In a world of touchscreens, apps, and endless customisation, a Dutch-made coffee machine with just two switches is making a compelling case for blissful simplicity. The Technivorm Moccamaster KBG Select, a £290 filter coffee machine, might not have the brand recognition of giants like De'Longhi or Ninja, but after extensive testing, it proves that sometimes less is profoundly more.
A Masterclass in Minimalist Brewing
The Moccamaster KBG Select is an almost absurdly straightforward appliance. It does one thing: make filter coffee. It lacks the multiple drink options of a Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier, the customisation of a Sage Oracle Jet, or the automated ease of a De'Longhi Magnifica. Yet, this focus is its superpower. Each machine is handmade in the Netherlands to a design that has remained essentially unchanged for six decades, a testament to a perfected formula.
Operation is delightfully simple. You fill the tank, add a paper filter and ground coffee to the basket, and flip a switch. A second switch lets you choose between a full or half batch, the latter slowing the drip speed for a more even extraction. That's it. No menus, no settings to fiddle with—just exceptional coffee.
Performance and Flavour That Rivals Pour-Over
Do not mistake simplicity for a lack of sophistication. The Moccamaster works by pumping water through a copper heating element, bringing it to the ideal brewing range of 92°C to 96°C before it showers evenly over the coffee grounds. The result is a wonderfully clean, flavourful cup that highlights the sweeter and floral notes of the beans.
In testing with a variety of roasts—from dark Colombian blends to lightly processed single origins—the KBG Select produced reliably delicious results every time. While dedicated coffee aficionados might note that a manual pour-over method like a V60 can offer marginally more consistent extraction, the Moccamaster's output is astonishingly close for a machine that requires zero fuss.
The coffee is kept warm on a hotplate that automatically switches off after 40 minutes for safety and energy efficiency—a boon for those who like their coffee piping hot.
Design, Build, and Everyday Usability
This is a machine built to last. With a sturdy metal construction and a satisfying heft, it feels like a lifelong investment, backed by a substantial five-year warranty. Its industrial-chic design, available in a range of colours including a stylish Forest Green, makes it a statement piece on any countertop.
Cleaning is straightforward: the glass carafe, filter basket, and water spout are all removable for hand washing. Technivorm provides clear guidance, recommending descaling and degreasing every 100 brews (using non-citric acid descaler to protect the copper element).
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
The Moccamaster's philosophy is the polar opposite of multi-function machines. You won't get espresso, cappuccino, or interactive screens. What you get is unmatched reliability and superior filter coffee at a fraction of the cost of a high-end bean-to-cup model. It is over five times cheaper than a Sage Oracle Jet espresso machine.
Online reviews reflect its quality, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 2,188 reviewers on Google and 4.4 stars from 328 Amazon customers. Professional critics, like The Coffee Chronicler, have awarded it near-perfect scores.
Our Verdict: The Technivorm Moccamaster KBG Select is a 'buy once, buy well' investment for anyone who appreciates a superb, no-nonsense filter coffee. In an era of unnecessary complexity, its thoughtful, single-minded design is a breath of fresh air that delivers where it counts most—in the cup.
