If you love great coffee, buy this machine. When I say great coffee, I mean the kind of coffee you would expect and get from your favorite local coffee roaster/café or quality coffee shop (think Starbucks or Peet's, NOT the tasteless brown water that Dunkin' Donuts sells).
I've wanted a Moccamaster since I first saw one and tasted the coffee it makes while a college student, way back in the 1980s. Owning one at the time was impractical and unattainable, so I moved on. Over the intervening thirty years, I've always lingered enviously over the store displays whenever I encountered them, but never made the plunge—the machine was just too expensive. That being said, I've owned the best coffee makers from Braun, Krups, Kitchen Aid, and Breville, all of which made decent coffee. In fact, the Breville made great coffee, although its cost was dangerously close the the Technivorm's. That machine was the no-longer-available
Breville BKC600XL Gourmet Single-Cup Coffee Brewer
—the only Keurig system coffee maker the brewed hot enough for decent extraction. That machine lasted eight years, but finally shorted out due to perforation of the boiler element because of it's aluminum construction.
WHAT DID I CONSIDER?
I researched and considered buying two machines other than the Moccamaster: one from Breville, the
Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control, Silver
, and one from Behmor:
Behmor Connected Temperature Control Coffee Maker
. Both of these machines should make very good coffee, but I ultimately decided on the Moccamaster for several reasons, which I'll explain below. If the Moccamaster were't so much better, or not available, I think either of these machines would be a good option, but note that they're still expensive, so the choice was easy.
WHY DID I CHOOSE THE TECHNIVORM MOCCAMASTER?
1. Copper Heating Element—Almost all consumer coffee makers have aluminum heating elements. They will eventually corrode and short-circuit the machine. When this happens, cut the cord off and THROW IT AWAY. This assumes it's been plugged into a GFCI outlet. If it isn't, it will keep working despite the short. You're not only out of compliance with the local electrical code no matter where you live in the United States, but you're playing Russian roulette with your life. A copper element will heat virtually instantaneously, and it will last many years. Copper heating coils are customarily found in better espresso machines, and this quality feature sets the Moccamaster apart from the rest of the field.
2. Replaceable Parts—The Moccamaster has a modular construction which makes most parts user-replaceable. Other parts, such as the copper boiler, switches, etc., will be replaced quickly and at minimal cost by Technivorm's US service facility after the warranty expires. The warranty is five years.
3. Proper Brewing Temperature and Extraction Time—Good coffee require HOT, but not boiling, water. Most coffee makers just don't heat the water enough. The copper element in a Moccamaster heats the water to 196–205º, and has optimal flow-through for the best extraction. This results in coffee that is rich but not overpowering, with a "thick" body and smooth mouthfeel, and no sediment or separation.
4. Optimal Hotplate Temperature and Duration—Coffee should be kept at ±180º. A Moccamaster hot plate can be set to warm at either 175º, or 185º for those who prefer it hot. Every other machine's coffee will taste lukewarm to you after you use this machine. The hotplate switches off after 100 minutes, preventing burned coffee. If you need to warm it up again, just turn the machine on again. When the water tank is empty, a float switch prevents the water heater from engaging, so only the hot plate will come on.
5. Made the Way Things Used to Be Made—Technivorm has made these machines since 1964 with the same solid build quality, by hand, while incorporating improvements in materials and technology over time. The body is heavy-gauge extruded aluminum, and plastic parts are quality cast and attractive, with perfect fit and finish. I agree, in this price range one would expect some of the plastic to be heavier, or possibly the water tank be made of glass, but the plastic is toxin-free and unbreakable. Other parts are glass, rubber, and stainless steel. The heavy, removable, stainless steel showerhead has nine holes, which evenly bathe the grounds with hot water at the optimal rate of flow. Every part of the machine is recyclable, and the packaging is recycled corrugated cardboard, making it a champion of sustainability. The old-fashioned, heavy-duty rocker switches are the only adjustable controls. I'm as avid a technology geek as you can find, but perfect coffee means making it when you want it, which means timers, clocks and other electronic wizardry just shouldn't be part of the equation. Water will lose its oxygen and start going stale within two hours, and coffee will lose vital aroma within thirty minutes of being ground, so setting things up the night before to awaken to the smell of coffee guarantees you a mediocre cup.
