Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker Review

Home users wanting a simple, compact 5-cup drip coffee maker

The Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker is a drip machine from Krups priced at $34.99. It sits in the lower-priced bracket beside the $178 Bonavita and makes up to five cups, using a 1.2-litre reservoir, a glass pot, and either paper or compatible permanent filters. A permanent filter is included.

Spec-led review. Built from the manufacturer’s published specification and price rather than hands-on testing. Figures we could not find stated are left blank instead of estimated. Updated when we get one in.

Where you can buy itUS confirmed

Confirmed on Amazon US, which is where this link points. Availability in other Amazon stores has not been checked, and a regional store may substitute a different product.

Our rating
6.2/ 10
Decent
7 of 7 scored, out of 84.6 points · 15.4 not judgeable from specs

How we rate drip coffee makers — what each criterion measures, and what we cannot.

Brew Quality (SCA certified and brew temperature not published)5.0 / 10
worth 6.6 of 84.6 · 15.4 unpublished · thinly evidenced

Its filter compatibility covers paper, nylon, and metal permanent options, but the listed features do not establish a brewing temperature. Buyers prioritizing a defined temperature range have stronger documented evidence with the Bonavita.

how we got 5.0

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 0% published.
SCA certifiednot applicable
Brew temperaturenot applicable
Bloom / pre-infusionnot in our data1.0 / 2.0
Showerheadnot in our data0.5 / 1.0

The rows that apply here are worth 3.0 between them and this one took 1.5, which is 5.0 out of 10. That 0–10 result is what the criterion's 6.6 of 84.6 points are then scaled by.

The 3.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 1.5 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Brewing Control & Programmability5.0 / 10
worth 16 of 84.6 · thinly evidenced

Automatic Keep Warm follows brewing, giving buyers one clearly defined convenience. By comparison, the Bonavita includes optional pre-infusion, making it the better documented choice for buyers who want specified brewing control.

how we got 5.0

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 0% published.
Programmable timernot in our data1.25 / 2.5
Strength controlnot in our data1.25 / 2.5
Single-cup modenot in our data1.25 / 2.5
Bloom / pre-infusionnot in our data1.25 / 2.5

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 5.0, which is 5.0 out of 10. That 0–10 result is what the criterion's 16 of 84.6 points are then scaled by.

The 10.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 5.0 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Build Quality & Durability6.5 / 10
worth 15 of 84.6 · well evidenced

The glass pot and filter receptacle can go on the dishwasher's upper rack, while the two-year warranty extends beyond the Bonavita's one year. Glass remains the material buyers must handle and maintain.

how we got 6.5

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from specs that predict this rather than measure it. 100% published.
Carafe materialGlass2.0 / 4.0
Warranty2 years2.5 / 4.0
Dishwasher-safe partsYes, glass coffee pot and filter receptacle on upper rack only2.0 / 2.0

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 6.5, which is 6.5 out of 10. That 0–10 result is what the criterion's 15 of 84.6 points are then scaled by.

Ease of Use & Cleaning7.5 / 10
worth 14 of 84.6 · partly evidenced

An included permanent filter avoids making paper filters mandatory, although both remain compatible. The glass pot and filter receptacle are upper-rack dishwasher safe, reducing the parts that require washing entirely by hand.

how we got 7.5

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 50% published.
Dishwasher-safe partsYes, glass coffee pot and filter receptacle on upper rack only3.0 / 3.0
Permanent filter includedYes2.0 / 2.0
Auto shut-offnot in our data1.0 / 2.0
Programmable timernot in our data1.5 / 3.0

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 7.5, which is 7.5 out of 10. That 0–10 result is what the criterion's 14 of 84.6 points are then scaled by.

The 5.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 2.5 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Carafe & Heat Retention3.5 / 10
worth 13 of 84.6 · well evidenced

The glass pot has a no-drip spout, and automatic Keep Warm follows brewing. Buyers get active warming rather than the Bonavita's double-wall thermal carafe, so this model depends on its hot plate after brewing.

how we got 3.5

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 100% published.
Carafe typeGlass pot with no-drip spout2.0 / 5.0
Carafe materialGlass1.5 / 3.0
No hotplate cooking the coffeeYes, automatic Keep Warm function after brewing0.0 / 2.0

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 3.5, which is 3.5 out of 10. That 0–10 result is what the criterion's 13 of 84.6 points are then scaled by.

Capacity & Flexibility6.0 / 10
worth 10 of 84.6 · partly evidenced

A five-cup capacity and 1.2-litre reservoir suit buyers making smaller batches. The Bonavita covers four to eight cups, so households wanting a documented wider serving range should look to that alternative.

how we got 6.0

what this measures, and what we cannot

What it was scored onScored from the specs the maker publishes. 70% published.
Cups per brew5 cups3.0 / 5.0
Single-cup modenot in our data1.5 / 3.0
Reservoir1.2 L1.5 / 2.0

The rows that apply here are worth 10.0 between them and this one took 6.0, which is 6.0 out of 10. That 0–10 result is what the criterion's 10 of 84.6 points are then scaled by.

