I’m a coffee fanatic, always chasing that perfect morning brew. When it came time to upgrade my drip coffee maker, I narrowed it down to two heavyweights: the Ratio Six and the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select.
My goal?
To figure out which one delivers the best coffee experience for my kitchen. In this article, I’ll share my hands-on comparison, breaking down their features, pros, cons, and performance to help you decide which brewer deserves a spot on your counter.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Ratio Six | Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select |
| Price | ~$345 | ~$359 |
| Capacity | 40 oz (10 cups) | 40 oz (10 cups) |
| Brew Time | 5-7 minutes | 4-6 minutes |
| Temperature Control | 195°F–205°F (SCA-compliant) | 196°F–205°F (SCA-compliant) |
| Carafe Type | Stainless steel thermal | Glass with hotplate |
| Bloom Function | Automatic pre-infusion | Manual bloom (user-controlled) |
| Build Material | Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic | Aluminum, BPA-free plastic, copper element |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Design | Modern, minimalist | Retro, colorful (21 color options) |
| Ease of Use | One-button simplicity | Two switches (on/off, half/full carafe) |
| SCA Certification | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Type | Flat-bottom basket (#8 or reusable) | Cone-shaped basket (#4 or reusable) |
Why These Two Brewers?
As I stood in my kitchen, craving a coffee shop-quality drip brew, I knew I needed a machine that could deliver consistency, flavor, and durability.
The Ratio Six and Moccamaster KBGV Select kept popping up in my research, both boasting Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certification, which means they meet strict standards for temperature, brew time, and extraction. But which one would suit my daily routine better?
I decided to put them head-to-head, testing everything from taste to ease of use.
Unboxing And First Impressions
- Ratio Six: Sleek and Modern
When the Ratio Six arrived, I was struck by its minimalist vibe.
It’s like the Tesla of coffee makers—clean lines, a matte stainless steel finish, and a compact footprint (13.5 x 6.75 x 14.25 inches).
The thermal carafe felt sturdy, and the BPA-free plastic components didn’t scream “cheap.”
It came with a flat-bottom filter basket, a reusable mesh filter, and a few paper filters to get started.
The single-button interface screamed simplicity, which I appreciated as someone who doesn’t want to fiddle with settings before caffeine hits.
- Moccamaster KBGV Select: Retro Charm
The Moccamaster, on the other hand, felt like a blast from the past—in a good way. I chose the vibrant orange model (one of 21 color options), and it instantly added personality to my counter.
Hand-built in the Netherlands, it’s heavier (6.5 lbs vs. Ratio’s 8 lbs) with a solid aluminum body and a copper heating element.
The glass carafe, brew basket, and #4 filter setup felt familiar, but the thin plastic parts (like the water reservoir lid) raised an eyebrow. Two switches—one for power, one for half/full carafe—gave it a straightforward, no-nonsense feel.
Key Features of Ratio Six And Moccamaster Face-Off
Let’s break down what makes these machines tick, based on my hands-on experience.
- Brewing Technology
Ratio Six
The Ratio Six is engineered for precision. Its flat-bottom filter basket and wide showerhead mimic pour-over brewing, ensuring even water distribution. The automatic pre-infusion (bloom) function wets the grounds for 30 seconds before brewing, unlocking deeper flavors.
It maintains a steady 195°F–205°F, hitting SCA’s “Golden Cup” standard. I noticed the brew cycle (5-7 minutes for a full 40 oz) felt slightly longer than advertised, but the coffee was consistently smooth and balanced.
Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster’s cone-shaped basket and nine-hole outlet arm create a different extraction profile, leaning toward brighter, more complex flavors.
Its copper heating element heats water to 196°F–205°F in under a minute, and the brew cycle wraps up in 4-6 minutes.
The half/full carafe switch adjusts water flow and hotplate temperature (175°F–185°F), optimizing extraction for smaller batches.
However, there’s no automatic bloom—you have to pause the brew manually for 20-30 seconds to mimic pre-infusion, which felt like extra work.