In any case, this machine is FAST—faster than you've ever experienced. An entire 10-cup (1.25 liter) pot takes just under five minutes. Enough for a large thermal travel mug (4 cups on the water indicator), takes two minutes. The copper heating element is so oversized and efficient that the water will begin boiling and percolating up the glass tube in about five-ten seconds—you have to see it to believe it. A slick an old-fashioned feature is how the power switch physically rocks back to the off position after 100 minutes rather than the power just being cut off. It also features an orange neon-looking, but I assume LED, power indicator.
BOTTOM LINE
It's expensive. But consider that it's made by hand, over-engineered, parts are replaceable, and it's manufactured in the Netherlands by people earning a fair wage. Other machines are manufactured in Chinese, Mexican, or southeast-Asian factories alongside many other brands and models at a low cost with inferior materials. They are then marked up many times because the market will bear the inflated price. This coffee maker not only has superior build quality, but like other American- and European-made goods, the price is dictated by the cost of manufacturing, not excessive markup. I chose the copper finish to treat myself after waiting thirty years, but you can save up to $40 by choosing silver aluminum, and there are many painted and anodized colors available at different price points. The machine has two separate heaters with discreet circuitry, so when the water is done boiling, the coil switches off and the hotplate switches on much more durable and efficient.
HOW DO I MAKE PERFECT COFFEE?
1. Buy Whole Beans—Buy the best you can, from a reputable supplier. Resist the urge to buy your coffee pre-ground unless you're making a lot of it for a large event or party in a coffee urn. Coffee flavor and aroma degrades quickly after grinding.
2. Use A Burr Grinder—A conical burr grinder won't overheat the beans and burn the coffee like a cheap blade grinder will. It will also make the grind uniform, allowing the best and most consistent extraction. My grinder of choice is from Kitchen Aid:
KitchenAid KCG0702OB Burr Coffee Grinder, Onyx Black
. Mine has been going strong even after over ten years of daily use. Use the "6" setting for a Moccamaster or any other drip coffeemaker.
3. Weight, Not Volume—Just as in baking it's preferable to weigh dry ingredients rather than use measuring cups for the most exact portions, coffee should be weighed. Your chosen grind fineness, humidity, barometric pressure, and other factors make using a spoon very inconsistent. Use 14 grams of whole beans for each 8 ounces of water. This means 7 grams for each cup marking on a Moccamaster, since they use the European standard of 4-oz. cups of coffee. Grind the beans right before you put them in the filter basket.
4. Speaking of Filters…—I was always a firm believer in gold-plated stainless steel mesh filters. They last forever and there's no waste or mess. Technivorm specifically reccomends against them, and so I was skeptical. I bought a good quality #4 mesh filter separately and made two pots, one with the reusable filter and one with a paper filter supplied with the machine. There was no comparison. A paper filter is designed to give the best filtration and optimal steeping time. Buy #4 filters made from bleached white paper. The brown ones give the coffee a taste and aroma overtone faintly reminiscent of cardboard, and the bamboo filters may be sustainable, but they make coffee almost as bad as the metal mesh filters. No need to use Technivorm filters; a box of 100 white Melitta #4 filters will cost you about $3.50 at any grocery store.
5. Measure the Water—Don't use the carafe to pour water into the tank. Use a clean glass or cup or other container. If your tap water is sweet and soft and doesn't smell like chlorine, go ahead and use it. If you have hard water or smell anything when you turn the faucet on, use filtered or bottles water. DO NOT use distilled water. Minerals are necessary for good coffee for taste, aroma, and pH. I live in an area blessed with some of the purest reservoir water in the world, but I use water from my refrigerator dispenser for purity and consistency. Plus, cold water works better than room temperature or warm water. The filtration means better-tasting coffee and longer burner life, with more cycles between descaling.
This machine makes coffee as good as any I have ever had in a fine restaurant or craft coffeehouse. Buy it and enjoy it. Technivorm says a Moccamaster should be the last coffee maker you'll ever buy, and I believe them.
Rereading this review, I've realized that I've practically written a marketing piece. I'd like to make clear that I have no proverbial axe to grind. I'm not affiliated in any way with the manufacturer or any vendor, and I haven't received any sort of compensation from anyone. I waited decades to buy this machine, and I wish I had done it sooner.
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Discover similar items
No results available. Please adjust the filters and try again.
$540
$149
$109
$110
$709
$599
$111
$99
$63
$69
$189
$99
Page 1 of 5
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
Moccamaster KBG in Matte Black
Why Moccamaster?
Technivorm manufacturers only authentic Moccamaster coffee brewers and grinders made with the highest quality parts available today. Our philosophy has always been to produce long lasting, reliable,and energy efficient coffee makers
All Moccamaster coffeemakers vary in options including separate elements for brewing and holding, volume capacity, brew-basket options, thermal or glass carafe, and housing style.
