6 Best Coffee Machines Under £200 (1 to Avoid)
In a perfect world, we’d all have all-singing, all-dancing coffee machines.
Which talk to us and tell us that today is going to be a great day all whilst delivering a cup of coffee blessed by the Gods.
Unfortunately though most of us don’t have a spare £20,000 sitting around for the luxury.
On the bright side, we might have £200 which we can put to good use on a shiny new coffee machine which will give us a great cup of Joe and a decent return on investment.
Particularly when the average high street cup seems to be hurtling above the £3, skipping one or two of those a day for a bean-to-cup should save us a chunk of change rather quickly.
This guide is going to give you the run down of picking the best machine for the job.
Here are a few of our league leaders…
| Best Coffee Machine Under £200 | Brand/Model |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Coffee Machine | De'Longhi - Dedica |
| Best For Filter Coffee | De'Longhi - Filter Coffee Machine |
| Ease Of Use | Swan - Retro Pump |
| Most Compact | Morphy Richards - Pour Over |
Best Overall Coffee Maker Under £200 For 2022
Why trust us?
Here at Batch coffee we pride ourselves on showcasing some the some of the best independent coffee roasters and their seasonal single origin coffees from around the world.
We are a team of coffee professionals that have worked in the industry all around the world.
We’ve also tried a range of different coffee machines and kept our ear to the ground as to new innovations on the market. After all, there’s no point in wasting good beans on a machine which will make a mediocre cup.
Also, whilst you might not be getting the most high-end machine, nobody wants to blow £200 on a lemon of a device.
Find below our 7 best coffee machines under £200 (and 1 to avoid).
How To Choose a Coffee Machine Under 200?
If you’re looking for the best coffee machine under £200, there are a few things to consider.
First, it needs to deliver great-tasting coffee every time.
Second, it needs to be easy to use.
Third, it needs to be convenient.
And finally, it needs to be affordable.
If you can find a coffee machine that checks all of these boxes, then you’ve probably found your ideal coffee machine. There are plenty of different types of coffee machines on the market today, so it can be tricky to decide which one is best for you.
Here are some key features to look for:
Machine Quality
Generally speaking, as with any product the higher the quality the better the end result. Not all quality coffee machines are expensive but it’s important to realise usually you get what you pay for.
Type of Coffee
It’s important to have a coffee machine that can accommodate your personal preferences when it comes to the type of coffee you drink.
Some people like their coffee long and black while others prefer milk based coffees.
Ease of use
The ease of use should also be taken into consideration when choosing a coffee machine because it will ultimately determine how enjoyable your experience will be.
Categories of Coffee Machines
There arguably 14 different types of coffee machines. That’s already sounding confusing, isn’t it?
Filter coffee machines, coffee capsule (or pod) machines, traditional espresso machines, bean-to-cup (Grind and Brew) machines, drip machines, pour over coffee machines, French presses, AeroPresses, Cold Brews, Stovetops, Turkish coffee makers (Ibrik), Vietnamese Coffee Makers (Phin), Siphon Coffee Makers and finally Percolators. Phew.
This article is mostly going to be focusing on the likes of bean-to-cup machines and generally what the best coffee machines for under £200 are.
TOP 6 COFFEE MACHINES UNDER £200 (1 TO AVOID)
1. De'Longhi - Dedica
Type: Espresso Machine
Value: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Pros: ✅ Well made machine and can make great cappuccinos.
Cons: ❌ The machine can take a while to get used to and it can also be quite slow.
The De'Longho Dedica is a great espresso machine under £200.
With the Dedica you can produce top draw espresso with a rich aroma. You can froth milk with the Adjustable Cappuccino System or steam milk with the professional barista technology to make frothy cappuccinos, macchiatos, or caffè lattes.
Every step of the Coffee-making process can be controlled, from tamping your ground Coffee to setting the temperature and length of the shot with the professional barista technology, from customising espresso to having home comfort.
The machine is just 15 cm wide, making it one of the slimmest espresso machines on the market while also offering big features.
Cleaning is a breeze because the manual descaling system keeps your machine running smoothly.
2. De'Longhi - Filter Coffee Machine
Type: Filter Coffee Maker
Value: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Pros: ✅ Great functions such as the standard drip function, flow controlled “pour over” function.
Cons: ❌ The filters appear to sink on themselves and can cause water to leak out the sides if not monitored properly. Some have found that the carafe is quite fragile and prone to breaking
A simple-to-use drip coffee maker made by DeLonghi.
The slick hourglass design of this Delonghi filter coffee machine.
Makes it one of the more appealing filter coffee makers when it comes to design and the unique shape enhances the pour-over coffee experience.
