Are you tired of brewing your coffee in average coffee machines? Are you ready to meet your new favorite brewer but simply can’t decide? I know you’ve heard of the Technivorm Moccamaster, and you’re ready to pick between two: the Moccamaster KBG and the Moccamaster KBGV Select.
But how can you decide? Either machine is an excellent option for brewing the real taste of coffee that you love. Before we dive into the details, let’s take a European coffee trip and meet the company that makes such incredible machines.
Meet the Moccamaster
This Dutch-based company, Technivorm Moccamaster, has been hand-making their iconic premium drip machines since 1968, perfecting the entire coffee brewing experience. They have earned the right to call themselves Moccamaster.
And Moccamaster believes so strongly in their brew quality that they back every coffee brewer with Technivorm’s excellent 5-years product warranty and lifetime repairs.
Okay, so they make great machines, but how’s the coffee?
The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) awarded the Golden Cup Standard to Moccamaster. This certification only comes after rigorous quality control and laboratory testing.
Their SCA-Certified coffee maker excels at the four T’s of coffee brewing: optimal brewing temperature, brew time, turbulence, and total dissolved solids. In other words, amazing coffee.
Moccamaster produces a variety of larger brewers for every drip coffee enthusiast. Their competent coffee maker comes with a typical glass carafe and steel thermal carafe. Moccamaster also makes a single-serve coffee maker, the Cup-One Brewer.
But you came here to learn about two of the Moccamaster original models: the KBG and KBGV Select. Is one drip brewer better than the other? Are there any differences at all? Can you ever decide which to get? Yes, and yes, and I sure hope so!
But before we look at their differences, let’s look at all the common features that every Moccamaster machine includes.
Common Features of the KBG and KBGV Select
If you’ve settled on a Moccamaster, then I know you’ve done your research, and you want to know about all the excellent features that come standard in every machine.
9 Hole Showerhead Outlet Arm
I love the showerhead outlet arm, and since switching to an automatic drip coffee maker model that includes one, I could never go back. During the brewing process, boiling water pulses from nine separate holes in this outlet arm to stir up the coffee grounds and contribute to turbulence.
This method also helps the coffee grounds bloom and provides a crisp coffee flavor. It’s very similar to the pour-over brew method but without the hassle and clean-up.
I sometimes like to open the brew basket and stir the pre-ground coffee as it brews. This transforms my Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Maker into an automatic pour-over coffee maker under my absolute control!
Copper Heating Element
Every Technivorm Moccamaster coffee maker includes a copper element that guarantees an identical temperature for every brew. The copper element rapidly heats the cold water to the perfect brewing temperature. And what is the ideal temperature? 196°F – 205°F.
This range is the ideal temperature for coffee extraction, and it contributes to overall coffee quality that helps earn its certification from the Specialty Coffee Association.
Once the copper boiling element has reached the optimal temperature, the hot water moves up the glass tube in the rectangular glass housing and over the coffee grounds. This entire process contributes to the complete coffee flavor profile.
It also does this in a brewing cycle of 4-6 minutes. We talk a lot about temperature, but according to the National Coffee Association, the ideal brewing time for fresh coffee beans to contact water is about 5 minutes. So the Moccamaster falls right in that sweet spot.
5-Year Warranty
I love this excellent feature because it shows Moccamaster believes in its products. From the thermal stainless steel coffee pots to the entire coffee machine, the only things it won’t cover are the white paper coffee filters.
But these are durable coffee makers and products that don’t break easily! Many of the parts are easy to remove, which makes replacing and repairing them simple.
And because it doesn’t come with any fancy controls, it will last a long time.
Automatic Shut-Off Features
This may seem like an unimportant feature to some, but I can’t tell you how often I’ve used the auto-off feature. It helps me avoid that over-brewed coffee flavor and saves me from accidentally starting a fire! Who would be?
Fortunately, Moccamaster includes this essential feature that automatically turns the brewer off anywhere from 40 to 100 minutes after you’ve brewed.
