Moccamaster KBG Select filter coffee machine review

Filter espresso machines have lengthy had a foul rap: years of turning out flavour-free brown liquid and burnt hotplates have put them on some individuals’s no-go listing. However executed correctly, filter espresso generally is a pleasure: one thing you’re certain to find in Moccamaster’s KBG or KBGV Choose filter machine – the mannequin title is barely completely different relying on the place you’re on the earth.

It’s outfitted with a singular copper heating aspect that ensures the brewing temperature is between 92°C and 96°C, making for a constant brew each time, with out bitterness from being too sizzling or sourness from being too chilly. Add to {that a} hotplate that’s straightforward to scrub and retains your espresso at a nice 80-85°C, and you would simply end up on the highway to filter espresso conversion.

Design and construct

• 1.25 litre tank
• 21 color choices
• Repairable

One thing that the Moccamaster KBG Choose has over many filter espresso machines is that it’s much more design-led. Reasonably than being merely a basket over a jug with a water tank parked on the again, right here the set-up is by itself plinth, with water heated and pumped from one aspect earlier than being gently showered over floor espresso on the opposite aspect.

The tank can accommodate water for as much as 10 cups (1.25 litres). And for individuals who love a splash of color of their kitchen or house workplace, the outside is obtainable in a dizzying alternative of 21 colors, starting from the attention-grabbing Yellow Pepper, to a extra demure Forest Inexperienced.

It’s pretty gentle to maneuver across the kitchen (2.8kg) and never too cumbersome at H36 x W32 x D17cm.

One interesting aspect is that the machine itself feels reassuringly strong – it has the bizarre facet of being handmade within the Netherlands, fairly than additional afield – and it’s repairable, so a sound sustainable alternative.

The controls are easy: there’s an on-off button to begin your brew, an auto off, so that you gained’t get the everyday scorching and spurting as soon as all of the water has run via, and an choice to change between a full jug and half jug. The half-jug choice pumps water via extra slowly for an extended espresso extraction and extra intense flavour, and may also be used with a full jug of espresso.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

Efficiency and options

• Two brewing choices
• Retains espresso heat for 40 minutes
• Simple to scrub hotplate

In the event you haven’t mastered pour-over espresso, the Moccamaster Choose successfully does the onerous half for you, showering sizzling water over espresso grounds to extract the flavours. That is particularly noticeable when eradicating the lid of the basket after brewing. Whereas we had piled the espresso grounds up in a mountain within the centre of the filter paper, after brewing, they evenly adhered to the perimeters of the paper.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

The directions are fairly complete – though some preliminary rationalization of tips on how to put the machine collectively can be useful as there’s solely a photograph, which doesn’t present tips on how to match components such because the outlet arm.

In any other case, it’s an extremely straightforward machine to make use of as there are solely two choices to select from for brewing. The included scoop measures out sufficient espresso grounds for 2 cups and the water tank has good clear measurements in each litres and cups so you possibly can pour within the quantity of water to match.

Rachel Ogden / Foundry

Each the water and quantity of espresso you set in will be adjusted to your style. Maybe the one additional that will be useful is a small jug for measuring out the water – because the directions advise in opposition to utilizing the glass espresso pot.

We tried each the total jug and half jug settings and located that total, we most popular the half jug. The slower extraction course of undoubtedly produced a richer tasting cup of espresso with extra aroma and a barely sweeter flavour. It was additionally extra appropriate for getting one of the best out of decaf espresso, the place flavours will be missing.

Nevertheless, should you’re in a rush for plenty of espresso, the total jug could possibly be extra appropriate because it’s quicker – we discovered that it took simply over 5 minutes to make, which matches the producer’s estimate of lower than six minutes.

One other characteristic we preferred was the hotplate the jug sits on: it’s lined in plastic fairly than being just like the burnt previous hotplates of yore, making it straightforward to scrub and in addition not susceptible to scorching and smells.

As soon as the jug was eliminated, the anti-drip mechanism labored pretty nicely, though there may nonetheless generally be the odd drip. It saved the espresso heat for its acknowledged 40 minutes, though it could be nice if there have been an choice to increase this because the glass jug doesn’t hold heat very lengthy after this has elapsed.

For decent espresso for longer, you’ll have to swap to the KBGT mannequin with a thermal carafe (out there within the US and Europe). Whereas for one cup at a time, Moccamaster’s Cup-One can be a greater match (US, Europe and UK).

Worth and availability

There’s no getting round the truth that the Moccamaster KGB /KBGV Choose is dear. That’s significantly the case as drip espresso makers are among the many most budget-friendly methods to make espresso at house. In the event you’re within the UK and wish to try some cheaper choices, take a look at our opinions of the Russell Hobbs Buckingham and the Chester Grind and Brew, which has an inbuilt bean grinder.

But when aesthetics are necessary, you’ve got environmental issues, otherwise you wish to purchase for all times, the Moccamaster Choose could possibly be value its value.

It’s out there within the US, the place it’s known as the Moccamaster KBGV Choose, for $359 and upwards. You should buy it from Amazon, Walmart or direct from the Moccamaster web site; on the time of writing, there’s no value benefit at any retailer.

You can too purchase it within the UK and Europe from Moccamaster for round €230, however on the time of writing, one of the best UK value is £199.99 from Amazon.

Verdict

For individuals who get pleasure from consuming lengthy cups of espresso all through a day, a hard-working, dependable filter espresso machine is a should and the Moccamaster KBG/ KGBV Choose suits that invoice completely.

It’s straightforward to make use of and keep, and does every little thing potential to get one of the best brew out of your grounds. It’s additionally a wonderful eco alternative for anybody who dislikes the quantity of waste generated by pod machines and their carbon footprint: the paper filters are compostable together with the grounds, so the one actual waste is the bag your espresso got here in.

The truth that the machine is endlessly repairable can also be an enormous plus, giving it a protracted lifespan in comparison with most. And whilst you’ll want to recollect to purchase filter papers alongside along with your beans or floor espresso, the value will nonetheless in all probability be lower than capsules.

Maybe the one limitation is that whereas it’s the same value as a superb pod machine, you’re restricted to solely making filter espresso – so no uplifting morning espresso – and also you’ll need to spend money on a separate milk frother should you like café-style drinks. Nevertheless, as a superb all-rounder, nice for entertaining and lazy Sundays alike, it’s nearly as good as filter espresso machines come.

To browse our espresso machine suggestions and see the professionals and cons of in style fashions, take a look at our round-up of one of the best espresso machines we’ve examined.