The 3.0 points we could not find a figure for are scored at the middle of the scale rather than as a zero, which awards 1.5 of them: the greyed figures above. We will not guess a specification and we will not mark the product down for our own missing research.

Value for Money10.0 / 10
worth 10 of 84.6 · well evidenced

At $34.99, the Simply Brew costs far less than the $178 Bonavita while including a permanent filter and a longer warranty. The tradeoff is a smaller capacity and fewer documented brew-quality features.

how we got 10.0
The verdict

The Simply Brew is worth considering at $34.99 for five-cup drip brewing, especially when low price, reusable filtration, and warranty length matter most. The price buys a five-cup machine with a 1.2-litre reservoir, glass no-drip pot, included permanent filter, automatic Keep Warm, and a two-year warranty.

Pros

  • It takes paper or a permanent nylon or metal filter, both compatible, and a permanent one is included
  • A 1.2 litre reservoir on a 5-cup machine, and a no-drip spout
  • A two-year warranty at $34.99
  • Dishwasher-safe pot and filter receptacle

Cons

  • 650W, the second lowest here
  • No programmable timer and no bloom
  • A glass pot on a keep-warm plate
From $34.99Warranty 2 years

What is the Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker?

The Simply Brew is a $34.99 drip coffee maker built around five-cup batches, a glass pot, and compatible paper or permanent filters.

Its 1.2-litre water reservoir supplies a machine rated for five cups. Coffee collects in a glass pot fitted with a no-drip spout, while a 650-watt system provides automatic Keep Warm after the brewing process finishes.

Krups includes a permanent filter, and the filter receptacle also accepts paper filters or compatible nylon or metal permanent filters. The machine comes in silver and carries a two-year warranty, placing a basic set of documented features behind its low US price.

Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker brew quality: does it hit the right temperature?

The Simply Brew cannot be judged against a stated brewing temperature, although its paper and permanent filter compatibility gives buyers a choice of filter format.

The machine accepts paper filters as well as nylon or metal permanent filters, and one permanent filter is included. Those options let buyers choose between disposable paper and reusable formats without changing to a different brewer.

Its 650-watt power rating and filter formats do not establish a particular water temperature or ground-saturation pattern. Buyers making temperature a deciding factor can instead compare the Bonavita's stated 91 to 96 degrees Celsius range, SCA certification, precision showerhead, and optional pre-infusion.

  • Paper filters and compatible nylon or metal permanent filters give buyers a choice of filtration format.
  • An included permanent filter allows brewing without requiring a separate reusable filter purchase.
  • The 650-watt rating identifies power consumption, not the temperature reached during brewing.
  • The Bonavita provides a stated 91 to 96 degrees Celsius range for temperature-focused buyers.

What you can brew with it

The Simply Brew handles drip coffee in batches up to five cups, with paper and permanent filter formats available for the same machine.

The five-cup rating defines the machine's brewing range, while the 1.2-litre reservoir holds its water supply. Its included permanent filter supports reusable operation, and compatibility with paper, nylon, or metal filters leaves the filter format open to the buyer.

This is a drip coffee maker with a glass pot and automatic Keep Warm function. Buyers needing batches beyond five cups have a wider documented range in the Bonavita, which covers four to eight cups and uses a flat-bottom filter basket.

  • It is intended for drip coffee batches of up to five cups.
  • Buyers can use paper filters or compatible nylon or metal permanent filters.
  • The included permanent filter supports buyers who prefer a reusable filter format.
  • Anyone regularly needing more than five cups should consider the eight-cup Bonavita instead.

Living with it, day to day

Day-to-day ownership centers on cleaning the glass pot and filter receptacle, managing the chosen filter, and using automatic Keep Warm after brewing.

The glass coffee pot and filter receptacle are dishwasher safe on the upper rack only. That placement restriction matters when loading the dishwasher, while every chosen paper filter still needs removal and each reusable filter requires cleaning between uses.

Automatic Keep Warm starts after brewing, using a hot plate beneath the glass pot. The no-drip spout is part of the carafe design, and the two-year warranty provides one more year of stated coverage than the Bonavita warranty.

  • Place the glass coffee pot on the dishwasher's upper rack when machine washing it.
  • Keep the filter receptacle on the upper rack whenever it goes in the dishwasher.
  • Remove used paper filters, or clean the included permanent filter after brewing.
  • Manage the glass pot with the automatic Keep Warm hot plate after each batch.

Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker vs Black and Decker CM1160B 12 Cup

The Simply Brew wins on price, included reusable filtration, and warranty length, while the Bonavita wins on capacity and documented brewing features.

