Zojirushi Fresh Brew Plus Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker

3.6

(3)

Verdict

An excellent pick if you want standout drip-coffee taste and a thermal-carafe design that avoids hot-plate bitterness. Expect a longer brew when bloom is enabled, but the Time Saver option helps when you need speed.

Pros

Cup, tray & carafe handling 4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.8
Water system, maintenance & descaling 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.5
Accessories 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2

Included extras are practical, with a reusable filter basket and a scoop mentioned as useful add-ons that support easy everyday brewing.
Capacity 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2

A 50-ounce capacity supports multiple servings and longer holds in the thermal carafe, aligning with its strong heat-retention testing results.
Iced / cold-brew function quality 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2

The iced-coffee mode is viewed positively in this review, described as a solid feature and an important part of the machine’s brew options.
Overall user experience 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.1

Overall experience trends positive here thanks to smooth taste from auto-bloom and strong thermal-carafe performance, though the bloom step can lengthen the brew unless you use the faster Time Saver mode.
Design, ergonomics & footprint 3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 3.7
Filter 3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.6

Filter options are flexible: it includes a reusable basket and also supports standard paper filters, with parts described as straightforward to use and clean.

Cons

Speed & time-to-cup 2.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 2.7
Accuracy of marketing claims 2.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 2.5

Marketing temperature claims are questioned: the review notes the brand suggests coffee can reach about 200F, but testing topped out closer to 180F.
Value & Price 1.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 1.8