I’m a coffee enthusiast, not a barista, but my mornings hinge on a solid cup of joe. When it came to upgrading my drip coffee maker, I found myself torn between the Technivorm Moccamaster and the Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer.
Both promise exceptional coffee, but which one truly delivers? In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience, breaking down their pros, cons, and key features to help you decide which brewer deserves a spot on your counter.
Let’s explore what makes these machines tick and how they stack up.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer | Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select |
| Price | ~$150–$180 | ~$330–$379 |
| Brew Capacity | 8 cups (40 oz) | 10 cups (40 oz) |
| Brew Time | 4–6 minutes | 3–4 minutes |
| Temperature Control | 195°F–205°F (fixed) | 196°F–205°F (fixed) |
| Material | Aluminum, plastic | Aluminum, BPA-free plastic |
| Design | Compact, modern, inspired by Moccamaster | Retro, iconic, variety of colors |
| Warranty | 2 years | 5 years |
| Ease of Use | One-button, bloom mode | Two buttons, manual drip-stop |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean, no dishwasher | Easy to clean, dishwasher-safe filter basket |
| Durability | Decent, less proven | Highly durable, replaceable parts |
| Special Features | Pre-infusion bloom mode | SCA-certified, manual brew adjustment |
My Journey With Coffee Makers
I’ve been brewing coffee at home for over a decade, starting with a beat-up Mr. Coffee that churned out barely drinkable sludge. Over time, I upgraded to pour-overs, French presses, and even an AeroPress, chasing that café-quality taste.
But as life got busier, I craved the convenience of a drip machine without sacrificing flavor. That’s when I stumbled across the Moccamaster, a darling of coffee snobs, and the Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer, a budget-friendly contender claiming to rival it.
I decided to put both to the test, brewing multiple pots daily for weeks to see which one truly elevates my morning ritual.
Unboxing And First Impressions
- Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer
When I unboxed the Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer, I was struck by its sleek, compact design.
It’s clearly inspired by the Moccamaster, with a similar tower-like structure, but it feels more modern and less retro.
The aluminum and plastic build is lightweight—about 5 pounds—and it fits neatly on my counter without hogging space.
The glass carafe and filter basket felt sturdy enough, though the magnet holding the basket in place was a bit weak, making me nervous about accidental spills.
Setup was a breeze: plug it in, rinse the components, and you’re ready to brew.
- Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster, on the other hand, exudes a mid-century modern vibe that screams “I’m a coffee enthusiast.” Available in a rainbow of colors (I chose Candy Apple Red), it’s a statement piece.
At just over 6 pounds, it feels substantial, with a solid aluminum housing and BPA-free plastic components. The glass carafe and clear water reservoir add a vintage charm, and the rubber feet keep it planted firmly.
Unboxing was equally straightforward, though I noticed more parts—like the manual drip-stop basket—that hinted at a slightly steeper learning curve.
Key Features Breakdown
- Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer
The Olson Brewer is designed for simplicity and affordability without skimping on quality. Its standout feature is the one-button operation with an optional pre-infusion bloom mode, which mimics pour-over techniques by wetting the grounds before brewing to release carbon dioxide and enhance flavor.
The 1,560-watt heater maintains a consistent 195°F–205°F, the sweet spot for coffee extraction, according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). The showerhead distributes water evenly over the grounds, and the machine brews 8 cups (40 ounces) in about 4–6 minutes.
It’s made in South Carolina, emphasizing local manufacturing, and comes with a 30-day risk-free guarantee and a 2-year warranty.
- Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster is the gold standard for drip coffee, SCA-certified for its ability to meet precise brewing standards.
It uses a copper heating element to heat water to 196°F–205°F, ensuring optimal extraction without burning the coffee.
The manual drip-stop lets you control the brew speed or pause it for a bloom, offering a touch of customization.
It brews 10 cups (40 ounces) in 3–4 minutes, faster than the Olson, and features a hot plate that keeps coffee warm for 100 minutes before auto-shutting off for safety.
Handmade in the Netherlands, it boasts a 5-year warranty and replaceable parts for long-term durability.
Brewing Experience of Simply Good Coffee And Moccamaster
- Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer
Brewing with the Olson Brewer is as simple as it gets. I filled the reservoir with water, added my favorite medium-roast beans (ground to a medium-coarse texture), and pressed the button.
The bloom mode is a game-changer—it soaks the grounds for about 30 seconds before the full brew, resulting in a richer, more aromatic cup.