At $34.99, the Simply Brew costs substantially less than the $178 Bonavita. It also includes a permanent filter and carries a two-year warranty, whereas the Bonavita has no permanent filter included and provides one year of warranty coverage.

The Bonavita covers four to eight cups, compared with five cups for the Simply Brew. It adds a 91 to 96 degrees Celsius brew range, SCA certification, optional pre-infusion, a precision showerhead, and a double-wall stainless steel thermal carafe without a hot plate.

  • Simply Brew wins for buyers prioritizing the lower price and an included permanent filter.
  • Simply Brew wins on warranty length, providing two years instead of Bonavita's one year.
  • Bonavita wins for buyers wanting up to eight cups and a thermal stainless steel carafe.
  • Bonavita wins on documented temperature, SCA certification, pre-infusion, and showerhead design.

Is the Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker worth it?

The Simply Brew is worth considering at $34.99 for five-cup drip brewing, especially when low price, reusable filtration, and warranty length matter most.

The price buys a five-cup machine with a 1.2-litre reservoir, glass no-drip pot, included permanent filter, automatic Keep Warm, and a two-year warranty. Its upper-rack dishwasher-safe pot and filter receptacle also address two recurring cleaning jobs.

Spend $178 on the Bonavita when its eight-cup ceiling, thermal stainless steel carafe, stated brewing temperature, SCA certification, precision showerhead, and optional pre-infusion justify the difference. For a smaller specified feature set at a much lower price, the Simply Brew is the better value choice.

Who should buy it (and who should not)

The Simply Brew suits budget-focused buyers making up to five cups, but not those prioritizing larger batches, a thermal carafe, or specified temperature performance.

Choose it when $34.99, an included permanent filter, and a two-year warranty matter more than broader documented brewing controls. The five-cup rating and automatic Keep Warm glass pot align with smaller-batch drip coffee needs.

Look elsewhere when eight-cup capacity, a stainless steel thermal carafe, or a stated brew-temperature range is central to the purchase. The Bonavita documents all three, alongside SCA certification, optional pre-infusion, and a precision showerhead.

Buy it if

  • You want a five-cup drip machine at a $34.99 price.
  • You prefer an included reusable filter while retaining paper-filter compatibility.
  • You value a two-year warranty and upper-rack dishwasher-safe components.

Skip it if

  • You regularly need batches larger than the stated five-cup capacity.
  • You want a thermal stainless steel carafe without a hot plate.
  • You require a stated brewing temperature, pre-infusion, or SCA certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker good for espresso?

The Simply Brew is identified as a drip coffee maker with a five-cup capacity, glass pot, and paper or permanent filter compatibility. Nothing in its stated feature set describes espresso brewing. Buyers specifically seeking espresso should choose a machine whose documented purpose and brewing system cover espresso rather than relying on this drip model.

Does the Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker come with a permanent filter?

Yes. A permanent filter is included, and the filter receptacle is also compatible with paper filters or other permanent filters made from nylon or metal. That gives buyers a choice between the supplied reusable option and paper filtration without making an additional permanent filter necessary for basic operation.

How many cups does the Simply Brew make?

The machine is rated for five cups and has a 1.2-litre water reservoir. Buyers who regularly need a wider stated batch range can compare it with the Bonavita, which is specified for four to eight cups. The cup ratings provide the relevant comparison without assuming that cup size matches a particular household mug.

Is the Simply Brew dishwasher safe?

The glass coffee pot and filter receptacle are listed as dishwasher safe, but both are restricted to the upper rack. The permanent filter still needs cleaning after use, while paper filters need removal and disposal. Keep the upper-rack limitation in mind whenever loading the two approved components into a dishwasher.

Does the Simply Brew keep coffee warm?

Yes. It has an automatic Keep Warm function after brewing, using a hot plate with the glass pot. This differs from the Bonavita, which has no heating plate and instead uses a double-wall stainless steel thermal carafe to keep brewed coffee hot. The two machines therefore use different documented approaches after brewing.

Is the Simply Brew worth $34.99?

It is worth considering at $34.99 if five-cup capacity, an included permanent filter, automatic Keep Warm, and a two-year warranty match your priorities. The $178 Bonavita costs considerably more but adds an eight-cup ceiling, thermal stainless steel carafe, stated temperature range, SCA certification, precision showerhead, and optional pre-infusion.

Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker appears in

Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker is featured in

More on drip coffee makers

Background reading that puts this review in context.

Alternatives to Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker

See all Krups Simply Brew 5-Cup Coffee Maker alternatives →

Other Drip Coffee Makers options we've reviewed.

Compared with

Also compared with Black+Decker 5-Cup Coffee Maker, Cuisinart DCC-450BK, Hamilton Beach 5-Cup Coffee Maker, which we have not reviewed.