Coffee is a beloved beverage by many people around the world. It’s a great way to start the day or to enjoy a break in the afternoon. And while there are many different ways to make coffee, one of the most popular is with a countertop coffee maker.
If you’re looking for a countertop coffee maker that’s affordable and easy to use, several great options are available for under $100. This blog post looks at some of the best countertop coffee makers under $100 based on features, price, and customer reviews.
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What is a Countertop Coffee Maker?
A countertop coffee maker is a small, electric appliance that is used to brew coffee. It typically has a water reservoir, a coffee filter basket, and a heating element. To use a countertop coffee maker, simply add water to the reservoir, add coffee grounds to the filter basket, and turn on the appliance. The heating element will heat the water, which will then drip through the coffee grounds and into a carafe. Once the brewing cycle is complete, you can enjoy your coffee!
Countertop coffee makers are popular for home use because they are relatively affordable and easy to use. They are also available in various sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
Benefits of a Countertop Coffee Maker
Here are some of the benefits of using a countertop coffee maker:
- Convenience: Countertop coffee makers are very convenient to use. Simply add water and coffee grounds and press a button to start the brewing process.
- Affordability: Countertop coffee makers are relatively affordable, especially when compared to other types of coffee makers, such as espresso machines and drip coffee makers.
- Variety: Countertop coffee makers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
- Ease of cleaning: Countertop coffee makers are generally easy to clean. Most of the parts are removable and dishwasher-safe.
If you are looking for a convenient and affordable way to make coffee at home, a countertop coffee maker is a great option.
Features to Consider
When choosing a countertop coffee maker, there are a few key features to consider:
- Capacity: How many cups of coffee do you need your coffee maker to make? A smaller coffee maker may be sufficient if you’re making coffee for yourself. But if you’re making coffee for a family or group of people, you’ll need a coffee maker with a larger capacity.
- Programmability: Do you want to be able to program your coffee maker to brew coffee at a specific time? If so, look for a coffee maker with a programmable timer.
- Automatic shut-off: An automatic shut-off feature is a safety feature that will turn off your coffee maker automatically after a certain period of time. This is an excellent feature to have if you need to remember or if you’re worried about leaving your coffee maker unattended.
- Brewing speed: How long are you willing to wait for your coffee to brew? If you’re in a hurry in the morning, look for a coffee maker with a fast brewing speed.
- Ease of cleaning: How effortless is the coffee maker to clean? Some coffee makers have dishwasher-safe removable parts, while others require more manual cleaning.
Best Countertop Coffee Makers Under $100: Top 5 Picks
Here are some of the best countertop coffee makers under $100, based on features, price, and customer reviews:
1. The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine is a versatile and convenient coffee maker that can brew an entire pot of coffee or a single cup on demand. It is also relatively affordable, making it a good option for budget-minded shoppers.
Features:
- 2-way brewing: Brew a full pot of coffee or a single cup on demand
- Programmable: Set the timer to brew coffee at a specific time
- The auto pause and pour: Pause the brewing cycle to pour a cup of coffee before the pot is finished brewing
- Removable water reservoir: Easy to fill and clean
- Removable filter basket: Easy to clean and replace
- Glass carafe: Keeps coffee hot for up to 2 hours
- Automatic shutoff: Turns off automatically after 2 hours
Pros:
- Versatile: Can brew a full pot or a single cup of coffee
- Convenient: Programmable and has an auto pause and pour feature
- Affordable: Relatively inexpensive compared to other coffee makers with similar features
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- Some customers have reported that the single-serve brewer is not as durable as the rest of the coffee makers.
- The coffee maker may be too large for some counter spaces
Overall:
The Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine is a good value for the price. It is versatile, convenient, and easy to use and clean. However, some customers have reported that the single-serve brewer is less durable than the rest of the coffee maker.
Recommendation:
I recommend the Hamilton Beach 2-Way 12 Cup Programmable Drip Coffee Maker & Single Serve Machine to anyone looking for a versatile and affordable coffee maker. However, if you are primarily interested in brewing single cups of coffee, consider a single-serve coffee maker specifically designed for that purpose.
2. BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
This BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable coffee maker. The programmable feature allows you to set the time for your coffee to be ready in the morning so you can wake up to a fresh pot of hot coffee. The carafe plate keeps your coffee warm for up to two hours, and the easy-to-use controls make it simple to set up and use.
I’ve been using this coffee maker for a few weeks now, and I’ve been very impressed with the quality of the coffee it makes. The brew strength selector allows you to choose between regular or strong coffee, and the 1-4 cup option is perfect for brewing smaller batches. The coffee is always hot and flavorful, and the carafe keeps it warm for hours.
