Technivorm Moccamaster Taste Test
Technivorm Moccamaster KBT-741
What's in a coffee maker? Well, to a lot of people, not much, if it can brew up some caffeinated Folgers, then they're happy. But to someone with a bigger passion for coffee, getting a perfect cup at home is important, it's much more than just a morning caffeine fix.
As I've been getting more and more interested in coffee over the past handful of years, I find myself in the market for a new home coffee maker. After a bunch of research, the Technivorm Moccamaster keeps rising to the top as the "gold standard" for home brewing. As I kept seeing it, reading about it, and comparing it to other brewers, it seemed like the only way to go.
There is one catch, the Moccamaster doesn't come cheap, $300 isn't your typical coffee maker. At more than triple the price of other "expensive" makers, what makes this one so special? I won't give you the sales pitch, but the bottom line is temperature and water dispersion. The Moccamaster maintains optimal temperature (198-205 degrees F) all the way until the water hits the coffee. At that point, the water is dispersed evenly over all the coffee. You won't see a funnel shaped hole in the middle of the grinds.
As I contemplated buying one, I read a ton of reviews, watched a few demos, and compared it to other machines, most notably the Capresso MT600, which people claimed brewed at the correct temperature. Anyways, both had negative reviews, but much more so on the Capresso end. The few complaints about the Moccamaster were about the build quality, although I'd have to disagree. I love how the Moccamaster is built, most of the pieces are detachable, which makes it easy for cleaning, and replacement parts. Not that I think the pieces will need replacing anytime soon, but if they do, it's much more cost effective to replace one part rather than the whole machine. In addition, the machine and pieces appear very sturdy. The plastic pieces are tough and well formed, the base is solid metal (steel I believe), and the water reservoir is super clear and strong.
OK, so the point of this whole thing is that I bought one and I wanted to taste test it against my old Krups we got for our wedding 7 years ago.
Equipment and Coffee Used
- Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder
- Melitta natural brown filter
- WC Clarke's Tanzanian Peaberry (2 Moccamaster scoops)
- 16 oz. water
Right off-the-bat, the Moccamaster brewed much faster, not critical, but nice (any new brewer would probably brew faster than the Krups though). I had my lovely wife pour the coffee and label them without me watching, she then handed me each mug. I'll admit, this was tough! Upon first smell, they both smelled different, and honestly, I couldn't make a choice on which one smelled better.
With the first sip, it was pretty easy to tell which cup was the Moccamaster brew, "j", it was much hotter, however, I tasted "a" first. After tasting both, it was again tough, I think my mind was playing tricks, and after tasting them both a few more times (sipping water in between), it became harder and harder to pinpoint taste and flavor.
Final Verdict:
I could tell pretty quickly that "j" was the Moccamaster based on temperature, but after that, it was tough, I'm definitely not trained to work my way through smell and flavor, with due time. Did I waste $300? I don't think so. But if you're just looking to brew some coffee and get a caffeine fix, then the Moccamaster might not be for you. I'll keep perfecting the art, and I know I'll enjoy each cup I brew.
Let me know what you think, and what you've experienced with the Moccamaster.
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3 comments for "Technivorm Moccamaster Taste Test"
Hey dude... great the hear that you are getting into the brew. A great cup of coffee STARTS with the beans and grind. I hate it that you are drinking Folgers. In your next blog, please report on how you are brewing up freshly roasted beans ground to perfection in a burr mill.
@Dave - Dude, Peaberry
August 13, 2010 at 02:39 PM
looking for free samples here.