The Breville Precision Brewer and the Moccamaster KBGV Select are two of the best automatic drip coffee makers available, but they cater to very different users. The Breville is a tech-forward machine focused on customization with multiple brew modes and precise digital controls, while the Moccamaster is a hand-built icon of simplicity prized for its durability, timeless design, and singular focus on brewing coffee at a perfect temperature.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right coffee maker from Breville or Moccamaster for your morning routine.
Breville Precision Brewer
The Breville Precision Brewer is designed for the modern coffee enthusiast who loves to tinker and experiment. It packages the ability to control nearly every brewing variable - from water temperature to flow rate - into a sleek, user-friendly machine with a digital interface. It’s a versatile powerhouse that can do everything from a standard pot of coffee to cold brew and pour-over style coffee.
- What it is: A highly customizable, 60 oz. automatic drip coffee maker with six distinct brewing modes.
- Key features: Six preset settings (Gold Cup, Fast, Strong, Iced, Cold Brew, and My Brew for customization), precise and adjustable temperature control, adjustable bloom time and water flow rate.
- Price: Around $299.95
- Style: Sleek and modern with a brushed stainless steel finish and a clear digital display that fits well in contemporary kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: A combination of brushed stainless steel and durable BPA-free plastic components, with a stainless steel thermal carafe.
- Pros: Unmatched versatility with modes for every type of coffee. SCA Certified for meeting the Golden Cup Standard. Lets you dial in exact brewing specifications. Can use both flat bottom and cone filters. Makes cold brew without any extra equipment.
- Cons: Has a steeper learning curve than simple machines. Relies on more plastic parts than its premium alternative. Its complexity can be a drawback for those who just want to push one button.
The Precision Brewer is a great fit for the hands-on coffee drinker who values technological features, wants the flexibility to brew different styles, and loves controlling all the variables.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/coffee/bdc450.html
Technivorm Moccamaster
A cult classic since the 1960s, the Moccamaster is the embodiment of "simple but perfect." Handcrafted in the Netherlands, it eschews digital screens and complex menus in favor of high-quality materials and an unwavering commitment to one single task: brewing exceptional drip coffee. Its iconic, industrial-chic design is instantly recognizable and it's famous for reaching and maintaining the ideal brewing temperature.
- What it is: A premium, single-minded drip coffee brewer known for its handcrafted build quality, reliability, and perfect brewing temperature.
- Key features: Unique copper boiling element for ultra-fast and stable heating (196°F-205°F), simple one-button operation, 9-hole outlet arm for even saturation of coffee grounds, manual-adjust brew basket.
- Price: $329 - $379 depending on the model and color.
- Style: Timeless, retro, and industrial with a distinct vertical profile. Available in a very wide range of bold and neutral colors to serve as a countertop statement piece.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable metal (primarily aluminum and stainless steel), a proprietary copper heating element, and high-quality plastics for the brew-basket. Comes standard with an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
- Pros: Exceptional build quality and legendary durability. Brews a fantastic pot of coffee with incredible consistency. Simple, foolproof operation. Beautiful aesthetic and built to last a lifetime. SCA Certified. Extremely quiet during the brewing cycle.
- Cons: Very expensive for a machine with no special features. Barebones functionality - no programmability, timers, or custom settings. Glass carafes require more delicate handling than thermal carafes (though thermal versions are available).
The Moccamaster is perfect for the coffee purist who prioritizes consistency, longevity, and design, and is willing to invest in a machine that performs its one job flawlessly for decades.
Shop this product: us.moccamaster.com/collections/glass-carafe-brewers
Breville Precision Brewer vs. Moccamaster Comparison
Brewing Customization & Features
This is the biggest point of difference. The Breville Precision Brewer wins handily on features and customization. With six brew modes, including an incredibly detailed "My Brew" setting, you can control temperature degree by degree and even fine-tune the bloom. This is a machine for people who like to experiment.
The Moccamaster is the polar opposite. It’s proudly simple, featuring one switch to turn it on or off and a brew selector for half or full pots. It rejects the idea that you need settings, it is engineered to do one brew perfectly - the SCA's Golden Cup Standard - every single time. Its key feature is its copper heating element that keeps water at that perfect 196°F-205°F range throughout the brew cycle.
