I’m a coffee enthusiast who’s spent years chasing the perfect cup, and I know the struggle of choosing the right coffee maker. In this article, I’ll compare two heavyweights: the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select and the OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker.
My goal is to break down their features, performance, and quirks to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your countertop. From brewing quality to design, I’ll share my hands-on experience, pros, cons, and a clear verdict to guide your choice.
Let’s get brewing!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Moccamaster KBGV Select | OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker |
| Capacity | 10 cups (40 oz) | 9 cups (44 oz) |
| Carafe Type | Glass (Thermal option available) | Stainless Steel (Thermal) |
| Brew Time | 4-6 minutes | 5-7 minutes |
| Temperature Control | 196°F–205°F (SCA-compliant) | 195°F–205°F (SCA-compliant) |
| Programmability | None | Programmable timer, cup selection |
| Drip Stop | Automatic drip-stop | Pause-and-serve function |
| Build Material | Aluminum, BPA-free plastic | Stainless steel, plastic |
| Warranty | 5 years, lifetime repairs | 2 years |
| Price Range | $300–$360 | $200–$230 |
| Design Aesthetic | Retro, colorful (19 color options) | Sleek, modern, industrial |
| Special Features | Copper heating element, volume selector | Built-in bloom cycle, single-serve option |
| Ease of Cleaning | Removable parts, requires descaling | Removable parts, non-removable reservoir |
My Coffee Journey And Why This Comparison Matters?
I’ve been brewing coffee at home for over a decade, from clunky old machines to pour-over setups that made me feel like a chemist. Coffee isn’t just a drink for me—it’s a ritual. But as life got busier, I realized I needed a drip coffee maker that could deliver stellar coffee without demanding too much of my time.
That’s when I started eyeing the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select and the OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker. Both have reputations for excellence, but they cater to slightly different needs. I’ve spent weeks testing them side by side, brewing batch after batch, to see which one truly elevates my morning cup.
Let’s break it down.
Unpacking The Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster KBGV Select is like the cool, retro uncle of coffee makers.
Handmade in the Netherlands since 1968, it’s a legend in the coffee world.
Its sleek, rectangular design and vibrant color options (I went with the bold pink—sorry, “Rose Gold”) make it a statement piece on any countertop.
But it’s not just about looks.
This machine is built to brew coffee at the Gold Standard, certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) for its precise temperature control and extraction.
The KBGV Select brews up to 10 cups (40 ounces) in 4–6 minutes, using a copper heating element that hits the ideal 196°F–205°F range. It’s got a simple switch to choose between a full or half carafe, ensuring consistent flavor whether you’re brewing for one or a crowd.
The glass carafe (with a thermal option available) sits on a hot plate that keeps coffee warm at 175°F–185°F for up to 100 minutes before auto-shutting off. The automatic drip-stop is a lifesaver—no mess if you sneak a cup mid-brew.
What I love most is the tactile experience. Watching the water pulse through the glass tube and shower over the grounds feels like a mini science experiment. It’s quiet, too, which is a blessing when I’m brewing early in the morning.
But it’s not perfect. The lack of programmability means I can’t wake up to a ready pot, and the hot plate can’t be reactivated easily if I want to keep coffee warm longer. Plus, at $300–$360, it’s a serious investment.
Pros And Cons of The Moccamaster KBGV Select
Pros
- Exceptional Brew Quality: The copper heating element and 9-hole showerhead ensure even extraction, delivering a rich, nuanced cup every time. My light-roast Ethiopian beans tasted vibrant, with floral notes shining through.
- Durable Build: Handmade with aluminum and BPA-free plastics, it feels sturdy yet surprisingly light at 6 pounds. The 5-year warranty and lifetime repair promise give me peace of mind.
- Stylish Design: With 19 color options, it’s a kitchen showpiece. My pink one gets compliments from every guest.
- Fast and Quiet: Brews a full pot in 4–6 minutes without the annoying hum of cheaper machines.
- Automatic Drip-Stop: No spills when I grab a cup mid-brew, and the volume selector ensures consistent flavor for smaller batches.
Cons
- No Programmability: I have to start it manually each morning, which feels like a step back compared to programmable machines.
- Pricey: At $300–$360, it’s a splurge. You’re paying for craftsmanship, but it’s not cheap.
- Hot Plate Limitations: The hot plate shuts off after 100 minutes and can’t be easily reactivated, so my coffee cools if I linger too long.
- Descaling Required: The copper element needs regular descaling to prevent mineral buildup, which adds to maintenance.
- Glass Carafe Fragility: The glass carafe (unless you opt for thermal) isn’t as durable as stainless steel and doesn’t insulate as well.
