The Best Moccamaster Model For Your Brew

You don’t have to be an expert coffee brewer to have heard of Technivorm Moccamasters. There’s a lot of buzz about their better-tasting brew, the quality of their caffeine, and their excellent extraction. But is it all just a lot of hype?

They make many promises, and they back it up with some guarantees, so could this be the perfect cup of coffee? Let’s find out if they’re as good as they claim!

At a Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Best Moccamaster

Meet the Moccamaster

Technivorm Moccamaster has been hand-making coffee makers since 1968.  The beautiful design of these coffee machines has been virtually unchanged since they began. 

Every quality drip coffee maker includes a 5-year full warranty and guaranteed lifetime repairs. That’s how much this company believes in its product.

Technivorm Moccamaster also meets the Golden Cup Standard, awarded by the Specialty Coffee Association after rigorous quality control and laboratory testing. Only the very best cups of coffee attain this standard.

Moccamaster produces a variety of coffee machines to cater to the needs of all expert coffee brewers. But, from glass carafe to stainless steel thermal, automatic drip-stop to manual, finding the right one for you can be tricky.

But before we get into the details, let’s take a look at the quality you can expect in a Moccamaster Coffee Brewer. 

Common Features 

Before we dive into individual models, let’s take a look at the standard features included with every high-quality coffee maker produced by Technivorm Moccamaster. 

Copper Heating Element

One of the most incredible features of the Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Maker is the copper heating element. The copper element is buried inside the rectangular body column and rapidly heats the liter of water to the ideal brewing temperature: 196°F – 205°F. 

That range is the ideal temperature for coffee extraction, and it contributes to the coffee quality. Once the copper boiling element has reached the optimal temperature, the hot water flow is forced up the glass tube in the handy water reservoir, through the water arm, and over the coffee grounds.

This copper element contributes to the correct temperature of the water and the quick 4-6 minute brew-time per pot. We talk a lot about brew temperature, but according to the National Coffee Association, the ideal time for the coffee bean to contact water is about 5 minutes. 

And with a 4-6 minute brew time, your morning coffee pot is ready quickly.

9-Hole Water Outlet Arm

The majority of the Technivorm Moccamasters include the showerhead outlet arm. This feature forces boiling water to pulse and spread out over the bed of coffee grounds. It’s part of the reason for the high-quality coffee extraction.

Plus, you get the classic pour-over coffee flavors in an automatic drip coffee maker so that you don’t have to decide which is better. You can even remove the lid of the brew basket and stir up the grounds while they steep. 

Be careful! The outlet arm is exposed throughout the quiet brewing process, so from a fellow coffee aficionado with multiple burns, watch where you place your hands.

5-Year Warranty and Lifetime Repairs

Not many companies offer a 5-year warranty, but this is a huge bonus if you brew as often as I do. They believe in their product so much that every model comes with a 5-year Manufacturer’s warranty and lifetime repairs on all parts.

Because their parts are easily removable and their machines are uncomplicated and straightforward, they last for a very long time.

Automatic Shut-off Features

Nothing is worse than worrying about your pot of coffee burning on the brewer long after you’ve left for work. The automatic shut-off kicks in anywhere from 40 to 100 minutes and will give you peace of mind.

Quick Dimensions

Of course, these outstanding coffee machines come in different shapes and sizes, so before we dive into the details, here’s a breakdown of their dimensions. Don’t worry. I’ll wait while you grab your measuring tape.

• KB: 14.00″ H x 12.75″ W x 6.50″ D
• KBT: 15.25″ H x 11.50″ W x 6.75″ D
• KBG: 14.00″ H x 12.75″ W x 6.50″ D
• KBGT: 16.00″ H x 11.50″ W x 6.75″ D
• KBTS: 13.00″ H x 11.50″ W x 6.75″ D
• KBGV Select: 14.00″ H x 12.75″ W x 6.50″ D
• CDT Grand: 17.75″ H x 12.50″ W x 6.75″ D
• Cup-One: 11.75″ H x 10.25″ W x 6.50″ D

 

Technivorm Moccamaster KB & KBG

The Technivorm Moccamaster KBG coffee brewer is the model that started it all. Well, sort of! The design came about in the early ’70s and has remained virtually unchanged (and often-copied!) ever since.

The KB and KBG include a 10-cup glass carafe, the 9-hole showerhead outlet arm, and the hot plate switch. And both come with the standard copper heating element that ensures a fast brewing time and correct temperature.

The Technivorm Moccamaster KB coffee brewer is a machine for the avid coffee lover who craves a hands-on experience.  The manual drip-stop brew basket lets you control the flow of coffee, which means you can brew any amount you like.

The Technivorm Moccamaster KBG coffee brewer comes with an automatic brew basket, which means you can only brew full pots of coffee. However, it’s available in 25 different color choices.

