Zojirushi Fresh Brew

*Est. $90

Reviewed

October 2011

Budget thermal coffee maker

Pros

Quiet
Easy to clean
Easy-to-read water gauge

Cons

Small spout
Carafe lid may be difficult to unscrew
No small-batch setting

Where to Buy

for $81.74

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In its price range, the $90 Zojirushi Fresh Brew thermal carafe coffee maker gets better reviews than others, but it can't match owner-written ratings for more expensive machines like the Capresso MT-500 Coffee Maker (*Est. $180) . But owners say the Zojirushi coffee maker is a nice looking machine; it's also easy to use, clean and quiet. The main complaints in user reviews are about durability; some owners report that their coffee makers failed within a few months, others a couple of years. Furthermore, several owners report that the carafe lid is a nuisance to remove and that the pour spout is too small, making it easy to spill coffee. But overall, the Zojirushi is the best bet in its price range if you're looking for a thermal-carafe coffee maker. If you aren't determined to buy a thermal carafe model, you can find a better-rated automatic-drip coffee maker in the Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 (*Est. $80) , which has a glass carafe and a hot plate in lieu of a thermal carafe.

The Zojirushi Fresh Brew isn't included in ConsumerReports.org's roundup, but we consulted hundreds of user reviews for the Zojirushi Fresh Brew coffee maker at Amazon.com and a smaller number of owner reviews at Target.com, CoffeeGeek.com and Cooking.com. About.com also includes the Zojirushi Fresh Brew in a roundup of the best thermal carafe coffee makers. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Where To Buy

Zojirushi EC-BD15BAFresh Brew Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

(993 reviews)
Buy new: $98.00 $81.74 24 Used & new from $55.95

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Amazon.com

The Zojirushi Fresh Brew coffee maker earns an average rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 from more than 900 users. Owners say they like its reasonable price, heat retention and unbreakable carafe. We found many complaints about the lid, with users saying it's too hard to remove. But in its price range, the Zojirushi Fresh Brew coffee maker gets better scores than other thermal models.

Review: Zojirushi Fresh Brew, Contributors to Amazon.com

2. CoffeeGeek.com

Most of the dozens of owners who review the Zojirushi Fresh Brew rate it as good (with an average rating of 7.4 out of 10) and say this coffee maker is a good value. Others complain about the side-mounted controls and the screw-on carafe lid.

Review: Coffee Makers: Zojirushi Fresh Brew, Contributors to CoffeeGeek.com

3. Target.com

About 60 owners post reviews here, and the majority say they are very happy with their Zojirushi Fresh Brew coffee maker. Some have experienced durability problems and say the machine stopped brewing hot coffee after a few months. Overall, the Zojirushi Fresh Brew coffee maker averages 4 stars out of 5.

Review: Zojirushi Fresh Brew, Contributors to Target.com

4. Cooking.com

The Zojirushi Fresh Brew receives an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 from more than two dozen owners. More than 90 percent of reviewers say they'd recommend this model.

Review: Zojirushi Fresh Brew, Contributors to Cooking.com

5. About.com

Mariette Mifflin, About.com's guide to housewares and appliances, picks her favorite eight coffee makers. The review appears to be based on features rather than actual testing. The Zojirushi Fresh Brew is a top pick, but it's not clear why. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Stainless Steel Thermal Coffeemakers, Mariette Mifflin

Technivorm Moccamaster Thermal KBT741 *Est. $300

3 picks including: Amazon.com, CoffeeGeek.com…

Bunn Velocity Brew NHBB *Est. $100

1 pick by top review sites.

Zojirushi Fresh Brew Review

Zojirushi Fresh Brew

Budget thermal coffee maker