The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is a blend of stunning design and exceptional brewing performance, ensuring a coffee experience that's hard to match. This model allows users to choose between a 4-6 cup or a full carafe setting for optimal brewing.
Reasons to Consider
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Handcrafted quality
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Optimized for half and full carafes
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Available in a variety of colors
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Simple to clean
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Remarkably quiet operation
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Extended warranty and easy access to replacement parts
Potential Drawbacks
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Initial setup can be a bit tricky
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BPA-free plastic components might feel lightweight
Our reviewers dedicate significant time to testing and comparing products, ensuring you make informed choices.
In terms of style, flavor, and build quality, the Moccamaster KBGV Select ranks at the top. Many consider it the best drip coffee maker available.
This model meets the Specialty Coffee Association's Golden Cup standards, delivering nuanced flavors without demanding barista skills. It's available in various colors, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
Having tested the Moccamaster since its early days, we continue to evaluate its performance annually. While we admire it greatly, it hasn't secured the number one spot in our recommendations. Here's a closer look at its suitability for different users.
Specifications
Dimensions | 12 3/4"W x 6 1/2"D x 14"H |
Power | 1475W |
Weight | 6 lb./3.2 kg |
Water tank capacity | 40 oz |
Brew time | 4-6 minutes |
Auto-off | After 100 minutes |
Water filter | No |
Programmable | No |
Unboxing Experience
This coffee maker arrives in eco-friendly packaging, with minimal plastic used. While the brewing instructions are comprehensive, I relied on intuition for assembling the metal components.
Its sturdy metal base provides stability on your counter, though some removable parts feel a bit flimsy. The included scoop for coffee grounds seems delicate, but it ensures the right coffee-to-water ratio.
Fill the reservoir using the glass carafe, then place it on the hot plate. The metal outlet arm connects to the reservoir and stays in place during brewing. Careful—this part heats up significantly!
To brew, add your coffee and filter to the brew basket before positioning it under the outlet arm. I found it easiest to set everything up with the carafe in place first. This design simplifies the process of transferring used coffee grounds to the trash.
One standout feature is the discreet drip stop. A small lever beneath the brew basket pauses the coffee flow when the carafe is removed mid-brew.
User Experience
Since its introduction in the late 1960s, the Moccamaster's design remains largely unchanged. However, the KBGV Select introduces a feature to optimize brewing depending on whether you make a full or half pot.
This adjustment modifies the water flow and hot plate temperature, enhancing extraction and maintaining the ideal temperature based on the quantity brewed.
The Moccamaster employs a copper heating element, quickly reaching a brewing temperature of 196°F - 205°F, and automatically shuts off when empty.
Water travels through a glass tube to the outlet arm, which evenly distributes it over the coffee grounds. The cone-shaped brew basket fully extracts flavor, similar to pour-over techniques.
Brewing a Full Carafe
A full 10-cup cycle takes around 5 minutes and 38 seconds, while a 4-cup brew completes in about 2 minutes.
After brewing, the coffee maintains a temperature of approximately 176°F. After sitting on the hot plate for thirty minutes, it cools to 159.8°F, which is just right for sipping.
The result is a fresh, fruity cup that highlights the complex flavors of specialty coffee, making it ideal for those who enjoy locally roasted beans.
Noteworthy Features
Selectable Brew Size
For half-carafe brewing (2 to 6 cups), the option slows the brew process, ensuring quality whether you're brewing 5 or 10 cups. This is a new feature, as earlier models only offered high/low hot plate settings.
Copper Heating Element
This distinctive element rapidly heats water, maintaining the ideal range for coffee extraction, and turns off once the reservoir is empty. It's designed to prevent overheating while ensuring optimal brewing temperatures.
5-Year Warranty and Repair Parts
Investing in a quality coffee maker should ensure durability. Technivorm backs its product with a generous 5-year warranty. Unlike competitors with shorter warranties, Moccamaster offers replacements for worn parts, promoting sustainability.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your Moccamaster. Hand wash the brew basket, lids, and carafe, and wipe down the metal arm to remove any coffee residue.
Moccamaster recommends descaling after every 100 brews, easily tracked with their filters. They advise against vinegar, as it may not effectively remove buildup.
Online Ratings
The Moccamaster KBGV Select holds an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars online, with users praising its elegant design and excellent coffee quality. Some noted concerns about the durability of certain parts.
Comparative Analysis
According to the Specialty Coffee Association, the Golden Cup Standard outlines the requirements for top-notch coffee makers. The Moccamaster is among the select few that meet these criteria.
Similar to the Moccamaster, the OXO Brew 8-Cup offers a simple brewing experience but lacks the advanced settings of the Moccamaster.
We also explored the Breville Precision Brewer, which features multiple brewing options, including iced coffee and personalized settings.
In the same price category, the wifi-enabled Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker allows precise adjustments for temperature and brewing strength.
Should You Invest?
Is the Moccamaster KBGV Select worth the investment? If you desire a durable coffee maker that delivers exceptional quality for years, then yes! It's a worthwhile purchase for both coffee connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
This machine is crafted for beauty and performance, producing rich coffee through its unique features that align with the SCA's Golden Cup standards. I can confidently say it brews some of the finest coffee I've enjoyed, even rivaling café offerings.
