How to Choose the Perfect Technivorm Coffee Maker: A Guide to the Best Models

Technivorm Moccamaster coffee makers have achieved a level of excellence that sets them apart from other drip machines in the world. Each Moccamaster is carefully crafted by hand in the Netherlands to ensure that your coffee is treated with the care it deserves. These machines are certified by the Specialty Coffee Association to produce a perfect cup of coffee. However, it's important to note that this level of quality comes with a price tag.

Before you invest your hard-earned money in a Technivorm coffee maker, you need to consider which model is the best fit for you. That's where we come in. We've reviewed the top eight Technivorm coffee makers so that you can choose carefully and make an informed decision. Each of these machines is built to be your last-ever brewer purchase.

All of the Moccamaster models that we've reviewed are among the best automatic drip coffee makers for home use. At Home Grounds, we've delved into the Technivorm coffee machine niche to discover the eight best Moccamaster models in 2023. While they may look similar, each model has its unique quirks and features. Our job is to help you find the one that's perfect for you.

One coffee maker that truly stands out from the rest is the Technivorm Moccamaster KBG 741 AO. This machine is the belle of the ball and rightly earns the Best Overall award. It guarantees an ideal extraction thanks to the 9-hole outlet arm feature, which ensures an even shower of water over the coffee grounds. Coupled with the perfect temperature auto-set by the Moccamaster KBG to heat the water, the outcome is a delicious cup of coffee. This brewer is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association as meeting its Golden Cup standards.

If you're spending money on specialty coffee, you want to ensure that it's brewed to its fullest potential. The Moccamaster KBG guarantees precisely that. With just the flip of a switch, you'll get ten cups of excellent coffee in four to six minutes. Plus, there's no need to worry about pouring a cup while the brewing cycle is still in progress, as the coffee flow rate will stop if you move the glass carafe. It automatically shuts off after 100 minutes to ensure that your coffee never burns.

The Moccamaster KBG is built to last. Its high-quality rectangular build consists of sturdy stainless steel, safe plastics, and aluminum. It's also available in multiple colors, including brushed brass, brick red, butter yellow, copper, fresh green, grape, matte black, matte silver, merlot, midnight blue, off-white, pistachio green, polished silver, red, red metallic, satin, sky blue, turquoise, white, or yellow pepper. The Moccamaster KBG is sure to add a pop of liveliness to your kitchen.

For those seeking the most durable option, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741 is the clear choice. It is built entirely from stainless steel parts, making it even more long-lasting than the Moccamaster KBG. Its tall and slender design also makes it perfect for taking up minimal space on your kitchen counter.

Coffee enthusiasts seeking the perfect coffee bloom should opt for the Moccamaster KBT. Its drip-style pre-immersion feature ensures the most precise and beautiful coffee bloom possible. Carbon dioxide forces water away from the coffee, which can disrupt extraction and make for inconsistent flavors in the cup. The Moccamaster KBT's pre-brew phase ensures that this does not occur during the main extraction process. This key component yields a rich aroma and an even richer taste, bringing out the natural flavors of the coffee. Paired with customizable coffee flow rate via a manual drip-stop, serious coffee enthusiasts will be able to produce a truly impressive cup with this model.

The Moccamaster KBT has a stainless steel carafe, which makes it distinct from the glass carafe of the KBG. Although the steel carafe may not keep your coffee hot for as long as a hot plate, it does a better job at maintaining the flavor of the coffee.

Compared to the Moccamaster KBG, the Moccamaster KBT falls short in terms of its aesthetic appeal and ease of use. It has limited color options, coming only in polished silver, black, or stone gray, and its thermal steel carafe may not be as visually pleasing as the glass carafe of the KBG. Additionally, its manual drip-stop feature may present a slight challenge for beginners.

For those who prioritize a glass carafe, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is the top coffee machine choice. Its glass carafe boasts a stylish and ergonomic design with a comfortable handle on both ends. The carafe is paired with a built-in hot plate that automatically turns off after 100 minutes, ensuring that your brew stays warm.

The Brew-Volume Selector feature allows for the choice of brewing a full carafe or a half carafe, and the brew water temperature is guaranteed to fall between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal range recommended by the SCA. The model also offers a variety of color options from wild turquoise to polished silver.

While Technivorm coffee makers are generally pricey, the Moccamaster KB is the most affordable model, making it an excellent option for coffee enthusiasts looking to maximize their budget. The model is made of durable aluminum and comes in brushed silver. It includes a glass carafe, a reusable filter, and a manually adjustable brew basket that allows for full or half carafe sizes.

The Moccamaster KBTS, also in polished silver and with a thermal carafe, is another affordable option with a compact design that has an 8-cup capacity and SCA-certified brewing quality. The Technivorm KBGT Moccamaster, on the other hand, is best suited for coffee experts who prioritize aroma and flavor. It features a cone shaped brew basket for optimal coffee extraction and a dual-wall stainless steel thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours.

Finally, for those who just need a single cup, the Moccamaster Cup One is the only single-serve drip coffee machine in the brand’s line-up. Its copper heating element ensures quick optimal brewing temperature, and its pre-infusion feature guarantees a tasty cup of coffee.

Brewing your morning coffee with this device takes approximately four minutes, which is slightly longer than the average Keurig. However, we assure you the wait is worth it. This model lacks a drip-stop, carafe, and hot plate, allowing for direct brewing into your personal mug. This straightforward functionality results in an affordable price tag, but we wished a mug was included for the amount paid.

