Oxo 8 Cup vs. Moccamaster: Which one should you buy?

Discover the differences between Oxo 8 Cup and Moccamaster coffee makers. Compare features, brewing precision, and design to find your perfect cup.
Written by:
Spencer Lanoue

The Oxo Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker and the Technivorm Moccamaster are two of the best automatic coffee makers available, but they serve very different coffee drinkers. The Oxo is a feature-rich, modern machine offering programmability and SCA-certified brewing for around $200, while a Moccamaster is a handcrafted, high-end brewer from the Netherlands, prized for its exceptional build quality, brewing precision, and iconic design, with prices starting over $300.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right coffee maker by Oxo or Moccamaster for your kitchen counter.

Oxo Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker

The Oxo Brew 8 Cup stands out for bringing specialty-coffee-level brewing to an accessible, user-friendly, and affordable machine. It mimics the pour-over process automatically, precisely controlling water temperature and flow with a microprocessor-controlled brew cycle and a rainmaker-style showerhead for even saturation, ultimately earning it a "Golden Cup Standard" certification from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

  • What it is: A programmable 8-cup automatic coffee maker designed for precise temperature control and even extraction.
  • Key features: SCA-certified brewing, BetterBrew precision control technology, rainmaker shower head, integrated bloom cycle, insulated thermal carafe, ability to brew a single mug or a full pot.
  • Price: Around $199.99
  • Dimensions: 13.5" x 7.0" x 15.0". Its compact, modern design fits well under standard kitchen cabinets.
  • Materials/Construction: Main body is constructed from BPA-free plastics and brushed stainless steel, with a double-wall, vacuum-insulated thermal carafe.
  • Style: Minimalist and modern. Its sleek lines, black-and-silver color scheme, and simple button interface blend seamlessly into contemporary kitchens.
  • Pros: Excellent value with SCA-certified quality at a sub-$200 price. Convenient features like a programmable wake-up timer. Flexible brewing options for a single cup or full carafe. Easy to use with a single dial.
  • Cons: Lacks the longevity of a Moccamaster. The carafe opening is narrow, making it difficult to clean thoroughly. Primarily plastic construction might feel less premium to some.

This coffee maker is ideal for picky-but-practical coffee drinkers who want a high-quality, consistent brew with modern conveniences like programmability without a premium price tag.

Shop this product: oxo.com/oxo-brew-8-cup-coffee-maker.html

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select

The Technivorm Moccamaster is a handmade icon of the coffee world, renowned for its simple operation, incredible durability, and flawless brewing. Built in the Netherlands, it focuses on perfecting the fundamentals: a unique copper heating element flash-heats water to a precise temperature and maintains it throughout the remarkably fast 4-6 minute brew cycle. Its build quality ensures it will last for decades, not just years.

  • What it is: A handcrafted, high-end automatic pour-over style coffee maker focused on durability and perfect brewing temperature.
  • Key features: Unique copper boiling element for precise temperature (196°F - 205°F). Brews a full 40 oz. pot in 4-6 minutes. Manual-adjust drip-stop brew basket. Multiple color options.
  • Price: Ranges from $359 to $389 depending on finish.
  • Dimensions: 12.75" x 6.5" x 14.0". Surprisingly slim footprint makes it suitable for most countertops.
  • Materials/Construction: Features a durable metal housing, sustainable & recyclable plastics, and a proprietary copper boiling element. Built to last and backed by a 5-year warranty.
  • Style: An iconic, retro design that serves as a kitchen statement piece. Its handmade feel and vibrant color options give it a distinctive, premium look that is both classic and cool.
  • Pros: Unmatched durability and longevity, many users report 10+ years of flawless operation. Exceptional brew quality and temperature stability. Brews a full pot incredibly fast. Stylish and available in over a dozen colors.
  • Cons: Very expensive. Lacks any modern convenience features like a timer or automatic shut-off. The glass carafe's hot plate can scorch coffee if left on for too long (though some models offer a thermal carafe).

The Moccamaster is an investment piece for the coffee purist who values perfect extraction and buy-it-for-life quality over timers and smart features.

Shop this product: us.moccamaster.com/products/kbgv-select-glass

Oxo 8 Cup vs. Moccamaster Comparison

Brewing Technology & Performance

Both machines are certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for their ability to meet the "Golden Cup Standard," but they get there differently. The Oxo 8 Cup uses a microprocessor and its BetterBrew system to precisely manage temperature, brew time, and water volume. Its rainmaker shower head ensures the coffee grounds are evenly saturated.

The Moccamaster’s secret is its copper heating element. Copper conducts heat exceptionally well, allowing the machine to rapidly heat water to the optimal 196°F - 205°F window and hold it there consistently throughout the entire 4-6 minute brew cycle. This results in an incredibly clean, flavorful, and non-bitter cup of coffee that many connoisseurs feel is the gold standard for automatic brewers.

