Simply Good Coffee Olson 8 Cup Coffee Brewer

Published on Aug. 3, 2023, 4:21 p.m.

Coffee’s journey began in Ethiopia, where legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi first discovered the potential of these beloved beans. The magic of coffee spread quickly to the Arabian Peninsula, thriving in the Yemeni district of Arabia where it was first cultivated and traded on a large scale. By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in the Persian Gulf, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. Coffee houses, known as qahveh khaneh, which started in the Middle East, became centers for intellectual exchange and social gatherings.

As coffee spread to Europe in the 17th century, it became a popular beverage in the high societies and eventually found its way into the Americas and the rest of the world. Each region adapted its own unique way of preparing and consuming coffee, often reflective of its own cultural practices and preferences, thus embedding coffee into a variety of cultural traditions.
Coffee culture, as it spread, has formed unique coffee drinking traditions in different regions, such as Italian espresso, Turkish dark coffee, and American-style coffee. These cultures are not just about consumption; they have profound impacts on social interaction, economics, and the arts.

The Simply Good Coffee Olson 8 Cup Coffee Brewer is an affordable and easy-to-use drip coffee maker that brews up to 8 cups of delicious coffee with one-button operation. I tested this coffee machine extensively over several weeks to provide an in-depth review of its features, performance, and overall value.
SimplyGoodCoffee Coffee Maker

Overview

The Olson coffee brewer has a sleek and compact design with a black plastic body and stainless steel accents. It measures 13.7” x 7.8” x 14.6” and weighs 7.4 lbs. The machine has a simple control panel with buttons for power, brew, and the Bloom brewing feature. It includes a glass carafe with a mixing tube and lid.

Features

Brews up to 8 cups of coffee in 6 minutes
Optional Bloom feature for enhanced flavor extraction
Precise water heating from 195°F to 205°F
Removable and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
Auto shut-off and 40-minute keep warm plate

A Modern Marvel Rooted in Tradition

The Olson Brewer is a testament to the marriage of tradition and innovation. It pays homage to the time-honored pour-over method while incorporating modern technology to streamline the brewing process. By automating the precise water temperature and flow rate, it eliminates the guesswork and potential for error associated with manual brewing, ensuring a consistently delicious cup every time.

Design and Material Selection

The Olson Coffee Brewer boasts a sleek and modern design that will complement any kitchen. Its body is constructed from durable stainless steel, ensuring longevity and adding a touch of elegance. The carafe, made from high-quality borosilicate glass, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also resistant to thermal shock, ensuring it won’t crack when exposed to sudden temperature changes. This combination of materials not only enhances the brewer’s visual appeal but also contributes to the quality and consistency of your coffee.

Ease of Use

Simplicity is at the heart of the Olson Brewer’s design. Its one-button operation makes brewing a breeze - just add water, coffee grounds, and press the button. The machine takes care of the rest, precisely heating the water and evenly distributing it over the grounds. The removable parts, including the carafe, filter basket, and showerhead, are dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a cinch.

Coffee Flavor

The Olson Coffee Brewer is designed to deliver exceptional coffee flavor, and its precise temperature control and Bloom feature help to unlock the complex aromas and tastes within your coffee beans. However, the final coffee flavor is largely dependent on the quality and type of coffee beans used.

Using freshly roasted, high-quality coffee beans will make a significant difference in the final brew. Experiment with different coffee beans to find flavors that you enjoy. The Olson Brewer handles a variety of beans well, from light single origins to bold blends, ensuring a delightful coffee experience.

The Science Behind the Perfect Cup

The Olson Brewer’s design is rooted in the science of coffee extraction. Its showerhead evenly distributes water over the coffee grounds, ensuring uniform saturation and extraction. The bloom cycle, a pre-infusion stage, allows the coffee grounds to release trapped gases, maximizing flavor extraction. The brewer also maintains the optimal water temperature throughout the brewing process, further enhancing the flavor profile of the coffee.

SimplyGoodCoffee Coffee Maker

Performance

In my experience, the Olson brewer makes a very flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee. The water reaches the ideal 195°F to 205°F brewing temperature to properly extract flavors from the ground coffee. The Bloom feature wets the grounds first to help release more oils and acids before the full brew cycle. This produced a bright, balanced cup of coffee with the taste characteristics I expect from quality beans.

The brewer consistently delivered the set number of cups between 6 to 8 ounces each. It brewed a full pot quickly in around 6 minutes. The automatic shut-off safely turns off the heating element after 40 minutes.

Brewing Performance

The Olson Brewer doesn’t just promise great coffee, it delivers. It consistently brews a full pot of coffee in about 6 minutes, heating the water to the optimal temperature range of 195°F to 205°F. This precise temperature control is crucial for extracting the full range of flavors from your coffee grounds, resulting in a rich, aromatic brew that’s never bitter or burnt. The bloom cycle further enhances the flavor, particularly when using freshly roasted beans.

