Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Review
In my quest for the perfect cup of coffee, I decided to try the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV. This machine has a solid reputation among coffee enthusiasts. With its sleek design and promise of quality brewing, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Having used it for some time, I’d like to share my thoughts. In this review, I’ll break down my experience with the Moccamaster KBGV, highlighting its features, performance, and overall value.
Size and Design
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV's design showcases a clean, professional look that blends practicality with minimalist aesthetics. It has a compact footprint with dimensions of 6.5 inches in depth, 12.75 inches in width, and 14 inches in height, making it an ideal choice for both small kitchens and coffee bars. The sleek white body contrasts elegantly with the black brew basket and carafe handle, giving it a modern yet timeless appearance.
One of the first things that stands out when using the machine is how its narrow profile saves counter space. Despite its size, it feels robust and well-built. The transparent water reservoir, which is situated on the left side, adds a touch of modernity while making it easy to monitor the water level. It's clearly marked, allowing for precision when brewing different quantities of coffee. This thoughtful addition gives a sense of control over your brewing process.
The top of the machine has a black, high-gloss brew basket, which seamlessly blends into the overall design. This part can be detached easily for cleaning, a feature that feels practical during use. The glass carafe below fits securely in place and has a sturdy handle for safe pouring, with a wide opening that allows you to see the brewed coffee clearly. The flow of the brewed coffee is well-managed, ensuring no spills as you pour, which speaks to the machine's precise craftsmanship.
On the front, the buttons for power and heating are positioned on a sleek control panel at the base, which adds to its modern, streamlined look. This placement makes the machine easy to operate, with clear and simple controls that don’t overwhelm the user.
Water Tank
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV’s 40-ounce (1.2-liter) water tank is one of the first things that catches your eye, sitting prominently above the heating element. It has a sleek, transparent design that adds to the machine’s overall clean aesthetic.
But, to be honest, there are a few aspects to consider before you fall in love with its look. For starters, the water tank is made of plastic, which might not sit well with everyone. It gives off more of a functional vibe than a premium one. Unlike some other high-end coffee makers, the tank isn’t removable, which can be a bit of a hassle. If you’re used to simply popping out the tank to fill it up or clean it, this could be something you’ll have to adjust to.
That said, there’s a silver lining here. The removable lid on the water tank is a small but convenient feature. It makes filling up the tank super easy, even if it can’t be detached from the machine itself. You just lift the lid, pour in your water, and you’re good to go. No awkward angles or trying to fit the tank under your faucet.
However, there's a catch. You’ll need a decent amount of headroom to work with when filling it up. If you’ve got overhead cabinets, they might get in the way a bit. I’ve found myself slightly adjusting the machine or angling the carafe just right to avoid hitting anything above it. It’s a small inconvenience, but if you have a tight kitchen setup, it’s something to keep in mind.
Now, here's something I really enjoy about the design—watching the brewing process in action. There’s a certain charm to being able to see the water move through the glass supply line as it’s being heated and pumped toward the brew basket. It’s a subtle, almost therapeutic touch that adds a bit of excitement to your morning coffee ritual. It’s not something you get to experience with a lot of other machines, and it feels uniquely Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV.
You can actually see the water traveling through the supply line and making its way to your coffee grounds, which gives the brewing process a bit of transparency—literally. If you’re the kind of person who loves to see how things work, this is a neat feature that adds a bit of flair to an otherwise straightforward machine.
Glass Carafe
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select has a sleek and minimalist design that stands out, but let's talk about the glass carafe that comes with it. To be honest, the carafe itself isn't exactly a highlight like Smeg Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine . While it does the job, it's fairly standard and doesn't bring anything particularly special to the table.
One thing I immediately noticed after using it for a while is the plastic handle. It feels a bit on the flimsy side. It doesn't quite give that solid, premium feel you might expect from a machine at this price point. If you're looking for something that feels sturdy and high-end when pouring your coffee, this might fall a bit short in that area.