Although compact, this off-white or polished silver drip coffee maker can easily fit on your countertop or nestled away in your cabinets. The Moccamaster CDT Grand is the ideal choice if you desire an ample amount of coffee - exceeding over a dozen cups. This brushed silver stainless steel thermal carafe coffee maker boasts a powerful copper heating element, delivering fifteen cups of the best drip coffee within six minutes.

This Moccamaster is perfect for providing coffee for a small café, office, or hosting guests at home. It is best to brew a full carafe to extract the most flavorful results as the brewing process is optimized for larger batches.

The stainless steel thermal carafe design maintains your coffee temperature, resulting in a hot cup of coffee throughout the day. Its design allows for people to come and go, making it ideal for social settings.

Although the Technivorm Moccamaster coffee makers appear similar, each model has slight differences that meet specific needs. Each device is handmade to strict standards in the Netherlands, and none of them have any extraneous features, options, or touchscreens. Essentially, every Moccamaster focuses on brewing coffee exceptionally well, adhering to the SCA's exacting standards.

An SCA certified brewer meets specific requirements that guarantee a proper water temperature, brewing time, and can brew a cup within the SCA Golden Cup recommendations.

This buyer’s guide assists in determining the ideal Moccamaster coffee maker based on your needs. Do you want a glass or stainless steel carafe? How much control do you prefer in the brewing process? How much quality coffee do you need to brew at a time?

The Technivorm Moccamaster coffee makers possess either a glass or stainless steel thermal carafe except for the single-serve Moccamaster Cup One. Glass carafes are more affordable and allow for monitoring of the brewing process, but they require a hot plate to maintain the coffee's temperature and are fragile. In contrast, thermal carafes are more durable and maintain coffee temperature without a hot plate, but they tend to be more expensive and accumulate scale without proper cleaning.

The brew basket has either a manual or automatic drip-stop function. The manual drip-stop function is ideal for coffee aficionados who enjoy experimenting and controlling the coffee flow rate. It combines the convenience of an automatic machine with the control of a pour-over dripper.

If you prefer a hands-off approach to home brewing, opt for the automatic drip-stop feature. It takes care of regulating the flow rate, allowing you to make coffee with just a flip of a switch. While you have less control over the brewing process, it can simplify things on groggy mornings. Additionally, the automatic drip-stop feature automatically stops the flow of coffee when the carafe is removed.

The Moccamaster Cup One is a fantastic choice for those who only need to brew a single cup of coffee hassle-free. It doesn't require any switches or levers to operate and is different from all other Moccamaster models since it doesn't feature a drip-stop.

When choosing your Moccamaster model, it's essential to consider your coffee needs and the machine's capacity. Most Moccamaster brewers can make between 8 to 10 cups, while the Cup One is limited to only one cup. On the other hand, the CDT Grand can make up to 15 cups, while the KB and KBGV Select models have a setting for brewing half a carafe, resulting in five cups of coffee.

While considering the Moccamaster capacities, you should also keep in mind your limits and the amount of caffeine recommended for healthy consumption. So, if you opt for a large coffee-making model, ensure you share it with others and stay within the healthy caffeine range. 

Before purchasing any Moccamaster model, measure your kitchen's available space. Ensure that your desired model fits comfortably either on your countertops or inside your cupboards, considering the differences in size.

The Moccamaster KBG is Home Grounds' top pick for the best Technivorm Moccamaster coffee maker model in 2023. It’s a sturdy machine that’s easy to use and is available in an array of colors to suit any style. Moreover, it’s SCA-certified and comes with an option to interrupt the brewing cycle to enjoy a hot beverage without creating any mess.

The Moccamaster KBT is an excellent alternative if you prefer a thermal carafe. Though limited in color options, it produces equally delicious coffee to the KBG and eliminates the need for a hot plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use vinegar in a Moccamaster coffee maker?

Technivorm recommends avoiding vinegar or citric acid in your Moccamaster as they can harm your machine's mechanisms and leave an unpleasant taste. If you've already used vinegar or citric acid and your machine has acquired an unpleasant taste, clean it using a neutralizing soda solution followed by water.

How often should you clean your Moccamaster?

You should clean your machine with warm, soapy water as often as necessary. Technivorm explains that it's personal preference. However, you should descale your Moccamaster every 100 cycles, every three months or when the reservoir's glass tube appears cloudy, whichever comes first. With proper cleaning, descaling, and maintenance, your Moccamaster can last for years and give you delicious cups of coffee.

The Optimal Coffee Grind for a Moccamaster

To guarantee the best results for your Moccamaster coffee maker, we suggest using a medium-coarse grind. Though pre-ground coffee is easily accessible at stores, it is often too fine for the Moccamaster, resulting in a bitter and over-extracted cup of coffee. Opting for a high-quality burr grinder is preferable as it ensures the recommended grind size, allowing you to relish the freshest and most flavorful coffee.

Is there a Moccamaster Coffee Grinder?

Yes, Moccamaster offers the Technivorm Moccamaster KM4-TT coffee grinder. This durable and stylish stainless steel coffee grinder features an innovative, heat-resistant, and upside-down construction that ensures the ideal medium-coarse grind size required for a perfect Moccamaster brew. However, there are no Moccamaster drip coffee makers with built-in grinders.

What Type of Water should I use in a Moccamaster?

We recommend using filtered or bottled water to enjoy the best-tasting coffee from your Moccamaster coffee maker. If you are comfortable with your tap water quality and taste, you can use it as well. However, keep in mind that if you reside in a region with hard water, you would need to descale your coffee maker more frequently. It is suggested that you avoid using distilled or reverse osmosis water, as the minerals removed from these water types may affect the taste of your coffee negatively.