Moccamaster KBT Review: Better Than the Original, But Still Not Perfect

Technivorm products are well above average when it comes to the quality of the coffee they make, and one of the best drip coffee machines the company offers in terms of coffee quality is the Moccamaster KBT. It has some upgrades from the original Moccamaster, but in my opinion, it’s still not perfect. In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth Moccamaster KBT review, go over some pros and cons, and help you decide if this is the right machine for you

Quick Moccamaster KBT Review

Technivorm’s drip coffee makers are widely considered to be some of the best and most reliable options on the market. The Moccamaster KBT, an upgraded version of the original Moccamaster, is one of the company’s flagship models. It boasts several improvements over the original, including a thermal carafe and better water flow control. However, while the KBT undoubtedly makes excellent coffee, there are a few quirks and design choices that leave me feeling like it’s not quite perfect.

The biggest advantages of the KBT are the consistently delicious coffee it produces and its impressive internal build quality. Technivorm’s copper heating element ensures the water hits the optimal 195 to 204 degrees (F) temperature range, allowing for thorough extraction without bitterness or sourness. The machine’s shower head design and conical grounds basket also contribute to an even, well-balanced extraction. The result is a rich, nuanced cup with notes of sweetness, acidity, and complexity that will satisfy even the most discerning coffee drinker.

At the same time, the KBT lacks some of the advanced brewing controls found on competing models in this price range. You can’t adjust the water temperature or control the bloom phase of the brew, which are features coveted by coffee enthusiasts. The machine also has a few quirky design choices, like the adjustable water flow control, that feel more gimmicky than useful. And while the overall build quality is excellent, the assembly of certain components, like the coffee delivery arm, could be more solid and better integrated.

Who the Moccamaster KBT Is For

The KBT is best suited for people who want to make great coffee without having to learn a lot of complex techniques or constantly adjust their brew parameters. It’s a “set it and forget it” type of machine that will deliver cafe-quality results with just the press of a button. This makes it a great option for busy mornings, office settings, or anywhere you need a reliable, hands-off coffee maker.

That said, the KBT’s lack of advanced controls may be a dealbreaker for true coffee nerds. If you’re the type of person who loves experimenting with different water temperatures, bloom times, and other variables to fine-tune your brew, the Moccamaster KBT won’t provide customization options to satisfy your needs. In that case, I’d steer you towards the Breville Precision Brewer or another machine that offers more granular control over the brewing process.

Moccamaster KBT Pros and Cons

Moccamaster KBT Review

Let’s dive a bit more into the specific features of the KBT to help you decide if this is the best drip coffee machine for you.

Coffee Quality

The Moccamaster KBT undoubtedly makes delicious coffee. If you’re upgrading from a standard $25 to $50 drip machine, the difference in coffee quality will be immediately noticeable. Technivorm’s copper heating element reliably reaches the optimal brewing temperature range of 195 to 204 degrees (F), extracting all the complex flavors from your coffee without bitterness or sourness.

The machine’s unique shower head design and conical grounds basket also contribute to an even, well-rounded extraction. The shower head, in particular, does an excellent job of distributing the hot water evenly over the grounds, ensuring a balanced brew. The conical shape of the filter basket also helps to highlight the natural sweetness and fruity notes in the coffee.

However, there are a couple of areas where the KBT falls short compared to some of its higher-end competitors. First, you have no control over the water temperature. Many premium drip machines now include PID controllers that allow you to fine-tune the temperature to your preference. While the KBT’s default temperature range is excellent, that lack of adjustability is a downside for true coffee aficionados who want to experiment with temperature profiles.

Additionally, the KBT doesn’t give you any control over the bloom phase of the brewing process. Blooming—allowing the grounds to degas and saturate briefly before continuing the brew—is crucial for maximizing flavor extraction. Other drip machines in this price range, like the Breville Precision Brewer, do offer bloom control, giving users more opportunity to fine-tune the final cup.

