Technivorm Moccamaster Review: So Close to Perfection, But Not Quite

The Technivorm Moccamaster is one of the most popular drip coffee machines out there for coffee aficionados, and for good reason. It’s eons better than your standard $20 to $50 drip machine that often makes burnt, bitter coffee. But, in my opinion, it’s not quite perfect…and I think a drip machine that’s priced at over $300 should be.

In this Technivorm Moccamaster review, I’ll provide an in-depth look at this drip coffee maker to help you decide if this is the right machine for you, and I’ll also explain an alternative that I’d recommend considering instead.

Quick Technivorm Moccamaster Review

The Technivorm Moccamaster is a high-end drip coffee machine that uses a copper heating element to maintain the ideal water temperature of 195 to 205 degrees (F) for brewing full-flavored coffee…and in my testing, it actually hit that temperature. Kudos to Technivorm for not just saying what everyone wants to hear and actually making a machine that delivers on its promises.

It features a unique spray arm that evenly distributes water over the coffee grounds, and its conical brew basket create a clean, bright cup of coffee that’s not over- or underextracted.

However, I do have some issues with the Moccamaster’s design and construction. The overall feel of the machine is a bit cheap for a $300+ appliance, and elements like the water arm and grounds basket don’t feel very secure. The included glass carafe and heating plate setup also isn’t ideal, as it can lead to over-extraction and bitterness. If you do opt for the Moccamaster, I strongly recommend upgrading to the thermal carafe model, like the Moccamaster KBT.

Who the Technivorm Moccamaster Is For

The Technivorm Moccamaster is best suited for coffee lovers who prioritize quality and consistency over customization and control. If you want a simple, reliable machine that will brew excellent coffee without any fuss, the Moccamaster is a great choice. It’s also a good option for those with limited counter space, as its compact footprint won’t take up too much room.

However, the Moccamaster isn’t the best option for those who want control over the brewing process. If you’re someone who likes to experiment with water temperature, pre-infusion times, and other advanced brewing parameters, you’d be better off with a machine like the Breville Precision Brewer that offers more customization.

Moccamaster Pros and Cons

Technivorm Moccamaster Review

Now that you have an overview of the Moccamaster, let’s get into some specifics regarding where I think this drip machine shines and where it falls short.

Coffee Quality

If you’re considering buying a Moccamaster, chances are you’re prioritizing coffee quality over everything else. And to that end, the Moccamaster will very likely not disappoint. It uses a copper heating element that reaches and maintains the proper water temperature for full-flavor coffee, and it distributes water over the coffee grounds more evenly than budget drip machines. It also has a conical grounds basket and uses conical pour over filters, which highlights the fruitier, sweeter coffee notes that most coffee lovers prefer.

However, there are a few things I take issue with. First, the main Moccamaster machine uses a glass carafe and a heating plate to keep your brewed coffee hot. This isn’t ideal, as an external heat source can burn the coffee and make it bitter. You can upgrade to a thermal carafe, which I strongly recommend, but it’ll cost you a bit more.

Second, there’s no temperature control. This isn’t a huge deal, but the Moccamaster’s main competitor, the Breville Precision Brewer, lets you dial in the temperature in single-degree increments, making it just a touch better. Plus, it costs the same amount.

Third, you don’t have the option to use a flat-bottom grounds basket, which would be a nice touch for further flavor customization. Again, the Breville outperforms the Moccamaster here.

All in all, the Moccamaster makes outstanding coffee, and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best drip coffee makers you can buy. If you’re looking for a super simple way to make great coffee at the touch of a button, this machine will blow you away. But I think it falls short in a few areas that it shouldn’t, given the price tag.

Ease of Use

One of the Moccamaster’s biggest strengths is its simplicity and ease of use. It really couldn’t be simpler: you just choose between a half carafe and a full carafe, add your coffee grounds, add water, and hit the power button. That’s it. There’s no need to fuss with water temperature, pre-infusion times, or any other advanced brewing parameters. The Moccamaster just makes great coffee without requiring you to know anything about the process.

This simplicity makes the Moccamaster an excellent choice for those who want a hassle-free coffee experience in the morning, as well as for beginners. You don’t need to be a coffee connoisseur to use this machine; anyone can get consistently excellent results with minimal effort.

Appearance

The Technivorm Moccamaster has a unique, futuristic-yet-retro appearance that sets it apart from the sea of generic drip machines out there. The clear water reservoir and visible tube through which the heated water travels is a nice touch, allowing you to see the brewing process in action. The overall aesthetic is clean and striking, with 13 really cool color options to fit different kitchen styles.

Personally, I find the Moccamaster’s appearance to be one of its strengths. It’s a striking, conversation-starting appliance that will look great on any kitchen counter. The clear glass carafe and visible water heating system also add an element of theater to the brewing process, which coffee enthusiasts are sure to appreciate.

Counter Space and Footprint

The Technivorm Moccamaster has a relatively compact footprint, measuring 12.75 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep, and 14 inches tall. This makes it a good option for smaller kitchens or crowded counter spaces. The machine’s vertical design also helps it take up less room than many bulkier drip machines.

That said, the Moccamaster is still a substantial appliance, so it may not be the best choice if you’re extremely limited on counter real estate. But for the average kitchen, its footprint should be manageable.

