This Dutch-made drip coffee maker brews 10 cups of classic diner-style coffee in just a few minutes.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
I tend to rotate my morning coffee setup about twice a year. Sometimes I’m in an iced espresso phase; other times, all I want is a hot, classic drip.
Last year, after deciding a Keurig took up too much counter space and failed to deliver the strong brews I craved, I started hunting for a replacement. I wanted something nostalgic, simple and easy to clean. I briefly envisioned a commercial-grade Bunn machine, then realized turning the small space left in my kitchen into a diner replica wasn’t exactly practical.
I spotted the Moccamaster on social media, and it seemed like a solid middle ground. It has that mid-century modern charm and comes in a ton of colors.
But it’s not just a pretty face. Every Moccamaster is handmade in the Netherlands by the family-owned company Technivorm, and the core design has barely changed over the past 50 years. Known for its durability, quality and manual assembly, it’s clearly doing something right.
I'm Obsessed
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV
Why I’m Obsessed with the Moccamaster
I was influenced by the retro look of the Moccamaster and the fact that it comes in 20+ colors. Ironically, I ended up going with matte black. (What can I say? At least it matches my entire wardrobe.)
The real appeal, though, isn’t aesthetic. The Moccamaster feels like a true buy-it-for-life appliance. It’s not some trendy coffee maker that’ll be obsolete the minute a newer, shinier model promises to also start your car and run your shower—or something like that.
Instead, the Moccamaster is designed to be durable and serviceable. If something breaks, you can repair it instead of replacing it. Yes, it costs more up front than most drip machines, but it’s designed to last. Plus, it has those beloved diner-style details: a hot plate, a glass carafe with a square handle, an old-school logo, and my personal favorite, a gloriously simple two-button setup.
How It Works
The Moccamaster arrived in refreshingly no-nonsense packaging. No avalanche of pamphlets, mystery parts or unnecessary extras. Just the machine, ready to go. And at only 14 inches tall, it actually fits under my kitchen cabinets, unlike some bulkier countertop divas.
Getting it up and running was almost instant, which was a nice reminder that installing an app and connecting to Wi-Fi doesn’t always make things easier.
There is a clear, straightforward instruction booklet with labeled parts and numbers. But I’ll be honest, I glanced at it and then assembled the whole thing on vibes.
All that to say, setup was extremely easy. I also ran hot water through the machine first, just in case. Was that in the instructions, or did I do it for peace of mind? I don’t remember, but it felt correct.
How long does it take to make coffee?
As mentioned, the Moccamaster has exactly two buttons: on/off and half or full pot. That’s it. Fill the water tank, drop in a filter, add coffee grounds and flip the switch. It immediately lets out a crisp little chirp to let you know it’s working. A full pot of drip coffee is ready in under 10 minutes.
Once the water tank empties, the auto shutoff kicks in, and the hot plate keeps everything warm for about 100 minutes before turning itself off. Somehow, it manages to do this without burning the coffee, which feels like a minor miracle.
Most mornings, I have a very small window to myself before my toddler wakes up. It’s just enough time to get breakfast going, lay out clothes, brush my teeth and chug enough caffeine to function at work.
I don’t have the time (or desire) to weigh beans or overthink ratios, but I do want smooth, consistent coffee—fast. I’m not precious about the beans either. A local roaster, Costco or even Folgers grounds are fine. (I wouldn’t drink it every day, but it does remind me of my grandparents’ house, so there’s some appeal).
Whether you’re a full-on coffee snob or someone who thinks gas-station coffee is totally fine, the Moccamaster delivers a genuinely good, hot pot no matter what you put in it.
Is it worth it?
As a professional product tester, I’ve tried just about every type of coffee maker over the years—espresso machines, single-cup brewers, pour-overs and everything in between. From tossing in a pod to carefully blooming locally roasted coffee, I’ve lived at both ends of the coffee-drinker spectrum. (Which, at this point, feels more like a circle.) And somehow, nothing hits quite like a classic, well-made cup of drip coffee.
My biggest gripe? The exposed parts can get a little dusty and need an occasional wipe-down. But that’s a small price to pay compared to trying to clean mystery mold out of a machine where you can’t even see the internal parts.
Another thing some people might side-eye is that several parts, including the brew basket, are made of hard plastic. While a plastic-free setup might sound ideal, I’m constantly removing the water tank lid and brew basket. It’s nice that those parts aren’t fragile. I already feel like I need to be a little precious with the glass carafe as it is.
For now and for the foreseeable future, the Moccamaster has earned a permanent spot on my counter. As someone who wants good-tasting coffee without the fuss, it’s pretty perfect. The machine is easy to use, easy to clean and easy to adjust or repair. No hidden mold, no 17-step descaling ritual—just straightforward, good coffee. Bonus points for looking like it belongs on the set of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or Mad Men, too.
Which Moccamaster is best?
There are a few different Moccamaster models, but across the board, the durability, simplicity and brewing quality are largely the same. Every version uses the same brewing technology. The main differences come down to things like glass versus thermal carafes and larger versus smaller brewing capacities.
There’s even a cafe-size machine, plus an absolutely adorable one-cup brewer that offers a pod-free option for single-serve fans.
Where to Buy
I'm Obsessed
Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV
The Moccamaster KBGV and other models are available from retailers including Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, Walmart, Target and Amazon. The 10-cup KBGV model reviewed here typically retails for around $370, though pricing can vary by color.