The coffee was consistently smooth, with bright notes shining through, though I noticed the hot plate doesn’t keep the coffee hot for long—about 45 minutes before it starts cooling.
Cleanup is easy; I rinse the filter basket and carafe by hand, though I wish the basket was dishwasher-safe.
- Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster feels like a ritual. I measured out 41 grams of coffee for a 6-cup brew (using their provided scoop), filled the reservoir, and flipped the switch to select full or half-carafe mode.
The manual drip-stop let me pause the brew after the first water spurt to stir the grounds, mimicking a pour-over bloom. The coffee was exceptional—full-bodied, with a clean finish that rivaled my Chemex.
The hot plate kept it warm without scorching, and cleaning was a breeze, especially since the filter basket is dishwasher-safe. However, the static water tank can be tricky to fill without spilling.
Pros of Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer
- Affordable Price: At $150–$180, the Olson Brewer is a budget-friendly gem, delivering near-premium coffee without the premium price tag. It’s perfect for those who want quality without draining their wallet, especially compared to the Moccamaster’s hefty cost.
- Bloom Mode: The pre-infusion feature is a standout, soaking grounds for 30 seconds to release trapped gases, resulting in a fuller, more aromatic cup. I found it elevates lighter roasts, bringing out subtle flavors that cheaper machines often mute.
- Compact Design: Measuring 8.5” x 7” x 14”, it’s a space-saver, ideal for small apartments or crowded counters. I tucked mine next to my toaster without rearranging my kitchen, a big win for practicality.
- Consistent Brewing: The 1,560-watt heater keeps water at 195°F–205°F, hitting the SCA’s sweet spot for extraction. Every pot I brewed was smooth and well-balanced, rivaling machines twice its price.
- Made in the USA: Crafted in South Carolina, it appeals to those who value local manufacturing. Knowing it’s made closer to home gave me a sense of supporting smaller-scale production.
Cons of Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer
- Weaker Build Quality: The plastic-heavy construction and flimsy basket magnet feel less robust than the Moccamaster. After a few weeks, I noticed slight wear on the basket’s hinge, making me question its long-term sturdiness.
- Short Warranty: The 2-year warranty is decent but pales against Moccamaster’s 5 years. If something breaks after year two, you’re out of luck, which feels risky for a daily-use appliance.
- Limited Hot Plate Time: The hot plate shuts off after about 45 minutes, leaving coffee lukewarm if you’re not quick to pour. As someone who lingers over breakfast, I found myself reheating cups often.
- No Customization: You get one-button operation with no way to tweak brew strength or speed. While simple, it frustrated me when I wanted a stronger pot for guests or a slower brew for darker roasts.
- Less Proven Durability: Simply Good Coffee is a newer player, so there’s no decades-long track record. I couldn’t find user stories of 10+ year ownership, unlike the Moccamaster’s cult following.
Pros of Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
- Superior Coffee Quality: SCA-certified, it nails the 196°F–205°F range and even water distribution, producing coffee with depth and clarity. My test brews had vibrant fruit notes and a smooth finish that felt barista-level.
- Durable Build: Handmade in the Netherlands with aluminum and replaceable parts, it’s built to last. I read reviews of users passing theirs down like heirlooms, and the solid feel reassures me it’ll endure years of use.
- Fast Brewing: A full 40-ounce pot in 3–4 minutes is a lifesaver on rushed mornings. I could start brewing and have coffee ready before my toast popped up, a huge plus for efficiency.
- Manual Drip-Stop: The adjustable drip-stop lets you pause for a bloom or tweak brew speed, offering control I loved for experimenting with different beans. It’s like having a pour-over’s precision in an automated machine.
- Long Warranty: The 5-year warranty, paired with excellent customer service and replaceable parts, feels like a safety net. If anything goes wrong, I’m confident Technivorm has my back.
Cons of Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
- High Price: At $330–$379, it’s a serious investment. For casual drinkers or those on a budget, the cost is hard to justify, especially when the Olson Brewer performs nearly as well for less.
- Plastic Components: Despite the premium price, some parts, like the filter basket and water tank lid, are plastic and feel slightly cheap. I expected more metal for a machine in this range.
- No Programmable Features: No timers or auto-brew settings mean you can’t wake up to fresh coffee. I missed this convenience, especially compared to other high-end machines like the Breville Precision Brewer.