The Showdown
Both of these machines provide a delicious cup of coffee, so we’ve laid out the basics so you can decide which is best for you.
| KBG | KBGV Select | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14"H x 12.75"W x 6.5"D | 14"H x 12.75"W x 6.5"D |
| Volume | 40oz (10 cups) | 40oz (10 cups) |
| Carafe | Glass | Glass |
| Brew Basket | Automatic | Automatic |
| Color Options | 25 Choices | 19 Choices |
| Brew Size Option | Full Pot Only | Full Pot or Half Pot |
| Hot Plate Temp Control | Option Between 175°F and 185°F | One Temperature Only |
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBG
The Moccamaster KBG is a premium quality drip coffee maker that (sort of) started it all. At least, its sleek design has been copied by coffee appreciation circles since the ’70s.
This automatic coffee machine will deliver batches of coffee from grounds while meeting the fundamental coffee basics of temperature, time, turbulence, and total dissolved solids. But we already covered that!
Did you know that this colorful coffee machine also comes in 25 different color choices? There are so many colors that you’re sure to find one that matches your kitchen decor.
In addition, it features the automatic brew basket stop, a hotplate temperature switch, and a beautiful glass carafe.
Why Choose It Over the KBGV Select?
If you want a whole pot of coffee delivered directly into your normal glass carafe each morning, without any fuss or trouble, the KBG is the coffee brewer for you.
In addition, the KBG features the hotplate temperature switch, which lets you select between 175°F and 185°F. This keeps your coffee hot and fresh at the temperature that works best for you.
The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster KBGV Select is an excellent coffee maker that lives up to all the high standards that Moccamaster is known for setting.
This machine features the automatic drip-stop mechanism so that you don’t have to fuss around with your morning brew, but it also has a selector button that lets you choose a half-carafe option. That means you can make 40 or 20 ounces of your favorite coffee.
Why Choose it Over the KBG?
It is hard to tell the difference when encountering these two machines for the first time, but the Moccamaster KBGV Select has one major advantage over the KBG: it brews a half carafe of coffee, a huge difference.
The Moccamaster KBGV Select features a carafe switch in place of the hotplate switch. This vital feature might alter your morning routine when all you want is half a glass carafe of hot coffee.
Some Drawbacks
I found that both machines had similar drawbacks that might change your mind about purchasing one.
No Thermal Stainless-Steel Carafe
Neither the KBG nor KBGV Select comes with a thermal coffee pot. Their glass counterparts don’t retain heat as well, and who wants to drink their cups of coffee warm?
Of course, the hotplate keeps it hot for up to 100 minutes, but if you think you want a thermal carafe option, I’d recommend checking out the Moccamaster KBTS or one of the other thermal models.
No Manual Drip Stop
Neither machine features the manual drip-stop. Let me tell you, this laudable feature does not get the credit it deserves. With the manual drip-stop, it’s like having a brew volume selector.
You get to open the brew basket at any time during the entire brew cycle to let the grounds steep a little longer. Why is this such a great feature?
Well, you can make a single cup, a half carafe, or a whole pot, all with the same machine. If you want to learn more, check out our review on the Moccamaster KB.
Not everyone is into the hands-on experience of coffee brewing, and the automatic drip-stop still makes outstanding coffee.
Reservoir Isn’t Removable
The attached water tank will always be my biggest complaint. I like to remove my water reservoir and fill it at the sink or water filter.
Simple solution, I know. Get a separate water jug.
Did you know that coffee beans contain oils that will remain in your coffee pot after brewing? So instead of filling your water tank with your carafe, use a separate water jug.
No Bells or Whistles
Moccamasters are designed to do one thing: brew nice cups of coffee. If you’re looking for a machine that lets you select a brewing capacity or modes for coffee, a Moccamaster is not for you.
Sadly, it will not start your coffee in those pre-caffeinated, groggy morning hours. But with an exceptionally fast brew time, it might not matter.
Wrap up
When it comes to brewing comparisons, the truth is there isn’t a bad Moccamaster, only one that has the features you want. Both of our machines include the 5-year Warranty and lifetime repairs and the standards that we’ve come to expect from Technivorm Moccamaster.
If you think you want a machine that does a lot more, then head over to our review of the best drip coffee makers and check out all the features. I recommend the OXO 8-Cup coffee maker as a wonderful option.
The Moccamaster KBG brews an entire pot of coffee and maintains the hotplate temperature you want. Meanwhile, the Moccamaster KBGV Select lets you select your brew size.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be brewing a cup of coffee that professional coffee tasters approve.
Happy Caffeinating!