This coffee maker has two simple-to-use button controls for two brewing functions, making it super simple to brew an intensely flavoured cup of coffee.
It has an attractive design and makes 10 cups of coffee.
3. Swan - Retro Pump
Type: Espresso Machine
Value: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Pros: ✅ It’s easy to use and and allows you to make great milk based espresso drinks at home
Cons: ❌ The pressure sometimes is too high and can result in a longer espresso shot.
The Swan Retro espresso maker extracts delicious coffees in minutes.
Thanks to its high performance and self-priming system.
The machine has 15 bars of pressure and a self-priming system, so it's always ready to make delicious coffees in minutes.
There's plenty of coffee to go around with just one brewing, and whether you want to serve guests or yourself and your partner that morning coffee fix, it's a good choice.
The machine is compatible with ground coffee, making it possible to create professional barista style coffees at home.
The milk frother allows you to make that scrumptious drink quickly and precisely how you like it.
Make iced coffees too by adding ice to your drinks.
4. Morphy Richards - Pour Over
Type: Filter Coffee machine
Value: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Pros: ✅ It’s durable and looks great, capable of making great coffee.
Cons: ❌ The clock and timer is a little bit on the awkward side as the AM and PM can be hard to see on the smaller screen. The device also turns itself off after half an hour.
The Morphy Richards Verve is your streamlined compact filter coffee maker.
It will not only look fantastic in your kitchen but also produce some brilliant coffee.
Start the brew cycle and a small amount of water will drip over the coffee grounds, blooming the coffee. The rest of the water is then slowly released onto the bed of coffee resulting in an evenly extracted coffee.
There is a customary inbuilt timer, so you can program the filter coffee maker to activate first thing in the morning and easily adjust the quantity and strength of your brew.
A great small filter coffee machine, perfect for a kitchen work surface that doesn’t have a great deal of space
If you’re into stylish coffee equipment:
5. Gaggia - Gran
Type: Espresso Machine
Value: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Pros: ✅ Quick to heat up and can make incredible espressos and great frothed milk. It has a compact, chic design.
Cons: ❌ Some feel that the plastic body can feel cheap to use. There is a little bit of a learning curve to achieve more complicated coffees.
The Gaggia Gran is a classic.
It is simple to use, requiring only water and a milk frothing jug to be filled with cold milk.
It takes less than 30 seconds from start to finish, thanks to its rapid heating system.
While it heats up, the machine automatically switches on an internal fan that quickly pumps air into the milk base, creating friction that forces the hot water through the holes in the bottom of the pitcher and into the milk.
This results is the velvety textured milk one would usually find in a speciality coffee shop.
6. Melitta - Aroma Elegance
Type: Filter Coffee Machine
Value: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Pros: ✅ This robust and good looking machine is a dream when it comes to brewing.
Cons: ❌ Although the machine can keep coffee warm, the hotplate, like many other machines can lead to “cooking” the coffee and making it taste bitter if left too long.
A solid filter coffee machine.
Melitta has created a coffee machine that ensures that the perfect brew is produced every time.
Its dual-element design over-brewing so that your coffee is never burnt and can ensure its kept warm for you too.
It has a drip-stop filter that prevents spills, an easy-to-read calibrated water tank, a programmable timer, a reduced power mode for brewing up to 2-5 cups, a hygienic decalc programme, easy-to-clean components and surfaces, an energy-efficient LED light, an auto-off function, and a 3-year guarantee.
One To Avoid - Coffee Pod Machines
Coffee Pod Machines certainly have their place.
There is no denying the convenience and ease of coffee pod machines and if they work for you then great.
However, coffee pods on the whole use low quality coffee that has been over roasted and the machines are also usually unable to extract a balanced cup of coffee.
All of the coffee machines above use freshly ground cofffee, so you can support your local coffee roaster and enjoy the delights of high quality fresh coffee.
Things to Consider Before Buying a £200 Coffee Machine.
When you buy a machine, there are a few things to look out for. When you have a machine, you’ll need to keep it clean and making sure you’ve got a design which is easy to clean is important.
You may also find that using standard tap water which has gone through a sewer system umpteen times might have various impurities which clog up your machine.
Getting a water filter may reduce some of these issues.
Also look out for whether or not your machine has a grinder built into it. You can pick up half decent grinders for less than £50.
FAQs
What is the best budget coffee maker?
For many people, the best coffee machine is one that makes decent coffee at a great price.
The key is knowing what to look for when buying a budget brewer. Here are a few things to consider:
The Price: The most important factor when choosing a budget coffee maker is the price.
