to consider in your coffee machine
When buying a coffee machine, there are several factors to consider so that you get an appliance that suits your needs.
First – set your budget – home coffee machines can range from £20 to in excess of £1,000. How do you take your coffee? Coffee makers come in various types: there are drip coffee makers, espresso machines, cafetières, and single-serve pod machines – each with their own brewing method. This choice comes down to how you like your coffee and how much time you have to brew it. Third, water tank capacity is important if you're looking for a coffee machine for more than one person. A large household or office will need a machine with a higher capacity (i.e. more than one litre). Also, note how much space you have available for a countertop appliance. Go for a compact or space-saving model if you're limited for space.
Drilling down further into features, you may decide that a programmable timer, brew strength settings, automatic shut-off, or even a frothing wand are essential. All of us want an easy life, so look for an appliance that's user-friendly and has removable parts for easy cleaning. Finally, expect to descale a coffee machine from time to time, especially if you live in a hard water area.
FAQs: Best budget coffee machine
What's the cheapest way to make coffee?
Traditional brewing methods, such as using a drip coffee maker or a cafetière, are the cheapest way to make coffee. In addition, buying whole coffee beans in bulk and grinding them yourself can save money too. It's more cost-effective than purchasing pre-ground coffee. Of course, avoiding expensive coffee shop purchases also helps cut costs too.
Also, it's worth noting that drip coffee makers and manual brewing methods are more energy-efficient than mains-powered coffee machines. However, automatic shut-off and using the machine sparingly can help reduce energy consumption. And it's a whole lot cheaper than overfilling the kettle.
How can I make a home coffee bar on a budget?
Creating a home coffee bar on a budget can be easy if you focus on the essentials first. Purchase a budget-friendly coffee maker or cafetière (around £30-£50), basic coffee beans or grounds (£10-£15), and attractive mugs (£10-£20). Form the centrepiece of your bar setup by repurposing furniture or find second-hand pieces to keep costs low.
Coffee-themed wall art, a chalkboard menu, repurposed coffee cans as storage, and decorative coffee coasters can add a personal touch without breaking the bank.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances. When she's not testing sparkling water makers, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.