You’re reading our Technivorm Moccamaster review.

Working along with several coffee industry professionals has helped me to get insider knowledge about coffee drippers. Even for coffee shop owners can be tricky to pick a good coffee maker. Because of this, we analyzed hundreds of customer reviews and reached out to Moccamaster owners to learn more about their experience and to assess the best alternatives.

After researching thoroughly, we concluded that the Technivorm Moccamaster is an excellent coffee maker, but it isn’t for everyone. For a start, the Moccamaster is expensive compared with regular coffee makers, although it doesn’t have popular features like programmable brewing.

Looking at its strengths, the Technivorm Moccamaster brews delicious filter coffee. It looks great; it’s easy to use and durable like no other. For these reasons, many consider it the best automatic pour over coffee maker, but when we think through it, there are great programmable alternatives out there.

As with most coffee things, choosing this machine and then putting cheap coffee grounds inside won’t do the trick. On the contrary, the only way to perceive the difference is to try good coffee in a regular coffeemaker and then try it with this Dutch marvel.

But, wait. I won’t get there yet.

Read our review to learn the pros, cons, and main features of the Technivorm Moccamaster, so that you can make a good decision.

Are you in? Let’s dive into it!

Technivorm Moccamaster Review: What’s so good about its coffee?

The Moccamaster makes a clean, well-brewed cup of coffee. To accomplish this, it has features that cheap coffeemakers don’t:

The Moccamaster delivers water with the perfect temperature of around 200 and 204 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Moccamaster coffeemaker has a unique shower head that pours hot water gently over the coffee grounds. It makes a massive difference because cheap machines splash boiling water randomly. For this reason, the Moccamaster produces a more balanced, clean, evenly-extracted cup of coffee.

Technivorm designed this machine to get a shorter water flow. This feature helps to control hot water flow better. Thanks to this feature, the Moccamaster is reliable and consistent, producing good coffee one time after another.

Moccamaster KBGV Select vs. Moccamaster KBG vs. Moccamaster KB: What’s the difference?

All these K-ish acronyms sound a bit confusing, like cold-war era stuff. But we aren’t talking about Soviet intelligence services: the differences between these machines aren’t as complicated as they might seem at first.

First, let’s clear the air about something. All these models use the same water temperature control, shower head, and filter basket technology. That said, all of these Moccamaster coffeemakers brew great coffee.

Most differences between the Moccamaster machines refer to a couple of features:

• Automatic drip-stop after removing the carafe.
• Manually adjustable brew basket.
• Hotplate temperature control for holding coffee temperature.
• Power switches off automatically after specific time or conditions.
• Technivorm optimized some of these models so that you can brew half carafe equally good as the full carafe.
• The Moccamaster CDT Grand is the only model with a 60 oz carafe.
• Colors. Oh, the colors! The KGBV Select is the only model with a wide assortment of colors.

Don’t buy the Moccamaster if…

People who won’t enjoy a Moccamaster fall into two extremes of drip coffee lovers. At one extreme, we have coffee geeks that might prefer to brew manually.

You can’t set specific water temperatures, play with water flow, simulate a Kasuya 4:6 method, or anything like that. Instead, the Technivorm Moccamaster controls the water pour-over process and temperature to get a superior extraction consistently.

At the other extreme are coffee enthusiasts that prefer coffee with well-known flavors and aroma. If you’re a dark roast lover who doesn’t care about processing methods and aromatic profiles, don’t buy this machine. I’m almost sure that you’ll feel scammed if you get one.

Now, suppose you’re a filter coffee enthusiast who prefers to get good drip coffee without mastering brewing methods. In that case, the Moccamaster is an excellent coffeemaker for you!

Shortcomings of the Technivorm Moccamaster

The most severe Moccamaster’s shortcoming is that it isn’t programmable. It’s a no-no for many people considering an automatic drip coffeemaker in this price range. In contrast, this isn’t relevant for people that grind their coffee just before brewing.

