MoccamasterKBGT, Coffee Maker, Filter Coffee Machines, Thermos, Black, UK Plug, 1.25 Liters

I wanted to have a coffee machine that I could use when people were coming round. The bean to cup espresso is often a bit slow. So this was recommended and I researched it. After immediately being concerned over a review about taste of stainless steel and poor pouring ability I was concerned only to realise that both of those issues have been addressed with the latest model. It is now glass lined and the pouring spout has been changed. So all good. I especially wanted a matchine that didn't continue to cook the coffee as there is research to prove that the longer the fresh brewed coffee sits onto plate the more the oils in the coffee turn damaging. This insulated version seemed a good compromise and it has worked really well. It stays hot without being warmed is stylish enough to sit on the table. It is all really simple and easy to use and there is literally one button to press to make it all happen. Not cheap but I am really pleased with it.

I’ve wanted one of these for ages, and I’m so happy I got one.Nice easy to use machine that turns off everything other than the low power light in the switch when it has put all the water through, with a carafe that keeps coffee hot and still tasty (not stewed like coffee machines with hot plates).I had to go out to complete an assessment and left half a pot of coffee - came back almost 4 hours later and the thermal carafe (proper mirrored glass vacuum flask) had kept it hot - hot enough that I couldn’t just gulp it down - very impressive.Makes wonderful coffee, uses standard, readily available filters, and it keeps it hot without stewing it or wasting electricityUPDATE…This weekend my other half knocked the carafe off of the worktop into our concrete tiled floor… Knowing it has a glass thermos liner, she was convinced it must be broken - it hadn’t even dented the surface of the stainless steel outer or the plastic bits.The glass lining in the carafe was my one worry regarding the longevity of the machine, but it seems to be pretty darn robust.I would have recommended this machine anyway, but now, I’d recommend it within any reservations

You pay a high price for the engineering in this machine, i.e. the stuff on the inside that you can't see, but it does produce a very nice clean fresh cup of coffee. If you leave the drip lid on after brewing, then because it has vents that allow you to pour straight from the carafe, the coffee will cool more quickly. This is fine if you intend to drink it all within an hour or so. However, I tend to make a full pot of coffee in the morning and then have a few cups spread out up until lunch time, so I might brew it at 8am and still want to be able to pour a drinkably hot cup at noon. By using the alternate lid that comes with the jug, you can seal it so the heat doesn't escape...it does become more of a thermos and you end up with good coffee for several hours and the last cup is just as good as (and almost as hot as) the first.The big difference between filter/drip machines and say a french press, is that the water passes through the grounds more quickly, rather than steeping the coffee grounds. You end up with a drink that is lighter and fresher and allows you to pick up on the more subtle elements of the roast. If you want a more robust taste then you can add more grounds, but it's something to experiment with. The coffee from this machine is clear of any residue and has zero bitterness. I like my coffee to taste refreshing rather than robust, so I'm very happy with the results. I also prefer a vacuum jug to a glass carafe on a hotplate. Any hotplate will damage the coffee's flavour after 20-40 minutes, but a vacuum jug keeps it pretty much very drinkable for much longer. The steel jug does not taint the flavour...at least I can't detect any issues on that score. Also, of course, a steel jug is not going to be as fragile as a glass one.Overall, I'm very pleased with this machine and the 5-year limited warranty is a big bonus. This replaces a previous machine that cost £40. It made great coffee but the glass jug broke after just 6 months and I couldn't get a replacement, so the machine is now useless. You can get very good vacuum jug machines for a much lower price, of course, so I reckon the Moccamaster is only for those who put a particular store on the engineering etc. There's no guarantee that it will make the perfect cup of coffee to suit your personal taste.

Positives+ Looks great and high quality, unlike the majority of plastic filter models out there.+ Makes nice consistent coffee.+ Mostly easy to use.+ keeps warm without a hotplate (But..see below)Negatives- Not cheap, but I managed to get a customer return at a discount.- The temperature is not 'super' hot. Fine if you drink black but not if you are pouring into a cold cup and adding cold milk. I like hot coffee and I find it best if the vacuum walled carafe is rinsed out with hot water before use and you heat the mug/milk before hand too.- The carafe doesn't keep the coffee hot for long - but that might be unfair because I only use it with the pouring lid so that probably lets heat out. It also comes with a fully sealing lid (never used yet)- The carafe lid can be a troublesome to screw on. The threads are (too) big and you need to line it up right. Not a big deal but occasional a faff.Would I buy again? Yes