Comparison: Best Coffee Maker Under $20 (Updated | Nov 10th)
When searching for an affordable coffee maker under $20, balancing quality and value can be a challenge. This comparison highlights compact, budget-friendly options designed to deliver consistent performance without compromising essential features. From basic drip models to single-serve alternatives, we’ll explore ease of use, durability, and brewing efficiency to help you find a practical choice that fits your daily needs. Whether you’re brewing for one or a small group, these options aim to simplify your morning routine without the hassle of complex setups or frequent maintenance.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for rich flavor:
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch -
Best for best budget:
Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve -
Best for programmable option:
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker -
Best for safety features:
Amazon Basics 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker -
Best for large capacity:
Amazon Basics Coffee Makers -
Best for compact pick:
Amazon Basics Coffee Makers -
Best for eco-friendly filter:
Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter -
Best for mess-free pour:
Holstein Housewares 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Compact and User-Friendly with Auto Pause & Serve -
Best for quick serve:
Elite Gourmet EHC-5055# Automatic Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter -
Best for easy cleanup:
Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker
Product Comparison: Best Coffee Maker Under $20
Rich flavor
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch, Easy Pour, Non-Drip Carafe with Removable Filter Basket, Vortex Technology, Black
BLACK+DECKER
- VORTEX TECHNOLOGY: The exclusive showerhead design evenly saturates coffee grounds, resulting in rich flavor extraction for maximum flavor.
- SNEAK-A-CUP: This feature temporarily stops the flow of coffee, allowing you to pour your first cup before brewing ends without making a mess. Be sure to return carafe to the “Keep Hot” plate within 30 seconds to avoid overflow, and brewing will resume.
- NO-DRIP PERFECT POUR SPOUT: Don’t put up with annoying spills. The carafe spout on this coffee maker is designed to prevent spills and drips while pouring.
- REMOVABLE FILTER BASKET: Cleanup is easy with the dishwasher-safe brew basket, which is compatible with basket-style paper filters.
- KEEP HOT CARAFE PLATE: The heated carafe plate keeps coffee in the 12-cup carafe at the ideal drinking temperature after brewing. Refer to your user guide for more brewing techniques.
Best budget
Elite Gourmet EHC4128 Automatic 4-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve, Glass Carafe, Reusable Filter, On/Off Switch, Keep Warm, Water Level Indicator, Black
Elite Gourmet
- SEMI-TRANSPARENT WATER RESERVOIR holds up to 4 cups of water capacity with a level indicator to always ensure you have enough water ready for brewing.
- 4 CUP GLASS CARAFE for brewing the perfect quantity of hot fresh coffee for an individual or a small group of people.
- PAUSE 'N SERVE allows a quick pour of fresh coffee in the middle of the brewing cycle if you're running low on time or just need a quick coffee fix.
- KEEP WARM FUNCTION automatically turns on when brewing to keep your coffee hot & fresh.
- RE-USABLE FILTER with removable filter basket is easy to clean and better for the environment by reducing the need for paper cone filters.
Programmable option
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker, Programmable, Washable Basket Filter, Sneak-A-Cup, Auto Brew, Water Window, Keep Hot Plate, Black
BLACK+DECKER
- 12-CUP DURALIFE GLASS CARAFE: The sturdy 12-cup* carafe has measurement markings for accurate filling and an easy-grip handle for comfortable pouring.*Cup equals approximately 5 ounces (varies by brewing technique).
- SNEAK-A-CUP FEATURE TO PREVENT DRIPS: This feature temporarily stops the flow of coffee so you can pour your first cup before brewing ends without making a mess.
- EASY-VIEW WATER WINDOW: The front-facing window shows you the exact amount of water that will turn into coffee.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS WITH RUBBERIZED FEEL: Large, rubberized buttons give you full control of the coffeemaker, and the easy-read screen displays the clock, brew time, and programming options.
- QUICKTOUCH PROGRAMMING WITH AUTO SHUTOFF: Easily program the 24-hour auto brew feature so you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee or whenever you desire. 2-Hour Auto Shutoff for added safety and peace of mind with every use.
