After stumbling onto CG site a few years ago, I saw the lead article of the new MoccaMaster CD and could not get the immage out of my head. I was interested in a Vac pot, but was used to a drip. After suffering from the use of a Krups for 7 years and coffee that at best was about 165 degrees (needing to be reheated in the microwave after pouring), I was happy to jump up in class to a true high quaility machine. I was also intrigued that it was made in Holland. It is very difficult to find electronic products not made in China now.
The Machine came double boxed from Boyds in great shape. The vendor threw in some filters and pre ground coffee (which is a nice touch). I called Boyds prior to purchacing the maker and asked about the longevity of Technivorm machines. The nice lady replyed that she had hers for 15 years, and her mothers was 20 years and worked without flaw. OK I was sold.
Out of the box, the machine is very low tech and straight forward. No digital clocks, no bells and wistles. Plug in machine, add water to resevior. Dose coffee in size 4 cone removable filter holder, place glass caraffe, then hit on button. Easy, great coffee.
The TV does punish you for old coffee beans, stale beans, or poorly roated beans. It also punishes you for using a blade grinder. So I must admit to breaking a CG rule... Grinder first, then new machine. This lasted about 6 months, until I was able to buy a Rocky grinder. Then the more I was on this site, I jumped over to home roasting. Now I have fresh, very good quailty beans to brew. The coffee is extracted at the proper time and temp for a drip. The end product is very hot and delicious coffee!
The glass caraffe thing: I brew at the 6 cup level for my morning coffee consumption. 1 1/2 mugs for my wife and me to enjoy. The coffee is consumed with in 30 mins of brewing so no rules are broken. If I am brewing more coffee or for parties, I will decant into a vacpot. The brewer is fast but appropriate extraction times. I recently brewed 6 back to back pots without inturruption for a larger party. The machine performed like a pro!
This machine also does well with brewing at a 2 cup level (ie cup at a time). I do pre heat the caraffe first, but the coffee comes out tasting great for just 1 serving.
Easy to clean.
The down side: The water resevior is a cool transparent plastic. After brewing, that chamber is warm and collects condensation. To combat this, I remove the lid, or tip it up so the moisture can escape. The switch for brewing does not always light up. I do not use the plate warmer (no need to burn my coffee).
And finally, there is no auto off, so be sure to turn it off with the switch. |
