9 Best Coffee Makers Under $250; Reviewed

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If you’re looking for the best coffee maker under $250, then you must be aware that the right coffee maker can give you a great-tasting cup of morning power juice, with minimal fuss, in the comfort of your own home.

More than 75% of Americans have some kind of coffee maker in their home, and no matter what style – drip, percolator, a French press – we have more of them now than we did just a few years ago.

Below is a review of the 9 best drip coffee makers under $250 that are more than capable of brewing a solid, fresh cup of coffee. No burned taste, no lukewarm brew. 

Best Coffee Maker Under $250

Comparison Table
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Best Coffee Maker Under $250 - Reviews

1. Technivorm Cup One Coffee Brewer

The Moccamaster Cup One sports the classic, retro vibes of the other Technivorm brewers. It’s an SCA-certified single-serve coffee maker which uses the same high-quality brewing system as other Technivorm brewers for up to 10 oz of Grade A coffee.

Being a single-serve coffee machine under $250, the Moccamaster Cup One has a smaller footprint than the other brewers. 

The Cup One doesn’t have any heating plate as it is designed to brew a single cup at a time. It does come with a removable cup holder to accommodate larger mugs. 

The water is heated quickly by the unique copper boiling element, maintaining temperatures between 91-96°C for ideal extraction. 

The cone-shaped brew-basket design allows a perfect saturation of the grounds for the total extraction of flavor and aromas. 

Thanks to the temperature range, and the pre-infusion cycle that preps the coffee ground before brewing, you will always end up with an excellent cup of coffee.

‍After 4 minutes, the brew will be finished, and you can enjoy your coffee.

Why We Recommend It

This machine is hand-built in the Netherlands and backed by a 5-year warranty. 

The Moccamaster Cup One has a simple design making it easy to operate. The brewer consists of a water reservoir, water outlet arm, filter holder, and cup holder. 

Brewing a cup of coffee is as simple as filling the water reservoir, adding a filter and ground coffee, then flicking the power switch. 

The brewer is very quiet when used and automatically switches off after brewing. 

Thanks to its ability to regulate the water temperature at an optimal degree, and the pre-infusion cycle that preps the coffee ground before brewing, you can rest assured that you’re going to get a fine cup of coffee. 

Yes, it’s going to take a bit longer (4 minutes), but the coffee is going to taste better than any machine that brews in less than a minute.

The Moccamaster Cup One looks stunning and has a cool retro style to it.

Pros:
  • Makes the best possible drip coffee.
  • SCA certified
  • Easy to use
  • Simple design
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with a 5-Year warranty
Cons:
  • It only brews a max of 10 oz. 
  • It can’t fit larger travel mugs
  • Not programmable
  • Brew basket can get clogged

2. Cuisinart DGB-800 Grind & Brew

Cuisinart Next-Generation Burr Grind & Brew 12-Cup DGB-800 allows you to brew coffee at any time of day thanks to its fully-automated programmable features and brew different flavors and strengths of coffee thanks to its grind control. 

Its stainless steel design also lets it rest comfortably anywhere in your kitchen and adds a touch of class.

This Cuisinart machine comes with a burr grinder, and it’s a 12 cup coffeemaker, so it’s suitable for anyone looking for a coffee machine with a large brewing capacity.

It offers two carafe variants: glass and thermal carafe. With a 96-ounce water reservoir and 0.5-pound bean hopper capacity, it can go for up to 12 cups of coffee at a single refill. 

A charcoal filter removes water impurities, and a commercial-style gold-toned filter adds a touch of rich flavor. The DGB-800 has regular, bold, or extra-bold flavor strengthening options.

A direct flow grind assembly technology seamlessly dispenses ground beans directly into the brew basket.

The Auto Rinse feature and the Grind Controller ensure all beans go straight into the brewing pot. 

Why We Recommend It

Cuisinart DGB-800 has a maximum 60 Oz brewing capacity and comes with a conical stainless steel burr grinder.

It is an automatic coffee maker with a 24-hour timer and a 4-hour auto shut-off feature.

The Cuisinart DGB-800 coffee machine has a grinder control feature that allows you to make your coffee depending on the type of flavor you desire. For instance, if you love drinking intensely flavored coffee, you can choose a finer grind with this feature.

Alternatively, if you love your coffee not too bold, you can choose the coarser grind option.

