Niko Senior Member Joined: 8 Oct 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Seattle WA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Nespresso D300 Grinder: VitaMix Drip: TV Moccamaster CD
Posted Sat Oct 8, 2005, 10:40pm Subject: Re: Technivorm MoccaMaster CD
Yesterday was a black Friday for us. Out of the blue, the rocker switch on our Moccamaster CD decided to stay frozen in the On position. Fortunately, we had already enjoyed the pot of coffee. The machine is only about 1.5 years old (from Boyd's). Based on reviews about TV coffee makers and their longevity, I'm treating this as an anomaly. I emailed Boyd's, got a reply the next day that a new switch assembly was needed. So, I ordered it and, to make the shipping cost worthwhile, also ordered the 9-hole pipe ($12). Hopefully the parts will arrive early next week, and we'll see if a new switch fixes the problem.
Now let me just say that I LOVE this coffee maker, even using the single hole pipe all this time. The coffee it makes just blows away all the other drip machines I've had (Mr. Coffee, Black & Decker, Proctor Silex, Braun, Krups). It's like having the best coffeehouse/restaurant cup of coffee you've ever had, every day at home. Here are some thoughts:
When I remembered, I would use the carafe-holding or ground-stirring method with this coffee maker.
It's the easiest to clean of any of the aforementioned machines. It's also easy to see when it needs descaling.
The coffee is so good, in our house a freshly brewed pot doesn't hang around long enough to sit and bake.
When making less than 10 cups, I just add a little more coffee to compensate. Or make a whole pot and have some left over for iced coffee later.
As with any coffee maker, starting with premium, freshly ground coffee is ideal. But I'm convinced the Moccamaster will brew the best your coffee has to offer, even if it's not very good (like Costco $4/lb coffee). We normally buy a couple local brands, Kalani Organic French Roast, or Tully's Madison Blend. When grinding beans at the market, I found that using the finest drip setting works best, as it slows down the brewing process a bit and allows the grounds to become more saturated. However, using too fine a setting can overflow the filter basket.
It's cool looking, except for the yellow-tinted plastic.
Simple is good. After a Braun with all the bells and whistles (that actually lasted 9 years), I like the simplicity of a non-digital model. The Moccamaster brews so fast, you don't really need to set it up for automatic brewing anyway. And who needs another clock to reset when the power goes out?
I'll post another note if it turns out there's more wrong than just the switch. In the meantime, we're doing espresso (sigh).
bytwo Senior Member Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 6 Location: San Diego, CA Expertise: I love coffee
Drip: Technivorm Moccamaster CD
Posted Sun Oct 9, 2005, 10:37am Subject: Re: Technivorm MoccaMaster CD
Sorry to hear that. I hope it is indeed a one-off problem. We've been very happy with our new Technivorm MoccaMaster CD so far; even when making small amounts of coffee.
dsearcy Senior Member Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Tulsa, OK Expertise: I love coffee
Drip: Technivorm Moccamaster CD
Posted Sat Jan 28, 2006, 6:03am Subject: Re: Technivorm MoccaMaster CD
Thanks to Mark for an excellent review. I received this gem in December 2005. Definately the best drip brewer I've owned.
Two of Mark's concerns have been addressed in the newer release of the product.
My brewer came with the 9 hole pipe. I didn't have to order it seperately. The 9 hole pipe is a big improvement but I still notice some of the grinds on the sides are a little undersaturated. But I'm sure it isn't nearly as bad as the single hole pipe. (The coffee tastes outstanding!)
My box had all the flashy graphics that Mark suggested would make this product more appealing in the US. Technivorm must be listening... :)
I apologize that I don't know where the brewer was purchased as it was a gift. I can ask if anyone cares to know...
WAN Senior Member Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Wisconsin Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Aug 21, 2006, 8:24am Subject: Re: Technivorm MoccaMaster CD
I bought a Moccamaster GCS just over two years ago from Boyd's. JUST before warranty expiration the thermostat failed (it kept clicking on and off). Boyd's repaired it under warranty. Just AFTER another year (ahem, past any warranty) it shorted out and blew a circuit breaker in my kitchen. Upon examination (after discovering it would cost $75+ to repair) I removed the bottom portion and discovered it had a leak which was dripping on wire connections causing it to short out. I deduced this due to small water stains on the inside bottom cover. I suspected a problem during the previous brews (1-2 days) as it began to make new noises. The thermostat? I surmise the water was tripping the internal switch and finally the kitchen circuit breaker shut down the whole show. I sit in a quandry over spending $75 on a coffeemaker that might be a fire hazard--even AFTER repairs. Or...chancing another Moccamaster. But how many times in a lifetime does one spend $200 on a coffeemaker???