Impact of Coffee Bean Selection on Flavor

The type of coffee bean you choose plays a significant role in the final flavor of your brew. The Olson Brewer, with its precise brewing capabilities, is designed to bring out the best in your beans. Whether you prefer the bright, fruity notes of Ethiopian beans, the balanced sweetness of Colombian beans, or the deep, chocolatey tones of Brazilian beans, the Olson Brewer will help you unlock their full potential. Remember, the quality of your coffee beans is just as important as the brewing method itself.

The Impact of Roasting and Brewing Temperatures on Coffee Flavor

Precise temperature control during the roasting and brewing process is crucial for flavor extraction in coffee. The roasting temperature affects the transformation of oils and aromatic compounds in the coffee beans, and different roast levels (light, medium, dark) directly influence the coffee’s acidity, bitterness, and overall flavor profile. Moreover, the water temperature during brewing needs to be between 195°F and 205°F to effectively extract these complex flavor components into the coffee. Proper temperature management not only maximizes the release of coffee’s potential flavors but also avoids the development of bitter and unpleasant tastes.

Brewing Capacity and Speed

The Olson Brewer is designed to cater to households or offices with its 8-cup brewing capacity. Whether you’re brewing for yourself or a group, this machine can quickly deliver up to 8 cups of coffee in just 6 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need their coffee fix fast without compromising on taste or quality.

Bloom Feature for Enhanced Flavor

The Olson Brewer’s Bloom feature sets it apart from many other coffee makers in its class. This pre-infusion process involves a brief wetting of the coffee grounds before the full brewing cycle begins. This allows the coffee to release trapped gases, enhancing the extraction of flavors and aromas during the main brewing process. The result is a more nuanced and flavorful cup of coffee, especially noticeable when using freshly roasted beans.

Precise Water Temperature for Optimal Extraction

The Olson Brewer takes the guesswork out of brewing by ensuring precise water temperature control. It heats the water to the optimal range of 195°F to 205°F, the sweet spot for extracting the full spectrum of flavors from your coffee grounds. This meticulous temperature control prevents under-extraction, which can lead to sourness, and over-extraction, which can result in bitterness.

Easy Cleaning with Removable Parts

Maintaining the Olson Brewer is a breeze, thanks to its removable parts. The carafe, filter basket, and showerhead can be easily detached and are dishwasher-safe, simplifying the cleaning process. This ensures that your brewer remains in top condition, brew after brew.

Auto Shut-Off and Keep Warm Plate

The Olson Brewer is designed with convenience and safety in mind. It features an auto shut-off function that automatically turns off the machine after 40 minutes, providing peace of mind and energy efficiency. Additionally, the keep-warm plate keeps your coffee at an optimal temperature for up to 40 minutes, so you can enjoy a hot cup even if you don’t drink it immediately after brewing.

Olson Coffee Brewer Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the performance and longevity of your Olson Brewer. Fortunately, its simple design and removable components make cleaning a breeze. After each brew cycle, hand-wash the removable water reservoir, filter basket, showerhead, and glass carafe in warm, soapy water. Avoid using the dishwasher, as it may affect the durability of these components. For the exterior, a quick wipe-down with a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth is usually sufficient.

To keep the stainless steel looking its best, occasionally use a stainless steel appliance cleaner. Additionally, it’s crucial to descale the brewer every 1-3 months, depending on your water hardness and usage frequency. Descaling removes mineral buildup that can affect the brewer’s performance and the taste of your coffee. You can use a commercial descaling solution or a simple mixture of white vinegar and water.

Durability

The Olson coffee brewer has a sturdy stainless steel and black plastic construction. After testing it daily for weeks, it has held up well with no issues. The 2-year warranty provides added peace of mind.

Simply Good Coffee Olson 8 Cup Coffee Brewer

Use Cases

The Olson coffee maker is ideal for daily home brewing. It can quickly make up to 8 cups for the whole family in the morning. The compact size takes up minimal counter space. It’s also great for offices, dorm rooms, and other small brewing needs.

Customer Feedback Analysis

Based on the numerous reviews from verified purchasers, the Simply Good Coffee - Olson Coffee Brewer has garnered significant praise for its performance, simplicity, and value. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from customer experiences.

One of the most recurring compliments is the exceptional coffee quality produced by this machine. Customers describe the brew as smooth, rich, full-bodied, and flavorful, with some even comparing it favorably to more expensive, high-end coffee makers. The ability to achieve cafe-quality results at home has been a major selling point for many satisfied buyers.