- Static Water Tank: The fixed reservoir is awkward to fill and clean, requiring a steady hand to avoid spills. I often wished it was removable, like on cheaper machines, for easier maintenance.
- Narrow Showerhead: The water dispersion isn’t as wide as the Olson’s, sometimes leading to uneven grounds saturation. I had to swirl the basket mid-brew to ensure even extraction, which felt like extra work.
Other Differences Between Simply Good Coffee And Moccamaster
- Taste Test Results
I brewed the same Yirgacheffe beans—a fruity, floral coffee—on both machines to compare flavor. The Olson Brewer produced a clean, vibrant cup with pronounced citrus notes, but it lacked some depth compared to a manual pour-over.
The Moccamaster, however, extracted more complexity, delivering a balanced cup with subtle nuances that made every sip feel like a treat.
The difference wasn’t night-and-day, but the Moccamaster’s coffee felt closer to a barista’s handiwork, likely due to its precise temperature control and manual drip-stop option.
- Design and Aesthetics
The Olson Brewer’s modern, minimalist look blends into any kitchen, but it doesn’t demand attention. Its compact size (8.5” x 7” x 14”) is a plus for small spaces, though the plastic-heavy build slightly cheapens the vibe.
The Moccamaster, with its retro-cool design and vibrant color options, is a conversation starter. Its larger footprint (11” x 6.75” x 15”) requires more counter space, but it feels like a piece of art.
Both are attractive, but the Moccamaster’s iconic style and sturdier build give it an edge for those who value aesthetics.
- Durability and Maintenance
The Moccamaster’s durability is legendary. Handmade in the Netherlands, it’s designed for longevity, with most parts replaceable. I read stories of people using theirs for 20+ years, and the 5-year warranty backs that up.
Cleaning is simple—rinse the carafe, pop the filter basket in the dishwasher, and descale with citric acid every few months. The Olson Brewer, while easy to clean (hand-wash only), feels less robust.
The 2-year warranty and lack of replaceable parts make me question its lifespan, especially since Simply Good Coffee is a newer brand without a long track record.
- Value for Money
The Olson Brewer is a steal at $150–$180, offering near-premium performance for a fraction of the Moccamaster’s price. It’s ideal for those who want great coffee without breaking the bank. However, its shorter warranty and less durable build might mean replacing it sooner.
The Moccamaster’s $330–$379 price tag is steep, but its longevity, repairability, and superior coffee quality justify the cost for serious enthusiasts. If you’re a casual drinker, the Olson gets you 80% of the way there for half the price.
Who Should Buy Which?
If you’re on a budget, have limited counter space, or just want a no-fuss machine that brews great coffee, the Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer is a fantastic choice.
Its bloom mode and consistent temperature make it a standout in its price range, though you’ll sacrifice some durability and customization. The Moccamaster is for coffee purists who value top-tier flavor, timeless design, and long-term reliability.
It’s a splurge, but if you’re brewing daily and want a machine that’ll last decades, it’s worth every penny.
My Personal Verdict
After weeks of testing, I lean toward the Moccamaster. Its coffee quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal won me over, even if the price made me wince.
That said, the Olson Brewer impressed me with its value and performance, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone who can’t justify the Moccamaster’s cost.
Both machines elevate drip coffee far beyond the average, but the Moccamaster feels like a lifelong companion, while the Olson is a practical, budget-friendly alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, it often does. Its SCA-certified precision and manual drip-stop produce a more complex, balanced cup compared to most drip machines, including the Olson Brewer, though the difference may be subtle for casual drinkers.
The high cost comes from its handmade construction in the Netherlands, durable materials like copper and aluminum, replaceable parts, and a 5-year warranty. Its SCA certification and consistent performance also add to the premium price.
The Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer is made in South Carolina, USA, emphasizing local manufacturing.
The Breville Precision Brewer is often rated highest for programmable drip machines, offering customizable temperature, flow rate, and brew strength, though it’s slightly cheaper than the Moccamaster at ~$330.
Wrapping Up
You and I both want that perfect morning brew, and choosing between the Simply Good Coffee Olson Brewer and the Technivorm Moccamaster comes down to your priorities. If you’re after affordability and solid performance, the Olson Brewer delivers impressive coffee for the price.
But if you crave top-tier flavor, durability, and a machine that’s practically a kitchen heirloom, the Moccamaster is your match. Whichever you pick, both will transform your coffee game—just decide how much you’re willing to invest in your daily ritual.