I, too, ordered the multi-hole pipe only to discover all the holes were not CENTERED over the grinds! I dithered with Boyd's AND Technivorm and never got resolution. I even sent pictures to Boyds. Even Boyds agreed the complaint was legitimate....but Technivorm wasn't about to address them. I went back to my one-holer and used a teaspoon to divert the water over all the grounds. Not a big deal---I dropped the issue and have my new pipe sitting in a drawer. It was more a common sense issue than anything else. What brain would devise a cure worse than the illness? Was MY GCS different than others? Was this pipe not FOR a GCS? There were no answers forthcoming.
At issue: internal leaks in electrical appliances cause unease.
H_Man Senior Member Joined: 1 Aug 2006 Posts: 9 Location: NYC Expertise: Pro Barista
Espresso: Synesso Grinder: KA ProLine Drip: Cone/Press
Posted Sun Sep 10, 2006, 8:05pm Subject: Re: Technivorm MoccaMaster CD
I've been thinking of buying one of these lately, but after reading about this whole "dispersion" issue, I'm having second thoughts...
Don't think I could relax knowing my bed of freshly ground grounds were getting evenly saturated! 8>O
For the more mechanically inclined geeks out there, isn't there some kind of readily available hardware sitting in a bin in some plumbing supply store that can be rigged into it to solve for this?
Posted Thu Dec 14, 2006, 4:08pm Subject: Re: Technivorm MoccaMaster CD
I'm researching a new drip coffee machine to replace my current one. I think I've narrowed my choices to the Techivorms or the new Capresso due to the 200F+ temps. There are some worrisome comments about the Capresso & condensation over on Amazon, although I've not seen such comments anywhere else. I don't like letting my coffee sit on a hotplate, so I'm really more interested in a model with a thermal carafe. I was thinking that this meant going with one of the older TV's (as opposed to the one in the Quickshot Review) but, just for ha ha's, I wrote to TV the other day. Thought I'd share the response:
In a couple of months we will have the CD with a thermo jug.
Kind regards, Ina ten Donkelaar
As for the review that this thread is for ... it appears that the last posting was in mid September and the last comment from a TV CD owner was back in January. Has anyone developed any new thoughts about this model that they'd be willing to share?
Blazer Senior Member Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Fri Dec 15, 2006, 9:12am Subject: Re: Technivorm MoccaMaster CD
I'm trying to make the same decision now, between the TVs or Capresso with the thermal carafe. My research of reviews seems to indicate the TVs for greater durability and the Capresso units for looks. I'm leaning toward the Capresso ST600 due to the true 10 cup (50oz) capacity where the TV has only 42oz. (1.25 liters) capacity but still lists it as 10 cups.
JC7 Senior Member Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Calgary Alberta Expertise: Pro Roaster
Posted Mon Jan 28, 2008, 12:38pm Subject: Re: Technivorm MoccaMaster CD
I am no expert but I do roast my own coffee.
I have the Technivorm MoccaMaster Clubline. I will probably never have to buy a new coffee brewer. ( unless the element burns out) I am totally impressed with the simplicity and thought that went into this design. I had one problem the first week, it started smoking. One connection on the element was loose and was burning the plastic on the wire. This machine is designed for easy repair for any one slightly handy. it is simple to take apart and put together. I replaced the connection and have had no problem since. Mine came with the nine hole spout and a three position slide switch on the filter assembly. Off, Half and full. No auto shut off. You allow it to saturate the grounds before switching to a slow or fast drip. I stir it too. If you forget to switch it on the housing is designed to over flow into the pot. I can attest that no coffee was spilt out side of the pot. (3 occasions) The nine hole design doesn't spread the water a lot, most of the water seems to come out in a fairly narrow area. It does seem to do a fairly good job of saturation even without pre saturation. BTW the spout can be moved a few degrees to either side.
Something that hasn't been mentioned is the float in the water chamber that shuts off the element as soon as the chamber is empty so that the heating chamber is never empty and dry heated, which reduces mineral build up immensely.
I am very happy with this machine and suspect it will out last anything previously owned. $185.00 US /04/27/06
Where do I find a "good" single dose grinder and a "good" reasonably priced espresso maker?
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