The Simply Good coffee maker has surged in popularity recently, largely because it tackles a growing concern among health-conscious drinkers: the presence of microplastics in our morning brew. Unlike standard machines that rely heavily on plastic internal components and water lines, this brewer is a breath of fresh air. Its construction is built almost entirely from premium materials—304 food-grade stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and a minimal amount of medical-grade silicone. For anyone who goes to the trouble of filtering their tap water to avoid contaminants, this machine offers the rare peace of mind that your coffee remains as pure as the water you poured into it.
Operating the machine is wonderfully straightforward, catering to those who want a great cup of coffee without navigating a labyrinth of digital menus. With only two switches, the user interface is refreshingly tactile. One switch manages the power and the warming plate, while the second activates a “bloom” function, which wets the grounds briefly before the main brewing cycle begins—a nice nod to the pour-over tradition. While the machine includes a 40-minute auto-off feature for safety, it keeps things simple enough that even the most tech-averse user will feel like a barista in seconds.
When it comes to the actual extraction, the Simply Good holds its own. It manages to hit the industry’s “Golden Cup” temperature standards—between 92 and 96 degrees Celsius—and completes a full 40-ounce batch in about six minutes. While it lacks the formal Specialty Coffee Association certification, independent lab tests suggest it stays within the necessary parameters to produce a cup that is demonstrably better than your average entry-level drip machine. You won’t find the harshness or inconsistent flavor profiles common in cheaper brewers, as the consistent heat ensures a smooth, light-bodied result every time.
However, there is a clear trade-off between the machine’s focus on materials and its ultimate flavor precision. Compared to high-end heavyweights like the Ratio or the Moccamaster, the Simply Good lacks that final “wow” factor. During testing, I noticed that the water distribution over the coffee grounds isn’t perfectly uniform, which can lead to slight under-extraction and a flavor profile that feels a bit flat compared to the best machines on the market. Furthermore, the warming plate remains active during the brewing process, which can lead to a slight oxidation of the coffee early on—a minor detail, but one that dedicated coffee aficionados will certainly detect.
The build quality also reveals that the focus was primarily on safety rather than high-end engineering. While the materials themselves are excellent, the assembly feels a bit loose; there is a noticeable wobble in the showerhead, and the carafe lid can produce a jarring metal-on-glass grinding sound if it isn’t perfectly aligned. Additionally, the customer support experience is a bit hit-or-miss, relying initially on AI before eventually connecting to a human. While the five-year warranty is a strong indicator of the company’s commitment, the user experience around maintenance—specifically managing the multiple, slightly finicky parts—suggests this is a machine you buy for its purity, not its mechanical perfection.
Ultimately, the Simply Good coffee maker is the champion of the “plastic-free” niche for a reason. You aren’t buying it because it’s the most sophisticated brewer in the world or because it produces the nuanced complexity of a $799 Ratio Eight. You are buying it because it is the most honest and transparent machine on the market. In a world where we are increasingly aware of what we ingest, this brewer removes the anxiety of hot water leaching chemicals into your morning ritual. It is a solid, reliable, and health-focused appliance that provides a consistently good cup of coffee while effectively eliminating the fear of microplastics in your mug.
