We’ve spent a lot of time and developed a lot of patience in recent years, making and perfecting the perfect pour-over coffee. But as much as we love our pour-over, sometimes we feel like brewing in a French press. Sometimes we’re in the mood for a quick shot of espresso. And sometimes, we just want to push a button and enjoy a classic cup of drip-brewed coffee at home.
Drip brew coffee makers are available from dozens of different brands and at every price point, but there’s one that stands out as the best in the market:
The Technivorm Moccamaster.
Whether you're tired of your Aeropress, looking for a great gift for a coffee lover, or wanting to upgrade your kitchen with a cool new countertop appliance, the Moccamaster is one to consider.
Here’s our complete brew guide on how to use the Technivorm Moccamaster.
What is the Technivorm Moccamaster?
Technivorm is a Dutch manufacturer that’s been crafting coffee makers since 1968.
Every one of their products is handmade in the Netherlands using recyclable materials manufactured for long-lasting energy efficient use. Their coffee makers are certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and granted a seal of approval from the European Coffee Brewing Center (ECBC).
The Technivorm Moccamaster is considered one of the best drip coffee makers on the market by expert standards.
The company manufactures several different versions of this fantastic machine, including:
- the Moccamaster KB 741
- the Moccamaster KBG 741
- the Moccamaster KBT
- the Moccamaster Cup-One
The KB 741 Model
Features a glass carafe, ten-cup capacity, and a separate heating element to keep your coffee at the perfect temperature from the first to the last cup.
The KBG 741 Model
This is one of the most popular designs and allows you to brew six cups or ten cups at a time.
The KBT Model
Includes a thermal carafe, a manual drip-stop brew basket, and can make up to 10 cups of coffee in just six minutes.
The Moccamaster Cup-One
Their smallest coffee maker, designed to make one single cup in under four minutes.
Other Models
Technivorm also makes the KBGT model and the CBGT model, both with a ten-cup thermal jug and an automatic drip-stop brew basket.
Each model has a slightly different look and is constructed in a somewhat different way. Yet, they’re all sleek, stylish, and engineered to make a delicious cup of coffee.
What Makes the Technivorm Moccamaster So Appealing?
The Technivorm Moccamaster is available in a slew of cool colors and designs, but its visual appeal is just one reason why it’s so popular.
The Moccamaster stands out among coffee brewers for its:
- High-quality design
- Uniquely crafted components
- Ability to brew a flavorful cup of coffee each and every time you turn it on.
Many of the Moccamaster models come with a copper heating element that ensures the water is always at the perfect temperature (between 196 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit). You never have to worry about heating your water before adding it to the reservoir.
Another reason to love the Moccamaster is that it allows you the option to bloom your coffee during extraction.
Depending on the model and how much coffee you make at one time, the brewing process is quick:
You’ll have a perfectly hot cup within four to six minutes!
We also love the Moccamaster for the fact that it’s easy to use and easy to clean. You don’t have to be an experienced barista to make a great cup of coffee with this machine. As long as you have fresh and flavorful coffee beans, you’ll be able to make a delicious cup (or ten).
How to Brew Coffee in the Technivorm Moccamaster
Have a Moccamaster on your counter that you’re about to use for the first time? Considering buying one for yourself or as a gift?
Here are step-by-step directions for how to use the Moccamaster to brew an incredible cup of coffee.
Step 1: Weigh and Grind Your Coffee Beans
A great cup of coffee requires fresh coffee beans ground to the right consistency. Moccamaster recommends using 50 to 60 grams of coffee per liter of water that you add to your water reservoir.
So get out your Burr grinder, weigh your beans, and grind them to a fine grind.
Step 2: Add Your Filter
Fold and add your paper filter into the filter basket. It’s always best to rinse paper filters and the basket with hot water first to eliminate any residual paper taste.
Step 3: Fill the Water Reservoir with Cold Water
Fill the water reservoir with cold water. Your Moccamaster will heat the water to the proper temperature, so there’s no need to boil the water first or check its temperature before adding it.
Step 4: Add Your Coffee Grounds
- Put your coffee grounds inside the filter in the filter basket
- Set the drip stop lever on the filter basket up to put it in an open position
- Close the brew basket lid and turn on the power button
You’re ready to start the brew cycle!
Step 5: Bloom Your Coffee
This is an optional step in the brew process, but adding a few extra seconds to your brew time will result in an even better tasting cup of coffee.
The Moccamaster does not have a prewet feature, but if you care enough to bloom your coffee, you can still do so.
To bloom coffee in the Moccamaster, let the water heat up and watch for the moment when water starts to pour out and saturate the coffee. Once there’s enough water to soak all your coffee grounds, shut off the brewer for about 20 seconds and stir the grounds. This step is optional, but allowing for that extra saturation time gives your coffee a chance to degas.
Step 6: Open the Filter Basket
Open the filter basket, and your brew will start to drip into the carafe.
