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Braun BrewSense Review

This middling appliance is easy to use and has good brewing features, though it's not our favorite cup of coffee
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Braun BrewSense Review (This is a decent option for those looking for programmability and  machine that will turn off automatically. However...)
This is a decent option for those looking for programmability and machine that will turn off automatically. However, we found the brew quality lacking, with lower brewing temperatures and a watered down taste.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $100 List
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Manufacturer:   Braun
By Jessica Riconscente, Becca Glades, and Kendra Ridenour  ⋅  Jan 10, 2024
56
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 13
  • Brew Quality - 35% 4.5
  • User Friendliness - 30% 6.1
  • Ease of Cleaning - 20% 7.2
  • Consistency - 15% 5.1

Our Verdict

The Braun BrewSense is a great option for those who want to brew large batches without much hassle. The brewer's interface is easy to use, with options like a 24-hour timer, automated shut-off, and a cleaning indicator. This brewer is also easy to clean as most parts are dishwasher-safe. Our concerns lie with the brewing quality. Its uneven water distribution and lower water temperature output left much to be desired. However, this is still a decent option for those who are looking for a programmable model with intuitive features. Check out how it compares to the best drip coffee makers we tested in our full review.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple brew process
12-cup capacity
REASONS TO AVOID
Inconsistent water temperature
Poor water distribution

Compare to Similar Products

 
braun brewsense
This Product
Braun BrewSense
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Drip Coffee Maker for Most People
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Drip Coffee Machine on a Tight Budget
 
Price $100 List
$99.95 at Amazon
$80 List
$69.99 at Amazon
$70 List
$69.99 at Amazon
$40 List
$34.99 at Amazon
$25 List
$24.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
56
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Bottom Line This machine includes many great features capable of brewing large pots of middling coffeeEasy to use, programmable options give you the tools to brew your coffee to your likingThis inexpensive machine gives you a few key features without breaking the bankAn inexpensive brewer that makes decent coffee with programmable functionsWhile we think this machine gives a mediocre cup of coffee, it is convenient to use and affordable
Rating Categories Braun BrewSense Ninja 12-Cup Progra... Hamilton Beach 2-Way Black+Decker 12-Cup... Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mi...
Brew Quality (35%)
4.5
7.8
3.5
4.5
4.1
User Friendliness (30%)
6.1
8.7
6.1
5.4
6.1
Ease of Cleaning (20%)
7.2
7.9
6.9
4.5
4.5
Consistency (15%)
5.1
6.5
6.1
6.2
3.6
Specs Braun BrewSense Ninja 12-Cup Progra... Hamilton Beach 2-Way Black+Decker 12-Cup... Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mi...
Average Brew Temperature 197.0 °F 202.5 °F 191.9 °F 192.2 °F 194.1 °F
Average Time to Brew 6 Cups of Coffee (minutes) 8.57 8.48 7.9 7.88 8.09
Scheduled Brewing Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Preinfusion No Yes, not adjustable No No No
Footprint Dimensions (H x W x D) 14.3" x 8.0" x 8.0" 14.5" x 9.5" x 8.3" 13.9" x 12.2" x 11.1" 8.2" x 12.2" x 11.0" 10.0" x 6.5" x 8.0"
Cup Capacity 1 - 12 cups 1 - 12 cups 1 - 12 cups 2 - 12 cups 1 - 5 cups
Single Serve Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Filter Shape Cone Cone Flat Flat Flat
Power Draw 1000 watts 1100 watts 950 watts 975 watts 650 watts

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Braun BrewSense has many great features, including automatic brewing, auto-off, and a one to four-cup option. We also appreciate how easy this brewer is to use. The design is straightforward and intuitive, with separate buttons for each function. This coffee maker is a decent option for those looking for programmability and auto-off. However, the brew quality was lacking, with uneven water distribution resulting in a less-tasty pot of joe.