A large LCD panel with an intuitive operating mode & auto shut-off feature lets you effortlessly operate without hassles.

With its convenient brew-pause feature, you can quickly stop the brewing cycle and take a cup of coffee.

Pros:
  • Has a conical burr grinder
  • Large capacity
  • Fully automatic 
  • Grind Control for whatever flavor you desire
Cons:
  • Expensive 
  • Hard to clean

3. Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker

The K-Duo Plus is Keurig’s most versatile coffee maker, brewing both single-serve K-Cups (up to 12 oz.) and full 60 oz. carafes with a convenient swivel water reservoir designed to fit your counter’s configuration.

The K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker is aesthetically pleasing and has a modern look that will fit in with most kitchens. 

It comes with an adjustable water reservoir which allows you to move the base of the reservoir to either the back, left, or right of the machine to change up where the reservoir would live on the machine.

This coffee maker also comes with a gold-tone reusable mesh filter. Simply dump the grounds out and wash the filter after every use to keep it clean. 

The machine offers multiple brew sizes in 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz for a single cup and the option of 6, 8, 10, or 12 cups for a carafe.

The Duo Plus is a “smart” coffee maker with intuitive features like a programmable auto brew that lets you preset a brew up to 24 hours in advance. It also pauses for 20 seconds during the brewing cycle to allow you to pour a cup. 

Why We Recommend It

The K-Duo Plus costs less than 250 dollars, and it is simple to use and requires just a few buttons to get started or none at all if using the auto-brew method. 

It comes with a 12-cup thermal carafe that keeps the coffee warm for 4-5 hours.

The K-Duo Plus is compatible with all K-Cup pods (including those from other brands). It uses a regular coffee filter or a gold-tone mesh reusable coffee filter. (Gold filter and water filter included).

The Keurig K-Duo Plus is a high-performance, multi-use coffee maker. It can brew a single-serve cup or a full carafe of coffee. That’s great for a multi-person home, dorm, apartment, or office where variety and high volume are essential qualities.

It features an auto brew option that allows you to program the machine to start brewing a whole carafe of coffee at a certain time of your choice. The auto brew can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance.

The machine takes about 2-3 minutes to brew one cup of coffee (in the single-serve portion).

Cleaning of Keurig Duo Plus is not terribly difficult, though the parts are not dishwasher safe.

Pros:
  • Makes single servings and carafes
  • Adjustable water reservoir
  • Easy to use and set up
  • Warms coffee for several hours
Cons:
  • Cannot use ground coffee to brew one cup (unless “My k-cup” is used)
  • Requires regular cleaning
  • Detailed user guide not included

4. Cuisinart SS-15 Coffee Center

The Cuisinart SS-15 houses a 12 cup coffee maker on the left and a single-serve brewer on one side. Each subsection has its own dedicated brewing chamber, settings, and water reservoir, which can fill up to 60 oz. and 4o oz. respectively.

The 12 cup brewer uses ground coffee to brew your pot, while the single-serve side gives you the option to use a Keurig K-Cup. 

There are plenty of controls onboard that you can use to customize the brew: programmable brew start and energy save function, adjustable carafe temperature and brew-strength control, Brew Pause, and even a charcoal water filter for both water reservoirs.

The carafe is a simple glass carafe that sits on a heated plate. 

The Cuisinart Coffee Center 12-cup brewer, which sits on the left side, uses a fixed shower-head design that sprays hot water evenly on your ground coffee, allowing for a uniform extraction. 

It features a 60 oz. water reservoir that can brew up to 12 cups within 5 minutes.

On the right side, the Cuisinart single-serve brewer can brew using a K-Cup or coffee grounds, and it can brew up to 4 to 6 cups from its 40 oz removable water tank at the side. 

Why We Recommend It

If you want the flexibility of brewing both drip coffee and single-serve coffee in one machine for less than the price of two independent machines combined, then Cuisinart SS-15 Coffee Center is worth considering.

This machine from Cuisinart is constructed using BPA-free ABS plastic to conserve weight while ensuring durability for frequent use. 

The intuitive control panel is made from stainless steel so that this front-loading brewer can withstand regular use. 

This one of the best coffee makers under $250 is backed by a 3-Year warranty.

The Cuisinart Coffee Center SS-15 is easy to use with its intuitive interface and a set of convenient features.