Moccamaster KBG Coffee Brewer
Available in 25+ colors
The Moccamaster KBG coffee maker model features a glass carafe and an automatic drip-stop brew-basket that stops the flow of coffee if the carafe is pulled away. The KBG brews a full 40oz pot of coffee in six minutes. Coffee is held on our unique hot plate; which is engineered with a separate, independent element that rolls heat into the coffee to ensure an even taste from the first cup to the last drop. The hot plate has two settings, giving you the choice to hold your coffee at 175° or 185°.
- 14.00"H 12.75"W 6.50"D
- 120V 1475W
- 6.00 LBS
- Volume: 1.25 Liters / 40 Ounces / 10 Cups
- Power Switch: Auto Off at 100 minutes
- Brew-basket Style: Auto Drip-Stop
- Material: Metal / European Plastics
Brew barista quality coffee, from the comfort of your kitchen!
For the Real Taste of Coffee.
Moccamaster KBG Features
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
Automatic Brew BasketThe automatic brew-basket allows you to pull the carafe away and pour a cup without dripping from the brew basket. |
Even Saturation of Coffee From Our 9-Hole Outlet ArmThe 9-hole outlet arm pulses water at 196°-205°F over your coffee which ensures even extraction and a smooth flavorful cup of coffee from the first sip to the last drop. |
Moccamaster Cool Water ReservoirThe KBG coffee maker has a 40 oz 10-Cup, 1.25L Water Reservoir. Fill it up and watch the water bubble up the glass tube and over your coffee grounds for delicious coffee in 4-6 minutes. |
Moccamaster Power switch and hot plate switchthe Moccamaster KBG coffee brewer has two switches the one on the left controls the power and will turn off automatically after 100 minutes. The switch on the right controls the hot plate, click it to the right to hold coffee at 185°F or click it to the left to hold coffee at 175°F for 100 minutes while never burning your coffee. |
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moccamaster Cup One | Moccamaster CD Grand | Moccamaster KB | Moccamaster KBG | |
| Brew Basket Function | No Drip Stop | Manually adjustable brew basket | Manually adjustable brew basket with three settings | Automatic drip once carafe is in place |
| Body Style | Rectangle | Cylindrical | Rectangle | Rectangle |
| Auto Off | Auto off once the reservoir is empty | Hotplate stays on for 100 minutes then the brewer turns off for your safety and convenience | Hotplate stays on for 100 minutes then the brewer turns off for your safety and convenience | Hotplate stays on for 100 minutes then the brewer turns off for your safety and convenience |
| Brewing Capacity | 10oz/ 1.25 Cups/ 0.33L | 60oz/ 15 Cups/ 1.80L | 40oz/ 10 Cups/ 1.25L | 40oz/ 10 Cups/ 1.25L |
| Brew Time | 4 Minutes | 6-7 Minutes | 4-6 Minutes | 4-6 Minutes |
| Available Colors | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Off-White, Pink, Orange | Brushed Silver | Brushed Silver, Matte Black | Polished Silver, Copper, Brushed Brass, Matte Black, Black, Brick Red, Red, Red Metallic, Stone Grey, Pink, Merlot, Orange, Royal Blue, Turquoise, Yellow Pepper, Butter Yellow, Sky Blue, Pistachio, Off White, Matte Silver, Slate, Truffle |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moccamaster KBGT Coffee Maker | Moccamaster KBT Coffee Maker | Moccamaster KBTS Coffee Maker | Moccamaster CDGT Coffee Maker | Moccamaster CDT Grand Coffee Maker | |
| Brew Basket Function | Automatic drip once carafe is in place | Manually adjustable brew basket with three settings | Manually adjustable brew basket with three settings | Automatic drip once carafe is in place | Manually adjustable brew basket |
| Brewing Capacity | 40oz/ 10 Cups/ 1.25L | 40oz/ 10 Cups/ 1.25L | 32oz/ 8 Cups/ 1.25L | 40oz/ 10 Cups/ 1.25L | 60oz/ 15 Cups/ 1.80L |
| Requires Included Foot Plate | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Body Style | Rectangle | Rectangle | Rectangle | Cylindrical | Cylindrical |
| Brew Time | 4-6 Minutes | 4-6 Minutes | 4-6 Minutes | 4-6 Minutes | 6-7 Minutes |
| Auto Off | After Brew Cycle Completes | After Brew Cycle Completes | After Brew Cycle Completes | After Brew Cycle Completes | After Brew Cycle Completes |
| Available Colors | Polished Silver, Black, Stone Grey, Off-White | Polished Silver, Black, Stone Grey | Polished Silver | Brushed Silver | Brushed Silver |
Compare with similar items
|
Moccamaster 53941 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker, Polished Silver, 40 ounce, 1.25l
|
Breville BDC450BSS Precision Brewer Thermal, Coffee Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel
|
Ninja 10-Cup Specialty Coffee Maker, with 50 Oz Glass Carafe, Stainless Steel
|