However, despite my reservations about the handle, I have to give credit where it’s due—the stirring funnel inside the carafe is a small but genius feature. It ensures that the brewed coffee is well-mixed, from the first pour to the last. So instead of ending up with a cup that’s overly strong or too weak as you get through the pot, you get a more consistent flavor. This feature might seem like a minor detail, but it makes a noticeable difference if you're a stickler for getting the perfect cup every time.
The overall carafe design is functional enough, though. The wide opening at the top makes it easy to clean, and that’s always appreciated. It’s the kind of thing you don’t think about until you’re scrubbing away at awkward angles trying to get a carafe clean, but here it’s hassle-free. The carafe sits securely on the warming plate, too, and there’s no risk of it sliding around while in use.
In terms of aesthetics, the glass carafe does match the machine’s modern and clean lines. It complements the Moccamaster’s look and fits well into its overall design scheme. While the handle could use a bit of improvement, it’s a minor issue in the grand scheme of things. The real value here is in the brewing consistency and ease of use.
If I’m being totally honest, I’d say the carafe won’t be the feature that sells you on this coffee maker, but it’s definitely good enough to get the job done day after day. The stirring funnel is a saving grace, especially if you’re picky about your coffee strength. It makes up for any lack of sturdiness in the handle by ensuring that the coffee you pour is just as flavorful from start to finish. So while it’s not perfect, it does have some thoughtful design elements that make it work well in a practical, everyday setting.
Shower Head
The high quality of coffee produced by the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select can be attributed to its exceptional shower head design. This feature really makes a difference. With nine holes in the shower head, the machine ensures that the bed of ground coffee is evenly saturated. This uniform distribution of water helps extract all the rich flavors from the coffee grounds, resulting in a beautifully balanced cup.
What I particularly love about this shower head is the way it operates. The extended spray arm doesn’t blast water at high speed. Instead, it gently rains down in a pulsing motion, closely mimicking the gentle technique of a manual pour-over. This method is not only soothing to watch but also incredibly effective in achieving optimal extraction. It allows the water to interact with the coffee grounds more thoroughly, bringing out nuanced flavors and aromas that you might miss with a more aggressive brewing method.
Using the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV feels almost ritualistic, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness behind its design. Each brew feels deliberate, and the end result is always a cup of coffee that tastes like it’s been crafted with care. For anyone who values the quality of their coffee, this machine truly excels in delivering a consistently delicious experience, making it worth every penny.
Filter Basket
The filter basket on the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select has a design that reminds me a lot of a classic pour-over dripper, and that’s probably no coincidence. The basket is removable, which makes it easy to clean, but I have to admit, the lightweight plastic construction feels a bit underwhelming for a coffee maker at this price point. It doesn’t feel as durable or premium as I’d expect, given the overall reputation of the Moccamaster. That said, the function is what matters most here, and it does get the job done.
You’ll get the best brewing results if you use Moccamaster’s own coffee filters, which are designed to fit the basket perfectly. However, if you run out of their branded filters, any standard #4 cone filter will work just fine. I’ve tried it with generic filters, and I didn’t notice any significant difference in the coffee quality. But for those who want the most consistent performance, sticking to the Moccamaster filters is probably the best bet.
One feature I wasn’t expecting to appreciate as much as I did is the drip-stop mechanism. Normally, I don’t think much about drip-stop features because I rarely interrupt the brew cycle. But with the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV, it’s actually quite handy. If you want to sneak a cup mid-brew, the valve at the bottom of the filter basket kicks in when you remove the carafe, preventing any coffee from continuing to drip onto the warming plate. This feature ensures you won’t have a mess to clean up if you’re impatient for your first cup, and you won’t lose any of the brew in progress.
The lack of an automatic pre-infusion function may disappoint some, but it’s actually not a dealbreaker for me. If you’re familiar with the concept of blooming coffee, you can still do this manually by pulling the carafe out during the brew cycle. Once you’ve removed it, the drip-stop will kick in, and you can let the grounds bloom for a few seconds. After that, just pop the carafe back in, and the brew will continue. It’s a small manual adjustment, but it works well for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a bit more control over the brewing process.
