Great coffee, but is it worth $400?


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I’ve tested many coffee makers over the years, from pod systems to high-end grind-and-drip brewers, and most focused on convenience or customization. This Simply GoodCoffee Brewer takes a different approach. Its entire appeal centers on simplicity and minimizing contact of plastic with hot water and coffee during brewing—something many consumers are becoming more conscious of.

I made dozens of pots of coffee in the SimplyGoodCoffee Brewer. Next, find out what I liked about it instrument And what I think the company can improve.

  • Excellent coffee quality. The SimplyGoodCoffee Brewer consistently produces smooth, rich coffee with minimal contact with plastic.
  • Minimal design benefits. Features like automatic shut-off and pressed paper filter enhance convenience and efficiency.
  • A concern with practicality. Issues with the non-removable reservoir and drip-stop lever may discourage some users.
  • Price versus cost. At over $400, the brewer’s price may not align with its features despite its strong performance.

Bottom line: The SimplyGoodCoffee Brewer excels at delivering quality coffee with a minimalist design, but its high price may deter some buyers.

The best plastic-free coffee brewer

Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com

what we like

  • Excellent coffee taste
  • No complicated setup
  • No plastic contact

What we don’t like

  • The reservoir is difficult to drain and clean

Product specs

  • Boiling capacity:

    8 cups

  • Construction Focus:

    Exposure to plastic-free water during brewing

  • Included Accessories:

    Pressed paper filter and glass carafe

Setup only took minutes since there was really nothing to assemble. I put a paper filter in the filter basket and slid it into place, filled the reservoir and started brewing. From the very first pot, the coffee tasted great – smooth, rich and every bit as good as anything I’d get from a more complex system.

What stood out the most was of the brewer Minimal design. It looked clean and modern without drawing too much attention to my countertop. I also appreciated the little details, like the pressed paper filters that avoid adhesives and the warming plate that automatically shuts off after about 30 to 40 minutes—a useful feature for absent-minded coffee drinkers like me.

Does coffee really taste better?

In my testing, yes. The flavor was noticeably cleaner and richer than what I usually get from pod-style coffee systems. Whether that improvement came entirely from the brewing method or partly from removing the plastic contact is hard to say, but the end result was consistently very good coffee.

I also tested the brewer’s optional bloom mode, which briefly steeps freshly ground coffee before the full brew begins to allow trapped gases to escape for better flavor. Honestly, I didn’t notice any improvement over a standard brew, although coffee aficionados may still appreciate having the feature.

Another plus was consistency. Over dozens of brew cycles, the machine produced evenly brewed coffee without temperature fluctuations or weak batches.

Is the design as practical as it looks?

Mostly. This Simply GoodCoffee Brewer is refreshingly complex. There are no touchscreens, apps or menus to contend with in the early morning. The controls are simple and intuitive, and the machine comes packed very well.

However, the non-removable water storage was a little disappointing. If residual water has been sitting inside for several days, removing it means unplugging the machine and carefully tipping it upside down over the sink. It is not ideal for those who brew coffee only occasionally. I would prefer to be able to remove the reservoir to dump and clean independently.

I also had problems with the drip-stop lever on the front of the machine. I accidentally activated it during a brew cycle and then left the kitchen. I returned to see coffee and grounds brewing on the countertop. Once I understood the need to check the liver before brewing, it wasn’t a huge problem, but it’s something users will want to watch carefully.

Who is this brewer best for?

This brewer makes the most sense for health-conscious users who prioritize clean materials, minimalist design, and great drip coffee over convenience features. Anyone concerned about hot liquids contacting plastic components will appreciate it Simply GoodCoffee Trying to accomplish.

It’s also a strong fit for slow-moving homes or offices where users want quality coffee without having to deal with complex programming.

What’s harder to justify is the price. At over $400, I expected a more premium refinement in the design and overall functionality of the reservoir. Based strictly on build quality and performance, I personally consider it to be very close to the mid-$100 range.

Still, especially for plastic-conscious shoppers looking for a coffee maker that consistently brews great coffee, the SimplyGoodCoffee Brewer delivers on its core promise.

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