Moccamaster KM5 Review: Is This the Fastest Electric Coffee Grinder?

The Moccamaster KM5 is a pretty expensive electric coffee grinder, but it’s super high-quality, matches the Technivorm Moccamaster KB coffee maker beautifully, and might just be one of the fastest electric grinders out there—it hits speeds of around 2 grams of coffee per second. In this Moccamaster KM5 review, I’ll explain everything I love about this grinder and why I think it’s ideal for anyone who has minimal time in the morning to prepare their coffee.

Quick Moccamaster KM5 Review

The Moccamaster KM5 is a premium electric coffee grinder that pairs perfectly with Technivorm’s renowned Moccamaster coffee brewers. At around $340, it’s a pricey grinder, but it’s also one of the fastest burr grinders on the market, and it’s still really consistent. The 50mm stainless steel conical burrs can grind up to 2 grams of coffee per second, making it a great option for people who have minimal time in the morning but still want delicious coffee.

In my experience, the KM5 delivers excellent grind consistency across a wide range of grind settings, from coarse for cold brew all the way down to fine for Aeropress (it won’t grind for espresso, so this grinder isn’t for you if you’re looking for a true all-in-one grinder). The stepless grind adjustment makes it easy to dial in your perfect grind, and the grinder’s fast speed means you can have your freshly ground coffee brewed in record time.

Who the Moccamaster KM5 Grinder Is For

The Moccamaster KM5 is an ideal grinder for the busy coffee drinker who wants high-quality, consistently brewed coffee with minimal fuss in the morning. Its lightning-fast grinding speed means you can have your freshly ground coffee brewed and ready to drink in just a couple of minutes.

This grinder is best suited for those who primarily brew drip coffee or use a pour over method. The KM5 cannot grind fine enough for espresso, so it’s not the best choice for espresso enthusiasts. It can grind for everything from Aeropress up to cold brew, so pretty much any coffee other than espresso is possible.

It’s also not the quietest grinder on the market, so if you need to brew coffee before others in your household are awake, this might not be the best grinder for you. I’d instead recommend a manual coffee grinder over an electric one—that will require more time and effort, but they’re almost entirely silent.

The grind consistency and speed will allow you to get the most out of your coffee, delivering rich, flavorful coffee each morning without a lengthy prep process.

Moccamaster KM5 Pros and Cons

Moccamaster KM5 Review

Let’s take a closer look at what makes the KM5 such a solid grinder choice.

Coffee Quality

Using the Moccamaster KM5 grinder, you can expect exceptional coffee quality when paired with a premium drip brewer like the Technivorm Moccamaster or the Breville Precision Brewer. The 50mm conical burrs provide extremely consistent grind size, which is crucial for getting balanced extraction and bringing out the full flavor potential of your coffee beans.

I found that the KM5 performs particularly well with medium and light roast Arabica coffees, producing cups with vibrant acidity, nuanced sweetness, and a clean, well-balanced flavor profile. The grinder does an excellent job of avoiding both under-extraction (which can lead to sour, underdeveloped flavors) and over-extraction (which can result in bitterness and astringency).

Batch-to-batch consistency is also top-notch with the KM5. Once you’ve dialed in your ideal grind setting, each subsequent brew will taste nearly identical, allowing you to fine-tune your coffee and perfect your technique. This level of consistency is a huge advantage for home brewers who want to experiment and iterate on their recipes.

Grind Size Adjustments

The Moccamaster KM5 uses a stepless grind adjustment, which means you can make infinitely small changes to the grind size rather than being limited to preset steps. This allows for extremely precise dialing in of your grind, which is crucial for achieving the perfect extraction.

The grind adjustment mechanism is a single dial that ranges from 1 to 9, with 1 being the finest setting (ideal for Aeropress or moka pot) and 8-9 being the coarsest (suitable for cold brew). While the stepless adjustment is technically better than stepped adjustments, the small size of the dial makes it a bit tricky to return to an exact grind size if you need to switch between brew methods.

It’s also worth noting that the KM5 is not capable of grinding fine enough for espresso. The finest setting is more appropriate for brewing methods like Aeropress or moka pot. So if you’re looking for an all-in-one coffee grinder for espresso, this is not the machine for you.

Ease of Use

The Moccamaster KM5 is designed with convenience and ease of use in mind. One of my favorite features is the included grounds container, which has a rubber gasket on the top to prevent coffee grounds from spraying all over your countertop. This helps keep your workstation clean and tidy, which is a huge plus for a high-use item like a coffee grinder. I really wish other electric grinders had this, especially for espresso grinding, which can get pretty messy.

Another standout feature is the grinder’s impressive speed. Capable of grinding up to 2 grams of coffee per second, the KM5 makes quick work of your morning brew, allowing you to have freshly ground beans in your coffee maker in no time. This is a major benefit for those who are short on time in the mornings.

The one aspect of the KM5’s operation that I found a bit annoying is the on/off switch. Rather than a simple press-and-release switch, you have to hold down the button for the grinder to run. I understand why Technivorm did this (to avoid the need for an expensive scale to measure your dose), but it does mean you have to stand by the grinder while it’s grinding.

Overall, though, the KM5 is a very user-friendly grinder that’s a breeze to operate.

Appearance

Aesthetically, the Moccamaster KM5 is a real showstopper. Its sleek, modern design features brushed stainless steel and black accents that give it a premium, high-end look. The clean lines and minimalist styling make it a perfect companion to Technivorm’s iconic coffee brewers.

