Hello, coffee enthusiasts!
Here at Regency Café, London’s beloved spot for hearty meals and quality brews, we know that a good cup of coffee can make all the difference in your day.
But let’s be real: while we take our coffee seriously, we also know that it doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag.
So, we’ve rounded up some of the best budget-friendly filter coffee machines that bring the quality without forcing you to take out a second mortgage.
If you’re looking for a reliable coffee maker that won’t drain your wallet, keep reading.
We’ve chosen six top machines that will fit your budget (under £50, mind you) and deliver a great brew. Let’s get started!
1. Melitta Look V Filter Coffee Machine – The Classic Workhorse
Price Range: Budget-Friendly
Brew Size: 1.5L (enough for 12 cups!)
Features: Anti-drip, brew timer, reusable filter
If you’re not trying to reinvent the wheel but just want a dependable machine that does the job, the Melitta Look V is your hero. Simple, effective, and reliable, it brews up to 12 cups of coffee – perfect for sharing or hoarding the caffeine for yourself.
The anti-drip feature means no messy spills, and the brew timer lets you wake up to the smell of fresh coffee, without lifting a finger (okay, maybe just one to hit start).
Pro Tip: The reusable filter might give you a slightly different taste compared to paper filters, but it’s a great eco-friendly option. Plus, you’ll save on buying paper filters!
2. Melitta Optima Timer Filter Coffee Machine – For When You Want a Little Extra Luxury
Price Range: Slightly Higher Than the Look V
Brew Size: 1.2L
Features: Programmable timer, borosilicate glass carafe, descaling warning
Looking to treat yourself to a bit of luxury?
The Melitta Optima brings a touch of convenience with its programmable timer. Just set it the night before, and you’ll wake up to freshly brewed coffee—because, let’s face it, who wants to deal with buttons before their first sip?
It also features a borosilicate glass carafe, which sounds fancy and, frankly, is fancy.
While it lacks fancy temperature control, the descaling warning will keep it running smoothly for the long haul.
3. Geepas Filter Coffee Machine – The “Cheap, But Doesn’t Feel Cheap” Champion
Price Range: Super Affordable
Brew Size: 1.5L
Features: Anti-drip, reusable filter, auto shut-off
If you want a massive brew on a tiny budget, the Geepas Filter Coffee Machine has your back.
At just a fraction of the price of many others, it brews up to 1.5L of coffee (that’s 12 cups!) with an auto shut-off feature for peace of mind.
It’s the perfect machine for big families or anyone who can’t get enough caffeine.
While it doesn’t have the fanciest build, it definitely doesn’t feel like a budget option when you taste the coffee.
Just be aware that some users have had issues with faulty units, but with easy returns on Amazon, you can rest easy.
Pro Tip: If you’re all about sustainability, a good reusable filter will keep your brew eco-friendly while saving you some cash.
4. Salter EK2408 “To Go” Personal Travel Cup Filter Coffee Machine – Small but Mighty
Price Range: Super Affordable
Brew Size: 420ml (just right for one person)
Features: Includes stainless steel travel mug, reusable filter, ultra-compact
For the coffee lover who’s always on the move (or in need of a portable caffeine fix), the Salter EK2408 is a tiny wonder.
It brews directly into a 420ml travel mug, so you can grab your cup and go, all in one seamless motion.
This compact machine is perfect for small kitchens or office desks, and it won’t eat up your counter space.
While it’s not as fancy as some of the bigger machines, it gets the job done in record time and is surprisingly budget-friendly.
5. Melitta Easy Therm II – The Reliable Insulated Carafe Option
Price Range: Budget-Friendly
Brew Size: 1.25L
Features: Insulated carafe, anti-drip, reusable filter
Sometimes, simple is best. The Melitta Easy Therm II offers an insulated carafe to keep your coffee hot for longer (because who has time for cold coffee?).
With a reusable filter and an anti-drip system, it’s got all the basics covered. The dishwasher-safe design also means less time spent cleaning up and more time enjoying your cup of joe.
It’s the perfect balance of simplicity, function, and practicality—ideal for those who want a no-fuss coffee machine.
6. Breville Flow Filter Coffee Machine – The Value-Packed Classic
Price Range: Affordable
Brew Size: 1.8L
Features: Pause and pour, auto brew timer, keep warm function
For those who need more coffee (because one cup is never enough), the Breville Flow Filter Coffee Machine delivers with a generous 1.8L brew size.
The pause and pour feature lets you sneak in a cup mid-brew without making a mess, and the auto brew timer is perfect for anyone who wants their coffee ready when they wake up.
It’s a bit on the larger side, so just make sure you have enough counter space, but if you’re brewing for the family (or a caffeine army), it’s totally worth it.
Wrapping It Up: The Best Budget-Friendly Coffee Machines for Every Need
So, which one should you pick? Well, that depends on your coffee habits and how much space you’ve got to spare.
- If you’re all about simplicity, the Melitta Look V and Geepas are your go-tos.
- If you want a touch of luxury, the Melitta Optima with its programmable timer will be your best friend.
- Always on the go? The Salter EK2408 is perfect for fast brews and busy mornings.
- Want your coffee to stay hot for hours? The Melitta Easy Therm II has an insulated carafe for that.
No matter which you choose, these machines are all affordable and reliable, making sure you can enjoy a great cup of coffee without splurging. So, which one will you pick? We’d love to hear your thoughts – and hey, maybe we’ll be chatting about your new coffee machine over a cup of ours at Regency Café.
Stay caffeinated and keep those coffee breaks happening,
The Regency Café Editorial Team ☕
