The main places to buy a coffee maker

You can buy a coffee maker at big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco; online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay; kitchen specialty stores; department stores; and used from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift shops. Each route has different prices, selection, and return policies, so the best choice depends on whether you want to see the machine in person, need it quickly, or are looking for a specific brand or model.

New machines range from under $20 for basic drip models to $300 or more for programmable or espresso machines. Used machines are often half the price but come without a warranty and may need cleaning or repair. Knowing where to look saves time and money.

Key Takeaways

  • Big-box stores like Walmart and Target stock basic and mid-range coffee makers in-store, so you can see them before buying and return them easily if they don't work.
  • Amazon and other online retailers have the widest selection and often lower prices, but you cannot inspect the machine before it arrives and shipping takes several days.
  • Thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace sell used machines for 40 to 60 percent less than new, though you lose the manufacturer's warranty and may need to clean or repair them.
  • Specialty kitchen stores and department stores carry higher-end brands and models but typically charge more than big-box retailers for the same machine.
  • Costco and Sam's Club offer good prices on popular models if you have a membership, and their return policy is generous even after months of use.

Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and similar stores

Walmart and Target stock 15 to 40 coffee maker models in-store, depending on the location and season. You can walk in, hold the machine, read the box, and ask staff questions. Both stores accept returns within 30 to 90 days if the machine doesn't work or you change your mind. Prices are competitive with online retailers for the same model.

Target's website shows which models are in stock at your nearest store, so you can check before driving there. Walmart's app does the same. Both stores also offer in-store pickup for online orders, usually within one to two hours, which is faster than shipping if you need the machine soon.

Online retailers: Amazon, Walmart.com, and others

Amazon carries hundreds of coffee maker models, from obscure brands to premium machines, often at lower prices than in-store. Shipping is usually two to three days with Prime membership, or five to seven days without. Amazon's return window is 30 days, and returns are free if the machine arrives damaged or doesn't match the listing.

Walmart.com and Target.com also sell online-only models and sometimes undercut their in-store prices. eBay has new and used machines from individual sellers and retailers; prices vary widely, and you need to read seller ratings and return policies carefully. Best Buy's website stocks coffee makers and offers in-store pickup, though prices are often higher than other retailers.

Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam's Club

Costco and Sam's Club sell a smaller selection of coffee makers—usually 5 to 10 models—but at prices 10 to 20 percent lower than big-box stores. Both stores have generous return policies: Costco accepts returns on most items indefinitely, and Sam's Club allows returns within one year. You need a membership to shop, which costs $60 to $130 per year depending on the club and membership tier.

Warehouse clubs rotate their inventory seasonally, so the model you want may not be in stock year-round. Check the store's website or app to see what is currently available before making a trip.

Specialty kitchen stores and department stores

Stores like Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Bed Bath & Beyond (where still operating) carry premium and specialty coffee makers—espresso machines, pour-over setups, and high-end drip models—that you won't find at Walmart. Staff in these stores often know how to use the machines and can answer detailed questions. Prices are 20 to 40 percent higher than big-box retailers for the same model.

Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's stock mid-range coffee makers and often run sales or coupon promotions. Their return policies are usually 30 to 60 days. These stores are worth checking if you have a coupon or are shopping during a sale event.

Used coffee makers: Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist

Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army sell used coffee makers for $5 to $30, depending on the brand and condition. You can inspect the machine in person and plug it in to test it before buying. Most thrift stores do not accept returns, so you are buying as-is. The machine may need descaling or cleaning, and you won't have a warranty.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you buy directly from individuals in your area. Prices are often 40 to 60 percent less than new. You can message the seller to ask questions and see photos before meeting. Meet in a public place during daylight, and test the machine before handing over money. Neither platform offers buyer protection, so there is more risk than buying from a retailer.

What to compare when shopping

Before buying, decide what type of coffee maker you want—drip, single-serve pod, espresso, French press, or pour-over—because that narrows your search. Then compare price, warranty length, and return policy across retailers. A $40 machine at Walmart may cost $35 on Amazon but take longer to arrive; a $60 machine at a specialty store may come with a three-year warranty instead of one year.

Read customer reviews on the retailer's website, but focus on reviews that mention durability and ease of cleaning, not just taste, since taste is personal. Check whether the retailer offers free shipping or in-store pickup, which can save money and time. If you are buying used, ask the seller how long they owned it and why they are selling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy online or in a store?

Online retailers like Amazon often have lower prices, but shipping costs and time matter. If you need the machine within a few days, in-store pickup at Walmart or Target may be faster and cheaper than waiting for shipping. Warehouse clubs like Costco are usually cheapest for popular models if you have a membership.

Can I return a coffee maker if it stops working after a month?

Most retailers accept returns within 30 to 90 days. Costco accepts returns much longer, sometimes indefinitely. After the return window closes, you rely on the manufacturer's warranty, which typically covers defects for one to three years. Check the warranty card in the box or the manufacturer's website for details.

What should I look for when buying a used coffee maker?

Test it before buying if possible—plug it in and run water through it. Look for mineral buildup inside the carafe or water reservoir, which means it needs descaling. Ask the seller how often they used it and whether all parts are included. Avoid machines with cracks, loose handles, or frayed cords.

Do I need to buy from a specialty store for better quality?

Not necessarily. Walmart and Target carry reliable mid-range brands like Cuisinart and Hamilton Beach at lower prices than specialty stores. Specialty stores are worth it if you want a specific premium brand, need informed information, or want a longer warranty. For a basic drip coffee maker, big-box retailers offer good value.

What's the difference between buying new and refurbished?

Refurbished machines are returned or open-box items that have been cleaned and tested by the manufacturer or retailer. They usually cost 20 to 30 percent less than new and come with a shorter warranty (often 90 days instead of one year). Amazon, Best Buy, and manufacturer websites sell refurbished machines with clear labeling.