Bonavita Connoisseur 8-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker Featuring Hanging Filter Basket and Thermal Carafe, BV1901TS, Stainless Steel, Chrome
|
Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Coffee Maker, 14 Cup Progammable with Glass Carafe, Stainless Steel
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (4003) | (253) | (1386) | (10664) | (2687) | (30780) |
| Price | From $540.00 | $349.00 | $299.95 | $169.99 | $145.36 | $90.95 |
| Sold By | Available from these sellers | J.L. Hufford | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | New Sun Mart |
| Color | Polished Silver | Polished Silver | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Chrome | Stainless Steel |
| Item Dimensions | 6.5 x 12.75 x 14 inches | 6.5 x 12.75 x 14 inches | 14 x 9 x 16 inches | 11.99 x 8.75 x 15.04 inches | 12.4 x 6.8 x 12.2 inches | 7.75 x 9 x 14 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.26 lbs | 6.25 lbs | 3.15 lbs | 9.24 lbs | 6.13 lbs | 8.75 lbs |
| Material | Aluminum | Metal, Glass, Copper | Stainless Steel, Thermal Carafe | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2017
I've wanted a Moccamaster since I first saw one and tasted the coffee it makes while a college student, way back in the 1980s. Owning one at the time was impractical and unattainable, so I moved on. Over the intervening thirty years, I've always lingered enviously over the store displays whenever I encountered them, but never made the plunge—the machine was just too expensive. That being said, I've owned the best coffee makers from Braun, Krups, Kitchen Aid, and Breville, all of which made decent coffee. In fact, the Breville made great coffee, although its cost was dangerously close the the Technivorm's. That machine was the no-longer-available [[ASIN:B000VX7VJO Breville BKC600XL Gourmet Single-Cup Coffee Brewer]]—the only Keurig system coffee maker the brewed hot enough for decent extraction. That machine lasted eight years, but finally shorted out due to perforation of the boiler element because of it's aluminum construction.
WHAT DID I CONSIDER?
I researched and considered buying two machines other than the Moccamaster: one from Breville, the [[ASIN:B00VGGVQCI Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control, Silver]], and one from Behmor: [[ASIN:B015PE66T4 Behmor Connected Temperature Control Coffee Maker]]. Both of these machines should make very good coffee, but I ultimately decided on the Moccamaster for several reasons, which I'll explain below. If the Moccamaster were't so much better, or not available, I think either of these machines would be a good option, but note that they're still expensive, so the choice was easy.
WHY DID I CHOOSE THE TECHNIVORM MOCCAMASTER?
1. Copper Heating Element—Almost all consumer coffee makers have aluminum heating elements. They will eventually corrode and short-circuit the machine. When this happens, cut the cord off and THROW IT AWAY. This assumes it's been plugged into a GFCI outlet. If it isn't, it will keep working despite the short. You're not only out of compliance with the local electrical code no matter where you live in the United States, but you're playing Russian roulette with your life. A copper element will heat virtually instantaneously, and it will last many years. Copper heating coils are customarily found in better espresso machines, and this quality feature sets the Moccamaster apart from the rest of the field.
2. Replaceable Parts—The Moccamaster has a modular construction which makes most parts user-replaceable. Other parts, such as the copper boiler, switches, etc., will be replaced quickly and at minimal cost by Technivorm's US service facility after the warranty expires. The warranty is five years.
3. Proper Brewing Temperature and Extraction Time—Good coffee require HOT, but not boiling, water. Most coffee makers just don't heat the water enough. The copper element in a Moccamaster heats the water to 196–205º, and has optimal flow-through for the best extraction. This results in coffee that is rich but not overpowering, with a "thick" body and smooth mouthfeel, and no sediment or separation.
4. Optimal Hotplate Temperature and Duration—Coffee should be kept at ±180º. A Moccamaster hot plate can be set to warm at either 175º, or 185º for those who prefer it hot. Every other machine's coffee will taste lukewarm to you after you use this machine. The hotplate switches off after 100 minutes, preventing burned coffee. If you need to warm it up again, just turn the machine on again. When the water tank is empty, a float switch prevents the water heater from engaging, so only the hot plate will come on.
