Some of us just can't make it through the morning without a jolt of java. But you can save hundreds of dollars a year if you bypass your local coffee shop and brew your own cup of joe.

Manufacturers have noticed that sales of coffeemakers are on the rise as more people make coffee at home to save money. In the most recent test results from Consumer Reports, researchers found you don't have to break the bank to get your caffeine fix. In the lab researchers compared 50 coffee makers. They looked at traditional drip coffee makers and brew stations which let you fill your cup directly from the machine.

Prices ranged from $25 all the way to $285 for the Technivorm, heavily touted by coffee connoisseurs. The Technivorm did ace brew tests but testers found it's not that easy to use.

Consumer Reporters John Macchia said: "The Technivorm has al lot of parts and takes some patience to put together. And then you have to slide the carafe in the right spot or it won't brew."

The $185 Bunn  BTX-B was fast but its brew performance was just mediocre. However, tests did find some good coffee makers that won't cost you a fortune.

Tops in the tests:

  • Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200C: $120
  • Black & Decker Model DLX1050B: $25
  • Black & Decker Brew ‘N Go DCM18S: $25

About the Coffee Makers

Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200C

  • This model retails for approximately $120
  • It was given an overall score of 87 by Consumer Reports
  • This 12-cup coffeemaker is programmable for automatically brewing "wake-up" coffee at a selected time
  • It measure 14 1/4 inches high, 8 inches wide and 10 3/4 inches deep
  • The machine can be set to brew one to four 5-ounce cups or five to twelve cups
  • It also includes a charcoal water filter and adjustable warming plate

Black & Decker 12-Cup DLX1050B

  • This model retails for approximately $25
  • It was given an overall score of 77 by Consumer Reports
  • This coffeemaker can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at a time with a programmable clock and timer
  • It also has an auto-brew option and a non-stock warming plate
  • It also includes a removable filter basket and a convenient water-level indicator
  • The machine measures about 11 3/5 by 9 by 13 8/09 inches

Black & Decker Brew 'N Go DCM18S

  • This model retails for approximately $25
  • It was given an overall score of 72 by Consumer Reports
  • This personal coffeemaker brews 15 ounces of coffee directly into a stainless-steel travel mug.
  • It has a permanent filter and shuts off automatically after brewing
  • It's designed for the on-the-go coffee drinker and the mug is tapered to fit most vehicle cut holders
  • The machine measure 9 3/4 inches high, 7 inches wide and 6 inches deep