Performance Comparison


braun brewsense - this machine has great features like sneak-a-cup and a 24-hour...
This machine has great features like sneak-a-cup and a 24-hour timer, though the flavor was nothing to get excited about.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brew Quality


To score the brew quality, our team tested each coffee maker, assessing the water temperature, water distribution, and brew features. The BrewSense scored below average in this test with coffee that tasted somewhat watered down.

The average brewing temperature was 197.0°F, just within that optimal brewing range of 195°F to 205°F. After brewing, the grounds receded along the edges, with a large divot in the middle. This suggests the middle of the grounds was over-extracted, resulting from uneven water distribution. The water reservoir has a carbon filter, but we still found the BrewSense gave us a cup of coffee that left a lot to be desired.

braun brewsense - this brewer isn't the best when it comes to water distribution...
This brewer isn't the best when it comes to water distribution, shaping a volcano-like divot in the grounds. This means you aren't going to get optimal flavor from your grounds.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

User Friendliness


The BrewSense scored well in our user friendliness test with a simple and intuitive design. The brewer has many customizable features, including a 24-hour timer, auto-off, and a one to four-cup option. Our testers appreciated the auto-off feature with shutoff options that range from 15 minutes to five hours. We were also pleased to see the sneak-a-cup feature included in this design.

braun brewsense - the brewsense is easy to use, with clearly labeled buttons and a...
The BrewSense is easy to use, with clearly labeled buttons and a separate power button.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The BrewSense brews up to 12 cups into a non-insulated carafe that rests on a heating plate. The carafe design allows for larger pours without needing to angle the pot in an unnatural way, giving a satisfying pouring experience. However, we also found the machine makes a lot of odd clicking and popping sounds while brewing; not a dealbreaker, but we definitely found it a little off-putting. We also had a bit of trouble getting the brew basket to click into place. The water reservoir is also hard to get to — it's a bit small, and you have to come in from the sides to access it.

braun brewsense - the carafe is easy to pour from and provides a smooth flow of coffee.
The carafe is easy to pour from and provides a smooth flow of coffee.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Cleaning


The BrewSense excelled in our cleaning test, impressing our testers with its simplicity. Cleaning was pretty straightforward as all the removable pieces are dishwasher safe. The carafe is large enough to fit a hand in and wipe the walls without trouble. We appreciate the clean button as it indicates when descaling is needed, so you don't have to keep track of this yourself.

This brewer lost a few points since touching the metallic parts of the machine left highly visible fingerprints. What's worse, those fingerprints didn't easily wipe off either, requiring a decent amount of effort to remove them.

braun brewsense - though the carafe is dishwasher safe, it is also very easy to wash...
Though the carafe is dishwasher safe, it is also very easy to wash by hand given its large opening.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Consistency


We tested five pots of coffee to determine the consistency of brew temperature and brew time. The Braun BrewSense performed just about average in this test. This machine brewed a bit faster with each pot, but still was below average on speed, averaging 8 minutes and 34 seconds. Brew temperature was inconsistent and varied a couple of degrees in either direction but averaged right within the optimal range — 195°F to 205°F — at 197°F.

braun brewsense - we tested the coffee temperature of each brew and assessed the...
We tested the coffee temperature of each brew and assessed the consistency. This machine was pretty average, with varying temperatures each round.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Should You Buy the Braun BrewSense?


The Braun BrewSense is a good option for those who are interested in features like a 24-hour timer and auto-off. This brewer is easy to use and simple to clean. However, it produces just an average-tasting cup of coffee.

braun brewsense - the brewsense is intuitive and easy to use. each feature has its own...
The BrewSense is intuitive and easy to use. Each feature has its own button, which is clearly labeled.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

What Other Drip Coffee Makers Should You Consider?


For a more impressive machine, check out the Ninja 12-Cup. This machine is more affordable, has many of the same features, and brews an excellent cup of coffee.

Jessica Riconscente, Becca Glades, and Kendra Ridenour