Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffee Maker Review

The Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker offers an affordable, no-frills brewing experience with easy operation but lacks advanced features and consistent performance.

In today’s fast-paced world, many coffee lovers seek convenience without unnecessary complexity. The Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a straightforward, budget-friendly solution for those who want to enjoy a hot cup of coffee without navigating complicated controls or settings. With a retail price of around $40, this coffee maker positions itself as an accessible option for anyone in need of a reliable brewing machine. But how well does this basic coffee maker fare in terms of performance, durability, and overall value? Let’s explore its features, design, and functionality in detail to determine if this appliance is truly worth the investment.

Simple, one-button operation
Auto pause feature allows for mid-brew coffee
Large 12-cup capacity with clear water level markings
Compact and lightweight design
Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components

Inconsistent brewing temperatures
Poor water distribution, leading to uneven coffee extraction
No automatic shut-off, posing a safety risk
Short, awkward carafe handle
Lack of programmable features or brew strength adjustment

Features of the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker

The Mr. Coffee Simple Brew lives up to its name by offering a minimalist design and feature set. Designed for ease of use, this coffee maker doesn’t attempt to dazzle users with advanced technology but rather provides a hassle-free brewing process that emphasizes function over form. Despite its simplicity, it incorporates a few essential features that make it a useful addition to your kitchen.

1. One-Button Operation

The Mr. Coffee Simple Brew eliminates the guesswork involved with brewing coffee by offering just one button. To start the brewing process, you simply flip the switch on the front of the machine. This no-nonsense approach makes it a perfect fit for individuals who don’t need programmable settings, timers, or strength controls. The straightforward operation is especially appealing for those who want to prepare coffee quickly and efficiently without the distraction of extra features.

2. Large 12-Cup Capacity

The coffee maker’s large 12-cup capacity is one of its major selling points, particularly for families or individuals who consume multiple cups of coffee throughout the day. The water reservoir can hold up to 96 ounces (2,840 milliliters) of water, which is enough to brew 12 full cups in one go. The carafe is clearly marked with cup measurements, allowing you to easily determine how much water to add based on the number of cups you intend to brew.

3. Dual Water Window

One thoughtful feature is the inclusion of a dual water window, which allows you to see how much water you’ve added from either side of the machine. This minimizes the risk of overfilling and ensures that you only pour the correct amount of water for the size of the brew you want. The water windows correspond with the markings on the carafe, simplifying the brewing process and reducing the chance of accidental spills.

4. Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause Feature

The “Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause” feature allows you to interrupt the brewing process if you can’t wait for the full pot to finish. By removing the carafe from the warming plate mid-brew, the machine temporarily halts the coffee flow, letting you pour a quick cup before the entire brewing cycle is complete. Once the carafe is replaced, brewing resumes. This feature is particularly useful for those mornings when you need that first sip of coffee right away.

5. Hot Plate to Keep Coffee Warm

Another important aspect of the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew is the warming plate that sits beneath the carafe. This hot plate ensures that your coffee stays warm as long as the machine is switched on. While this is convenient for people who like to enjoy their coffee over an extended period, it can pose a drawback if you forget to turn the machine off. The lack of an automatic shut-off function means the hot plate will continue to operate indefinitely, potentially resulting in scorched coffee or even a safety hazard if left unattended for too long.

6. Dishwasher-Safe Components

The Simple Brew is designed with ease of cleaning in mind. The removable filter basket, carafe, and carafe lid are all dishwasher safe, making maintenance relatively simple. You can easily clean these components by placing them on the top rack of your dishwasher, though hand-washing is also an option for those who prefer to protect their appliances from potential wear. The simplicity of the design means fewer components to manage, ensuring that regular cleaning is a quick and painless task.

Performance of the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew

While the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker excels in simplicity, its performance is somewhat inconsistent, particularly when it comes to brew quality, temperature control, and consistency across brewing cycles.

1. Brew Quality

Brew quality is arguably the most important factor for any coffee maker, and unfortunately, this is an area where the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew falls short. The machine struggles to maintain consistent brewing temperatures, often fluctuating between 176.9°F and 207.3°F. The ideal water temperature for coffee extraction should fall between 195°F and 205°F to ensure the best flavor from the coffee grounds. However, due to the Simple Brew’s inability to consistently hit this temperature range, the resulting coffee often lacks the full flavor profile that coffee enthusiasts seek.