5. Made the Way Things Used to Be Made—Technivorm has made these machines since 1964 with the same solid build quality, by hand, while incorporating improvements in materials and technology over time. The body is heavy-gauge extruded aluminum, and plastic parts are quality cast and attractive, with perfect fit and finish. I agree, in this price range one would expect some of the plastic to be heavier, or possibly the water tank be made of glass, but the plastic is toxin-free and unbreakable. Other parts are glass, rubber, and stainless steel. The heavy, removable, stainless steel showerhead has nine holes, which evenly bathe the grounds with hot water at the optimal rate of flow. Every part of the machine is recyclable, and the packaging is recycled corrugated cardboard, making it a champion of sustainability. The old-fashioned, heavy-duty rocker switches are the only adjustable controls. I'm as avid a technology geek as you can find, but perfect coffee means making it when you want it, which means timers, clocks and other electronic wizardry just shouldn't be part of the equation. Water will lose its oxygen and start going stale within two hours, and coffee will lose vital aroma within thirty minutes of being ground, so setting things up the night before to awaken to the smell of coffee guarantees you a mediocre cup.
In any case, this machine is FAST—faster than you've ever experienced. An entire 10-cup (1.25 liter) pot takes just under five minutes. Enough for a large thermal travel mug (4 cups on the water indicator), takes two minutes. The copper heating element is so oversized and efficient that the water will begin boiling and percolating up the glass tube in about five-ten seconds—you have to see it to believe it. A slick an old-fashioned feature is how the power switch physically rocks back to the off position after 100 minutes rather than the power just being cut off. It also features an orange neon-looking, but I assume LED, power indicator.
BOTTOM LINE
It's expensive. But consider that it's made by hand, over-engineered, parts are replaceable, and it's manufactured in the Netherlands by people earning a fair wage. Other machines are manufactured in Chinese, Mexican, or southeast-Asian factories alongside many other brands and models at a low cost with inferior materials. They are then marked up many times because the market will bear the inflated price. This coffee maker not only has superior build quality, but like other American- and European-made goods, the price is dictated by the cost of manufacturing, not excessive markup. I chose the copper finish to treat myself after waiting thirty years, but you can save up to $40 by choosing silver aluminum, and there are many painted and anodized colors available at different price points. The machine has two separate heaters with discreet circuitry, so when the water is done boiling, the coil switches off and the hotplate switches on much more durable and efficient.
HOW DO I MAKE PERFECT COFFEE?
1. Buy Whole Beans—Buy the best you can, from a reputable supplier. Resist the urge to buy your coffee pre-ground unless you're making a lot of it for a large event or party in a coffee urn. Coffee flavor and aroma degrades quickly after grinding.
2. Use A Burr Grinder—A conical burr grinder won't overheat the beans and burn the coffee like a cheap blade grinder will. It will also make the grind uniform, allowing the best and most consistent extraction. My grinder of choice is from Kitchen Aid: [[ASIN:B00XPRQZJ0 KitchenAid KCG0702OB Burr Coffee Grinder, Onyx Black]]. Mine has been going strong even after over ten years of daily use. Use the "6" setting for a Moccamaster or any other drip coffeemaker.
3. Weight, Not Volume—Just as in baking it's preferable to weigh dry ingredients rather than use measuring cups for the most exact portions, coffee should be weighed. Your chosen grind fineness, humidity, barometric pressure, and other factors make using a spoon very inconsistent. Use 14 grams of whole beans for each 8 ounces of water. This means 7 grams for each cup marking on a Moccamaster, since they use the European standard of 4-oz. cups of coffee. Grind the beans right before you put them in the filter basket.
4. Speaking of Filters…—I was always a firm believer in gold-plated stainless steel mesh filters. They last forever and there's no waste or mess. Technivorm specifically reccomends against them, and so I was skeptical. I bought a good quality #4 mesh filter separately and made two pots, one with the reusable filter and one with a paper filter supplied with the machine. There was no comparison. A paper filter is designed to give the best filtration and optimal steeping time. Buy #4 filters made from bleached white paper. The brown ones give the coffee a taste and aroma overtone faintly reminiscent of cardboard, and the bamboo filters may be sustainable, but they make coffee almost as bad as the metal mesh filters. No need to use Technivorm filters; a box of 100 white Melitta #4 filters will cost you about $3.50 at any grocery store.
