Technivorm Moccamaster Assessment

A drip espresso maker has lengthy been a staple in my kitchen. I brew a pot every morning, and the straightforward pleasures of these first few sips make the ritual top-of-the-line elements of my day. Whereas I’ve solely lately upgraded to grinding my very own espresso beans, I made the swap to a Technivorm Moccamaster espresso maker eight-and-a-half years in the past. 

Right here’s the place I’ll confess that it wasn’t truly chosen by me — the machine was a marriage present from my in-laws, and since it each seemed cool and had a seal of approval from the Specialty Espresso Affiliation (SCA), my husband and I had been very happy to place it to make use of. The easy design and high quality of brew didn’t take lengthy to persuade me, and I’ve been a Moccamaster fanatic ever since.

Practically a decade later, our Technivorm Moccamaster espresso maker performs simply in addition to it did contemporary out of the field, and since the corporate designs for efficiency quite than developments, its timeless strains nonetheless look improbable.

Dimensions: 6.5 x 12.75 x 14 inches | Capability: 10 cups | Programmable: No

How I exploit the Technivorm Moccamaster

Until I’m out of city, I exploit my Technivorm Moccamaster each morning to brew espresso. My routine goes somewhat one thing like this:

• I take an unbleached #4 espresso filter and slip it into the Moccamaster basket.
• I freshly grind 30 grams of espresso — and I’m loving tasting my means via a world assortment of espresso beans from Atlas Espresso Membership. 
• I pour 4 cups of cool water into the Moccamaster reservoir.
• I pop the filter basket into place and flip the rocker swap to start out brewing.
• I occupy myself with the day’s Wordle whereas I wait. (Generally I scroll TikTok.) 

The method actually couldn’t be easier. And I do know we’re in an period of good devices that may be programmed for this or that job and even managed from our telephones, however I used to be born within the 1900s, and I nonetheless subscribe to a less-is-more philosophy. I don’t want my espresso machine to anticipate my each brewing want — I’m very happy to spend the 60 seconds or so it takes to arrange every pot on an as-needed foundation. 

What I like in regards to the Technivorm Moccamaster

See above: It’s extremely simple to make use of. Maybe extra importantly, it brews a really good pot of espresso. 

As soon as the swap is flipped, the inner heating ingredient warms the water to between 197°F and 205°F to create excellent circumstances for extracting optimum taste from the bottom espresso. The sizzling water then sprinkles out throughout the grounds at a gradual, regular tempo, and the brewed espresso drips down into the pot. The Technivorm Moccamaster is ultra-consistent — I can at all times depend on great-tasting espresso. If one thing is off, it’s solely as a result of I’ve tousled my water-to-coffee ratio. That mentioned, the machine comes with a useful scoop that measures out a fairly dependable ground-to-water ratio with every pot.

The Caveats

It sounds contrived to say that I’ve no complaints about my Technivorm Moccamaster, however I actually don’t. The worth level ($359 on the time of publish) isn’t precisely budget-friendly, however I genuinely contemplate this espresso maker as an funding piece. It’s purpose-built and precision-engineered — that high quality comes at a price. However my cost-per-use by now should be all the way down to fractions of a penny. 

That mentioned, whereas I don’t want the performance, if you need a programmable espresso machine, you will have to look elsewhere.

Suggestions and Methods for the Technivorm Moccamaster

I feel I’ve completely established that this espresso maker is straightforward to make use of — there’s no studying curve for the machine itself. However as a result of the water is exceedingly exhausting the place I reside, I commonly clear and descale my Moccamaster with citric acid. I like to recommend this course of frequently, regardless of which espresso maker you employ. Additionally, use the news for near-perfect ratios each time in case you don’t go for a 30-gram freshly floor scoop.

The way it Compares

We’ve examined a great deal of espresso makers, and Moccamaster merchandise commonly seem on our advisable lists because of their high quality and beauty. That mentioned, there are nonetheless a couple of evaluating to.

The Cafe Specialty Drip Espresso Maker is a worthy adversary in that it’s also each remarkably easy to function and is SCA-approved. It’ll additionally prevent about $50. Not like the Moccamaster, it has programmable options for all the things from brewing time to espresso power.

On the alternative finish of issues, the Balmuda The Brew Espresso Maker clocks in at $700, however boasts the SCA label and precision brewing that left us impressed throughout our checks. It incorporates a luxurious “pour-over brewing system. Purchaser beware, nevertheless; that is meant for single or small batches because it solely brews as much as three cups at a time.

The Verdict

Would I purchase a Technivorm Moccamaster once more? Completely. I genuinely love all the things about it, and it’s such an integral a part of my kitchen — and, certainly, my day-to-day operations — that I’m not likely certain what I might do with out it. As they are saying on the web: 10/10 would advocate. 

Guarantee 

Technivorm Moccamaster espresso makers are backed by a five-year guarantee. Mine is effectively past the expiration date and remains to be trucking alongside simply advantageous. 

Our Experience

This text was written by Summer season Rylander, a meals and journey journalist who has written about meals, beverage, and cooking merchandise for Meals & Wine, Allrecipes, Severe Eats, and The Kitchn.