Here is our review on the best coffee machines under $400.
Coffee machines can be expensive especially if you are on a strict budget. I have looked for the best coffee machine under $400 ranging from espresso machines to automatic pour overs. Each of these machines are best suited for every individual looking for a budget-friendly coffee machine.
I found the Calphalon Temp IQ to be the best overall coffee machine under $400. as it’s rare to find a high-quality semi-automatic espresso machine at this price. However, if you are more of a pour-over coffee fan or feel that this machine isn’t for you, there is definitely one that will be.
So, let’s get started:
- Our Best Coffee Machines Under $400
- Best Coffee Machine Under $400 Reviewed
- Buyer’s Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Verdict
Our Best Coffee Machines Under $400
- Calphalon Temp IQ (Best Overall)
- Brim 19 Bar (Best Premium)
- Mr. Coffee Mini Brew Switch (Best Budget)
- De’Longhi EC680M (Best Compact)
- Nespresso Lattissima One (Best Nespresso Machine)
- Keurig K-Supreme Plus (Best Keurig Machine)
- Ninja Specialty (Best For Cold Beverages)
- Braun Brew Sense (Best For Drip Coffee)
- Nespresso Vertuo Plus (Best Vertuo)
- Nespresso CP307 (Best For Tea)
Best Coffee Machine Under $400 Reviewed
Calphalon Temp IQ Coffee Machine
Best Overall
Pros
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Amazing brewing quality
- Dual brewing spout
- Large water reservoir
Cons
- Grind consistency is slightly better than average
- Some parts of made of plastic
- On the pricier end
The Calphalon Temp IQ is the best overall coffee machine under $400. With its superb brewing quality and its sturdy, quality stainless steel design, this machine will be the best for your buck. It’s small and compact which will fit perfectly for any counter space and has a large water reservoir for its size.
The downside to this coffee machine is that it does not have a built-in grinder. Although it is quite rare to find a machine under $400 that even comes with one. However, the only reason for considering another coffee machine is if you want a machine that brews drip coffee instead of espresso shots.
What makes the Calphalon Temp IQ the best overall coffee machine for under $400 is that it brews the highest quality espresso shots on this list. So if you’re looking for a premium-end espresso machine that won’t break the budget then this espresso machine is for you.
Brim 19 Bar Coffee Machine
Best Premium
Pros
- Great espresso quality
- Includes essential coffee accessories
- Includes milk wand and water dispenser wand
- Stainless steel design with wood accents
Cons
- More on the expensive range
- No removable parts are dishwasher safe
- Can be noisy when brewing
The Brim 19 Bar Espresso Machine is the most expensive coffee machine on this list and is still surprisingly not over $400. It’s the most premium-looking espresso machine with its wood accents and shiny stainless steel design. With its high-pressure pump, this espresso machine can brew a thick, rich crema for your espresso shot.
The one thing I noticed with the Brim 19 Bar is that it is noisier than the average espresso machine. Another downside is that none of the machine’s parts are dishwasher safe. This means you will need to clean and wipe down each part by hand.
What I love about this machine is that you can choose to include all necessary coffee accessories that an espresso machine needs. It also has two separate wands for the water and milk meaning you don’t need to clean the dispensers as frequently. If you are willing to spend a little more and get an all-in-one espresso machine then the Brim 19 Bar is a great choice.
Mr. Coffee Mini Brew Switch Coffee Machine
Best Budget
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Auto shut-off
- Stainless steel heat plates
- Small and compact design
Cons
- Takes long to brew
- Temperature control isn’t great
- Plasticky
The Mr. Coffee Mini Brew Switch is the most budget-friendly coffee machine you’re going to get that’s under $400. It’s also one of the smallest coffee machines which means you can fit it anywhere in your household. And let’s not forget about its stainless steel heating plates.
The downside to the Mr. Coffee Mini Brew Switch is that you’re going to get what you’re paying for. It’s made of plastic meaning it will look “cheap” but at least the parts of your machine are dishwasher safe.
What I do find impressive about this machine is that it has a 2-hour auto shut off, a digital display, and can schedule your brewing time. If you are truly on a budget and just need a machine that’s going to make your daily coffee, then go with the Mr. Coffee Mini Brew Switch.