5. Measure the Water—Don't use the carafe to pour water into the tank. Use a clean glass or cup or other container. If your tap water is sweet and soft and doesn't smell like chlorine, go ahead and use it. If you have hard water or smell anything when you turn the faucet on, use filtered or bottles water. DO NOT use distilled water. Minerals are necessary for good coffee for taste, aroma, and pH. I live in an area blessed with some of the purest reservoir water in the world, but I use water from my refrigerator dispenser for purity and consistency. Plus, cold water works better than room temperature or warm water. The filtration means better-tasting coffee and longer burner life, with more cycles between descaling.
This machine makes coffee as good as any I have ever had in a fine restaurant or craft coffeehouse. Buy it and enjoy it. Technivorm says a Moccamaster should be the last coffee maker you'll ever buy, and I believe them.
Rereading this review, I've realized that I've practically written a marketing piece. I'd like to make clear that I have no proverbial axe to grind. I'm not affiliated in any way with the manufacturer or any vendor, and I haven't received any sort of compensation from anyone. I waited decades to buy this machine, and I wish I had done it sooner.
Color: CopperStyle: Coffee BrewerVerified Purchase
Take a Deep Breath and Just Buy It
By M. Gemma on August 23, 2017
If you love great coffee, buy this machine. When I say great coffee, I mean the kind of coffee you would expect and get from your favorite local coffee roaster/café or quality coffee shop (think Starbucks or Peet's, NOT the tasteless brown water that Dunkin' Donuts sells).By M. Gemma on August 23, 2017
I've wanted a Moccamaster since I first saw one and tasted the coffee it makes while a college student, way back in the 1980s. Owning one at the time was impractical and unattainable, so I moved on. Over the intervening thirty years, I've always lingered enviously over the store displays whenever I encountered them, but never made the plunge—the machine was just too expensive. That being said, I've owned the best coffee makers from Braun, Krups, Kitchen Aid, and Breville, all of which made decent coffee. In fact, the Breville made great coffee, although its cost was dangerously close the the Technivorm's. That machine was the no-longer-available [[ASIN:B000VX7VJO Breville BKC600XL Gourmet Single-Cup Coffee Brewer]]—the only Keurig system coffee maker the brewed hot enough for decent extraction. That machine lasted eight years, but finally shorted out due to perforation of the boiler element because of it's aluminum construction.
WHAT DID I CONSIDER?
I researched and considered buying two machines other than the Moccamaster: one from Breville, the [[ASIN:B00VGGVQCI Breville BDC650BSS Grind Control, Silver]], and one from Behmor: [[ASIN:B015PE66T4 Behmor Connected Temperature Control Coffee Maker]]. Both of these machines should make very good coffee, but I ultimately decided on the Moccamaster for several reasons, which I'll explain below. If the Moccamaster were't so much better, or not available, I think either of these machines would be a good option, but note that they're still expensive, so the choice was easy.
WHY DID I CHOOSE THE TECHNIVORM MOCCAMASTER?
1. Copper Heating Element—Almost all consumer coffee makers have aluminum heating elements. They will eventually corrode and short-circuit the machine. When this happens, cut the cord off and THROW IT AWAY. This assumes it's been plugged into a GFCI outlet. If it isn't, it will keep working despite the short. You're not only out of compliance with the local electrical code no matter where you live in the United States, but you're playing Russian roulette with your life. A copper element will heat virtually instantaneously, and it will last many years. Copper heating coils are customarily found in better espresso machines, and this quality feature sets the Moccamaster apart from the rest of the field.
2. Replaceable Parts—The Moccamaster has a modular construction which makes most parts user-replaceable. Other parts, such as the copper boiler, switches, etc., will be replaced quickly and at minimal cost by Technivorm's US service facility after the warranty expires. The warranty is five years.
3. Proper Brewing Temperature and Extraction Time—Good coffee require HOT, but not boiling, water. Most coffee makers just don't heat the water enough. The copper element in a Moccamaster heats the water to 196–205º, and has optimal flow-through for the best extraction. This results in coffee that is rich but not overpowering, with a "thick" body and smooth mouthfeel, and no sediment or separation.
4. Optimal Hotplate Temperature and Duration—Coffee should be kept at ±180º. A Moccamaster hot plate can be set to warm at either 175º, or 185º for those who prefer it hot. Every other machine's coffee will taste lukewarm to you after you use this machine. The hotplate switches off after 100 minutes, preventing burned coffee. If you need to warm it up again, just turn the machine on again. When the water tank is empty, a float switch prevents the water heater from engaging, so only the hot plate will come on.