Additionally, you’ll need to pay attention to the model so that you can get a properly-sized carafe. Most of us are used to 60 oz carafes, and the Moccamaster standard is 40 oz. To get a 60 oz carafe, you’ll have to buy the Moccamaster CDT Grand, the only model with that capacity.

Another vital feature that disappoints several customers is automatic hotplate turn-off after 100 minutes. I know my coffee won’t last that long in the carafe, but I read several customer reviews complaining about this.

In terms of counter space, some users claim that its wide isn’t ideal. The size of the Tecnnivorm Moccamaster is less convenient than most coffeemakers.

Last but not least, the price isn’t a minor issue. A handmade, high-quality, durable appliance like the Technivorm Moccamaster can seem expensive, even considering its positive attributes. Some copycats and competitors have developed similar products with a decent performance and better pricing.

In summary, the Moccamaster cons are:

• Pricey.
• Too wide for some countertops.
• Small carafe for most models.
• Hotplate automatic turn-off after 100 mins.

Benefits of having a Technivorm Moccamaster

The Moccamaster is a top-quality coffeemaker that makes excellent coffee, looks good, it’s durable, and is reliable.
Few home appliances endure heavy and daily as coffeemakers do. As a result, cheap coffeemakers look bad, coffee starts to taste bad, or the machine gets wholly ruined after a couple of years. Even when properly maintained.

The Technivorm Moccamaster isn’t the case. It’s made in the Netherlands with a sustainable mindset, so spare parts are always available. It’s easy to fix when necessary and can last a lifetime.

Few manufacturers provide a 5-year warranty, and this speaks well of Technivorm confidence in its products. Moreover, most reviews have favored this coffeemaker over others because of its durability and reliability.

Here it’s important to note that this coffeemaker performs as well as new with proper maintenance. I haven’t found any complaints about the poor performance after aging. On the contrary, most customers seem surprised by how well it brews coffee, year after year of daily use.

How to Brew with a Moccamaster

Bear in mind that brewing below the total capacity can get you suboptimal coffee. So, pick the model that fits your regular brewing better to get the best coffee every time.

40 oz Carafe Moccamaster Brewing Guide

• Fold the filter paper to make sure that it fits appropriately in the basket.
• Rinse the paper and the basket with hot water. Taking this step removes the filter’s taste and warms the basket and the carafe. Discard the water in another container, so you can use it for another purpose once it’s cooler (I water my plants with this water excess).
• Grind 80 gr of coffee. If you prefer smooth coffee, use 70 gr. Use a medium-fine grind size. If you brew with Chemex or V60, grind the coffee a bit finer than you do for those.
• Fill the water tank up to 40 oz. Use room-temperature water.
• Set the filter basket to closed by moving the switch to the X.
• Turn on the brewer, making sure that the carafe is well-fitted against the brewing chamber.
• Stir the slurry with a spoon when the filter basket is half-full of water. While making this, make sure that all grounds are evenly wet but avoid ripping the paper filter.
• Switch the filter basket to open. This will allow coffee to pour into the carafe.
• Lift and tap the filter basket when the brew is finishing. This will work as a simulation of the Rao spin when brewing manually. Taking this simple step, you will help settle the coffee bed and improve extraction.
• Before serving, swirl the carafe gently. Then pour your brew into your favorite mugs and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

Tips to get full advantage of your Moccamaster

The Technivorm Moccamaster is a good machine but won’t transform bad coffee into good coffee.

• Buy good quality coffee. Throwing a Gesha into a blade-grinder and then into a cheap coffeemaker is the same as brewing cheap coffee with a Moccamaster.
• Get a burr grinder or buy fresh ground coffee from your favorite roaster. Fresh coffee is better than ground coffee, and this machine will help you to know the difference.
• Use filtered water or bottled water. Tap water and distilled water can change your coffee taste. While both aren’t good for coffee, tap water is definitely the worst. Because it builds limescale faster inside the coffeemaker.

Do you want to learn more tips? Check my blog post about tricks to improve your coffee game.

Descaling and cleaning the Moccamaster

The carafe doesn’t take too much special care. Rinse with running water, and wipe to remove mineral and chemical residues from tap water.