You can choose from 6, 8, and 10 oz. volume and press the desired amount for your single serve brew. 

With the Cuisinart SS-15’s removable drip tray, you can easily fit your favorite travel mug underneath the brewing head.

Pros:
  • The programmable coffee maker that can brew 12 cups in one go
  • Single-serve coffee maker compatible with K Cups
  • Built-in charcoal water filter
  • Removable drip tray
  • Brew Strength control
  • 3-year warranty
  • Auto shut off
Cons:
  • Not much customization is possible on the single-serve side

5. Smeg 50's Retro Style Coffee Machine

An exceptionally stylish unit, the Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine has a neat retro look that you’ll be happy to have on display. It makes an excellent carafe of coffee, too, with a quick four-cup and timed mode, adding convenience. 

The Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine features Smeg’s iconic retro-inspired design and is available in a variety of colors.

The carafe also has a 10-cup capacity and is made of glass, and the machine comes with a reusable coffee filter so you don’t have to use paper filters.

On the front of the Smeg Drip Filter machine, you’ll find a small screen that doubles up as a clock and four buttons, one of which allows you to program a time you’d like the machine to start brewing your coffee. 

The other buttons are used to turn the machine on and off, adjust the aroma intensity, and select the machine’s four-cup setting.

The glass carafe sits on a hot plate, which keeps the coffee warm for up to 40 minutes. 

Despite its compactness, the model requires free space on the countertop without cabinets at the top due to steam during operation and topping up water.

Why We Recommend It

The Smeg coffee machine offers a choice in “aroma intensity,” offering a “standard” or an “intense” brew, depending on how hard your particular morning is.

The Smeg is easy to use, and the LED display provides information about water levels water hardness quality, as well as featuring a digital clock.

The biggest selling point of this coffee machine is its beautiful design. The retro style and pastel colors are made to be a central piece in your kitchen.

There’s no set-up required before you can start using the Smeg Drip Filter machine and you’re ready to start brewing coffee right out of the box.

Cleaning the machine is relatively easy – you can place the filter and the filter holder in a dishwasher, while the jug needs to be washed in warm soapy water.

Pros:
  • Programmable coffee maker
  • Keeps coffee hot for 40 minutes
  • Makes multiple cups at once
  • Looks great in any kitchen
  • Available in a variety of colors
  • Features anti-slip rubber feet for stability
  • Guaranteed not to burn your coffee
  • Fully digital LED display
Cons:
  • Interface steams up in use
  • Takes up a lot of space
  • Makes a lot of noise when turning on or off

6. OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker

If you are looking to consistently brew excellent coffee with a sleek, modern coffee machine, then look no further than OXO Brew Coffee Maker. 

Its body is mostly brushed stainless steel accented by black plastic, and with a cool digital display integrated into the glossy black plastic housing, this coffee brewer looks futuristic.

To make delicious SCAA certified coffee, the OXO coffee maker spreads the water out over the grind basket, rather than concentrating it in the middle, and wets the grounds in timed intervals.

The SCAA certification means that this Oxo coffee maker regulates brew time, water temperature, and volume as per SCAA’s strict standards.

This coffee maker lets you choose between brewing 2-4 cups or 5-9 cups, using the selector dial and Oxo button. Unfortunately, there’s no single-serve option. 

However, you can remove the carafe mid-brew, thanks to the drip-stop valve under the brew basket. 

The stainless steel double-walled thermal carafe will keep your coffee hot for quite some time. 

A recessed LED display on the brewer’s front face further enhances its premium look. The display’s indicators rest flush with the main section’s curved surface. There’s just one physical control, too: a circular dial that doubles as a push button.  

Why We Recommend It

This one of the best coffee makers for under 250 dollars has a microprocessor-controlled brew cycle, which means it will produce the same amount of coffee in the same amount of time, every single time.

Even though it doesn’t have a pre-infusion mode, it mimics a pour-over by distributing hot water in timed cycles to ensure proper extraction of the coffee grounds.

It is also quite fast, brewing a full pot of coffee in about 6 minutes, which is within the ideal contact time according to SCAA.

All the removable parts are top-rack dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easy. The stainless steel carafe and its lid need to be hand-washed, though.

If you want to drink coffee that tastes like it has been prepared by a professional barista, with the convenience of one-button brewing, then the OXO Barista Brain coffee maker is perfect for you.

