Technivorm Moccamaster Review (The Best Copper Coffee Machine)
When it comes to copper coffee machines, there’s only one clear winner. The Technivorm Moccamaster is a feat of coffee engineering that stands head and shoulders above the crowd.
But what makes this particular machine so special, you may be asking.
Well, let’s dive right in and find out some more about this coffee brewer as I take you on an in-depth journey. We will firstly review the machine itself and then look a little more thoroughly at some of the features that make it so special.
Finally, I’ve reviewed some other coffee-making contenders so if you decide the Moccamaster isn’t your style, you won’t be left disappointed.
Technivorm Moccamaster
Brand: Technivorm
Capacity: 10 Cup/40 Oz
Brew Time: 4 – 6 minutes
- Available in a massive range of colors
- Approved by the Specialty Coffee Association
- 5-year warranty for peace of mind
- Brews a full pot in 6 minutes
The Technivorm Moccamaster is the best coffee maker for your home hands down. The pump free actions mean it’s quiet and the copper heating element ensures efficient and precise heating of water to ensure a delicious cup of coffee that’s never, ever burnt.
The hotplate has perfect temperature control so that the fresh hot coffee brewed in the glass carafe remains warm without overheating it.
It has a 9 hole outlet to allow an even, gentle shower over the ground coffee to give optimal blooming, and the paper filter removes excess oils and bitter notes.
This machine wins out for durability and if well looked after, is sure to last you a lifetime. It also comes with a 5-year guarantee for peace of mind.
A final flourish is that the Moccamaster comes in a variety of color options so you can choose the one that best suits your home.
Why A Copper Heating Element?
Copper is a fantastic material. It is used all around the world for its special material properties.
The thermal properties of copper are the aspect that makes it brilliant to use for a heating element, and that is exactly why Technivorm has chosen to use it in the Moccamaster.
Copper will transfer heat very quickly.
This allows the copper heating element to get up to the correct brewing temperature as quickly as possible. Which of course means that your water can get up to the perfect brewing temperature as quickly as possible.
This is because copper has a very high thermal conductivity compared to other metals that are used to make heating elements. Compared to iron, copper is 6 times more thermally conductive. Meaning that heat will transfer through copper 6 times more readily than iron.
This amounts to making copper an excellent material to pump heat into that water before it hits your coffee grounds.
The Perfect Coffee Brewing Temperature
The perfect temperature to brew coffee is between 195°F and 205°F.
If the temperature is below 195°F, then the coffee will be under-extracted. It will taste weak and thin.
If the temperature is above 205°F, then the coffee will be over-extracted. It will taste bitter and harsh.
If you land the temperature right in that sweet spot, between 195°F and 205°F, then you are in for the best brew possible.
Technivorm has designed the Moccamaster to brew between 196°F and 205°F, just to be extra careful that the heat is just right.
To keep the brewed coffee fresh and tasty, it will keep the carafe at either 185°F or 175°F, you choose. There is a switch on the side that lets you select the holding temperature of the carafe.
Don’t worry about forgetting about your coffee though. After 100 minutes, the Moccamaster will automatically shut off. You probably don’t want it if it has been sitting there for over an hour and a half anyway.
Build Quality
Every inch of this machine says quality. It is solid, well made, and will reliably brew your Java for years to come. Technivorm Maccamasters are designed to last a lifetime.
It is made from durable stainless steel, aluminum, and BPA/BPS/BPF and Phthalate free plastics.
Moccamasters are certified by the Specialty Coffee Association which means that they brew coffee to a strict set of specifications.
Technivorm provides a 5-year warranty with every Moccamaster. So you can have peace of mind that not only is the design reliable, but the manufacturer is too.
Top Tips: Getting The Best Out Of Your Brew
If you want to get the very best out of your coffee brewer then you need to know these top tips to ensure you end up with the perfect cup every time.
The Golden Ratio
The ideal ratio of coffee beans to hot water is something that all coffee lovers should know. Generally, this ratio is considered to be 1g of ground beans per 15g of water but the truth is that this can vary a lot. If you prefer stronger or weaker cups of coffee then you can adjust these values to suit.
The golden ratio may also vary depending on the brew method used and is something you need to play around with until you get it just right for you.
