Best drip coffee from a machine. Perfect brewing temp. Complete control over the brewing process. Funky but cool styling.
Negative Product Points
Some of the plastic parts (filter, filter cover) feel lightweight and cheap. Pitcher does not pour properly unless the cap is in and screwed down just short of being fully closed.
Detailed Commentary
I was looking for a drip machine that would give me the best possible cup of coffee and eventually, research led me to the Technivorm line. I gave up on the conventional drip coffee makers because they made an essentially bland cup of coffee. i was using the french press on the weekends, but didn't want to fuss with taking it apart and cleaning it during the week. The espresso machine was great, but I like having a cup going throughout the morning, and couldn't see myself jumping up every hour to pull shots.
The Moccamaster KBT-741 arrived last month. Putting it together was easy, despite the lack of directions in the box. A couple of cycles with water only to clean it out and on to the first batch. I tried the online recommendation of closing the filter off entirely, filling the filter basket near to the top, stirring the grounds, and letting it run through on the half open position after a little over a minute.
The taste? Amazing! The cup was smooth and full bodied. There were subtle notes in the nose and on the tongue that I had never achieved through a drip machine before. This is what drip coffee should be!
Since then, I've switched from paper filters to a gold filter (you can taste the difference with this maker). I've been pre-heating the thermal carafe by filling it with hot water and leaving it in there until just before I'm ready to open the filter switch.
Downsides? The filter cover is flimsy. I'd expect more at this price. The thermal carafe does not pour well unless the screw in cap is almost all the way closed. I screw it all the way in, then back it off a little over a quarter turn, to line up the pouring slot. It pours cleanly, but a bit slowly.
Bottom line? It is all about the coffee! You'll taste things in your favorite roasts that you were missing before. Well worth it!
Buying Experience
Easily ordered online. Arrived rapidly. Packaging inside the box was sub-par; things were rattling around in there. No damage, though.
Three Month Followup
Still loving this after three months. The machine is holding up well and continues to make excellent drip coffee. No problems to report. It cleans up well. House guests have been impressed with the quality of coffee. Highly recommended.