Pros:
  • SCAA-certified for high-quality brews
  • Sleek, minimalist design
  • Replicates a pour-over by distributing water in timed cycles
  • Brew pause feature
Cons:
  • Quite tall for a coffee maker
  • There are not many customization options

7. Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System

The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is a combination coffee maker that may be the most versatile option on the market.

There is more to choose from than just hot or cold coffee, and that means almost endless drink choices.

This machine boasts six brew sizes, five brew styles, and includes a fold-away milk frother. It comes with a 50-ounce double-walled thermal carafe, but you can brew directly into a mug of your choice.

As a bonus, this machine boasts two permanent filters, one for coffee and the other for tea. The Smart Basket recognition identifies which basket to use to avoid cross-contamination.

The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewer is made almost entirely from plastic, the surface of the appliance is glossy, piano black and it costs less than 250 dollars.

This, plus sleek LED indicators and a few silver highlights, give the coffee maker a stylish appearance.

Why We Recommend It

Five brew styles allow you to create anything from a classic cup of joe to a fancy, frothy espresso drink.

It makes cold brew coffee in 10-15 minutes, which is more convenient than the 12 hours it usually takes.

This brewer tackles tea too. The Ninja System’s separate tea filter can accept both loose-leaf and tea bags. 

The Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System brews fast, needing an average of 6 minutes and 19 seconds to brew half carafes (rich flavor preset). For this size, it uses about 33 ounces (0.98 liters) of water.

The Ninja provides you with 6 brew sizes. There’s the regular cup, XL cup, travel mug, XL travel mug, full jug/carafe, and half carafe. 

The Ninja CP-307 has an in-built frothing wand that delivers smooth silky micro-foam to your milk and makes for a great candidate for latte art. 

It also has a Delay Brew function so you can schedule brewing for a later time.

The Ninja CP-307 is SCA certified. This means that it has passed through rigorous testing and experimentation.

Pros:
  • Preserves taste and texture.
  • Smart scheduling system.
  • Highly customizable.
  • Good for cold brews and iced coffee.
  • Has a separate tea basket.
  • Makes cold brew coffee in 15 minutes.
Cons:
  • Filters can be a tad fiddly
  • Some brew controls are limited

8. Cuisinart Pure Precision Coffee Brewer

Cuisinart CPO-850 mimics the manual pour-over brewing processes but works much faster and more efficiently. It’s an excellent option for anyone who loves the authentic taste and heavenly aroma of coffee grounds in their cup.

You can brew up to 40 ounces of coffee or eight 5-ounce cups at any one time which makes it ideal for individuals and family use, as well as in small offices.

The machine is made up of stainless steel with a sleek-looking display. The durability of this machine is of three years warranty, which makes the appliance more authentic and long-term.

The Pure Precision has been certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to meet strict time, temperature, and brewing technology guidelines. What does that mean for you? Delicious coffee, of course, delivered hot and fast.

It’s fully automated and programmable as well. It has a 24-hour timer that allows you to preset your coffee to start brewing long before you’re fully awake. It also has a self-cleaning option.

Why We Recommend It

The CPO850 comes with handy controls that help you personalize your cup of coffee. Not only do you get to shift the temperature range from hot to extra-hot, but you also have the capability of choosing whether you want mild, medium, and bold strength of coffee. 

Such pre-fixed control helps beginners use the coffee maker at use without confusing them with the exact temperature and ratio control digits.

This coffee pot has a stainless-steel carafe that allows you to brew up to 8 cups of coffee. This carafe is insulated to keep the coffee warm for a long period.

Since this is an automatic brewing machine, it also comes with some safety and efficiency features. 

This automatic pour-over coffee maker costs under $250 and it comes with an auto shut-off feature that helps you save power and preserves the sanctity of your coffee’s taste. 

This brewing machine also has an auto-clean feature and charcoal water filter that allows you to have a clean and healthy cup of coffee on every single use. 

Pros:
  • SCAA-Certified coffee maker 
  • Programmable and automatic auto-off and auto-on features
  • Pre-fixed temperature and strength controls
Cons:
  • Build quality could be better

9. Braun MultiServe Coffee Machine

The Braun MultiServe Machine is another home brewer in our list that is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) that has the option to brew different servings sizes without changing the amount of water in the machine. 