Filtered Water
One of the main reasons why coffee tastes so much better at a coffee shop is because they use purer water. It’s not just the beans that make great coffee, you need to consider what you’re putting in the water tank as well.
Filtered water can be store-bought or made at home if you have the necessary equipment. If the water tastes clean and fresh when you sip it you’ll end up with a more delicious coffee. Filtered water is also better for your coffee machine and can extend its life expectancy.
Fresh Beans
Another important point to remember when making delicious coffee is, the fresher the beans, the fresher the coffee. Coffee beans travel a fair way to make it from the plantation to your cup. They lock in their flavor well prior to roasting but once they are roasted and ground they turn stale pretty quickly.
Ideally, you want to choose coffee beans from a local coffee roaster as these will be the freshest and best tasting. Choosing whole beans to grind up fresh for each cup will ensure the richest and freshest flavor every time.
Make sure you store your coffee beans in an airtight container, at room temperature, ideally in a cool, dark location.
Burr Grinder
The final investment that will elevate your coffee game to the next level is a decent coffee grinder. When you’re brewing coffee the surface area of the coffee grounds plays a huge role in the flavor. A finer grind means more surface area so you get a more intense flavor in a shorter period of time.
The coffee filter has to be capable of removing the grounds so especially in the case of a mesh filter you need the coffee particles to be big enough to be removed by this method.
This is where the burr grinder comes in. A blade grinder just blitzes everything without giving you any control over the grind size. It leaves an uneven result with some big particles and some small ones so you won’t get a consistent coffee flavor.
The burr grinder ensures an even grind and gives you back the control over your java. They can be a bit costly but the flavor and consistency you receive time and time again more than makes up for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Technivorm the best coffee maker?
In my humble opinion, having tried many coffee makers, I find the Moccamaster to be one of the best for functionality and ease of brewing delicious coffee. It may seem a little pricey but what you get for your money makes it more than worth it.
Is Thermal Carafe better than glass?
A thermal carafe is handy because it keeps your coffee warm without the use of a hotplate. They reduce the risk of burns to both you and your coffee and are portable. The downsides are that they are heavier, don’t keep the coffee as warm as a hotplate and the spout tends to dribble when pouring.
How do I clean my Technivorm Moccamaster?
Rinsing the Moccamaster jug with fresh water should keep it quite clean but occasionally you’ll need to give it a deep clean, depending on how often you use it. This can be done by adding washing-up liquid or a dishwasher tablet to the water jug alongside hot water. Let it sit for an hour and brush it with a soft brush or clean using a sponge. Rinse thoroughly and make sure all the detergent is rinsed away before you next use the machine.
What size is the Moccamaster water reservoir?
The water reservoir is designed to hold 1.25 liters or 40 ounces making this a 10 cup coffee maker.
Is the Moccamaster dishwasher safe?
No, the Moccamaster jug is not dishwasher safe. It’s only suitable for handwashing as described above.
The Verdict
The Moccamaster is an advanced coffee maker. It certainly does live up to all the hype around it as the superior design ensures a perfect cup of joe with every use. It’s well built, very user friendly, and produces coffee that will impress all your friends and family.
Our final verdict…
The Moccamaster is the king of all coffee brewers.
Other Coffee Machines Reviewed
Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp Stainless Steel Programmable Coffee Maker
If the Moccamaster doesn’t quite take your fancy then this drip machine by Cuisinart may be the one for you. With a 14 cup, glass carafe, a fully automatic, 24 hour, programmable timer, and charcoal water filter, this coffee machine makes a delicious brew any time you need it to.
It has brew size and strength settings so you can set it to brew your perfect cup. Brew pause allows you to grab a sneaky cup before it’s finished brewing and the re-useable, gold-tone coffee filter saves on waste.
This machine is highly programmable and very easy to use and is a perfect mid-range choice for delicious drip coffee.
Royal Brew Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
If you’re a big fan of cold brew coffee then you’ve probably heard of nitro brew. This method of making cold brew coffee produces a sweeter and longer lasting cup of joe and is an impressive feat to undertake at home.
It works using two nitrogen cartridges or one nitrous oxide cartridge and works similar to a stout beer dispensing system as it delivers cool, creamy coffee straight to your glass.
