Some coffee makers are all about speed, others chase taste—this one tries to strike a balance. The Moccamaster KBGV Select is for folks who want reliable brewing without a bunch of bells and whistles. It’s also handy if you sometimes want just half a pot, not always the full carafe.
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
A lot of people say it makes smooth, tasty coffee and keeps it warm thanks to its unique hot plate. The build feels solid, and using it is pretty much a no-brainer. The price, though, is up there—and, well, a handful of buyers mention their machine arrived with a ding or two.
Overview of the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
This machine keeps things simple. You pick whether you want a half or full carafe with a switch, and it adjusts the brewing process for you.
The glass carafe has an automatic drip-stop, so if you need to sneak a cup mid-brew, you won’t end up with a mess. Brewing a full pot takes about four to six minutes, and the separate hot plate keeps your coffee warm without scorching it.
Quick facts:
- Handmade in the Netherlands
- 5-year warranty
- Built for consistent brewing
Some people mention shipping hiccups, but generally, it’s seen as a sturdy, well-made machine that’s easy to use and just works.
Selector Switch for Brewing Flexibility
The selector switch lets you choose between a full or half carafe, and the machine takes care of the rest—no fiddling with your recipe. It’s a nice way to avoid wasting coffee if you don’t need a whole pot.
The switch is right on the front, so you can’t miss it. Still, if you like to tinker with brew sizes or want more control over strength or temperature, you might feel a bit boxed in.
Pros:
- Switching between full and half-batch is super easy
- Coffee tastes the same, no matter which you pick
Cons:
- Only two size options
- No options for tweaking strength or temp
Glass Carafe and Automatic Drip-Stop
With the glass carafe, you can see exactly how much coffee is left, and it’s light enough to pour with one hand. It sits securely in place, so you’re less likely to spill during brewing.
The drip-stop function kicks in when you pull the carafe out, letting you pour a cup before the cycle’s done. If you yank it out too fast, you might get a stray drip, but generally, it keeps things tidy.
Fast Brewing Performance
This model doesn’t dawdle—a full brew cycle finishes in four to six minutes, which is faster than a lot of drip brewers. It gets up to the right temperature quickly, so you’re not waiting around forever.
People seem to agree that speed doesn’t kill the brew quality, but you do need to pay attention to your grind and coffee-to-water ratio. Go too fine or too coarse, and things can get weird.
Pros:
- Fast brewing—good for mornings
- Keeps water temp steady
Cons:
- Quick cycle means you need to dial in your grind
- No way to slow it down if you want to experiment
Unique Hot Plate with Independent Heating
Temperature matters. This machine’s hot plate has its own heating element, separate from the brewing process, so it keeps your coffee at a steady temp whether you made a little or a lot.
Some folks like that it doesn’t overheat and turn your coffee bitter. On the other hand, you can’t adjust the warming plate, so if you like your coffee just warm—not hot—you might find it a bit much.
Pros:
- Keeps coffee at a consistent temperature
- Works for both half and full carafes
Cons:
- No way to adjust the temp
- Some might find it a bit too warm
Handmade Craftsmanship and 5-Year Warranty
Handmade in the Netherlands, this coffee maker appeals to people who care about craftsmanship over mass production. That attention to detail probably helps with quality, but it does bump up the price.
The 5-year warranty is longer than what you get with most machines. That’s reassuring, but if you need warranty work, you might have to ship it back, which isn’t exactly convenient.
Pros:
- Handmade, so each unit gets a little extra attention
- Warranty lasts longer than most competitors
Potential Drawbacks:
- Pricier than many alternatives
- Warranty repairs could be a hassle
Pros and Cons
So, what’s the real story? The Moccamaster nails the basics—good coffee, fast, with a solid build. But it’s expensive, and not everyone’s thrilled with the durability or lack of features.
Pros
- Consistent Flavor Quality – People say the coffee tastes smooth and balanced, pot after pot.
- Fast Brewing – You’re not waiting around forever for your caffeine fix.
- Ease of Use – You don’t need a manual to figure it out.
- Solid Build Reputation – Feels sturdy, and the warranty’s a nice backup.