A multi-serve dial controls how much coffee is brewed at one time. Choices range from a five-ounce cup to a full carafe. Brew strength options include over ice, light, gold, or bold.

The Braun MultiServe Machine is a pretty big and bulky machine but looks pretty good. 

The machine is also pre-set with multiple brew settings to make it even easier for you to prepare your coffee to your liking with a press of a button.

The Braun MultiServe can auto brew so you can wake up to a hot pot of coffee.

Why We Recommend It

The Braun KF9070S has a removable water tank of 50oz. that is transparent to see how much the machine contains before adding more water. 

The easy-to-use swing-out drip tray will hold up to 4 cups at once and, when not in use, can be retracted for space-saving storage purposes. There are two options for warming plate temperature (high/low) depending on your preference for coffee strength. 

The Braun KF9070S includes an automatic cleaning program. This timer can be set to allow pre-warming the machine before brewing. 

Pros:
  • Freshness indicator with the visible display makes it easy to use
  • SCA certification ensures optimal brewing performance
  • Fast brew exclusive heating technology delivers a full pot of coffee in under 8 minutes
  • Multiple coffee brewing settings
  • Multiple brew sizes
Cons:
  • Average functions

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Coffee Maker Under $250

Here’s what you should look for when shopping for the best automatic drip coffee machines:

Programmability

If you’re a morning person then this feature should be a must in your coffee machine. Set your coffee to brew before you go to bed and wake up to the fresh aroma of brewing coffee the next morning.

Carafe type

Glass carafes are common, but a durable thermal carafe will keep your coffee hotter longer, even if you choose to set the carafe on the morning breakfast table.

A thermal carafe is a temperature-controlled coffee pot that keeps your drink hot long after brewing. Coffee makers that come in thermal carafes are usually made up of stainless steel. This keeps the coffee hot for longer as it restricts the liquid from evaporating. So all the heat is sealed inside the pot.

Carafe size

Most make 8–12 cups per carafe, but many commercial machines handle multiple pots. If you’re not a hard-core coffee drinker, or if it’s just the two of you, a 4-cup machine may be just the right size.

Auto shutoff

If you have ever used a coffee maker at home, you must have, at least once in your life, forgotten to shut off the coffee maker before leaving for work. 

But with an auto shutoff feature, you don’t have to worry about your coffee maker running all day long. 

An automatic shut-off feature isn’t just about energy efficiency. It’s about convenience too. As soon as you wake up in the morning, you can have a freshly prepared cup of joe without pressing a single button.

Almost all the machines in our list of the best coffee makers under $250 have an auto-shutoff feature.

Brew Pause function

The brew-pause feature allows you to grab a cup before the brewing is done. However, this first cup may be considerably stronger than the rest of the pot.

Strength and temperature selections

With strength and temperature selections Control both the temperature of the water and the time it takes to saturate the grounds, creating a stronger or subtler flavor.

How many cups of coffee do you need?

If one cup is enough to jump-start your day, a 1- or 2-cup drip model or a single-serve machine may be the right fit. Drink more? Choose a larger automatic drip machine with a carafe or a self-serve reservoir. Most large models brew 10 to 12 cups, although typically a “cup” is really only 5 to 6 ounces, not 8.

Brewing Speed

Unlike most food, faster is better when it comes to brewing coffee. Scientists have determined that the best coffee takes less than eight minutes to brew. If the brewing process takes longer than that, you can count on more of the undesirable flavor compounds being released, and your coffee will end up tasting bitter.

Conclusion

So this was our list of the best coffee makers under $250 because – To get the most out of your beans, you need a great coffee maker! 

We hope our reviews and buying guide have made it easier for you to decide which type of drip coffee maker is best for you.

Written by:
Emily Deneuve
Emily Deneuve

Emily discovered that a perfect cup of coffee is a culmination of wonderfully grown coffee beans and a high-quality coffee maker. She focuses on exploring coffee brewing tips and coffee makers.

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ABOUT US

We are a team of coffee affcianados with experience and expertise in making world renowned coffee. In fact, preparing the best coffee ever with a fluffy top reminds us of magic, with secrets of how to achieve each particular effect. Making coffee is not our only hobby, we always keep our ears open as to what’s happening around and what scientists and manufacturers produce for consumers. It’s not an easy task to do – it’s rather time consuming. Hence, Caféish website was launched.

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