Brewing Speed
When it comes to brew speed, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select really excels. One of the first things you notice when using this machine is how quickly it brews a full pot of coffee. It can brew the maximum 40 ounces (about 10 cups) in roughly 4 to 6 minutes, which is impressively fast for a drip coffee maker like BUNN CSB3T Speed Brew. This speed is one of the major selling points and something that sets it apart from many other coffee machines on the market.
In real-world use, the speed is incredibly convenient, especially for mornings when you’re pressed for time but still want a high-quality cup of coffee. You’re not waiting around for 10 minutes or more like you might with some slower machines. Even if you’re just brewing a smaller amount, say 4 cups, the Moccamaster adjusts its performance and brews that quickly too, without sacrificing the taste or strength of the coffee.
Despite its speed, it doesn’t feel rushed or incomplete. Often with faster machines, you worry about the coffee not being fully extracted, leading to weak or uneven brews, but that's not an issue here. The Moccamaster maintains excellent brewing temperatures (between 196–205°F), which is ideal for proper coffee extraction, even with such a quick brew time. The consistency in brew speed and temperature means you’re not compromising quality for the sake of convenience.
Additionally, the pre-immersion drip system helps saturate the coffee grounds evenly, which ensures that even with the speed, you’re getting a rich and full-bodied flavor in every cup. This is especially noticeable when you compare it to cheaper coffee makers that can brew fast but deliver a watery or under-extracted result.
Coffee Taste
The coffee quality produced by the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is where this machine truly shines. In terms of taste, it consistently delivers a rich, full-bodied brew that rivals what you'd expect from a pour-over or even a well-made French press. The quality of the coffee is excellent like Ninja CM371, and it's largely due to the machine’s precision in terms of water temperature and brewing method.
First off, the Moccamaster maintains an optimal brewing temperature between 196°F and 205°F, which is critical for proper coffee extraction. This range is often considered the "sweet spot" for bringing out the best flavors in the beans. Whether you’re using light, medium, or dark roasts, the coffee always comes out with a balanced flavor profile.
The machine extracts the right amount of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness without leaning too heavily on one side. There’s none of that burnt taste that you sometimes get from cheaper machines that overheat the water, nor any sour notes from under-extraction.
One thing that really stands out is the even saturation of the coffee grounds, thanks to the Moccamaster's pre-immersion drip-style system. Essentially, the machine pre-wets the coffee grounds before the full brewing process kicks in, ensuring all the grounds are evenly saturated. This results in a more consistent extraction, which makes a big difference in flavor. You don't get that unpleasant scenario where the first cup is overly strong, and the last cup is weak—every pour tastes uniform and smooth.
The coffee it produces also has a certain clarity to it. You can really taste the individual notes in each blend, whether it’s a fruity light roast or a chocolatey dark roast. If you're a coffee enthusiast who appreciates the nuances of specialty coffee, this machine brings out those subtle flavors exceptionally well. For those who aren’t necessarily coffee connoisseurs but just want a consistently good cup, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV’s reliable brewing process ensures you'll never end up with a bad batch.
Additionally, the warming plate does a good job of keeping the coffee at an ideal drinking temperature without burning it. Some machines will scorch the coffee if left on the warmer too long, but the Moccamaster avoids this issue with its intelligent design. It has an automatic shut-off after 100 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about the coffee sitting there for too long and losing its quality.
User Interface
The control panel on the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is refreshingly simple and user-friendly Bunn BX Speed Brew. Right at the front, it features just two main switches. One is for power, and the other lets you choose between brewing a full pot or a half pot. I appreciate how easy it is to operate. The power switch lights up when the machine is on, so you know it’s ready to brew.
The brew size selector is convenient, too. Whether I want a full 40-ounce pot for guests or just a quick half pot for myself, it adjusts without hassle. This makes the brewing experience more flexible and tailored to my needs.
Even though the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV doesn’t have a digital display or complex temperature controls, it relies on a high-quality heating element. I’ve found that it consistently brews water at the optimal temperature, so I don’t have to adjust anything. It just works.