De’Longhi EC680M Coffee Machine
Best Compact
Pros
- Can use pods instead of ground coffee
- Small and compact
- Premium stainless steel build quality
- Good brewing quality
Cons
- Pricey for its size
- Can only brew one cup at a time
- Small water reservoir capacity
The De’Longhi EC680M is a very small and compact machine. It also happens to be $400 which is great if you plan on using an espresso machine for individual use. This coffee machine also happens to use 3 different portafilter sizes. One for a single shot, the second for a double shot, and the other for using coffee pods.
I do think even though this machine is under $400, it is pricy for its size and brewing capacity. It has a small water reservoir and can only brew one espresso shot at a time. But it’s probably the amazing espresso quality and stainless steel build for why it’s not the cheapest.
The DeLonghi EC680M also has a very quick heat-up time and has great temperature control. If you are looking for a high-quality yet small and compact espresso machine, then the DeLonghi EC680M will be a great fit for your home.
Nespresso Lattissima One Coffee Machine
Best Nespresso Machine
Pros
- Very quick heat up time
- Adjust foam amount on milk frother
- Small and compact
- Synchronized descaling alert with hardness setting
Cons
- Pods can be expensive
- Difficult to clean drip tray and milk frother
- Sometimes leaks after use
The Nespresso Lattissima One is the best Delonghi-based Nespresso machine you’re gonna get for under $400. It can brew up to 3 different beverages and comes with a removable milk reservoir. It also happens to have a very quick heat-up time and has a synchronized descaling alert with a hardness setting.
The downside to any Nespresso machine is that Nespresso pods can be very expensive in the long run. They make amazing espresso shots but make sure to buy in bulk as you can run out of capsules quickly.
What stands out with the Nespresso Lattissima One is that it is much more affordable compared to the Nespresso Lattissima Touch and Nespresso Lattissima Pro. So if you’re looking for a premium pod-based machine then the Lattissima One is the best choice under $400.
Keurig K-Supreme Plus Coffee Machine
Best Keurig Coffee Machine
Pros
- Can play music
- Large water reservoir
- Can brew iced coffee
- Great coffee extraction
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Expensive for a Keurig machine
- Cannot adjust the water reservoir
The Keurig K Supreme Plus is one of the best premium Keurig coffee machines you can buy. I think the best feature about this coffee machine is that it can play music on Spotify. This is the most unusual feature for a coffee machine but it’s useful to start off your morning.
The downside to the Keurig K Supreme Plus is that none of its parts are dishwasher safe. You also cannot adjust the water reservoir which can make it difficult to get accessed if placed at the corner of your kitchen counter.
For a Keurig machine, the K Supreme Plus has the technology to brew coffee extraction and can also make iced coffee. If you are a Keurig fan and want a coffee machine worth your cost then the Keurig K Supreme Plus is definitely one to consider.
Ninja Specialty Coffee Machine
Best For Cold Beverages
Pros
- Makes delicious lattes and cappuccinos
- Cold brewing options available
- Easy descaling process
- Cool looking design
Cons
- No tea brewing options
- Not compact meaning large carbon footprint
- Some parts of made of plastic
The Ninja Specialty Coffee Machine is one of the most interesting designed coffee makers I have seen. It also happens to be one of the only coffee makers to make milk-based beverages with its foldable frother. It has a stainless steel build and a large water reservoir that can brew up to 10 cups of coffee.
The downside to the Nespresso is that it is quite big compared to the average coffee maker. You might struggle to fit it in a small space on your counter space as it is quite tall. Compared to the Ninja CP301, it does not come with a tea brewing option but it also makes cold beverages.
What’s great about this machine is that it has 4 brewing styles that are catered to any coffee drinker. It has a normal brew, strong brew, iced coffee brew, and espresso shot function. If you want a coffee machine that makes a great cup of cold brew coffee then the Ninja Specialty Coffee Machine is the way to go.
Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Machine
Best For Drip Coffee
Pros
- Modern stainless steel design
- Gold tone filter does not need to be replaced
- 24 hour programmable
- Great brew quality
Cons
- Non removable water reservoir
- Some parts are made of plastic
- No sound when brewing is complete
The Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Machine is known to be one of the best 4 cup coffee makers in the world and is under $400. It makes a great cup of drip coffee and there is no need to manually clean the machine as it comes with a self-cleaning function. You can also adjust your coffee brew strength and water pressure to optimize coffee extraction.
The biggest downside to the Braun Brew Sense is that it doesn’t have a removable water reservoir. This means you will need to place the machine somewhere where you can refill it easily. This machine also doesn’t indicate when the brewing is complete.
What also makes this machine great is that it is fully programmable. It also has a permanent gold tone filter meaning there’s no need for filter replacements. If you want a durable high-quality drip coffee maker then the Braun Brew Sense Drip Maker is a good buying decision.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee Machine
Best Vertuo
Pros
- Can make up to 5 adjustable cup sizes
- Superb espresso and coffee quality
- Adjustable water reservoir
- Quick heat up time
Cons
- Only compatible with Vertuo pods
- A bit bulky compared to other Nespresso machines
- Pods can get expensive with frequent use
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is Nespresso’s premium model of the Vertuo line. This means that it’s the best coffee machine for using Vertuo pods that’s under $400. You can brew up to 5 adjustable brew sizes that can cater to travel mugs as well as espresso shots.
The downside to the Nespresso Vertuo Plus is that it of course only uses Vertuo pods. It can also get quite expensive having to buy pods over a long time and unfortunately, the Vertuo pods are more expensive than the espresso pods.
Since this is a Nespresso machine, you are always going to get great consistent-tasting coffee. It has a quick heat-up time meaning you can make any sized coffee on the go. So if you are a fan of Nespresso and want large cups of rich coffee, then go with the Vertuo Plus.
Ninja CP307 Coffee Machine
Best For Tea
Pros
- Comes with a separate tea basket
- Great at brewing cold brew and other cold beverages
- Beverages are highly customizable
- Smart scheduling brewing system
Cons
- No heated plates for preserving temperature
- Average milk frothing wand
- Pseudo espresso needs improvement
The Ninja CP307 is a very unique coffee machine as it is designed to even brew herbal teas with its separate tea basket. The coffee machine has 5 brewing styles and has up to 6 adjustable brewing sizes. It makes a really good cup of coffee especially when it comes to its cold beverages.
The downside to the machine is that it does not have heated plates but that’s because it uses a thermal carafe instead of a glass carafe. Its milk frother is average and the specialty brew function does need some improvement when mimicking an espresso shot.
What makes this machine great is that it has a smart scheduling system that brews the coffee at a set time of the day. If you want a coffee machine that’s highly customizable with its herbal tea making then the Ninja CP307 is a great machine to consider.
Buyers Guide
Bean To Cup vs Pod-Based or Drip Brew
Starting off with bean to cup machines, these types of machines are usually the priciest out of the bunch. In this list, I have listed entry semi-automatic espresso machines including the Calphalon Temp IQ, Brim 19 Bar, and the De’Longhi EC680M. These are all great entry-level models.
Pod-based coffee machines are brands including Keurig and Nespresso. In this list, I have listed one of Nespresso’s premium machines, the Lattissima One and Keurig’s K Supreme Plus. If you’re an espresso purist then a pod-based machine like these 2 are a great choice.
Automatic pour-over drip brewers are much more affordable than pod-based and bean-to-cup machines. I’ve listed the best of the best automatic pour-over coffee machines including the Ninja Specialty and the Braun Brew Sense Drip Coffee Machine.
Build Quality
When it comes to building quality, you’re going to want a sturdy machine that won’t break down during the long run. A machine that’s made of high-quality plastic or stainless steel is likely going to last you for years which is ideal.
There are not many machines that have an amazing build quality under $400 but in this list, each of these machines has a great build quality. If you are looking for the best build quality of a machine then I suggest looking at either the Calphalon Temp IQ, Brim 19 Bar, or De’Longhi EC680M.
Ease of Use
Operating your machine is one of the most important factors in your buying decision. Some people are going to want a machine that only requires the touch of a button to brew their coffee. Or even a scheduling system that automatically brews their coffee. If you are someone like this then consider the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, Ninja CP307, or Braun Brew Sense Drip Maker.