Toward the end of the brew cycle, it can be helpful to lift and tap the filter basket. This helps the grounds settle and create a more even extraction.
Step 7: Pour and Enjoy!
In about six minutes, you’ll have ten cups of perfectly brewed coffee ready to drink. Just pour it into your favorite mug, add your preferred sugar or creamer, and enjoy!
Wondering what coffee beans to use in your Moccamaster? Check out our article on How and When to Drink Light Roast coffee.
The Pros and Cons of the Moccamaster
Like all coffee machines, there are pros and cons to buying the Technivorm Moccamaster. But in our opinion, the pros far outweigh the drawbacks.
The Pros
The Moccamaster coffee maker has the ability to make the perfect cup of coffee if you use it properly. That’s easy to do because this machine is straightforward to use.
Moccamaster machines feature brew-thru lids, which cuts down on heat loss. Once your coffee brews, pour it from the carafe right into your cup without having to worry about the remaining coffee cooling down too quickly.
Technivorm machines have a quick brew time and include removable parts for easy cleaning. Should you have an issue with a particular part or function, the Technivorm website includes troubleshooting guides for easy and better operation. Replacement parts are available when needed, and each machine comes with a five-year warranty for peace of mind.
Moccamasters come in all sorts of neat shapes, sizes, and colors. It'll be a cinch to find one that suits your needs and fits perfectly with your style and other kitchen décor.
The Cons
The biggest drawback to the Technivorm Moccamaster is its price.
The single-serve one-cup version retails for about $245, and most ten-cup models vary in price from about $330 to $385. Inexpensive coffee makers cost as little as $20, so the Moccamaster is an investment best for the serious coffee drinker with a bigger budget.
Moccamaster machines are designed with hot plates to keep your carafe of coffee warm, but you can't turn them off, which some users don’t love. They also don’t allow you to adjust the water temperature, which some people prefer to do themselves.
All coffee makers are prone to build-up, and the Moccamaster is no different. We recommend descaling at least once a month — but only with a descaling solution or decalcifier. We do not recommend descaling the Moccamaster with vinegar, as it can leave an unpleasant residue behind if not adequately rinsed.
You may also enjoy: The Pros and Cons of the Electric French Press.
What Coffee Drinks Can You Make With the Moccamaster?
The Moccamaster can make all sorts of specialty coffee drinks, but it's not for making espresso. If espresso-based drinks are your preference, the Moccamaster won't deliver what you need.
If quality coffee you can brew with the push of a button is what you're looking for, the Moccamaster offers many possibilities.
Most "fancy" coffees (think lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, or macchiatos) are espresso-based, but you can still craft exciting coffee beverages with your Moccamaster.
Add Cream and Sugar
When you’re in the mood for a quick cup of coffee with the traditional cream and sugar, the Moccmaster is the way to go.
Turn It Into an Iced Coffee
There’s almost nothing we love more on a hot summer day than an icy cold brew coffee or a freshly brewed cup of coffee chilled and poured over ice. The Moccamaster makes great coffee in a short amount of time. If you have the patience to wait a half hour or so, brew some hot coffee and let it sit to cool down to room temperature.
Once your coffee reaches room temperature, fill a glass with ice and pour your brew on top. You can add milk, top it with whipped cream, and add some caramel drizzle to create a decadent dessert-inspired coffee beverage.
Take your iced beverage to the next level with DIY coffee cubes. No more watering down your brew!
Drink it Black
Love a cup of hot, straight, black coffee?
The Moccamaster is perfect for making an unfussy coffee drink. As long as you have fresh coffee beans, the Moccamaster makes a great cup of black coffee in a matter of minutes.
Add Steamed or Foamed Milk
You can also use the Moccamaster to make a latte-inspired drink.
Technically, it won't be a latte because a latte starts with an espresso base. But you can easily top a nice piping hot cup of drip brew through your Moccamaster with steamed milk or foamed milk to create that latte feel. (It’ll be more like a cafe au lait!)
Go Sweet or Spicy
If you love to experiment with flavored creamers, non-dairy products, or sugars and spices, drip brew serves as the perfect base. You can add anything you want to a Moccamaster coffee, and there are endless ways to flavor, sweeten, and spice up a great drip brew.
Made more than you can drink? Use any strong leftover brew to make your own coffee essence at home!
Conclusion
The Moccamaster is not your average coffee machine.
We think its a must-have for coffee drinkers that want an easy-to-make drip brew coffee maker with:
- Unique copper heating elements,
- The ability to produce incredible flavor
- An option to bloom your coffee for better extraction
Whether you like to make one cup each morning or brew ten cups at a time, Technivorm makes various models to appeal to every coffee drinker's needs.
And you can't overlook its design and visual appeal. Not only is it one of the best drip brew coffee makers on the market — it's one of the most stylish ones as well.