5. Made the Way Things Used to Be Made—Technivorm has made these machines since 1964 with the same solid build quality, by hand, while incorporating improvements in materials and technology over time. The body is heavy-gauge extruded aluminum, and plastic parts are quality cast and attractive, with perfect fit and finish. I agree, in this price range one would expect some of the plastic to be heavier, or possibly the water tank be made of glass, but the plastic is toxin-free and unbreakable. Other parts are glass, rubber, and stainless steel. The heavy, removable, stainless steel showerhead has nine holes, which evenly bathe the grounds with hot water at the optimal rate of flow. Every part of the machine is recyclable, and the packaging is recycled corrugated cardboard, making it a champion of sustainability. The old-fashioned, heavy-duty rocker switches are the only adjustable controls. I'm as avid a technology geek as you can find, but perfect coffee means making it when you want it, which means timers, clocks and other electronic wizardry just shouldn't be part of the equation. Water will lose its oxygen and start going stale within two hours, and coffee will lose vital aroma within thirty minutes of being ground, so setting things up the night before to awaken to the smell of coffee guarantees you a mediocre cup.
In any case, this machine is FAST—faster than you've ever experienced. An entire 10-cup (1.25 liter) pot takes just under five minutes. Enough for a large thermal travel mug (4 cups on the water indicator), takes two minutes. The copper heating element is so oversized and efficient that the water will begin boiling and percolating up the glass tube in about five-ten seconds—you have to see it to believe it. A slick an old-fashioned feature is how the power switch physically rocks back to the off position after 100 minutes rather than the power just being cut off. It also features an orange neon-looking, but I assume LED, power indicator.
BOTTOM LINE
It's expensive. But consider that it's made by hand, over-engineered, parts are replaceable, and it's manufactured in the Netherlands by people earning a fair wage. Other machines are manufactured in Chinese, Mexican, or southeast-Asian factories alongside many other brands and models at a low cost with inferior materials. They are then marked up many times because the market will bear the inflated price. This coffee maker not only has superior build quality, but like other American- and European-made goods, the price is dictated by the cost of manufacturing, not excessive markup. I chose the copper finish to treat myself after waiting thirty years, but you can save up to $40 by choosing silver aluminum, and there are many painted and anodized colors available at different price points. The machine has two separate heaters with discreet circuitry, so when the water is done boiling, the coil switches off and the hotplate switches on much more durable and efficient.
HOW DO I MAKE PERFECT COFFEE?
1. Buy Whole Beans—Buy the best you can, from a reputable supplier. Resist the urge to buy your coffee pre-ground unless you're making a lot of it for a large event or party in a coffee urn. Coffee flavor and aroma degrades quickly after grinding.
2. Use A Burr Grinder—A conical burr grinder won't overheat the beans and burn the coffee like a cheap blade grinder will. It will also make the grind uniform, allowing the best and most consistent extraction. My grinder of choice is from Kitchen Aid: [[ASIN:B00XPRQZJ0 KitchenAid KCG0702OB Burr Coffee Grinder, Onyx Black]]. Mine has been going strong even after over ten years of daily use. Use the "6" setting for a Moccamaster or any other drip coffeemaker.
3. Weight, Not Volume—Just as in baking it's preferable to weigh dry ingredients rather than use measuring cups for the most exact portions, coffee should be weighed. Your chosen grind fineness, humidity, barometric pressure, and other factors make using a spoon very inconsistent. Use 14 grams of whole beans for each 8 ounces of water. This means 7 grams for each cup marking on a Moccamaster, since they use the European standard of 4-oz. cups of coffee. Grind the beans right before you put them in the filter basket.
4. Speaking of Filters…—I was always a firm believer in gold-plated stainless steel mesh filters. They last forever and there's no waste or mess. Technivorm specifically reccomends against them, and so I was skeptical. I bought a good quality #4 mesh filter separately and made two pots, one with the reusable filter and one with a paper filter supplied with the machine. There was no comparison. A paper filter is designed to give the best filtration and optimal steeping time. Buy #4 filters made from bleached white paper. The brown ones give the coffee a taste and aroma overtone faintly reminiscent of cardboard, and the bamboo filters may be sustainable, but they make coffee almost as bad as the metal mesh filters. No need to use Technivorm filters; a box of 100 white Melitta #4 filters will cost you about $3.50 at any grocery store.