However, if you love the art of crafting the perfect coffee then you will want a machine such as a semi-automatic espresso machine. And if you are someone like this then a machine like the Calphalon Temp IQ, Brim 19 Bar, or De’Longhi EC680M will suit you.
Size and Capacity
This factor of your coffee machine is going to be a huge influence on your buying decision. If you are living in a small apartment then buying a machine that’s large in size will not fit on your counter space. The Ninja Specialty is a perfect example of a machine that won’t suit you if you lack counter space.
Another factor to consider is the amount of coffee you brew a day. If you’re someone who is making coffee for their whole family or brewing 8 cups a day than a machine like the De’Longhi EC680M or Nespresso Lattissima One might not be best suited for you.
Trusted Brands
It’s really important that you buy a coffee machine from a brand that you can rely on. You may find a coffee machine that’s a bargain for its price and has more features than another but its brand is not well known. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t buy from not well-known brands but make sure to look at the product reviews from previous buyers.
Coffee machines can sometimes require frequent servicing. So trusted brands will give you the best servicing and hopefully the least amount of servicing possible.
Speciality Drinks
It’s quite hard to find a quality coffee machine under $400 that can make your milk-based beverages or herbal tea. Some people just prefer the usual black coffee with or without some milk but others want a coffee machine that can make every drink they can think of.
If you’re someone like that who wants to explore their lattes, cappuccinos, and herbal teas then a machine like the Ninja CP307, Ninja Specialty, or the Nespresso Lattissima One will do the job. These coffee machines come with milk dispensers which are convenient for brewing milk based beverages.
Brewing Speed
Brewing speed is the time it takes your machine to brew a cup of coffee or espresso. With machines like semi-automatics and pod-based machines, it takes some time to heat up and brew a shot of espresso. With pour-over coffee makers like the Ninja CP307 and Braun Brew Sense, you can cater for more cups. This is because you can fill the carafe with 6-8 cups of coffee compared to brewing one espresso shot at a time.
Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint comes down to the amount of electricity consumption your coffee machine uses. Usually, the larger your coffee machine is, the higher its electricity consumption is going to be. Examples of machines in this list that have higher electricity consumption are the Brim 19 Bar or Ninja Specialty. So if you are someone that is eco-friendly or wants to save electricity then these machines might not be ideal for you.
Cleaning and Maintenance
When it comes to the ease of cleaning your machine, it’s advisable to look for a machine that’s easy to wipe the exterior parts or is dishwasher safe. Some machines will allow you to place the removable parts such as the carafe or milk frother into the dishwasher. This is a great feature to have in order to give your machine a proper deep clean.
It’s also important to descale your coffee machine. Every now and then your coffee may take longer to brew coffee, so make sure to use the descaling function or manual descale the machine. Your coffee machine is going to thank you in the long run for doing this and will ensure that you get the best cup of coffee every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are coffee machines so expensive?
To build a coffee machine that can withstand heat and pressure day in and day out is going to be costly, both in terms of parts and design and testing. You can purchase inexpensive coffee machines but they will likely only last for a short period of time. These machines will probably require frequent servicing or even replacement.
Which coffee machine is best for cappuccino?
If you want to make a great cappuccino then you will need a coffee machine that can brew an espresso shot. I would say that the Calphalon Temp IQ or Brim 19 Bar is going to be your best choice. You will also need a quality milk frothing wand in order to make an ideal cappuccino.
What’s the difference between a coffee machine and a coffee maker?
A coffee maker is a device that requires more manual work to make coffee. This can be a pour-over coffee maker, moka pot, aeropress, or a french press. A coffee machine on the other hand will be more automatic such as an automatic pour over coffee maker, or a semi-automatic espresso machine.
The Verdict
Buying a coffee machine under $400 can be difficult to find. Most people want a high-quality coffee machine whether it’s a pour-over or espresso machine.
I can promise you that the machines on this list are of all high quality and will go beyond your expectations for $400. However, I did find that the Calphalon Temp IQ is the best coffee machine under $400 overall.
If you’ve decided to go big and look for a coffee machine that’s more than $400 then make sure to look at our best super-automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines here.