Brewing Options

The Technivorm Moccamaster is a drip coffee machine, pure and simple. It does not offer any additional brewing capabilities like espresso or iced coffee. If you’re looking for a machine that can handle a wider range of coffee drinks, you’ll need to look elsewhere. I’ll mention again that the Breville Precision Brewer is just a touch better in this regard, as it can brew drip coffee and iced coffee.

If your primary focus is on producing excellent drip coffee, the Moccamaster is more than up to the task. It’s designed to brew 4 to 10 cups at a time, making it a great option for both solo coffee drinkers and larger households.

Quality

The Technivorm Moccamaster is constructed from high-quality materials, with individually replaceable components that help extend the machine’s lifespan and reduce long-term costs. The copper heating element, in particular, is a standout feature, ensuring precise temperature control and consistency.

That said, the overall feel of the Moccamaster is a bit less premium than I’d expect for a $300+ appliance. The water arm and grounds basket don’t feel as solidly attached as I’d like, and there’s a general sense that some cost-cutting was done in the design and manufacturing process.

Fortunately, Technivorm does offer excellent customer support and a 5-year warranty on the Moccamaster, which helps alleviate concerns about long-term durability. And again, the company sells replacement parts individually, making it easy to maintain and repair the machine if needed.

Warranty

The Technivorm Moccamaster comes with a 5-year warranty on the machine and its components. This is a generous and reassuring warranty, especially considering the Moccamaster’s premium price point. Many other drip coffee makers in this price range only offer a 1 to 2 year warranty, so the Moccamaster’s 5-year coverage is a significant upside over some competitors.

Price

The primary downside of the Technivorm Moccamaster is its high price tag. At over $300, it’s a significant investment, especially when compared to more budget-friendly drip machines. However, I do believe the Moccamaster’s outstanding coffee quality and long-term durability justify the cost for many coffee enthusiasts.

That said, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention again that the Breville Precision Brewer is a great alternative to the Moccamaster. The Breville is also priced around $300, but it offers significantly more customization and control over the brewing process.

Technivorm Moccamaster vs. Breville Precision Brewer: Which Is Better?

The Moccamaster is all about simplicity and consistency. It makes excellent coffee without any fuss, but you don’t have the ability to tweak parameters like water temperature or pre-infusion time. The Breville, on the other hand, offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to dial in the brew to your exact preferences. It also comes with a pre-programmed “gold” option, which uses brewing parameters set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) for a no-fuss brewing experience.

If you’re a coffee enthusiast who loves experimenting and fine-tuning your brew, the Breville is the better choice. And honestly, even if you just want a hassle-free machine that makes great coffee every time, I’d recommend the Breville. The Moccamaster does, however, outperform just about every other drip brewer I’ve tested, with the exception of the Breville.

Both the Moccamaster and the Breville come in options for a glass carafe and heating plate or a thermal carafe. In both cases, I strongly recommend upgrading to the thermal carafe to avoid burnt, bitter coffee.

Ultimately, both machines are excellent choices, but I personally think the Breville is a better investment.

Wrapping Up: Do I Recommend the Technivorm Moccamaster?

The Technivorm Moccamaster is an outstanding drip coffee machine that delivers consistently excellent results. Its copper heating element, unique spray arm, and conical brew basket all contribute to a clean, full-flavored cup of coffee. And the machine’s simplicity and ease of use make it a great choice for those who want a hassle-free coffee experience.

However, the Moccamaster does have a few shortcomings, particularly in the design and construction department. The overall feel is a bit cheap for a $300+ appliance, and the glass carafe and heating plate setup on the entry-level machine isn’t ideal. The lack of temperature control is also a bit of a letdown, especially when you consider the Moccamaster’s premium price point.

Ultimately, the Technivorm Moccamaster is a high-quality drip machine that coffee aficionados will appreciate. But if you’re looking for the best possible drip coffee experience, I’d encourage you to consider the Breville Precision Brewer as a worthy alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Technivorm Moccamaster different from cheaper drip coffee machines?

The key difference is the Moccamaster’s ability to maintain the ideal water temperature range of 195 to 205 degrees (F) throughout the brew. Cheaper machines often struggle to reach and hold this optimal temperature, leading to under-extraction and sour, acidic coffee. The Moccamaster’s copper heating element is a big part of what allows it to brew such consistently excellent coffee. It also uses a unique spray arm design and conical filter basket to distribute the water evenly and extract the full flavor potential of the grounds. These design elements set the Moccamaster apart from budget drip machines.

Can I customize the brew settings on the Technivorm Moccamaster?

Unlike some higher-end drip machines, the Moccamaster doesn’t offer much in the way of customization. There’s no way to adjust the water temperature, pre-infusion time, or other advanced brewing parameters. The machine is designed simply to brew great coffee at the push of a button, with no fussing required. This simplicity is part of the Moccamaster’s appeal, but it may be a drawback for coffee enthusiasts who want more control over the brewing process.

Is the Technivorm Moccamaster worth the high price tag?

The Moccamaster’s coffee quality and long-term durability mostly justify its $300+ price point. It uses high-quality components like a copper heating element, and Technivorm offers a generous 5-year warranty. However, the machine’s overall construction does feel a bit cheap for the money, and I wish it offered more brewing control. Ultimately, whether the Moccamaster is “worth it” comes down to your priorities. If you want a simple, reliable machine that brews exceptional coffee, it could be worth the investment. But if you’re looking for more advanced features and flexibility, you should look elsewhere.