Tired of drab instant coffee? Long for the ability to make a flavorful espresso or a foamy cappuccino without breaking out the hundreds? You’re in good company.
More people than ever in 2024 are avoiding inflated coffee house outings and indulging in the pleasure of brewing at-home barista-quality drinks. The good news? You needn’t shell out big for a pricey set-up to start.
In this blog, we’re diving into the best affordable coffee machines under £100 that are worth your time and your taste buds. From quick pod machines to manual espresso makers, we’ve covered the top picks that prove great coffee doesn’t have to be expensive.
🎯 What to Expect from a Coffee Machine Under £100?
While you won’t get all the bells and whistles of high-end machines, you can expect:
- Great coffee with 15–19 bar pressure systems
- Milk frothing options for cappuccino and latte lovers
- Space-saving designs perfect for kitchens of all sizes
- Reliable daily performance with minimal maintenance
- Surprising features like programmable timers or eco modes
Let’s explore the top machines that combine quality + affordability, with honest pros, cons, and who each one is really for.
1. Nespresso Essenza Mini by Krups
Price: £70–£90
✅ Best for: Busy people who love great coffee without fuss
Type: Pod/capsule machine
Sleek, compact, and easy to use — the Essenza Mini is ideal for anyone wanting great coffee at the touch of a button.
Why It’s Great:
• 19-bar pressure for authentic espresso
• Compact footprint — won’t take up space on any countertop
• Energy-efficient auto switch-off
• Takes original Nespresso capsules
Watch Out For:
• Capsules are more costly in the long run
• No milk frother (but pair with an Aeroccino for lattes)
Coffee lover’s tip: Third-party compatible capsules offer eco-friendly, cheaper options too.
2. Russell Hobbs Buckingham Filter Coffee Machine
Price: £50–£65
✅ Best for: Households or shared flats that drink by the jug
Type: Filter/drip coffee
Now and then, all you require is a big pot of coffee, plain and straightforward. This programmable filter brewer is an early-morning lifesaver for frazzled families or home-workers.
Why It’s Great:
• Brews up to 10 cups
• 24-hour programmable timer (wake up to freshly brewed coffee!)
• Keep-warm plate
• Showerhead technology for enhanced flavour extraction
Watch Out For:
• Not well-suited for milk-based drinks
• Bulkier than pod machines
Smart tip: Use reusable filters to avoid wastage and future costs.
Price: £80–£95
✅ Best for: Variety-lovers who want coffee, hot chocolate & more
Type: Pod machine (Tassimo pods)
One of the most adaptable budget coffee makers on the market, this model is suitable for all tastes frothy lattes to Cadbury hot chocolate.
Why It’s Great:
• Adjustable strength, temperature & size
• Operates using Tassimo pods by brands like Costa, Kenco, L’OR
• Built-in Brita filter optimises flavour
• One-touch brewing
Watch Out For:
• Limited to Tassimo pods only
• No steam wand (milk in pod form)
Fun fact: You can blend pods for drinks like “mocha-latte” – coffee creativity unleashed!
4. Aeropress Go – Best for Travel & Minimalists
Price: £35–£45
✅ Best for: Coffee on the go, camping, or low-waste lifestyles
Type: Manual coffee press
Don’t let the tiny size fool you — Aeropress Go makes full-bodied, velvety coffee on par with 10x more expensive espresso machines. Just use hot water.
Why It’s Great:
• Hugely tiny and portable
• Brews in under 2 minutes
• Easy cleanup with no pods or electricity needed
• Adjustable strength (great for cold brew too)
Watch Out For:
• No milk functionality unless heating and frothing separately
• Manual pressure adjustment required
Coffee geek tip: Try the “inverted method” to get the best steeping and strength.
🔍 How to Choose the Best Affordable Coffee Machine for You
Ask yourself:
- Do I want convenience (pod machine) or control (manual)?
- Am I brewing for one cup or a crowd?
- Do I want milk drinks like cappuccinos, or just black coffee?
- Is space an issue? Look for compact coffee makers
- Want to cut waste? Manual brewers or reusable pods win
The best coffee machine, cheap or not, is one that fits your daily routine and taste preferences, not just the lowest price.
🎯 Best Coffee Machines Cheap & Quality-Driven
Here’s a quick recap:
| Machine | Best For | Price | Type |
| Nespresso Essenza Mini | Fast, no-fuss coffee | £70–90 | Pod |
| Russell Hobbs Buckingham | Multiple servings | £50–65 | Filter |
| Tassimo My Way 2 | Variety & milk drinks | £80–95 | Pod |
| Aeropress Go | Portability & minimalism | £35–45 | Manual |
Editor’s Choice:
👉 If you’re after real espresso with frothy milk drinks and don’t mind a bit of learning, go for the Nespresso Essenza Mini. It’s the best affordable espresso machine under £100 when on sale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it possible to get a good coffee machine for under £100?
Yes, owing to low-priced brands and advances in technology, even sub-£100 machines provide high pressure, reasonable flavour extraction, and longevity.
Q: What inexpensive coffee machine is best for milk drinks?
Try steam-wand machines or pod-formatted milk beverages (like Tassimo My Way 2).
Q: Is a pod machine better than a manual one?
Pod machines offer convenience and speed, while manual machines offer customization and greater flavour control.