Features & Ease of Use

This is the most significant point of difference. The Oxo is built for modern convenience. You can program it the night before to have coffee waiting when you wake up, and its simple dial allows you to easily choose between brewing a single mug or a full thermos-style insulated pot. It is a "set it and forget it" machine.

The Moccamaster is proudly analog. Its operation consists of a single switch. There are no timers, no digital displays, and no smart features. It’s a machine for those who enjoy the ritual of making coffee. While simple, it requires manual interaction - you flip the switch to brew and flip it off when you're done. Its minimalist design also means fewer electronic components that could fail over time.

Materials & Construction

The Oxo features durable, high-quality BPA-free plastic and stainless steel. It feels solid and well-made for a modern appliance and should last for several years with proper care. It’s designed to be a high-performing but replaceable part of your kitchen.

The Moccamaster is in another league entirely. It's hand-built in the Netherlands with a sturdy metal body, the aforementioned copper heating element, and premium-grade inert plastics. Every part is individually tested, can be replaced if needed, and is a major reason for the 5-year warranty. The Moccamaster is designed to be the last coffee maker you ever need to buy.

Price & Value

At around $200, the Oxo brewer provides incredible value. It delivers SCA-certified brewing and useful features at a price point that's often half of the premium competition. It's an excellent balance of performance and affordability.

The Moccamaster, at around $360, is a major investment. Its value isn’t in programmable features, but in its unparalleled durability and best-in-class brewing. If you drink coffee daily and value quality, its cost-per-cup over a 10+ year lifespan could actually be lower than buying a new $100 coffee maker every two years. It's a classic case of paying for quality upfront.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both of these machines are leaders in their class, but they cater to very different priorities and lifestyles.

Choose the Oxo 8 Cup if:

  • You want the convenience of pre-programming your coffee to brew automatically in the morning.
  • You value flexibility, like the option to brew a single cup or a full pot.
  • You’re looking for the best possible drip coffee quality for under $250.
  • You want a modern-looking appliance that matches a clean, contemporary kitchen aesthetic.

Choose the Moccamaster if:

  • Brew quality, temperature stability, and flavor clarity are your absolute top priorities.
  • You want a long-term investment piece that is hand-built to last for a decade or more.
  • You appreciate simple, analog controls and don't need timers or other electronic extras.
  • You see your coffee maker as a statement piece and love the iconic, colorful design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Oxo and Moccamaster?

The main difference is their philosophy. Oxo provides SCA-approved brewing quality with modern conveniences like programmability at an affordable price. Moccamaster focuses purely on performance and longevity, using higher-grade materials and a simpler, hands-on design to deliver an exceptional cup of coffee for a lifetime.

Are both the Oxo 8 Cup and Moccamaster machines SCA certified?

Yes. Both machines have earned certification from the Specialty Coffee Association, which means they've been tested and proven to meet rigorous standards for water temperature, brewing time, and ability to extract coffee to the "Golden Cup Standard." This certification is a reliable mark of a high-quality brewer.

Which coffee maker brews faster?

The Moccamaster is known for its speed. Thanks to its powerful copper heating element, it can brew a full 40 oz (10-cup) pot in just 4 to 6 minutes. The Oxo’s brew cycle is slightly longer to accommodate its pre-infusion "bloom" setting but is still reasonably quick.

Can you program the Moccamaster?

No, the Moccamaster does not have a built-in programmable timer. However, because it uses a simple mechanical on/off switch, tech-savvy users can easily plug it into an external smart plug (like those from Wyze, Kasa, or Amazon) and use a smartphone app to schedule it to turn on at a set time.

Is the Moccamaster worth the high price?

For coffee connoisseurs and those who value durability, yes. Its cost reflects the handcrafted build, premium materials, 5-year warranty, and exceptional brewing temperature stability. While the upfront cost is high, it is designed to last over a decade, making it a better long-term value than replacing cheaper machines every few years.

How long does a Moccamaster last compared to an Oxo?

A Moccamaster is built to be a lifetime appliance, with many owners using theirs for 10-20 years. All its parts are replaceable. An Oxo coffee maker is well-built for a modern appliance, but with typical use, you should expect it to last for 3-5 years.

Which brewer is easier to clean?

Both are relatively easy to live with. The Moccamaster brew basket and carafe are easily removable and simple to wash by hand. The Oxo is also straightforward, though some users find the narrow opening on its thermal carafe makes it slightly more difficult to scrub inside.

What kind of grinder is best for these coffee makers?

To get the most out of either brewer, you need a quality burr grinder. A consistent, medium grind is crucial. Blade grinders create an inconsistent mix of powder and chunks, which leads to poor extraction. For brewers of this caliber, a burr grinder is an essential accessory.

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