The auto clean system is also a great feature. This helps to keep the coffee maker clean and free of buildup, which can affect the taste of the coffee. The seamless control panel is also easy to wipe clean, which is a plus.
Features:
- Programmable 24-hour auto-brew
- Brew strength selector (regular or substantial)
- 1-4 cup option for smaller batches
- Sneak-a-Cup feature allows you to pour a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is complete
- Keep hot carafe plate keeps coffee warm for up to 2 hours
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Auto clean system
- Reusable filter basket
- Dishwasher-safe carafe and filter basket
- 975 watts of power
Additional details:
- Dimensions: 9.06″D x 13.98″W x 12.2″H
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Material: Glass carafe, plastic housing
- Color: Black
Pros
- The programmable feature allows you to set the time for your coffee to be ready.
- The carafe plate keeps coffee warm for up to two hours.
- Brew strength selector allows you to choose between regular or strong coffee.
- The 1-4 cup option is perfect for brewing smaller batches.
- The auto-clean system helps to keep the coffee maker clean.
- The seamless control panel is easy to wipe clean.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the coffee maker can be noisy
- The water reservoir is not as large as some other coffee makers
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker is an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable coffee maker. It makes delicious coffee, and the programmable features make it easy to use.
3. Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker with Auto Pause and Glass Carafe
In the realm of drip coffee makers, Mr. Coffee is a household name synonymous with simplicity and dependability. Their 12-cup Coffee Maker with Auto Pause and Glass Carafe is a testament to this reputation, offering a no-frills brewing experience that prioritizes ease of use and functionality.
Setting up and operating this coffee maker is a breeze. Simply fill the water reservoir, add your desired amount of coffee grounds to the filter basket, and hit the power button. The on/off indicator light will illuminate, letting you know that the brewing process is underway.
You’ll have a full carafe of hot, freshly brewed coffee within minutes. The Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause feature is a valuable addition, allowing you to pour a cup of coffee mid-brew without causing any spills or overflows. Once you remove the carafe, the brewing cycle will automatically pause, resuming once the carafe is replaced.
In terms of performance, this coffee maker produces a consistently good cup of coffee. The brewing temperature is optimal, resulting in a rich and flavorful brew. The glass carafe is easy to clean and maintain, and the included permanent filter eliminates the need for wasteful paper filters.
Overall, the Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker with Auto Pause and Glass Carafe is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable drip coffee maker. Its simple design and intuitive features make it an excellent option for busy mornings, and the Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause feature is a welcome addition for those who can’t wait for the entire brewing cycle to complete.
Unique selling points:
- Auto Pause feature allows for mid-brew pouring without spills or overflows
- Easy-to-use design with a single power button
- On/off indicator light for clear visibility
- Included permanent filter eliminates the need for paper filters.
- Affordable price point
- Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- Auto Pause feature is a convenient and helpful addition.
- Easy to use and operate with a simple design
- Affordable price point
- Included permanent filter eliminates the need for paper filters
- Glass carafe is easy to clean and maintain
- Produces a consistently good cup of coffee
Cons:
- Does not have any programmable features
- Plastic construction may not be as durable as metal
- Glass carafes can be fragile
- Does not have a warming plate
Overall, the Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker with Auto Pause and Glass Carafe is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable drip coffee maker. The Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause feature is a beneficial addition, and the simple design makes it easy to use and operate.
4. Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
If you’re looking for a coffee maker that can brew a delicious pot of coffee every time, the Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 is an excellent option. It’s packed with features that make it easy to use and customize your coffee to your liking.
One of the things I love most about this coffee maker is the brew strength control. Depending on how I feel that day, I can choose between regular and bold settings. If I’m looking for a strong cup of coffee to wake me up in the morning, I’ll go with the bold setting. But if I’m enjoying a cup of coffee in the afternoon, I’ll usually stick with the regular setting.
The 24-hour programmability is another great feature. I can set the coffee maker to brew my coffee at a specific time each day so it’s ready when I wake up. This is incredibly convenient on busy weekdays when I need more time to make coffee in the morning.
The 14-cup glass carafe is perfect for entertaining guests or making a large batch of coffee for the week. It’s also easy to clean and maintain.
Overall, I’m pleased with the Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 coffee maker. It’s easy to use, makes great coffee, and has features that make my life easier.
Here are some unique things I like about this coffee maker:
- The Brew Pause feature is a great way to grab a quick cup of coffee without waiting for the entire brewing cycle to finish.
- The self-cleaning cycle makes keeping your coffee maker clean and free of mineral buildup easy.
- The charcoal water filter helps remove impurities from the water, improving the taste of your coffee.
- The coffee maker has a sleek and stylish design that will look good in any kitchen.