5. Measure the Water—Don't use the carafe to pour water into the tank. Use a clean glass or cup or other container. If your tap water is sweet and soft and doesn't smell like chlorine, go ahead and use it. If you have hard water or smell anything when you turn the faucet on, use filtered or bottles water. DO NOT use distilled water. Minerals are necessary for good coffee for taste, aroma, and pH. I live in an area blessed with some of the purest reservoir water in the world, but I use water from my refrigerator dispenser for purity and consistency. Plus, cold water works better than room temperature or warm water. The filtration means better-tasting coffee and longer burner life, with more cycles between descaling.
This machine makes coffee as good as any I have ever had in a fine restaurant or craft coffeehouse. Buy it and enjoy it. Technivorm says a Moccamaster should be the last coffee maker you'll ever buy, and I believe them.
Rereading this review, I've realized that I've practically written a marketing piece. I'd like to make clear that I have no proverbial axe to grind. I'm not affiliated in any way with the manufacturer or any vendor, and I haven't received any sort of compensation from anyone. I waited decades to buy this machine, and I wish I had done it sooner.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2019
Color: Polished SilverStyle: Coffee BrewerVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2018
Color: CopperStyle: Coffee BrewerVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2016
Color: OrangeStyle: Coffee BrewerVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Randomroyalty
Bulletproof machine that will last forever...almost perfect
Reviewed in Canada on April 18, 2019Color: Stone GrayStyle: Coffee BrewerVerified Purchase
Ben Whaley
Nice Coffee Maker but Probably Not Worth the Price...
Reviewed in Canada on July 23, 2019Color: Stone GrayStyle: Coffee BrewerVerified Purchase
Nice Coffee Maker but Probably Not Worth the Price...
Reviewed in Canada on July 23, 2019
I purchased the stone gray KBG with the glass carafe and auto drip-stop to replace my 20+ year old Mr. Coffee Accl that was still in operation! The color looks classy and I was surprised that the unit took up less counter space than my old brewer, though it is a touch taller. I haven’t experienced any of the major issues other reviewers report, such as water not trickling from all the spray arm holes or the grounds basket overflowing, but I’m also not packing the basket with grounds either. The lack of automated features and abundance plastic lids didn’t bother me too much as my previous Mr. Coffee was similar in form and function.Reviewed in Canada on July 23, 2019
Potential buyers should be aware that these various parts are not dishwasher safe, so you’ll be hand washing if you care about longevity. The carafe is a bit thin and light. I found that my pot was already showing some small chips and light scratches on the bottom and around the lip after just a few weeks of normal use. Part of this is probably due to the fact that the pot only fits into the compartment in one direction, and even pushing it in that way often results in bumping it on the edge of the hotplate. These are minor issues to be sure, but worth mentioning nonetheless.
All in all, the Technivorm brews a nice cup of filter coffee - nothing sour, nothing overly bitter or burnt. Expect to get about 4 to 4.5 “American”-size mugs out of the full 10-cup European-sized pot. This is fine for me since I usually brew only two mugs in the morning (filling about half the pot), but you might consider getting a larger capacity machine if you know you need 12-mug pots on demand.
If I’m being honest as a Seattle native who has had his fair share of coffee, the coffee from this machine is good, but nothing earth-shattering. My sense is that certain drinkers *might* be able to taste a bit more of the subtle nuances of the beans / roast if they have a sensitive palate. But, for others, like my girlfriend, you may not notice much of a difference from conventional machines at all. I had assumed that the finished cup would be piping hot given the copper heating element, but I found the resulting brew to be happily drinkable and similar in temp to my previous maker. Though, be warned that it does heat up considerably if left on the hot plate, particularly on the high setting. One minor issue is that escaping steam near the handle of the carafe has the potential to burn your hands when pouring, particularly if the coffee has sat on the hot plate for a while.
I have no major complaints with the Moccamaster so far. It makes a nice cup of coffee simply and consistently. Will it change your life? Probably not. Is it worth the ~$300 USD / ~$400 CAD price tag? Again, I would say probably not, but it is still a nice machine to have in your kitchen if you are a drip coffee drinker.
Images in this review
Jane T.
... pain in the morning so I sought out the best drip coffee maker I could
Reviewed in Canada on October 6, 2017Color: OrangeStyle: Coffee BrewerVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Working fine so far.
Reviewed in Canada on January 26, 2019Color: Stone GrayStyle: Coffee BrewerVerified Purchase
D Danagher
- Very good coffee - gets the most out of whatever coffee ...
Reviewed in Canada on August 11, 2017Color: Red MetallicStyle: Coffee BrewerVerified Purchase
Exclusive items from our brands
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