In my opinion, the KM5 is one of the best-looking electric grinders on the market. It has a timeless, elegant appeal that will complement almost any kitchen decor. If you have a Technivorm Moccamaster, the KM5 will seamlessly integrate with its look and create a cohesive, high-end coffee setup.

Counter Space and Footprint

The Moccamaster KM5 is on the larger side for an electric coffee grinder, measuring 5 inches wide, 8.3 inches deep, and 12.75 inches tall. With its sizable footprint, it may not be the best choice for those working with limited counter space, but it’s about on par with most other electric grinders.

Ultimately, the grinder’s larger size is a tradeoff for its impressive speed and grind performance. If you have the counter real estate to spare, the KM5’s premium look and capabilities make it a worthwhile investment. But it’s something to consider if you have a tight kitchen layout.

Price

At around $340, the Moccamaster KM5 is certainly not a budget-friendly coffee grinder. It’s one of the more expensive electric models on the market, especially considering that it can’t grind fine enough for espresso.

However, I believe the price is justified by the grinder’s exceptional build quality, performance, and consistency. It’s a commercial-grade machine that’s built to last, and the 5-year warranty from Technivorm is a testament to its durability.

Additionally, the KM5’s ability to produce consistently delicious coffee morning after morning makes it a solid investment for the true coffee enthusiast. When you factor in the time and effort it can save you in the long run, the price tag starts to make more sense.

Of course, whether the KM5 is worth the investment will depend on your personal coffee habits and priorities. If you need to grind for espresso, I suggest opting for a different grinder. But for those who want the best possible drip coffee experience at home, I think the KM5 is a smart splurge.

Noise

One potential drawback of the Moccamaster KM5 is its relatively noisy operation. When grinding, the grinder produces a loud rumble that may disturb others in your household, especially first thing in the morning. This is a direct tradeoff for the grinding speed. Faster grinders will almost always be louder during operation.

Since the KM5 grinds extremely quickly, any noise disturbance will be relatively short-lived. But if you need to brew coffee before others in your home are awake, the noisiness could be an issue.

It’s worth noting that many high-performance burr grinders tend to be on the noisier side due to the powerful motors required to spin the burrs at high speeds. So the KM5’s noise level is not entirely unexpected, but it’s still something to be aware of if you prioritize a quiet brewing routine.

Warranty

One of the standout features of the Moccamaster KM5 is its industry-leading 5-year warranty. This extended coverage is a testament to the grinder’s exceptional build quality and Technivorm’s confidence in the product’s durability.

Compared to the 1- to 2- year warranties typical of many consumer-grade coffee grinders, the KM5’s 5-year warranty is impressive. It gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected, and it speaks to the level of craftsmanship that goes into this machine.

Technivorm is known for making some of the most reliable and long-lasting coffee equipment on the market. The KM5’s robust stainless steel and high-quality plastic construction, coupled with that extensive warranty, suggest this grinder is built to last for many years of consistent use.

Wrapping Up: Do I Recommend the Technivorm KM5 Grinder?

In my opinion, the Moccamaster KM5 is an exceptional electric coffee grinder that is well worth the investment for anyone who wants to take their home drip coffee game to the next level. Its lightning-fast grinding speed, superb grind consistency, and premium build quality make it an ideal pairing for high-end coffee makers like the Technivorm Moccamaster.

The KM5’s sleek, modern appearance is also a major plus, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into any kitchen and create a cohesive, high-end coffee setup. And with Technivorm’s impressive 5-year warranty, you can rest assured that your investment is well-protected.

The downsides, such as the grinder’s relatively loud operation and the difficulty in returning to an exact grind size, are fairly minor in the grand scheme of things. For me, the KM5’s many strengths far outweigh these small drawbacks, unless you need to grind for espresso, which the KM5 cannot do.

Ultimately, if you’re serious about brewing exceptional drip coffee at home and you have the counter space and budget to accommodate this premium grinder, I highly recommend giving the Moccamaster KM5 a close look. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in terms of coffee quality and convenience for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Moccamaster KM5 stand out from other electric coffee grinders?

The Moccamaster KM5 is in a league of its own when it comes to grinding speed and consistency. With the ability to grind up to 2 grams of coffee per second, this grinder can help you get your freshly ground beans brewed and in your cup faster than just about any other model on the market. Couple that high-end performance with its exceptional 50mm stainless steel conical burrs, which deliver remarkably uniform grind particles, and you have a recipe for consistently excellent coffee. Whether you’re brewing drip, pour over, or Aeropress, the KM5 will deliver outstanding results.

Who is the Moccamaster KM5 best suited for?

The Moccamaster KM5’s combination of speed and precision make it a great choice for those who need to get their morning cup brewed quickly but still want to enjoy the benefits of freshly ground beans. It pairs especially well with high-end drip coffee makers like the Technivorm Moccamaster, allowing you to extract maximum flavor from your brew. However, the KM5 may not be the best fit for those with limited counter space, as its sizable footprint requires a bit more real estate. It’s also not suitable for grinding fine enough for espresso.

What are the main pros and cons of the Moccamaster KM5 grinder?

On the plus side, the Moccamaster KM5 offers unparalleled grinding speed, excellent grind consistency courtesy of its premium 50mm burrs, a sleek and modern design that complements Technivorm brewers, and an industry-leading 5-year warranty that speaks to its impressive build quality. However, it’s a pricey investment, especially considering it can’t grind fine enough for espresso. It’s also on the louder side, which could be an issue for those brewing early in the morning. And the stepless grind adjustment, while technically superior, makes it difficult to return to an exact grind setting if you need to switch between brew methods.