Brewing Control

Speaking of brewing control, this is probably the Moccamaster KBT’s biggest weakness. Beyond the lack of temperature and bloom adjustments, the only other “control” the machine offers is the ability to slow down the water flow through the grounds basket. You can keep it fully open, half open, or fully closed.

Honestly, I’m not sure why this feature exists or how it’s supposed to affect the coffee in a meaningful way. Keeping it half open might lead to some over-extraction and bitterness, but I can’t imagine a scenario where you’d want that. And the fully closed setting just mimics the “steal-a-cup” function that most drip machines have anyway. For a $300+ machine, I expect more substantive brewing customization, and certainly a built-in steal-a-cup feature, which is standard on virtually every other drip machine out there.

The lack of control over variables like water temperature and bloom time means the KBT is best suited for coffee drinkers who don’t want to fuss with a lot of settings and adjustments. If you’re the type of person who enjoys experimenting with different brewing parameters to find your perfect cup, the KBT’s limited controls will likely leave you feeling frustrated.

Ease of Use

While the Moccamaster KBT may lack advanced brewing controls, that does translate to exceptionally straightforward operation. There’s just a single button to start the brew, and the automated process takes care of the rest. Add water, add grounds, and press start—that’s it. For coffee drinkers who value simplicity and consistency over tinkering, the KBT couldn’t be easier to use.

The machine’s basic functionality is a major selling point. There’s no need to navigate through confusing menus or fiddle with a dozen different settings. Just fill it up, hit the brew button, and you’ll have a delicious cup of coffee in minutes with minimal effort on your part. This makes the KBT an excellent choice for busy mornings, offices, or any situation where you want great coffee without a steep learning curve.

Appearance

The Moccamaster KBT has a sleek, distinctive aesthetic that should fit well in most modern kitchens. The clean lines and matte metal accents give it a premium look, and it’s available in several color options to match your decor. Personally, I think the stainless steel model is the most attractive, as the other colors mean the carafe won’t match, and that looks odd to me.

One neat design touch is being able to watch the heated water travel up the clear reservoir tube during the brewing process. It’s a mesmerizing little detail that doesn’t affect the coffee, but it is kind of fun to watch.

Counter Space and Footprint

The Moccamaster KBT has a fairly compact footprint, measuring approximately 11.5 inches wide, 6.75 inches deep, and 15.25 inches tall. This makes it a viable option even for small kitchens with limited counter space. The machine’s slim profile and relatively short height allow it to fit comfortably under most overhead cabinets, so it won’t dominate your counter.

In terms of the carafe and grounds basket size, the KBT is also well-suited for both individual and group servings. The thermal carafe holds up to 10 cups of coffee (40oz), which is a generous capacity for a standard drip machine.

This versatility in size and footprint is a definite plus for the Moccamaster KBT. Whether you have a spacious kitchen or a cramped one, the machine’s compact dimensions and ample brewing capacity make it a practical choice. It won’t take up too much precious counter real estate, but it can still meet the coffee needs of multiple people.

Brewing Options

As a standard drip coffee machine, the Moccamaster KBT is limited in its brewing capabilities. It can only make traditional drip coffee—most notably, there is no option for extra-strong iced coffee. If you want more versatility, you’ll need to look at machines like the Breville Precision Brewer that offer those additional features.

That said, the KBT does excel at its core function of brewing excellent drip coffee. Its precision temperature control, even water distribution, and high-quality construction all contribute to consistently delicious results. And the thermal carafe keeps that coffee hot and fresh for hours, without the need to keep it on a warming plate, which often burns the coffee and makes it excessively bitter.

So while the KBT may not have the same level of brewing flexibility as some of its competitors, it does the fundamentals of drip coffee exceptionally well. If your primary goal is to make outstanding everyday coffee with minimal fuss, the Moccamaster KBT is more than up to the task. Just don’t expect it to do anything beyond traditional drip brewing.

Quality and Durability

In terms of build quality, the Moccamaster KBT feels mostly solid and well-constructed. The metal housing and components give it a substantial, premium feel. However, as I mentioned earlier, I do have some reservations about the assembly of certain parts.