Things We Like

• Fast brew time
• Exceptional Coffee Quality

Things We Don’t

• Water tank isn’t removable
• Doesn’t give you brew size options

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select

The Moccamaster KBGV Select solves the issue of half carafe vs. full carafe. This model has all the best features that come standard with every Moccamaster, but it lets you select between a half and a whole pot of coffee.

It includes an automatic coffee basket with a glass carafe and a 9-hole showerhead outlet arm. However, It’s missing the hot plate switch that lets you choose between temperatures to keep your coffee hot. And it comes in 19 color choices.

See how it compares to the Moccamaster KBG model!

Things We Like

• Carafe size switch
• All the pretty colors!

Things We Don’t

• Water reservoir isn’t removable.
• No temperature control on the hot plate.

Technivorm Moccamaster KBT & KBGT

These two Moccamaster models, the KBT and the KBGT, include a 10-cup stainless steel, double-walled, thermal carafe. But, of course, they also have the incredible features that come standard in most Technivorm Moccamasters: the copper element and the 9-hole showerhead outlet arm.

The KBT coffee brewer features the manual drip-stop brew basket. The benefit to this manual drip-stop is that you get to control the flow of coffee. For example, I like to make a single cup and let the coffee grounds steep for a while.

The KBGT coffee maker includes the automatic drip-stop brew basket. There’s no other difference between these two models.

The wonderful thing about the thermal steel carafe is it keeps coffee hot and at brewing temperature for an hour. If you switch to the travel lid, you can keep your coffee at the optimal temperature for several hours. The steel thermal carafe is a massive bonus for me.

Things We Like

• Thermal Steel Carafe with travel lid
• Fast brew time

Things We Don’t

• Water reservoir isn’t removable
• Very tall Technivorm Coffee Makers

Technivorm Moccamaster KBTS

It seems like the owners of this company might be coffee lovers too because they listen to our concerns! A significant issue with the KBT coffee brewer and KBGT coffee maker is that neither fit nicely on the kitchen counter. I don’t know about you, but my counter space is prime real estate.

The KBTS coffee brewer solves this problem! It comes standard with the showerhead outlet arm and copper heating element but includes an 8-cup size thermal steel carafe. It also has a manual drip-stop basket for coffee customization. 

At only 13 inches tall, it slides seamlessly under the kitchen cabinets.

Things We Like

• Just the right height
• Thermal steel carafe with travel lid

Things We Don’t

• Water reservoir doesn’t come out
• Only one color option

Technivorm Moccamaster CDT Grand

The Moccamaster CDT Grand is an office-sized coffee maker unique to all other Technivorm Moccamasters. It includes a 15-cup thermal stainless steel carafe and a cylindrical body shape. 

But I was relieved to learn it still includes the copper boiling element and a manual drip-stop. However, it does not have a 9-hole shower head. It still maintains the same high-quality coffee extraction as all the other Technivorm Moccamasters, thanks to the classic design of the flat-bottomed basket.

Things We Like

• It makes a lot of coffee
• Thermal stainless steel carafe with travel lid

Things We Don’t

• Doesn’t include a 9-hole showerhead outlet arm
• It’s a tall machine

Technivorm Moccamaster Cup-One Brewer

Sometimes I don’t want an entire pot of coffee. The Cup-One Coffee Brewer is the Technivorm Moccamaster coffee maker that provides me with a single delicious cup of coffee.

This miniature Moccamaster holds a total of 10 ounces of clean water, does not include any cup or carafe of coffee, and does not include the showerhead water arm that is a standard feature in so many other coffee makers.

Unless you’re short on kitchen space or limit yourself to one cup a day, I feel that the Technivorm Moccamaster KBG or KBT model is a better option for not much more money.

Things We Like

• Brews a single cup of coffee
• Exceptional coffee quality

Things We Don’t

• It only brews a single coffee cup
• Doesn’t include a 9-hole showerhead outlet arm

Why Is Their Coffee So Good?

Part of what makes the exceptional flavor of coffee brewed in a Moccamaster is the care and quality put into the manufacturing. Every model is handmade in the Netherlands, and they’ve been making these machines for more than 50 years. 

They have taken measures to ensure that every cup meets the four T’s of the Golden Cup Standard set by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. They only award this after rigorous quality control and testing.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for coffee extraction is 200°F, and Moccamaster provides a consistent 196°F-205°F range. 

Time

I know I’ve mentioned the quick brew time per pot that Technivorm coffee makers achieve and, of course, the benefit of brewing a quick pot of coffee. But that length also ensures a balanced extraction.

Turbulence

The showerhead design doesn’t only disperse the water evenly over the grounds, but it shakes them up. Agitating the coffee grounds with the water flow helps with even saturation and dissolution.

Total Dissolved Solids

In other words, that gross stuff at the bottom of your cup or pot. With a Technivorm Moccamaster, you’ll hit the ideal ratio. According to coffee brewing experts, that’s between 18%-22% of total dissolved solids, with every batch of coffee.

How Do You Decide?

It all comes down to what you’re looking for in a coffee maker because no matter which Moccamaster you choose, you’ll be drinking a quality cup of coffee.