- Carafe and Heat Retention
Ratio Six
The Ratio’s stainless steel thermal carafe is a game-changer. It kept my coffee hot (around 150°F) for up to 6 hours without a hotplate, preserving flavor without that burnt taste.
The carafe’s design makes pouring easy, but cleaning it (narrow opening) was a chore. I loved that it didn’t rely on a hotplate, as I often sip coffee over a few hours.
Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster’s glass carafe sits on a hotplate that maintains 175°F–185°F for 100 minutes before auto-shutting off. It’s great for quick refills, but if you don’t drink fast, the coffee can taste slightly cooked.
The carafe is easy to clean, and the auto-drip stop prevents messes when you pull it mid-brew. I found myself missing the thermal carafe’s longevity, especially on busy mornings.
- Ease of Use
Ratio Six
The Ratio Six is dummy-proof. Fill the water tank, add grounds, press the button, and walk away. The lack of settings might frustrate tinkerers, but for me, it was a relief.
The water tank’s markings (in ounces and cups) were clear, and the flat-bottom filter made scooping grounds less messy. My only gripe? The tank isn’t removable, so refilling meant bringing a pitcher to the machine.
Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster is almost as simple but requires a touch more attention. You set the half/full switch, add water and grounds, and flip it on.
The non-removable water tank was a minor annoyance, and the cone filter sometimes collapsed if I wasn’t careful. The manual bloom process felt like a small hurdle, but once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t a dealbreaker.
- Build Quality and Durability
Ratio Six
Made in China with premium materials, the Ratio Six feels solid. The stainless steel and BPA-free plastic hold up well, and the thermal carafe is nearly indestructible.
Some users on forums like Home-Barista.com have reported pump issues after a year, but my unit (used daily for months) showed no signs of wear. The 5-year warranty gave me peace of mind.
Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster’s Dutch craftsmanship shines, but it’s not flawless. The aluminum body and copper element scream quality, but the plastic components (filter basket, water tank lid) felt flimsy.
One user on Home-Barista.com complained about a thin glass carafe, but mine survived a few clumsy moments. With a 5-year warranty and lifetime parts availability, I felt confident it’d last decades.
- Design and Aesthetics
Ratio Six
The Ratio Six is a modern showpiece. Its sleek, neutral design blends into any kitchen, but it lacks the personality of the Moccamaster. At 14.25 inches tall, it fit under my cabinets, and the compact footprint saved counter space. It’s the kind of machine you’d see in a tech bro’s loft.
Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster’s retro look is divisive—you either love it or hate it. My orange model sparked compliments, but the modular design (exposed water tank, visible tubes) felt less polished.
At 14 inches tall, it also fit under cabinets, but its wider base (12.75 inches) ate more counter space. It’s like a quirky Dutch uncle compared to the Ratio’s cool cousin.
Taste Test: The Real Deal
I brewed identical batches using medium-roast Ethiopian beans, a medium-coarse grind, and a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio (60g coffee for 960g water). Here’s how they stacked up.
- Ratio Six
The Ratio Six produced a clean, balanced cup with subtle floral notes and a smooth finish. The flat-bottom basket and bloom function extracted evenly, avoiding bitterness. It wasn’t as bright as a pour-over, but it got close—about 90% of a V60’s clarity, as one Home-Barista.com user noted. I loved the consistency; every batch tasted nearly identical.
- Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster’s cone basket leaned into brighter, more acidic flavors, highlighting the Ethiopian’s citrusy notes.
When I nailed the manual bloom, the coffee was phenomenal—complex and full-bodied.
Without bloom, it tasted slightly muddy.
The hotplate kept it drinkable for an hour, but by the second hour, the flavor dulled.
It edged out the Ratio for specialty beans but required more effort.
Pros and Cons of Ratio Six And Moccamaster
Ratio Six Pros
- Automatic bloom function saves time and boosts flavor.
- Thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for hours without burning.
- One-button operation is foolproof.
- Sleek, space-saving design.
- Consistent, pour-over-like coffee.
Ratio Six Cons
- Slightly longer brew time (5-7 minutes).
- Non-removable water tank is inconvenient.
- Thermal carafe is hard to clean.
- Fewer customization options for brew nerds.
- Occasional reports of pump issues.
Moccamaster KBGV Select Pros
- Fast brew time (4-6 minutes).
- Bright, complex flavors with proper technique.
- Half/full carafe switch optimizes smaller batches.
- Retro design with 21 color options.
- Durable build with lifetime parts support.
Moccamaster KBGV Select Cons
- Manual bloom requires extra effort.
- Hotplate can degrade coffee flavor over time.
- Flimsy plastic components.
- Wider footprint takes more counter space.
- Glass carafe feels fragile.
Price and Value
At $345, the Ratio Six is a touch cheaper than the Moccamaster’s $359. Both are premium investments, but their SCA certification, 5-year warranties, and durable builds justify the cost.
The Ratio’s thermal carafe and set-it-and-forget-it simplicity make it a better value for casual drinkers. The Moccamaster’s versatility and vibrant design appeal to enthusiasts willing to tweak their brew. If budget’s tight, the Ratio edges out slightly, but neither feels overpriced for what they deliver.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- Ratio Six
Cleaning the Ratio Six is straightforward but not perfect.
The showerhead and filter basket rinse easily, and the carafe needs a brush for deep cleaning.
Descaling every 100 brews (or 3 months) with a vinegar solution keeps it running smoothly.
The non-removable tank means wiping down spills, which got old fast.
- Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster’s modular design makes cleaning a breeze. The brew basket, carafe, and water tank lid are dishwasher-safe (top rack), though I hand-washed mine. Descaling is recommended every 100 brews, and the copper element resists buildup better than most. The hotplate requires occasional scrubbing to remove coffee stains.
Who Are These Brewers For?
Ratio Six
The Ratio Six is perfect for busy folks who want great coffee without fuss. If you value consistency, hate hotplates, and prefer a modern aesthetic, this is your machine. It’s ideal for households brewing full or near-full carafes, as the bloom function shines with larger batches. Less suited for tinkerers or small-batch brewers.
Moccamaster KBGV Select
The Moccamaster suits coffee enthusiasts who enjoy some control. If you love tweaking your brew, appreciate retro style, and brew both small and large batches, it’s a winner. The cone basket excels with light roasts, but the manual bloom and hotplate might annoy casual users.
After months of brewing, I lean toward the Ratio Six for its simplicity and thermal carafe. Mornings are hectic, and the one-button operation plus long-lasting heat retention fit my life better.
That said, the Moccamaster’s brighter flavors and half-carafe option won me over on weekends when I had time to play barista. Your choice depends on your priorities: effortless consistency (Ratio) or hands-on versatility (Moccamaster).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, it’s excellent for those seeking consistent, pour-over-quality coffee with minimal effort. Its thermal carafe and SCA certification make it a top choice.
It can, especially with light roasts and manual bloom, but it requires more effort. The Ratio Six matches it for consistency with less work.
A 1:16 ratio (1g coffee to 16g water) works best—e.g., 60g coffee for 960g water for a full 40 oz carafe.
Its hand-built Dutch craftsmanship, SCA certification, copper heating element, and vibrant design make it a standout for coffee enthusiasts.
Wrapping Up
You’re standing at a crossroads, craving a drip coffee maker that elevates your morning ritual. I’ve been there, and after pitting the Ratio Six against the Moccamaster KBGV Select, I’m confident you’ll find your match.
The Ratio Six is your go-to for effortless, consistent brews with a modern edge. The Moccamaster KBGV Select shines for those who love tweaking their coffee and want a splash of retro charm. Whichever you choose, you’re investing in a machine that’ll make your mornings tastier and your coffee game stronger.