Specifically, the horizontal arm that delivers the coffee from the water reservoir to the grounds basket, as well as the tray that holds the filter basket, both feel a bit loose and flimsy. They don’t quite have the rock-solid, perfectly integrated feel that I’d expect at this price point. There’s a bit of wiggle and play in those components that makes the machine feel slightly less polished and cohesive than I’d like.

That said, Technivorm is known for the excellent longevity of its products. The company sells individual replacement parts, so you can easily fix or upgrade the machine over time. With proper care, a Moccamaster should last for many years of reliable daily use. This serviceability and durability is a major selling point, as it means the KBT is likely to outlast cheaper drip machines by a significant margin.

Warranty

Technivorm backs the Moccamaster KBT with a 5-year warranty, which is quite generous compared to the 1-year standard found on most drip coffee makers. This helps protect what is going to be a sizeable investment in your coffee equipment.

Technivorm is known for good customer service, too, so if you do experience an issue that’s covered by your warranty, it’s likely to be fixed with no issues.

Price

When it comes to the KBT’s price tag, it’s important to consider the long-term value the machine provides. Yes, $340 is a significant investment upfront, especially compared to basic $30 to $50 drip brewers. But the Moccamaster’s exceptional build quality, outstanding coffee quality, and 5-year warranty coverage make it a smart purchase for serious coffee drinkers.

Over the course of several years of daily use, the KBT’s premium price starts to look like a smart investment. Cheaper drip machines may need to be replaced more frequently, while the Moccamaster is built to last. And the consistently delicious coffee it produces day-in and day-out is hard to put a price on for true coffee enthusiasts.

Wrapping Up: Do I Recommend the Moccamaster KBT?

The Moccamaster KBT is an excellent drip coffee machine that delivers outstanding brew quality with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to make delicious coffee at home, the KBT is a fantastic option. Its simple one-button operation, thermal carafe, and reliable performance make it a great choice for busy coffee drinkers who don’t need (or want) extensive brewing customization.

That said, coffee enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with variables like temperature and bloom time may find the KBT’s lack of control to be a drawback. The Breville Precision Brewer offers a more advanced set of features for a comparable price. And while the KBT’s overall build quality is excellent, the slightly flimsy feel of some components is a minor strike against it.

Overall, though, the Moccamaster KBT is a superb drip coffee maker that I can confidently recommend to anyone seeking an easy-to-use, high-quality machine. Its exceptional brew quality, impressive longevity, and thoughtful design make it well worth the premium price tag for the right user. If you want great coffee with minimal fuss, the KBT is one of the best options on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Moccamaster KBT compare to the original Moccamaster?

The Moccamaster KBT is an upgraded version of the original Moccamaster drip machine. The key differences are the inclusion of a thermal carafe (versus a glass carafe on the original) and the addition of adjustable water flow control. The thermal carafe is a significant improvement, keeping coffee hotter for longer without the need for a warming plate. The water flow control is a bit more questionable, as it doesn’t seem to provide meaningful brewing benefits.

Does the Moccamaster KBT have any special features or brewing controls?

Unlike some higher-end drip machines, the Moccamaster KBT is fairly limited in its brewing controls and customization options. You can’t adjust the water temperature or control the bloom phase of the brew, which are features found on competitors like the Breville Precision Brewer. The KBT’s only real “control” is the ability to adjust the water flow rate through the grounds basket, but this doesn’t make much sense and doesn’t actually give you meaningful control. Overall, the KBT is designed for simplicity and convenience over advanced customization, making it best suited for users who prioritize ease of use over control.

How easy is the Moccamaster KBT to use and maintain on a daily basis?

One of the KBT’s key strengths is its exceptional ease of use. With just a single button to start the brew process, the machine takes care of everything else automatically. Simply add water, add coffee grounds, and press start. There’s no need to fiddle with a confusing array of settings or controls. The KBT is also very straightforward to maintain, with easily removable parts for cleaning and Technivorm’s availability of replacement components over the long term. As long as you perform basic upkeep like descaling, the KBT should provide years of hassle-free, high-quality coffee brewing.