Did Costco Just Give This Fascinating Affordable Coffee Maker Its Big Break?

A fascinating drip coffee machine just cropped up on Costco’s “What’s New” listings, which is bound to surprise and intrigue drip coffee lovers.

The aptly named The Brewer Glass by upstart SimplyGoodCoffee has quietly earned cult recognition since its launch, as well as notable nods of approval from coffee experts, thanks to its combination of classic aesthetics and a no-nonsense approach to delivering high-quality results.

Now, with Costco’s decision to not only stock the machine but also offer it at an even more affordable price, SimplyGoodCoffee’s unique minimalist brewers might finally be poised to go mainstream.

Precise, simple and affordable

Costco

The Brewer Glass bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Moccamaster KBGV, a machine that’s been widely considered one of the best drip brewers on the market for years.

That’s no accident. The machine’s industrial design deliberately channels the straightforward elegance of European coffee machines, where form follows function without unnecessary complexity.

What plagues most cheap coffee brewers is inconsistent temperature control. Water that’s too cool leads to under-extraction and sour, weak coffee. Water that’s too hot can scald the grounds, producing bitterness.

The Brewer Glass addresses this with a 1,560-watt heating element that brings water to the optimal 195-205°F range for proper extraction.

Costco

This level of power and heating consistency (which at least one reviewer has verified through extended use) is somewhat rare in machines at this price point, where most brewers use underpowered 900-1100 watt heaters that simply can’t get the job done.

Like premium drip machines on the market from Ratio and other brands, The Brewer Glass also includes an automatic bloom function – triggered by flipping on one of the machine’s two switches – that mimics and automates the pre-infusion technique used in manual pour-over brewing.

This allows freshly ground coffee to off-gas, which helps water penetrate the grounds more evenly for better flavor extraction.

Details like these are one of several factors that led Barista Magazine to note in their review that the brewer “champions the things that matter in the cup, while keeping a focus on simplicity,” highlighting how it delivers proper coffee ratios, appropriate brewing temperatures, and reasonable brewing times without overwhelming users with settings.

Costco

That said, the machine’s budget roots do show in a few notable places. It comes with only a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, or less than half that of the premium Moccamaster.

Some Reddit users report experiencing issues with the integrated hot plate not heating sufficiently and malfunctioning, leading to replacements or returning the machine outright. Many also note that the glass carafe feels delicate.

Then there’s the fact that the machine lacks programmability or a timer (but so does the lauded Moccamaster FWIW), so brewing a pot requires manual operation each morning (unless you’re clever and just plug it into a smart switch).

But for those prioritizing coffee quality over convenience and customization, these trade-offs are probably worthwhile, especially at this price point.

Pricing and availability

Costco

While Costco doesn’t offer a formal seal of approval, its decision to stock a product is a strong signal to mainstream American consumers.

The wholesale retailer is notoriously selective about what makes it to their shelves, particularly in the appliance category. So when a relatively young startup brewer lands alongside established names like Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart, Bosch, Ninja, and Keurig at Costco, it suggests the machine has proven itself worthy of wider recognition.

Their drip coffee maker selection is also surprisingly slim, making The Brewer Glass’s addition to those ranks all the more intriguing.

Beyond simply stocking it, Costco is selling The Brewer Glass at $100, down from its typical $160 retail price. For perspective, the afore-mentioned Moccamaster KBGV, which it attempts to emulate, typically retails for $369 in the US.

The catch? You’ll need a Costco membership to access the deal. And while it’s currently available for purchase directly from Costco online, its availability at your local warehouse may vary.

Costco

Simply Good Coffee The Brewer Glass

• $100 at Costco
  $160 (38% off)

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