Ease of use is another aspect frequently mentioned in positive reviews. Users appreciate the straightforward one-button operation, which streamlines their morning coffee routine. The intuitive controls and minimal learning curve make it accessible to coffee lovers of all skill levels.

Cleaning and maintenance also receive praise, with removable, dishwasher-safe parts that simplify the process. The compact design is another plus, as it fits well in most kitchens without occupying too much valuable counter space.

While the majority of reviews are glowing, there are a few minor critiques worth noting. Some users found the 8-cup capacity to be insufficient for their needs, as it yields closer to 3 regular-sized mugs. Others reported occasional overflow issues with the filter basket, which can likely be resolved by adjusting the grind size and amount of coffee used.

A small number of reviewers also mentioned that the included carafe could be prone to spills when pouring too quickly. However, this seems to be more of a design quirk rather than a deal-breaker, and can be easily remedied by pouring more slowly or using a different carafe if needed.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall customer sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. Many users express surprise and delight at the Simply Good Coffee - Olson Coffee Brewer‘s ability to deliver high-quality coffee at a reasonable price point. The generous 30-day return policy and 2-year warranty also instill confidence in the product’s reliability and the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, the Simply Good Coffee - Olson Coffee Brewer has earned a loyal following among coffee enthusiasts who value simplicity, performance, and value. Its consistent ability to produce delicious, café-quality coffee with minimal fuss has made it a standout choice in the competitive home coffee maker market. With a few minor caveats that can be easily addressed, this machine is a strong contender for anyone seeking an affordable and reliable path to a great cup of coffee.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Exceptional Coffee Quality: The Olson Brewer consistently produces coffee that’s rich, flavorful, and aromatic. Its precise temperature control and bloom feature ensure optimal extraction, rivaling the quality of brews from much pricier machines.
User-Friendly Design: Simplicity is key with the Olson Brewer. Its one-button operation and intuitive design make it incredibly easy to use, even for those new to the world of coffee brewing.
Fast Brewing: In just 6 minutes, you can have a full pot of coffee ready to enjoy. This is significantly faster than many other brewers in its class.
Durable Construction: Made with stainless steel and high-quality glass, the Olson Brewer is built to last. Its robust construction ensures that it can withstand daily use without showing signs of wear and tear.
Easy to Clean: The removable parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a hassle-free experience.
Affordable Price: With an MSRP of $157, the Olson Brewer offers exceptional value for its performance and features. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Cons:

Glass Carafe: While aesthetically pleasing, the glass carafe can be prone to spills if not handled carefully. Some users might prefer a thermal carafe for better heat retention.
Potential Overflow: In some cases, the filter basket might overflow if the coffee grind is too fine or the amount of coffee used is excessive. This can be easily avoided by adjusting the grind size and coffee-to-water ratio.
8-Cup Capacity: The 8-cup capacity might be limiting for larger households or those who prefer larger mugs. It yields closer to 3 regular-sized mugs.

Comparison with Other Coffee Machines on the Market

When selecting a coffee machine, consumers often compare the performance and pricing of different brands and models. Although the Simply Good Coffee - Olson Coffee Brewer is more affordable, it rivals more high-end machines in terms of functionality and performance. Its unique “Bloom” feature and precise temperature control system make it stand out among similarly priced products, delivering value and experience that exceed its price tag.

Value

With an MSRP of $157, this coffee machine provides excellent value. It delivers gourmet taste and convenient functionality at a fraction of the cost of similar premium coffee makers. The quality and performance rival more expensive models.

Conclusion

The Simply Good Coffee Olson 8 Cup Coffee Brewer is a testament to the idea that exceptional coffee doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. It’s a brewer that prioritizes simplicity, quality, and affordability, making it a perfect fit for both coffee novices and seasoned enthusiasts. With its one-touch operation, precise temperature control, and innovative bloom feature, it consistently delivers a rich, flavorful cup that rivals those brewed by high-end machines.

While the glass carafe and potential for overflow are minor considerations, they are easily overshadowed by the brewer’s numerous strengths. Its durable construction, sleek design, and eco-friendly features further enhance its appeal. If you’re in search of a reliable, user-friendly, and budget-friendly coffee brewer that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Olson Brewer is a worthy investment that promises to elevate your daily coffee ritual.

Eco-Friendly Design and Commitment to Sustainability

In designing the Olson Coffee Brewer, Simply Good Coffee not only focused on functionality and aesthetic appeal but also thoroughly incorporated environmental and sustainability considerations. The materials used in the coffee maker are recyclable and meet environmental standards, reflecting the brand’s commitment to environmental protection. Additionally, the energy-efficient design of the coffee machine helps reduce energy consumption, further demonstrating Simply Good Coffee’s ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impact in its production processes.