Safety features
Amazon Basics 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker, Coffee Machine with Glass Coffee Pot (0.8 Qt), Auto Shut-off, Auto Pause, Removable Filter Basket, Matte Black
Amazon Basics
- AUTO SHUTOFF: Built-in 2-hour automatic shutoff ensures safety and energy savings
- SLEEK DESIGN: Modern, polished appearance complements any contemporary kitchen with a compact 5-cup capacity
- PAUSE & POUR: Auto-pause lets you grab a cup mid-brew without mess
- STURDY CARAFE: Duralife glass carafe features an ergonomic handle for drip-free pouring
- SIMPLE CLEANING: Removable filter basket makes grounds disposal and maintenance effortless
Large capacity
Amazon Basics Coffee Makers, 12-Cup Coffee Machines with Reusable Filter, Coffee Pots, Black & Stainless Steel
Amazon Basics
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: This coffee maker is convenient for homes, apartments, and offices due to its 12 cup capacity, fitting easily into compact spaces
- SIMPLE OPERATION: Brew with ease using this drip coffee maker by pressing the ON/OFF switch. The indicator light clearly shows when the coffee maker is active for added convenience
- KEEP YOUR COFFEE HOT: This 12-Cup coffee maker has a warming plate that keeps your brew warm until you turn it off, without scorching
- OVERHEAT PROTECTION: This stainless steel coffee machine prevents stops brewing when water is low or temperature exceeds the rated temperature, helping prevent overheating and dry-boiling
- EASY MAINTENANCE: The reusable filter basket is removable for quick cleanup, reducing waste and making it easy to keep your coffee maker in top condition
Compact pick
Amazon Basics Coffee Makers, 5-Cup Coffee Machines with Reusable Filter, Coffee Pots, Black & Stainless Steel
Amazon Basics
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: This small coffee maker is convenient for homes, apartments, and offices due to its 5 cup capacity, fitting easily into compact spaces
- SIMPLE OPERATION: Brew with ease using this drip coffee maker by pressing the ON/OFF switch. The indicator light clearly shows when the coffee maker is active for added convenience
- KEEP YOUR COFFEE HOT: This 5-Cup coffee maker has a warming plate that keeps your brew warm until you turn it off, without scorching
- OVERHEAT PROTECTION: This stainless steel coffee machine prevents stops brewing when water is low or temperature exceeds the rated temperature, helping prevent overheating and dry-boiling
- EASY MAINTENANCE: The reusable filter basket is removable for quick cleanup, reducing waste and making it easy to keep your coffee maker in top condition
Eco-friendly filter
Elite Gourmet EHC-5055 Automatic 5-Cup Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter, On/Off Switch, Water Level Indicator
Elite Gourmet
- SEMI-TRANSPARENT WATER RESERVOIR holds up to 5 cups of water capacity with a level indicator to always ensure you have enough water ready for brewing.
- 5 CUP GLASS CARAFE for brewing the perfect quantity of hot fresh coffee for an individual or a small group of people.
- PAUSE 'N SERVE allows a quick sneak of fresh coffee in the middle of brewing of you're running low on time or just need a quick coffee fix.
- RE-USABLE FILTER in a swing-out basket is better for the environment and reduces additional cost of paper cone filters.
- SIMPLE ON/OFF SWITCH with a Power Indicator Light, plus no special programming or settings to complicate the coffee maker function.
Mess-free pour
Holstein Housewares 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker – Compact and User-Friendly with Auto Pause & Serve, Reusable Filter, Measuring Spoon & Glass Carafe, Office & Dorm Use, Teal
Holstein Housewares
- Brew up to 5 cups of rich-tasting coffee with this 750ml compact drip coffee maker, ideal for small households, dorm rooms, apartments, or office break rooms.
- Auto pause and serve function lets you pour a quick cup before the brew cycle finishes, while the anti-drip feature keeps your countertop clean and mess-free.
- User-friendly one-touch operation and ON/OFF switch make brewing simple for anyone—just add water and grounds, and you’ll have hot coffee in minutes.
- Reusable nylon filter and removable cone basket eliminate the need for paper filters, helping you save money and reduce waste while enjoying your favorite blends.
- Space-saving design with stainless steel accents blends modern aesthetics and functionality, and includes a high-temperature glass carafe and a handy measuring spoon.
Quick serve
Elite Gourmet EHC-5055# Automatic Brew & Drip Coffee Maker with Pause N Serve Reusable Filter, On/Off Switch, Water Level Indicator, Black
Elite Gourmet
- SEMI-TRANSPARENT WATER RESERVOIR holds up to 5 cups of water capacity with a level indicator to always ensure you have enough water ready for brewing.
- 5 CUP GLASS CARAFE for brewing the perfect quantity of hot fresh coffee for an individual or a small group of people.
- PAUSE 'N SERVE allows a quick sneak of fresh coffee in the middle of brewing of you're running low on time or just need a quick coffee fix.
- RE-USABLE FILTER in a swing-out basket is better for the environment and reduces additional cost of paper cone filters.
- SIMPLE ON/OFF SWITCH with a Power Indicator Light, plus no special programming or settings to complicate the coffee maker function.
Easy cleanup
Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker, Black
Mr. Coffee
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause lets you grab a cup before brewing is finished
- Lift & Clean Filter Basket makes for easy cleanup
- Compact design is great for small spaces; updated ergonomic carafe offers easy pouring and handling, and features ounce markings for perfect measuring; The carafe is made of glass
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which coffee maker has the largest capacity?
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Coffee Maker with Easy On/Off Switch offers the largest capacity.
Which models have programmable features?
BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker is programmable.
Which coffee makers include a reusable filter?
Amazon Basics 12-Cup and 5-Cup Coffee Machines include reusable filters.
Are there compact options for small spaces?
Elite Gourmet 4-Cup, Amazon Basics 5-Cup, and Holstein Housewares 5-Cup are compact options.
Which models have a pause function?
Elite Gourmet 4-Cup, 5-Cup, and Mr. Coffee® 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch have pause features.
Which coffee maker is most affordable?
Amazon Basics 5-Cup Coffee Maker is a budget-friendly option.