Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select Named Best Coffee Maker in New York Post Awards

The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select has been named the best coffee maker for daily use by the New York Post in its Made It Here Awards. The evaluation rigorously tested seven premium coffee machines, ranging in price from $369 to $4,499, with the Moccamaster KBGV Select emerging as the top performer.

Judged on coffee quality, ease of use, build and maintenance, counter space footprint, and overall value, the Moccamaster stood out. Coffee sommelier Helen Pinch of Paloma Coffee & Bakery in Brooklyn conducted an exhaustive taste test, ultimately crowning the Dutch-built machine as the winner. Despite being the least expensive option tested at $369, the Moccamaster's brew was deemed magnificent enough to bypass a local coffee shop purchase.

The Moccamaster KBGV Select features a simple design with two tactile switches, no digital screens, and no companion apps. Hand-built in the Netherlands, it brews a 10-cup pot in under seven minutes. It holds approval from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and certification from the European Coffee Brewing Centre, holding the distinction of being the sole brewer on the market with both certifications for full and half carafes.

Its operation is straightforward: fill the water tank, add a filter and coffee grounds, and flip a switch. One switch activates the machine, while another optimizes extraction for a full or half carafe. The machine requires specific water types (tap, filtered, or bottled) and medium-coarse ground beans. Oxygen-whitened paper filters are recommended.

Pinch described the Moccamaster's coffee as "comforting and rich, but not jet fuel," noting notes of acidity, sweetness, and a slight bitterness that brings out stone fruit flavors like mango and apricot. This quality is attributed to the machine's ability to consistently brew between 196 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit for the optimal duration, meeting the SCA's Golden Cup standard.

With a retro-industrial aesthetic, the Moccamaster KBGV Select measures 6.5 by 12.75 by 14 inches, making it suitable for smaller kitchens. It is available in up to 23 colors, with most variants priced at $369 and some at $389. Technivorm offers a 5-year warranty and promises repairs for the life of the brewer.

Cleaning involves detaching the shower arm, filter basket, and glass carafe for sink washing. The water tank is not removable, and no parts are dishwasher safe. Descaling is recommended every 100 brews or every three months.

Notable drawbacks include the lack of a programmable timer, meaning users cannot wake up to a pre-brewed pot, and the absence of an integrated coffee grinder. The glass carafe sits on an active hot plate, which could lead to a burnt flavor if coffee is left sitting for extended periods, although it automatically shuts off after 100 minutes. For those who prefer to keep coffee hot for longer without a hot plate, Moccamaster offers thermal-carafe models.

Compared to its closest rival, the Fellow Precision Coffee Maker, which offers extensive customization via an app, the Moccamaster focuses on fundamental brewing excellence. Other machines, such as the Ninja AutoBarista Pro and Jura Z10, are significantly more expensive and offer different functionalities like espresso and milk frothing.

The New York Post noted that New Yorkers spend an average of $357 annually on coffee, suggesting the Moccamaster KBGV Select essentially pays for itself within its first year of use, offering a superior taste experience compared to daily bodega purchases.

Ultimately, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is recommended for those who prioritize high-quality drip coffee, a simple operation, and long-term reliability, particularly in space-constrained urban kitchens. The publication highlighted that for those who need a programmable timer or espresso capabilities, other machines like the Fellow or Ninja might be more suitable.