The SimplyGoodCoffee Brewer Makes Excellent Coffee, but Is It Worth Its Price?

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

I made dozens of pots of coffee in the SimplyGoodCoffee brewer. Ahead, find out what I liked about the appliance and what I think the company could improve.

Best Plastic-Free Coffee Brewer

SimplyGoodCoffee Brewer

Rating: 4.4/5

Buy at Amazon Buy at SimplyGoodCoffee

Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com

What We Like

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

What We Don’t Like

• Reservoir is difficult to drain and clean

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Product Specs

• Brewing capacity: 8 cups
• Construction focus: Plastic-free water contact during brewing
• Included accessories: Pressed paper filters and glass carafe

Setup took only minutes because there really wasn’t anything to assemble. I inserted a paper filter into 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 what I get from more complicated systems.

What stood out most was the brewer’s minimalist design. It looked clean and modern on my countertop without drawing too much attention. 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 absentminded coffee drinkers like me.

Does the coffee actually taste better?

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

I also tested the brewer’s optional bloom mode, which briefly wets freshly ground coffee before full brewing begins to allow trapped gases to escape for better flavor. Honestly, I didn’t notice an improvement compared to standard brewing, although coffee enthusiasts may still appreciate having the feature available.

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

Is the design as practical as it looks?

Mostly. The SimplyGoodCoffee Brewer is refreshingly uncomplicated. There are no touchscreens, apps, or menus to fight with early in the morning. The controls are simple and intuitive, and the machine arrived extremely well packed.

However, the non-removable water reservoir was slightly frustrating. If leftover water sat inside for several days, draining it meant unplugging the machine and carefully tipping it upside down over the sink. That’s not ideal for users who brew coffee only occasionally. I would prefer being able to remove the reservoir to dump and clean independently. 

I also ran into an issue with the drip-stop lever on the front of the machine. I accidentally activated it during one brew cycle and then left the kitchen. I returned to find coffee and grounds overflowing on the countertop. Once I understood the need to check the lever before brewing, it wasn’t a major 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 excellent drip coffee over convenience features. Anyone concerned about hot liquids contacting plastic components will appreciate what SimplyGoodCoffee is trying to accomplish.

It’s also a strong fit for slower-paced households or offices where users want quality coffee without dealing with complicated programming.

What’s harder to justify is the price. At over $400, I expected more premium refinement in the reservoir design and overall functionality. Based strictly on build quality and performance, I’d personally value it much closer to the mid-$100 range.

Still, for buyers specifically seeking a plastic-conscious coffee maker that consistently brews excellent coffee, the SimplyGoodCoffee Brewer delivers on its core promise.

Where to Buy

SimplyGoodCoffee Brewer

Buy at Amazon Buy at SimplyGoodCoffee

Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com

 

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