Pros and Cons of Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Coffee Maker:
Pros
- Brews delicious coffee with consistent results
- Brew strength control allows you to customize your coffee to your liking.
- 24-hour programmability and auto-off functionality make it easy and convenient to use
- The 14-cup glass carafe is perfect for entertaining guests or making a large batch of coffee.
- The Brew Pause feature allows you to grab a quick cup of coffee without waiting for the entire brewing cycle to finish.
- The self-cleaning cycle makes it easy to keep your coffee maker clean.
- A charcoal water filter helps to improve the taste of your coffee.
- Sleek and stylish design
Cons
- Some users have reported that the coffee maker can be noisy during brewing.
- The carafe handle can get hot, so it’s important to use caution when pouring coffee.
- The coffee maker can be bulky, so it may not be ideal for small kitchens.
Overall, the Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 14-cup Coffee Maker is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality coffee maker to make delicious coffee every time. It’s packed with features that make it easy to use and customize your coffee to your liking.
5. Ninja CM401 Programmable Coffee Maker
The Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker is a versatile machine that can make a wide variety of coffee drinks, from classic drip coffee to iced coffee to specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. It’s also easy to use and clean, making it another great choice for busy coffee lovers.
Here are some of the things I love about the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker:
Versatility: The Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker can make a wide variety of coffee drinks, including:
- Classic drip coffee
- Rich brew coffee
- Over ice coffee
- Specialty brew coffee for lattes and cappuccinos.
Ease of use: The Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker is very easy to use. Simply add water to the reservoir coffee grounds to the filter basket and select your desired brew size and strength. The machine will do the rest.
Ease of cleaning: The Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker is also easy to clean. The removable parts are dishwasher safe, including the glass carafe, brew-through lid, permanent filter, removable filter holder, water reservoir, flip-top lid, frother whisk, and scoop.
In addition to these pros, the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker also has a few other features that I appreciate, such as:
Built-in fold-away frother: This is a great feature for making lattes and cappuccinos at home. The frother is easy to use and produces a nice, rich froth.
Removable water reservoir: This makes filling the reservoir with water easy, even if your coffee maker is under a cabinet.
Automatic shutoff: This safety feature turns off the coffee maker after one hour of inactivity.
Overall, I’m very impressed with the Ninja CM401 Specialty 10-Cup Coffee Maker. It’s a versatile machine that makes excellent coffee and is easy to use and clean. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new coffee maker.
One thing I really appreciate about the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker is that it gives me the freedom to make my coffee exactly how I like it. I can choose the grind size, the brew strength, and the amount of coffee to brew. I can also use my favorite coffee beans, which are essential.
Another thing that I love about the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker is that it makes a great cup of coffee. The coffee is smooth and flavorful, staying hot for a long time.
Overall, I’m pleased with the Ninja CM401 Specialty Coffee Maker. It’s an excellent machine for coffee lovers who want to make their coffee exactly how they like it.
How to Choose the Best Countertop Coffee Maker for You
When choosing a countertop coffee maker, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Think about how much coffee you need to make, whether you want a coffee maker with a programmable timer, and how much you’re willing to spend.
You can start narrowing down your options once you’ve considered your needs and preferences. Read online reviews of different coffee makers to see what other people say about them. And be sure to compare prices before you make a purchase.
Tips for Making the Best Coffee
No matter what type of coffee maker you have, there are a few things you can do to make the best coffee possible:
- Use fresh, cold water. Stale water can make your coffee taste bitter.
- Grind your own coffee beans. Pre-ground coffee beans lose their flavor quickly.
- Use the correct grind size for your coffee maker. If the grind is too fine, your coffee will be bitter. If the grind is too coarse, your coffee will be weak.
- Clean your coffee maker regularly. A dirty coffee maker can make your coffee taste bad.
Here are some additional tips for making the best coffee:
- Measure your coffee and water carefully. The ideal ratio is 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water.
- Preheat your coffee maker. This will help your coffee brew more evenly and prevent it from tasting bitter.
- Refrain from over-extracting your coffee. Over-extraction can make your coffee taste bitter. If you need help with how long to brew your coffee, start with 4 minutes and adjust as needed.
- Store your coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will help them stay fresh longer.
Conclusion
There are several great countertop coffee makers available for under $100. When choosing a coffee maker, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Think about how much coffee you need to make, whether you want a coffee maker with a programmable timer, and how much you’re willing to spend.
You can start narrowing down your options once you consider your needs and preferences. Read online reviews of different coffee makers to see what other people say about them. And be sure to compare prices before you make a purchase.
No matter what type of coffee maker you have, you can do a few things to make the best coffee possible. Use fresh, cold water, grind your coffee beans, and regularly clean your coffee maker. By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious coffee at home every day.