Materials & Construction
The Moccamaster has a clear edge here. Each brewer is hand-built in the Netherlands using durable metal for its iconic vertical tower and high-quality internal components like its copper heating element. This commitment to quality is backed by a 5-year warranty, and it isn't uncommon to see Moccamasters last for decades.
Breville's machine is very well-built for its price point, using attractive brushed stainless steel and high-quality plastics. However, it is mass-produced and doesn’t have the same high-end, artisan feel. Its construction is sound, but it lacks the legendary reputation for longevity that defines the Moccamaster.
Style & Aesthetics
Your choice here comes down to personal taste. The Breville Precision Brewer has a sleek, modern, and almost commercial look. With its minimalist stainless steel body and digital LCD screen, it blends seamlessly into contemporary kitchens alongside other high-end appliances.
The Moccamaster features an iconic, retro design that serves as a bold statement piece. Its unusual shape and the huge variety of available colors - from bright yellow to matte black - make it a favorite among design lovers. It works exceptionally well in anything from mid-century modern to industrial-styled homes and kitchens.
Price & Value
The Breville Precision Brewer typically sells for around $300, offering exceptional value for the technology packed inside. From an iced or cold brew maker to a standard Golden Cup Brewer, it is truly one-of-a-kind on its features offered versus the price point.
At $329 to $379, the Moccamaster is a significant initial investment. While it costs more and does less, its value proposition is found in longevity and taste consistency. This is a buy-it-for-life product for many. Dividing the higher price by years (or decades) of flawless service often makes it a worthwhile investment for coffee purists.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines brew excellent SCA-certified coffee, but they cater to very different coffee drinkers.
Choose the Breville Precision Brewer if:
- You're a coffee hobbyist who loves to experiment with brewing variables.
- You want an all-in-one machine that makes cold brew and coffee.
- You appreciate a modern appliance with a clear digital screen and more presets.
- Your budget is in the ~$300 range, and you want to maximize your features-per-dollar value.
Choose the Moccamaster if:
- Taste consistency, durability, and a buy-it-for-life mentality are your priorities.
- You just want exceptional drip coffee with a press of a button - no frills and fuss.
- You love its timeless, retro look and want the best in craftsmanship or colorways available.
- You view your coffee maker as a long-term investment and are willing to pay for that in kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Precision Brewer and the Moccamaster?
The primary difference is technology versus craftsmanship. Breville prioritizes technological features and user customization. Moccamaster prioritizes ultra-durable materials designed to brew at the perfect temperature and a simple operation using tried and true handcrafted excellence.
Are both brewers SCA Certified?
Yes, both the Breville Precision Brewer (when its Gold setting is selected) and all Technivorm Moccamaster coffee makers meet and exceed the quality standard of the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association's) Golden Cup.
Which brewer makes coffee quicker and easier to use?
The Moccamaster is much easier to use with its simple one button. Both machines brew a full pot in approximately 4 to 6 minutes, but the Breville has an in-built Fast mode for brewing quicker when you're in a hurry.
Can the Breville Precision Brewer make cold brew?
Yes, this is a standout feature. It allows you to set your steeping time up to 24 hours for making concentrated cold brew directly without requiring separate equipment.
Why is the Moccamaster so expensive?
The cost is due to its handcrafted quality. Each unit is assembled by hand in the Netherlands and it features premium materials like its unique copper boiling element and durable metal housing. Plus, it is supported by a 5-year warranty.
Which brand is more durable?
The Moccamaster is widely regarded as one of the most durable coffee makers on the market. It's engineered to last for decades, with parts available so it can be repaired instead of being replaced. The Breville is well-made, but it has more complex electronics and doesn’t have the same reputation for extreme longevity.
Which one is better for a coffee beginner?
The Moccamaster's simplicity makes it foolproof for any beginner just wanting great coffee. The Breville is better for beginners who are also tech hobbyists and want to learn how to tinker with the brew parameters.
Does the Moccamaster have an automatic shut-off?
Yes, the hot plate shuts off after 100 minutes in the glass carafe models and the thermal carafes models shut off once the brew cycle is complete to conserve energy.
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