Exploring The OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
The OXO Brew 9-Cup, on the other hand, feels like the modern, tech-savvy cousin.
Its brushed stainless steel finish and compact footprint scream practicality, fitting neatly into my small kitchen.
It’s also SCA-certified, brewing at 195°F–205°F, and can handle up to 9 cups (44 ounces) in about 5–7 minutes.
The thermal stainless steel carafe keeps coffee hot for hours without a hot plate, which I appreciate for avoiding that “burnt” taste.
What sets the OXO apart is its programmability. I can set a timer the night before, and the machine greets me with fresh coffee in the morning. It also has a built-in bloom cycle, mimicking pour-over by pre-wetting the grounds for better extraction. The option to brew a single cup directly into a mug is a game-changer for solo mornings.
However, the non-removable water reservoir is a hassle—filling it requires a separate jug, and cleaning can feel like a chore. Priced at $200–$230, it’s more budget-friendly than the Moccamaster but feels less premium in build.
Pros And Cons of The OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
Pros
- Programmable Convenience: The timer lets me wake up to fresh coffee, and the cup-selection feature is perfect for small or large batches.
- Versatile Brewing: The single-serve option and bloom cycle mimic pour-over, giving me flexibility for different moods.
- Thermal Carafe: Keeps coffee hot for hours without a hot plate, preserving flavor. It’s also less fragile than glass.
- Affordable: At $200–$230, it’s a great value for an SCA-certified machine with modern features.
- Compact Design: Fits easily in tight spaces, making it ideal for smaller kitchens like mine.
Cons
- Non-Removable Reservoir: Filling and cleaning the water tank is a pain, requiring a separate jug.
- Stainless Steel Carafe: It’s hard to see how much coffee is left, and cleaning the interior is trickier than glass.
- Slightly Slower Brew: Takes 5–7 minutes, a tad longer than the Moccamaster, which can feel like an eternity on rushed mornings.
- Less Premium Feel: The plastic components and industrial look don’t exude the same craftsmanship as the Moccamaster.
- Shorter Warranty: Only 2 years compared to Moccamaster’s 5, which makes me question its long-term durability.
Head-to-Head Comparison of Moccamaster And OXO
- Brewing Performance
Brewing performance is where both machines shine, but they approach it differently.
The Moccamaster’s copper heating element is a standout.
It heats water rapidly and maintains a steady 196°F–205°F, which is the sweet spot for extracting the full flavor spectrum.
In my tests, it produced a clean, balanced cup with my medium-roast Colombian beans, highlighting chocolatey and nutty notes.
The 9-hole showerhead ensures even saturation, and the volume selector adjusts brew time for half or full carafes, preventing under-extraction.
The OXO matches the Moccamaster’s temperature precision, staying within the SCA’s 195°F–205°F range. Its bloom cycle, which pre-wets the grounds for 30 seconds, mimics pour-over and enhances flavor clarity.
I noticed brighter, fruitier notes in the same Ethiopian beans compared to the Moccamaster, though the difference was subtle. However, the OXO’s brew time is slightly longer, and the non-removable reservoir makes precise water measurements trickier, which can affect consistency if you’re not careful.
In a blind taste test, I found the Moccamaster’s coffee slightly more complex, especially with lighter roasts, but the OXO’s bloom cycle gave it an edge for single-serve brews. If you’re a purist who values every nuance, the Moccamaster pulls ahead. But for everyday drinking, the OXO holds its own.
- Design and Build Quality
The Moccamaster is a design icon. Its retro aesthetic, with clean lines and bold colors, makes it a conversation starter. The aluminum body and BPA-free plastics feel solid, though I was surprised by how light it is at 6 pounds.
The glass carafe is elegant but requires careful handling, and the thermal option is pricier. The machine’s simplicity—no complex buttons or screens—adds to its charm but limits functionality.
The OXO, by contrast, is all about modern efficiency. Its stainless steel and plastic build is sleek but less distinctive. It’s more compact (8.9” x 8.9” x 12”), making it a better fit for cramped counters.
The thermal carafe is a practical choice—durable and effective at keeping coffee hot—but it lacks the visual appeal of glass. The OXO’s interface, with a digital display and buttons for programming, feels intuitive but less timeless than the Moccamaster’s analog switches.
Durability-wise, the Moccamaster’s 5-year warranty and lifetime repair promise scream confidence. I’ve read stories of Moccamasters lasting decades with proper care. The OXO’s 2-year warranty is decent but doesn’t inspire the same trust.