You want a machine that will not only make good coffee, but also keep it affordable. Not all budget coffee makers are equal in quality and performance, so you need to do your research before settling on one model.
The Material: Most budget coffee makers are made with plastic and aluminum, which can affect the taste of your coffee over time.
If you choose a plastic-bodied machine, you should also look to get it wrapped in a metal sleeve or thermal carafe.
This can protect the machine from scratches and wear and help keep your coffee hotter longer.
The Size: When looking for a budget coffee maker, you have several options in terms of size.
You can opt for an automatic drip brew or single serve brewer, both of which will require different space requirements depending on whether you plan to brew one or two cups at a time.
If space is tight, consider looking for a small single serve coffee machine that can be tucked under your sink or next to your kitchen countertop.
Can a cheap coffee maker make good coffee?
Yes. It's a common misconception that the best coffee is always brewed using a high-end machine.
After all, why would you spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy machine if you could get by with a cheap one? The truth is that inexpensive machines can make excellent coffee, but you'll have to do some extra work to make sure it tastes as good as it can.
Coffee is a complicated drink that starts with good water and the best coffee beans, so making sure you have both of these is just as important as the machine itself.
What is the best affordable espresso machine?
There is no one “best” affordable espresso machine, as the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
However, some of the most affordable espresso machines on the market include the De’Longhi Dedica and the Sage Barista Pro.
Can you make good espresso with cheap machine?
Yes. Whilst higher end machines will produce higher quality coffee. There are plenty of people people who use cheaper machines and report that they are able to create satisfactory espresso with them.
If you are looking for a cheap espresso machine that will produce good espresso, consider purchasing one of the three above that we have reviewed.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive coffee makers?
There is a big difference between cheap and expensive coffee makers.
Cheap coffee makers tend to be lower quality and may not last as long. They can also be more difficult to use, making it difficult to get the best cup of coffee.
Expensive coffee makers, on the other hand, are typically more reliable and can make a better-quality cup of coffee. They can also be more difficult to use, but this is often worth the investment because they can make a great cup of coffee every time.
What should you look for when buying a coffee machine?
When looking to buy a coffee machine, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you will need to decide what type of coffee you want to make.
There are traditional coffee machines that allow you to make black coffee or iced coffee and there are also machines that allow you to make espresso based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
Secondly, you will need to decide how much money you want to spend. Coffee machines range in price from around £50 to £15000, so it is important to find one that fits your budget.
Thirdly, think about the size of the machine - should it fit in an area you have available?
Lastly, you will need to decide what features you want the coffee machine to have. Some common features include coffee machines with milk frothers, a timer, and a water tank.
Which coffee maker makes the best tasting coffee?
There is no definitive answer to this question since everyone has different tastes.
However, some of the best coffee makers for taste are pour-over brewers and French presses.
These machines use manual techniques to slowly drip coffee over hot water, which gives the coffee a more nuanced flavour.
Does the coffee maker really make a difference?
The quality of coffee made in a coffee maker will vary depending on the model and how it's configured.
Many people believe that a good quality coffee maker can make a significant difference in the taste of their coffee.
Some factors that can affect the quality of coffee made in a coffee maker include the type of water used, the size and shape of the coffee filter, and the quality of the coffee beans.
If you're looking for a good quality coffee maker, it's important to consider these factors in order to find one that will produce the quality of coffee you're looking for.
Should I get a drip coffee maker?
Drip coffee makers are a great way to make a quick cup of coffee on the go.
They're also great for people who like to make small batches of coffee, because you can use them to make just one or two cups at a time.
However, drip coffee makers are different to full-blown espresso machines when it comes to making rich, complex coffee and only produce long black coffee.
Is DeLonghi better than Breville?
There is no simple answer when comparing DeLonghi and Breville, as both brands have a number of notable features that make them attractive choices for different consumers.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what exactly you are looking for in a coffee maker.
Both brands produce machines that have a variety of programmable features, including timers and alarms on their coffee machines. DeLonghi's software is sometimes more user-friendly, making it easier for novice coffee drinkers to navigate.
Overall, DeLonghi and Breville are two of the most popular brands of coffee makers on the market today.
They both offer a high-quality product at a fair price, and there is no clear winner when it comes to which is better. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Is DeLonghi a good brand?
DeLonghi is a well-known and respected brand across the world.
Their appliances are known for their quality and reliability, which is why so many people choose to buy them.
DeLonghi products are also often very affordable, which makes them a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality appliance at a reasonable price.
How much is a good home espresso machine?
A good home espresso machine can range from around £200 to £1,000+.
It all depends on the features and specifications that you are looking for in your machine.
