The Salton FC1205 is a bare-bones 1-cup drip brewer that runs on 300W, takes ground coffee through a reusable filter, and costs $41.51. A 4.0-star rating from 2,400 buyers confirms it does what it promises, nothing more, nothing less.
Budget-conscious solo drinkers who prefer ground coffee over pods and want the smallest, lightest machine possible. At 2.2 lb and 6.3 x 5.3 x 9.5 inches, it is genuinely portable.
Skip if
You use K-Cup pods or any pod format, the FC1205 does not support them. Also skip if you need to brew more than one cup at a time, or if you want app connectivity or programmable settings.
Capacity 1.0 cups
Type Drip Coffee Machine
Coffee input Grounds
Filter Reusable
Wattage 300 W
Operation Fully Automatic
Priced 72% below the category median ($150.00 across 44 tracked models)
Capacity of 1.0 cups - smaller than 100% of the 44 models we track
Wattage of 300 W - lower than 100% of the 44 models we track
Our scorecard
4.0/5overall
Owner rating4.0/5
4.0 average across 2,400 owner ratings
Popularity4.1/5
2,400 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other coffee makers, kettles and brewers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Salton FC1205 keeps things extremely simple: drop in ground coffee, hit a button, get one cup. The 300W motor is modest, which means brew times are not the fastest, but on a 120V outlet it draws minimal power, useful for dorm rooms, small offices, or travel setups where circuit loads matter.
The 1-cup capacity and reusable filter are the core of this machine's value proposition. There are no pods to buy and no proprietary supplies to source. The 6.3 x 5.3 x 9.5 inch footprint and 2.2 lb weight mean it fits anywhere and stores in a drawer when not in use.
With 2,400 reviews averaging 4.0 stars, the FC1205 has a wide and honest feedback base for its price tier. The score is not exceptional, but 4.0 across 2,400 buyers at under $42 is a reliable signal that the machine consistently meets basic expectations. It is not dishwasher safe, so the reusable filter and any removable parts need hand washing.
Pros
Very affordable at $41.51
Tiny footprint, 6.3x5.3x9.5 in and just 2.2 lb
Reusable filter means no pod costs
120V, works with standard US outlets
2,400 reviews at 4.0 stars shows consistent performance
Cons
Brews only 1 cup at a time
300W element, not the fastest brew
Not dishwasher safe
No pod compatibility of any kind
Performance notes
300W puts the FC1205 at the low end of power for single-serve brewers, which will affect preheat and brew speed. The reusable filter handles ground coffee only. At 120V it is standard US-compatible. The 2.2 lb weight and compact dimensions confirm this as one of the lightest machines in this category.
What buyers say
2,400 reviews averaging 4.0 stars is a solid signal for a sub-$45 brewer. Buyers who want a simple ground-coffee machine are generally satisfied; expectations are set appropriately at this price point. No major reliability red flags emerge from the volume of feedback.
No. The FC1205 uses ground coffee only with its included reusable filter. It has no pod compatibility.
How portable is the FC1205?
Very portable. At 2.2 lb and 6.3x5.3x9.5 inches, it fits in a bag or a small corner of a desk, and its 120V rating means it works in any standard US outlet.
Is the Salton FC1205 filter dishwasher safe?
The machine itself is not dishwasher safe. The reusable filter should be hand washed.
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