The Royal Brew includes a tap plug that eliminates drips and it’s own handy little carry bag. It works best when around 75-80% full so don’t overfill it!
This little machine makes delicious creamy coffee without having to add extra ingredients and is perfect for those warmer summer months if you don’t mind putting in some time to get it perfect.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
Brand: Breville
Brewing Process: Espresso Machine
Capacity: Double or Single Shot (water tank is 67 Oz)
If your coffee of choice is the rich dark espresso or if you love a smooth latte or delicious cappuccino then you need an espresso machine. The Breville Barista Express gives you everything you need in a compact and attractive stainless steel design.
With a burr grinder integrated you get fine control over your coffee beans as you can set the grind setting and volume with ease. The attached tamper makes it speedy to get to the coffee brewing stage and you can choose between a double and single shot.
It brews a coffee shop level espresso once you get the hang of it and the milk steamer wand allows perfectly textured milk for those latte lovers.
This machine is expensive and it does take up a good deal of room in your kitchen so you really need to be prepared to dedicate time and space to it. If you’ve never worked in a coffee shop then make sure you read up on espresso making and milk steaming as covered in our complete Barista Guide to avoid disappointment!
Single Serve Coffee Maker – Keurig K-Cup
If you’re a no-nonsense, need a quick cup of coffee in the morning kinda person then you may be interested in the Keurig K-Classic. This little machine is a speedy godsend on busy mornings as it takes less than a minute to produce a lovely hot cup of java.
It can brew three different cup sizes (6, 8, and 10 ounces) and has a removable drip tray so it can accommodate larger travel mugs. With a large 48-ounce water reservoir it can produce plenty of coffee before you need to top it up.
This machine is so easy to use and the K-cup pod options are vast with over 400 varieties to choose from. It only takes up a small footprint in your kitchen so this is perfect for a busy home and it comes in different color options so you can choose the one that fits in best.
Copper Turkish Coffee Pot With Wooden Handle
About the only other copper coffee maker I could find was this beautiful Turkish coffee pot. If you’re not familiar with Turkish coffee, it is made by boiling the water, adding fresh coffee grounds, and bringing the pot the boil repeatedly 3-4 more times. It produces a very rich, dark brew.
To make this kind of coffee at home you want the real deal and this copper coffee pot is just that. Handmade in Turkey, it’s a really special piece and the pot is very thick, heavy copper – perfect for transferring heat. The interior is lined with food-safe, lead-free tin so healthy and safe to brew your coffee in.
The final finish is the lovely smooth wooden handle which feels nice to hold and helps add to the charm of this pot.
This is a really lovely coffee maker and decorative piece but it’s worth noting that the exterior is not coated so it will develop a natural patina (age-related discoloration) over time.
The company that makes this pot is so keen to show you how well made they are that they actually allow you to drill a hole in the pot to check it’s solid copper. If you do this within seven days of receiving this piece and send them a photo to prove you were testing it then they will send you a replacement for free. This proves how sure they are of their craftsmanship.
Mr. Coffee – A Reliable Budget Drip Coffee Maker
Last up we have Mr. Coffee with this great example of a really reliable and functional drip machine, perfect for those on a tight budget. It’s really simple to use, all you need to do is fill it up with water, add your filter and coffee and press the button.
It can make a variety of volumes from 20-60 ounces to suit your needs. The hotplate keeps your coffee warm for up to 2 hours and the glass carafe keeps it tasting fresh.
The removable filter basket makes it quick and easy to clean and the viewing window makes it easier to top up the water tank to the correct level.
Overall this is a simple yet functional coffee machine and a perfect choice for making easy and delicious coffee at the press of a button.
Final Thoughts
The Moccamaster is the king of all drip machines. It makes coffee that tastes sublime and is really durable and simple to use. There’s nothing quite like it when it comes to drip coffee. The only downside is the large price tag, so if it’s out of your price range then some of these other options like the Mr Coffee drip machine are worth considering.
In the end, the perfect coffee machine has to suit your taste and style and I hope this article has given you some food for thought on which one that may be. Whichever one you choose, I wish you a happy and well-caffeinated coffee journey.
Related Reading
Moka Pot Vs French Press – The Differences Are Chalk And Cheese
Bodum Travel French Press Coffee Maker Review
Best Automatic Pour Over Coffee Makers