Using the control panel feels satisfying and straightforward. There’s no fuss involved, which lets me focus on enjoying my coffee. The simplicity means less can go wrong, making it a reliable choice for my daily routine.
Easy to Clean
Yes, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is relatively easy to clean like Teglu Espresso Machine, which is another point in its favor. The machine’s design seems to take into account the daily hassle of maintaining a coffee maker, and they’ve made the process as straightforward as possible.
Starting with the basics, most of the components that need regular cleaning are either removable or easy to access. The filter basket, which holds the coffee grounds, can be easily taken out after brewing, making it quick to dispose of used grounds and give it a rinse. Since the basket is plastic and fairly simple in design, there aren't any small nooks and crannies that would trap residue or make cleaning difficult.
The glass carafe is also easy to clean, thanks to its wide opening. You can easily reach inside with a brush or sponge to remove any coffee stains or residue. Plus, since it's glass, you don’t have to worry about lingering odors or oils from previous brews affecting the taste of future cups. The only minor issue here is the plastic handle, which feels a little flimsy, but it doesn’t interfere with the cleaning process itself.
The water tank, while not removable, is easy to keep clean too. The tank’s lid comes off easily, allowing you to wipe down the inside if necessary. And because it’s transparent, you can clearly see if there’s any mineral build-up or residue that needs attention. Although you can't remove the water tank, its wide top opening makes filling and cleaning fairly simple.
One thing you might have to pay attention to over time is the glass supply line, which allows you to watch the water moving during the brewing process. While it’s fun to look at, minerals from hard water can accumulate in the line, so it’s good to run a descaling solution through the machine every few months to keep it functioning optimally.
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV actually recommends descaling the machine regularly (about every 100 cycles or three months, depending on usage), and the process is simple enough—just pour a descaling solution into the water tank and run the machine as usual. It’s not something you have to do often, but it does help maintain the machine’s performance and extend its life.
The warming plate can be wiped down easily as well, as it’s made of smooth materials that don’t allow spills to stick or harden. Just be sure to give it a quick wipe after brewing to prevent any coffee drips from burning onto the surface.
Noise Level
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is pleasantly quiet compared to many other coffee makers I've used. When brewing, it emits a gentle hum rather than a loud clattering or gurgling noise, which is a welcome change in the morning when I’m still waking up. The sound it makes is more of a soft whirring as the water heats up and is distributed through the shower head.
I’ve noticed that the noise level is particularly low during the brewing process unlike Nespresso Vertuo POP+ Deluxe. Unlike some machines that sound like a jet engine taking off, the Moccamaster operates smoothly and quietly. Even when it’s pouring the water over the coffee grounds, the gentle pulsing action of the spray arm produces minimal noise, making the entire experience more peaceful.
After the brewing cycle, the warming plate does create some light sounds as it keeps the coffee warm, but it’s nothing disruptive.
Final Verdict
In my experience, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select stands out as one of the best coffee makers on the market today. Its commitment to quality, both in construction and the coffee it produces, is impressive. The carefully designed shower head, which evenly saturates the coffee grounds, ensures a rich and flavorful brew that consistently meets high standards.
The build quality is another highlight. The aluminum body feels sturdy and durable, a welcome contrast to the plastic-heavy designs often found in other machines. While it might lack some modern features like a programmable timer, the Moccamaster compensates with its simplicity and ease of use. The straightforward control panel is intuitive, allowing for a hassle-free brewing experience.
What truly sets this machine apart is the coffee quality. The gentle, pulsing water flow mimics the pour-over method, resulting in a cup that captures all the nuanced flavors and aromas. Each brew feels deliberate and well-crafted, making every sip a joy.
Additionally, its quiet operation is a major plus. Whether you're brewing in the early morning or late at night, the Moccamaster won't disrupt your environment. It's an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates a tranquil coffee-making experience.
Overall, if you’re serious about your coffee and willing to invest in a machine that delivers consistently excellent results, the Moccamaster KBGV Select is absolutely worth the price. It combines quality, durability, and a user-friendly design into one exceptional coffee maker. For those who value great coffee, this machine is a worthwhile addition to your kitchen.