During testing, the brewed coffee was found to be generally drinkable but lacked body and complexity. In particular, the uneven water distribution from the spray head led to uneven extraction of the coffee grounds. After brewing, the grounds showed signs of patchy coverage, with some areas appearing darker and others significantly lighter. This uneven saturation negatively affects the overall flavor of the coffee, leaving it tasting under-extracted in some areas and over-extracted in others.

2. Brewing Time

On average, the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew takes approximately 8 minutes and 51 seconds to brew a full 12-cup pot of coffee. While this is not an excessively long wait time, the machine’s performance tends to vary, with some brews taking significantly longer or shorter than expected. The fluctuating brewing times contribute to inconsistent results, meaning that the taste of your coffee might differ from one brew to the next, even if you follow the same preparation routine.

Product Reviews - Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffee Maker

3. Ease of Use

The Mr. Coffee Simple Brew shines when it comes to user-friendliness. As a machine built around the concept of simplicity, it is nearly foolproof in its operation. The absence of programmable settings or advanced brewing options means there’s virtually no learning curve. It’s as simple as filling the water reservoir, adding coffee grounds, and flipping the switch to start brewing.

However, the lack of an automatic shut-off feature is a significant downside. Many modern coffee makers include this safety feature as a standard, making the absence of automatic shut-off a glaring omission in this model. Users must remember to manually turn the machine off after brewing, which can be inconvenient and, in some cases, dangerous if left unattended for extended periods.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew is straightforward and doesn’t require much effort. The removable filter basket, glass carafe, and carafe lid can all be cleaned in the dishwasher, though some users prefer hand-washing to preserve the longevity of these components. Regular descaling is also necessary to keep the coffee maker running smoothly, especially in areas with hard water. Mr. Coffee offers its own descaling solution, though a simple vinegar and water mixture works just as well for this purpose.

To descale the machine, you can brew a mixture of four cups of vinegar and water, allowing the solution to clean the internal components. After running the vinegar mixture through the machine, it’s essential to follow up with a fresh water brew to remove any residual vinegar and ensure your coffee doesn’t taste like vinegar.

5. Durability and Build Quality

At 3.6 pounds, the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew is lightweight, which makes it easy to move around or store when not in use. However, the use of plastic for the housing and components raises questions about its long-term durability. The carafe handle is notably short, which may feel awkward when pouring a full pot of coffee. The overall build quality feels sufficient for a budget coffee maker, but it doesn’t offer the robust design or durability you’d expect from higher-end models.

Despite its low-cost construction, many users find that the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew holds up reasonably well with proper care and maintenance. It may not last as long as more premium coffee makers, but for its price point, it delivers a solid level of durability.

The Mr. Coffee Experience: Ideal for Simplicity Seekers

If there’s one thing the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew does well, it’s offering an uncomplicated brewing experience. For those who prioritize ease of use over premium features and don’t mind some of the trade-offs in brew quality and temperature consistency, this coffee maker serves as a reliable, budget-friendly option. It’s especially suited for users who are less concerned about advanced brewing techniques and more focused on getting their coffee quickly and efficiently.

However, the absence of features like an automatic shut-off, temperature control, and programmable brewing options makes the Simple Brew less suitable for coffee aficionados or those who want more control over their brewing process. While the machine delivers a drinkable cup of coffee, it’s unlikely to satisfy the palate of someone who enjoys the rich, complex flavors that come from more precise brewing methods.

Conclusion

The Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker is a classic example of a budget appliance designed for people who value simplicity. With its one-button operation, large water capacity, and ease of cleaning, it appeals to users who want a no-fuss coffee maker that gets the job done. However, its inconsistent brewing temperatures, lack of automatic shut-off, and limited durability may give some potential buyers pause.

If you’re looking for an affordable and basic coffee maker that focuses on convenience and ease of use, the Mr. Coffee Simple Brew may be worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations and don’t expect the same level of brew quality that you’d get from more expensive, feature-rich coffee makers. Ultimately, the Simple Brew serves its purpose well enough, but for those who demand more from their coffee experience, exploring other models with better brewing performance and safety features may be a better option.