Moccamaster KBGT Review
Quality filter coffee delivered with pure simplicity.
Verdict
Although parts of the Moccamaster KBGT feel a little flimsy, this is actually a quality filter coffee machine, that can be easily taken apart to keep it clean. Rather than delivering loads of features, the Moccamaster KBGT focusses on simplicity, delivering excellent filter coffee with no fuss into a thermal carafe. For those that love filter coffee, this is an exceptional coffee machine.
Pros
- Excellent coffee quality
- Very simple to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some parts feel a bit cheap
Availability
- UKRRP: £220
- EuropeRRP: €237
Key Features
- TypeThis is a filter coffee maker.
- CapacityMakes up to 10 cups of coffee.
Introduction
The idea of a filter coffee machine is simple: hot water is sprinkled over ground coffee to deliver the perfect brew.
Yet, getting the perfect combination of water spray and temperature is harder than it sounds. The Moccamaster KBGT is designed to do that: a chunky retro-bit of kit, it forgoes some of the fancier features of its rivals to deliver excellent coffee in the simplest way.
Design and features
- Rugged, retro design
- Takes paper filters
- Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot
The Moccamaster KBGT is a retro-looking bit of kit. It’s quite industrial in the way it’s put together. Most filter coffee machines, such as the Melitta EPOS, have fixed shower heads, but the Moccamaster KBGT is different, as its arm can be removed and cleaned after each use.
So, too, can the filter basket, which just pulls out, ready for washing. I’m pleased to say that this basket takes paper filters. They’re easier to clean up and, as they’re single use, they don’t get tainted like a metal filter would.
These components do feel a little flimsy and lack the polish that rival filter coffee machines have.
Underneath is the large 1.25-litre thermal carafe. Again, I’m pleased to see a thermal solution to keeping coffee hot: a hot plate is all well and good, but I don’t like constantly heating coffee once it has been brewed. This jug should keep coffee hot for up to three hours: more than enough time to polish off what you’ve made.
There’s a water tank at the top, which takes 1.25-litres of water (10 cups) max, and has handy fill lines if you want to make less coffee. This part of the machine can’t be removed, but it’s easy to fill using the carafe.
I recommend using freshly ground coffee from a grinder; pre-ground coffee simply goes off too quickly and after the first brew, you’ll get worse results.
Using the Moccamaster KBGT couldn’t be easier. With the water in place and the coffee grinds in the holder, just flick the switch and it automatically heats the water and starts to brew. When the water has run out, the machine will stop pumping.
This model has a drip-stop mechanism on it: at any point, you can remove the carafe and the filter basket is sealed to prevent coffee dripping out.
Coffee quality
- Perfect temperature coffee
- Really pulls out the flavour of any coffee
Filter coffee is one of the best ways of making coffee, particularly when dealing with a variety of coffee: you’ll get the maximum flavour out of a lightly roasted single origin, as you will from a darker roast.
I started by making my normal Fairtrade Peruvian coffee, roasted a couple of days earlier. This coffee is bold with a strong acidity. I can say that the Moccamaster KBGT made the most of it: the final coffee was intense and strong, but smoother than making the same coffee through an espresso machine.
Next, I tried some Jamaican Blue Mountain, which I roast lighter to preserve its single origin flavours. This coffee was excellent through the Moccamaster KBGT: it has its signature lightness and lack of bitterness that’s associated with island coffees, plus the mellow and sweet aftertaste came through. It’s this kind of coffee, where a subtle flavour is key, that the Moccamaster KBGT really shines at.
The temperature was just about perfect, too, with the cup coming in at 69°C.
Maintenance
- Simple to clean
- Descaling after every 100 brews
What’s particularly good about the Moccamaster KBGT is how easy it is to look after. After a brew, the filter basket can be emptied out, and then washed. The shower head and carafe should also be washed in warm soapy water until you need to use them again.
Moccamaster recommends descaling the machine every 100 brews. If you’re using it once a day, then that works out to roughly every three to four months. Descaling just means using the right ratio of descaler to water, and then letting the machine run through a brew cycle as normal. Then, three regular cycles with clean water will flush out everything, leaving the machine good to go.
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Should you buy it?
You want the best filter coffee: No frills, simple and straighforward to use, this coffee machine is focussed on delivering excellent filter coffee.
You want more features: Want a timer or or a machine with a built-in grinder? There are alternative options that may suit you better.
Final Thoughts
Incredibly simple, the Moccamaster KBGT is dedicated to delivering quality filter coffee. I found the coffee quality excellent, and liked the way this machine is easy to maintain. If you want a few more features, such as an integrated timer, then an alternative machine, such as the Morphy Richards Verve Filter Coffee Machine would do better. Alternatively, check out my guide to the best coffee machines for other options.
How we test
Unlike other sites, we test every coffee machine we review thoroughly over an extended period of time. We use industry standard tests to compare features properly. We’ll always tell you what we find. We never, ever, accept money to review a product.
Find out more about how we test in our ethics policy.
Used as our main coffee machine for the review period
Tested for at least a week
We roast our own beans for regular coffee machines, so we can fairly compare each machine; pod machines are tested with a variety of compatible capsules
Depending on capabilities, we test each machine’s ability to make espresso and cappuccino
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