If longevity and aesthetics matter most, the Moccamaster wins; if you prioritize space and practicality, the OXO is your pick.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance
Both machines are user-friendly, but they cater to different preferences. The Moccamaster is as simple as it gets: fill the reservoir, add grounds, flip a switch, and choose half or full carafe. The automatic drip-stop lets you pour mid-brew without a mess, and the removable parts (carafe, filter basket) are easy to clean.
However, the copper element requires descaling every 100 brews, which is a bit of a hassle but necessary to maintain performance.
The OXO’s programmability makes it a breeze for busy mornings. I set the timer, select the number of cups, and let it do its thing. The bloom cycle and single-serve option add versatility, but the non-removable reservoir is a constant annoyance.
Cleaning it involves awkward angles and a separate jug, and the stainless steel carafe’s narrow opening makes scrubbing tricky. Both machines need regular descaling, but the OXO’s plastic components feel less durable over time.
- Price and Value
The Moccamaster’s $300–$360 price tag is steep, but you’re paying for craftsmanship, longevity, and a near-perfect brew. It’s an investment for coffee purists who want a machine that could outlast them.
The OXO, at $200–$230, offers comparable brew quality with more features at a lower cost. If you value convenience and don’t mind a less premium build, the OXO delivers excellent value. For me, the Moccamaster’s durability justifies the price, but budget-conscious buyers might lean toward the OXO.
My Personal Experience: A Tale of Two Brews
I brewed with both machines daily for a month, alternating between light, medium, and dark roasts to test their versatility.
The Moccamaster consistently delivered a richer, more layered cup, especially with specialty beans.
Its simplicity made me feel connected to the process, like I was part of the coffee’s journey from bean to cup.
But I missed the convenience of programmability on busy days.
The OXO was my go-to when I needed coffee ready the moment I woke up. Its single-serve option was perfect for quick cups, and the thermal carafe kept coffee hot during long work-from-home sessions.
However, the reservoir’s design frustrated me, and the coffee, while excellent, didn’t quite match the Moccamaster’s depth.
One morning, I invited friends over for a taste test. The Moccamaster’s coffee was the crowd favorite for its bold, clean flavors, but the OXO’s convenience impressed those with less patience for manual brewing. It was a close call, but the Moccamaster’s charm won me over.
Who Should Choose The Moccamaster?
The Moccamaster KBGV Select is for coffee purists who prioritize flavor and aesthetics. If you love the ritual of brewing, don’t mind a manual start, and want a machine that’s built to last, this is your match. It’s ideal for:
- Specialty coffee lovers who want pour-over quality without the effort.
- Design enthusiasts who want a stylish, colorful appliance.
- Those willing to invest in a durable, long-term coffee maker.
Who Should Choose The OXO?
The OXO Brew 9-Cup is for busy folks who want great coffee with minimal fuss. Its programmability and versatility make it perfect for:
- People who value waking up to ready coffee.
- Small kitchens where space is a premium.
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want SCA-certified quality.
Which One Wins?
You’re probably wondering which coffee maker I’d crown the winner. Honestly, it depends on your priorities. If you’re after the absolute best coffee and a machine that’s a joy to look at and built to last, the Moccamaster KBGV Select is worth every penny.
Its superior brew quality and timeless design make it my personal favorite, despite the higher price and lack of programmability.
But if convenience and affordability are key, the OXO Brew 9-Cup is a fantastic choice. Its programmable features and thermal carafe make it a practical workhorse that still delivers near-Moccamaster-level coffee. For most people, the OXO’s value and versatility will be hard to beat.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either. Choose the Moccamaster if you’re a coffee snob like me, willing to splurge for perfection. Pick the OXO if you want great coffee with modern conveniences at a lower price. Either way, your mornings are about to get a whole lot tastier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not universally, but it’s among the best for drip coffee. Its SCA-certified brewing and durability make it a top choice for purists, though it lacks programmability.
Yes, OXO is a trusted brand known for reliable, user-friendly appliances. Their 9-Cup Coffee Maker is SCA-certified and offers great value.
Its copper heating element, precise temperature control, and handmade Dutch craftsmanship deliver exceptional coffee and longevity, backed by a 5-year warranty.
The OXO Brew 9-Cup is the best multi coffee maker for its versatility, offering single-serve and full-pot options with programmable features.
Wrapping Up
You’ve seen my journey through the Moccamaster KBGV Select and OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker, and I hope it’s helped you narrow down your choice. Both machines brew fantastic coffee, but they cater to different lifestyles.
The Moccamaster is your go-to for unparalleled flavor and a stunning design, while the OXO offers convenience and affordability without sacrificing quality. Whichever you pick, you’re investing in mornings filled with delicious coffee. So, what’s it going to be?
Let me know your thoughts, and happy brewing!