- Environmental Benefit – No pods to toss, so less waste.
| Strength | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Flavor consistency | No need to constantly tweak settings |
| Quick brew time | Saves time before work or school |
| Minimal learning curve | Pretty much plug-and-play |
| Warranty support | Peace of mind for five years |
| Pod-free design | Better for the planet |
Cons
- High Price Point – It’s a splurge, especially compared to basic drip machines.
- Potential Shipping Damage – A few unlucky folks got dented units.
- Requires Grind Adjustment – You’ll probably need to experiment a bit.
- No Advanced Features – No timers, no app, just the basics.
| Limitation | Impact on Use |
|---|---|
| Expensive upfront | Might be a dealbreaker for some |
| Risk of damage in transit | Could mean dealing with returns |
| Grind sensitivity | Some trial and error required |
| Limited automation | No scheduled brewing |
Customer Reviews
Most buyers say the coffee comes out rich and smooth once they dial in the grind. Brewing is quick, and the results are consistent day after day.
People like the build, the ease of use, and the fact that it doesn’t use pods. But it’s not perfect—some got units that were damaged in shipping, and there’s a bit of a learning curve to get the taste just right.
What comes up most:
- Pros: Reliable brewing, tasty coffee, feels well-made, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Shipping issues, need to experiment with grind size.
Overall, the Moccamaster gets solid marks—4.4 out of 5 from over 4,000 ratings.
Everyday Use and Maintenance
Day-to-day, it’s about as simple as it gets. On/off switch, no confusing settings. A full pot only takes a few minutes, which is great if you’re running late. The glass carafe pours well, but yeah, it’s glass—so handle with care.
For cleaning, most people just rinse the carafe and filter basket after each use. Every few months, run a descaling solution through it to keep things running smoothly and your coffee tasting right.
Everyday perks:
- Brews fast
- Stupid-simple controls
- Parts come apart for easy cleaning
Things to watch out for:
- Carafe can break if you’re not careful
- You’ll need to descale every so often
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select and other models?
The KBGV Select stands out with its brew-size selector—you can pick a half or full carafe without messing up the temperature or extraction. Some other Moccamaster models don’t have this and are stuck at one size. This one uses a glass carafe and hot plate, while others might have a thermal carafe, which keeps coffee hot in a different way.
How does the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select perform in terms of coffee quality and taste?
Most folks say the KBGV Select makes smooth, well-balanced coffee, and it’s fast—full pot in about 4–6 minutes, keeping the water temp just right. Of course, grind size, bean freshness, and water quality still matter.
Can you explain the brew-size selection feature on the Moccamaster KBGV Select?
There’s a switch that lets you pick half or full carafe. The machine changes the water flow so extraction stays on point for either size. Handy if you don’t always want a full pot but still care about flavor.
What maintenance and cleaning procedures are recommended for the Moccamaster KBGV Select?
Keep it simple:
- Rinse the carafe and brew basket after each use
- Wipe the outside with a damp cloth
- Descale it every so often (depends on your water) to keep it running well
Skip descaling and you’ll probably notice slower brewing and off-tasting coffee.
How does the Moccamaster KBGV Select compare to the Bonavita coffee maker in terms of features and value?
Both focus on getting the brew temp right and brewing quickly. The KBGV Select has a manual brew-size control and a hot plate; most Bonavita models use a thermal carafe and skip the hot plate. Bonavita’s usually cheaper, but the Moccamaster is handmade, has a longer warranty, and feels more premium.
| Feature | Moccamaster KBGV Select | Bonavita (common models) |
|---|---|---|
| Brew-size selector | Yes | No |
| Carafe type | Glass with hot plate | Thermal |
| Warranty length | 5 years | 1–2 years |
| Handmade build | Yes | No |
What warranty and customer support options are available for the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select?
The KBGV Select is backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty—honestly, that’s more generous than what you get with a lot of other coffee makers out there.
If you run into issues, customer support is pretty accessible through the manufacturer, whether you need troubleshooting help or you’re hunting down a replacement part.
Just keep in mind, the warranty mainly covers defects in materials or workmanship; it doesn’t apply if your machine just gets worn out from regular, everyday use.