Technivorm recommends cleaning and descaling the machine after 100 uses for a thorough cleaning process. You’ll know because you would have spent a complete pack of paper filters.

The manufacturer recommends the following products for descaling and cleaning the Moccamaster:

• Durgol Universal, Multi-Purpose Descaler and Decalcifier, 16.9 oz
• Clean drop cleaning aid

As you may notice, both products aren’t available for all countries. If that’s your case, choose good quality cleaning products like Urnex Dezcal Descaling Powder and Urnex Cleancaf Cleaner. 

Overall, professional cleaning products are inexpensive, considering the frequency of use. They will extend the life of your Moccamaster while keeping it brewing good coffee.

Descaling in three steps

The descaling process is simple.

• Add 150 ml of descaler, and 150 ml of water.
• Then, turn on the coffee maker and let it run the brewing process.
• Fill the water tank and run the brewing process again. Repeat this process once, so that you don’t leave any residues.

Cleaning in three steps

• Fill the tank with water and add cleaning powder accordingly. Depending on the brand, they will recommend using a specific amount of cleaning powder.
• Turn on the coffee maker and let it run the brewing process.
• Fill the water tank again and let it brew again.

Some people recommend using vinegar, citric acid, or cheaper, alternative products. I wouldn’t take that risk because high-quality cleaning and descaling products are affordable. Mainly when talking about such a pricey home appliance.

Good alternatives the Technivorm Moccamaster

Examining the most important features of the best automatic pour over coffee makers, we picked some good alternatives for the Moccamaster.

Breville BDC450BSS Precision Brewer

The Breville Precision Brewer is the best alternative in the market, in the same price range. It’s SCA-certified, well-made, has a 60 oz capacity, brews delicious coffee, is programmable, and offers more customization capabilities than the Moccamaster. Additionally, it has a pretty and convenient thermal carafe.

It doesn’t have the reputation of lasting as long as the Moccamaster, but it’s considerably better than most competitors. To some extent, its primary issue is that it would be less expensive if it didn’t have so many features.

OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker

With a minimal set of features and high quality, the OXO Brew Coffeemaker is as simple as the Moccamaster. In contrast, it has a lower price; it’s SCA-certified, has a thermal carafe, and can brew single-servings.

It has the same cons as the Moccamaster, and it isn’t handmade, nor is it as durable as the Dutch legend. However, it isn’t a cheap coffeemaker, and it’s a reliable alternative.

Capresso MT900 Rapid Brew

Unlike most machines, the Capresso MT900 Rapid Brew includes a water filter, so you can brew delicious coffee using tap water. It has a thermal carafe, which is a good add-on.

Additionally, it has a 50 oz capacity, it’s programmable, and it has specific settings to brew good coffee below its full capacity.

It’s the only one without an SCA certification in our selection. But it has very positive customer reviews, offers a solid set of features, and looks great.

Ninja 12 cup programmable coffee brewer ce201

For many, the Ninja Coffee Brewer is the best coffeemaker out there, which is surprising looking at its price. This Ninja coffeemaker can cost 1/3 of the Moccamaster, but it’s programmable, has a 60 oz capacity, and offers different brewing settings.

According to many customers reviews, it has several features specifically designed for those who prefer scorching hot coffee, which makes this Ninja coffeemaker very popular.

Verdict: Is the Technivorm Moccamaster the Best Drip Coffee maker that Money Can Buy?

The Technivorm Moccamaster was among the first coffee makers to brew delicious coffee. After decades as the undisputed champion, several brands are offering good alternatives.

Still, if you love filter coffee and have a good burr grinder at home, it’s hard to find a better coffee maker for you. If that’s your case, the only serious alternatives are the Breville BDC450BSS Precision Brewer and the OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker.

Choose your favorite, considering the carafe capacity and your preference for programming features. Having good alternatives available all boils down to personal preference.

Credits

After researching several significant sites like Amazon and 1st in coffee, all customer reviews were kept private and anonymous. We checked brands’ sites too to learn more about the features and customer reviews available.

The featured image for this blog post is courtesy of Technivorm.