Glass Carafe versus Thermal Carafe

The glass carafe Moccamasters tend to be slightly less expensive than their thermal counterparts. However, that’s because once coffee brews into a glass carafe, the temperature drops. 

Of course, the hot plate maintains the temperature between 175°F and 185°F, but this also means there might be an over-brewed, stale aftertaste to the coffee. 

The stainless steel thermal carafe Moccmasters let you keep that fresh-brewed flavor for hours with the travel lid. But, of course, I am always partial to anything with a double-insulated wall.

Automatic Versus Manual Drip-Stop

This feature comes down to your preference and desire to take a hands-on, active role in your brew.

The manual drip stop lets you stop the flow of coffee to stir up the grounds or allow for a lengthier brewing process. This feature means you can turn the KB and KBT model into a single cup or half carafe brewer. 

However, the automatic drip-stop still brews a delicious, aromatic coffee that coffee brewing experts love. However, I like the flexibility of the manual, so I always choose a manual drip-stop.

Common Complaints and Solutions

So nothing is perfect, and of course, the Moccamaster has a few drawbacks that might change your mind. But, hopefully, I have some solutions for you.

The Water Reservoir

Let’s talk about the handy water reservoir attached firmly in place to the machine. That’s right. You can’t remove it to take it to the sink to fill or to clean it thoroughly. 

These machines brew full pots of coffee every time, which means you have to fill it every time. But, of course, there’s an easy solution.

I keep a water jug on hand to bring the water to the machine. 

You Can’t Program Anything

I’ll admit, I enjoy sleeping through the brewing process and waking to my coffee maker already full. Of course, these machines are durable and user-friendly, but they lack any programmable features. 

With a quick 4-6 minute brew time, you may not care because you’ll have your morning coffee within minutes anyway.

But if you want to set your coffee maker to start brewing with your alarm, I have a solution. Plug your coffee maker into an outlet timer, and you can wake up to aromatic coffee flavors every day.

There Are No Bells or Whistles

The Technivorm Moccamaster is a machine designed for the avid coffee lover. It brews exceptional cups of coffee but not much else. 

These machines don’t offer a choice of coffee brewing method. For example, it doesn’t let you make espresso shots or steam milk. If you’re looking for that, you might want to check out the Breville Barista Express. 

It also doesn’t let you select the brew size or brew type. However, if you choose a model with the manual drip-stop, you can find the correct coffee-to-water ratio to make a cup or half carafe. And, of course, you can always adjust the amount of coffee grounds.

However, if you want more in a coffee maker, check out our review of the 13 Best Coffee Makers before deciding. But if you’re craving great-tasting coffee, it’s hard to beat the Moccamaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of coffee filter do I need?

These days, there isn’t a right or wrong answer to that question. Most Moccamasters take the standard #4 coffee filter, but it’s up to you if you like paper, metal, or cloth.

Of course, shape matters too. Most Moccamasters have cone-shaped filter baskets, except for the CDT Grand. 

What grind should I use?

Grind size makes a big difference in the overall flavor of your cup. Moccamaster recommends a medium-coarse grind. Of course, you can purchase your coffee pre-ground (no judgment here), but the best-tasting coffee beans are ground fresh.

Are you looking for an affordable coffee grinder? Check out our review of the best grinders. I use the Baratza, set the grind coarseness to 20, and it makes the perfect grind every time.

Is the Moccamaster hard to clean?

All the parts of the Technivorm Moccamaster need to be hand-washed in warm soapy water. Their plastic lids and basket don’t contain any chemical additives and, as a result, can feel a little flimsy. But that’s good for your health!

The machine should be descaled every 100 cycles or after going through a box of 100 paper filters. Whether you use a descaling solution or vinegar, that’s up to you!

Is it worth the expense?

This is ultimately a decision you have to make for yourself, and there are a lot of incredible coffee makers on the market today, like the Ninja DualBrew, which lets you create a single cup, a full carafe, pods or grounds, and froths your milk. 

Yes, the Moccamaster is one of the more expensive choices in coffee makers, especially with its few bells and whistles. But the excellent features of these machines have set them way ahead of most brewers on the market.

The Verdict

Technivorm Moccamaster builds quality products that are easy-to-use and backed by a 5-year warranty. And their models all include the excellent features that maintain the Golden Coffee Cup standard. 

You’ll be brewing delicious coffee for years to come, backed by a guarantee that other coffee manufacturers can’t compete with. No matter what type of coffee drinker we are, we all want a better-tasting coffee, don’t we?

If you want a simpler model, I recommend the KBG or KBGT models, including the automatic drip-stop basket. If you’re ready to get a little adventurous with your coffee, pick the KB or KBT models. I think you’ll enjoy the manual drip-stop.

No matter which Moccamaster model you choose, you’re getting an excellent coffee maker.

If you’ve found your new Moccamaster, let us show you the ropes on how to use it! 

Happy Caffeinating!