Moccamaster KBGT vs Moccamaster KBGV Select: similar with subtle differences

When looking for a new coffee maker you've probably heard of Moccamaster. The two most popular models from the Technivorn brand name is the Moccamaster KBGT and Moccamaster KBGV Select so we compare them to identify any differences.

The first Moccamaster coffee brewer was made by Gerard Clement Smit, an industrial engineer. He founded the Technivorn factory in 1964. Technivorn is a Dutch word that combines “Techniek,” and “Vormgeving,” which means “form” and “function.” Smit produced a home coffee grinder in 1965, before designing the first Moccamaster in 1968. (Moccamaster is frequently referred to as Technivorn Moccamaster, referring to where the coffee brewer is produced.)

Today, Moccamaster have a total of seven drip coffee makers available in categories for office brewers, single-cup brewers, thermal carafe brewers and glass carafe brewers. The Moccamaster KBGV Select is a glass carafe brewer, whereas the Moccamaster KBGT is a thermal carafe brewer. Both are highly-rated and often considered among the best coffee makers for their design and brewing performance.   

Aside from these carafe differences between the two types of brewers, there are also some subtle differences to the pricing, size and other features. Read on as we compare Moccamaster KBGT vs Moccamaster KBGV Select to find out exactly what sets them apart to ensure that you get the most suitable option for you.

Moccamaster KBGT vs Moccamaster KBGV Select: Price & availability

The Moccamaster KBGT is available for $349 on the Moccamaster website, and the price is the same on Amazon. The Moccamaster KBGV SELECT is slightly higher, $359 on the Moccamaster website and on Amazon.

While there's no difference in price for the available colors, it is worth noting that color availability differs between the two machines. The Moccamaster KBGT can be added to cart in Polished Silver, Black, Off-White or Stone Gray, whereas the Moccamaster KBGV SELECT is available in a total of 24 colors from a wider palette including Yellow Pepper, Juniper and Rose Gold.

Both come with everything that you'll need to start coffee brewing at home (aside from the coffee). Should any removable parts on either the Moccamaster KBGT or Moccamaster KBGV SELECT be required then these can be bought direct from the Moccamaster site.

Moccamaster KBGT vs Moccamaster KBGV Select: Features

Both the Moccamaster KBGT and the Moccamaster KBGV Select have a generous water tank that holds up to 40 ounces of water, and can brew 10 cups of coffee. Both, also, have a cone-shaped basket that steeps coffee grounds for 4 to 6 minutes (at a temperature between 196 and 205 degrees F) and then extracts the flavor at the precise time – that’s why they’re both among the handful of coffee makers to be certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to brew SCA Golden Cup Standard coffee.

In addition, both models automatically shut off when the reservoir is empty, and both have an automatic drip-stop feature that lets you remove the carafe before the brew cycle has ended (in case you’re impatient and can’t wait for the whole pot to brew).

And both are also user friendly, without a plethora of buttons to push or digital displays to read.

However, here’s where the two models diverge. On the Moccamaster KBGT, you merely add water, place the carafe underneath the coffee spout, press one button, and your work is done until the coffee finishes brewing.

With the Moccamaster KBGV Select, you’d follow the same steps, except there’s one additional step: There’s a button next to the power button that lets you choose from brewing a half carafe or a whole carafe of coffee. After you make this choice, the coffee maker will automatically adjust the brewing speed – and the hotplate temperature.

Speaking of the hotplate, that's something else that separates the two coffee makers. While the Moccamaster KBGV Select uses a glass carafe and has a hot plate, the Moccamaster KBGT uses a double-walled stainless screen carafe. This will keep coffee warm for up to one hour, whereas the Moccamaster KBGV Select hotplate will automatically shut off after 100 minutes.

The Moccamaster KBGT also includes two lids. There’s a Brew-Thru lid for brewing and pouring coffee. However, there’s also a travel lid, which allows you to take the thermal carafe on the go, and the lid prevents spills.

Moccamaster KBGT vs Moccamaster KBGV Select: Size & dimensions

Both brewers have the same brewing capacity: 40 ounces/10 cups. The Moccamaster KBGT weighs 6.25lbs and is slightly taller, with the following dimensions: 16 x 11.50 x 6.75in (h x w x d). The Moccamaster KBGV Select weighs 5 pounds, and is slightly wider, with the following dimensions: 14 x 12.75 x 6.50in (h x w x d).

While this difference in size won't make much (if any difference) if you were to swap machines owing to countertop availability, the appearance has a striking overall difference. The glass carafe featured on the Moccamaster KBGV Select is visually more refined, and it doesn't look as bulky as the Moccamaster KBGT stainless steel carafe although they have exactly the same brewing capacity.

Moccamaster KBGT vs Moccamaster KBGV Select: Our verdict

Both coffee makers are well-built and user-friendly. The best model for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you’d rather have a glass carafe with a hot plate, and the ability to push a button to brew a half or whole carafe, the Moccamaster KBGV is the best choice. And if you like color choices, this model has dozens to choose from.

However, if you’d rather have a thermal carafe to keep coffee hot without the use of a hot plate, and you also like the versatility of being able to use a travel lid so you can take the thermal carafe with you without risk of spilling it, the Moccamaster KBGT is your best option.