Moccamaster vs. OXO | Best Coffee Maker | Forbes Vetted Versus

Oxo Brew 9 Cup vs. Maka Master KBGB Select: A Detailed Comparison

Key Concepts:

• Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Certification: A standard indicating a coffee maker meets rigorous criteria for brewing time, temperature, and extraction.
• Extraction: The process of dissolving soluble compounds from coffee grounds into water, impacting flavor.
• Brew Bed: The layer of coffee grounds during the brewing process.
• Thermal Carafe: An insulated carafe designed to maintain coffee temperature without a heating element.
• Golden Cup Ratio: The SCA recommended ratio of approximately one part coffee to 18 parts water.
• Dissolved Solids: The measurable compounds extracted from coffee grounds, used by the SCA to assess brewing quality.
• Descaling: The process of removing mineral buildup from a coffee maker.

Anatomy & Aesthetics

The Maka Master KBGB Select features a 40oz plastic reservoir with an internal glass pipe for water delivery, heated by a copper heating element. It utilizes a removable stainless steel water outlet with nine rectangularly arranged holes and a fully removable, flat-bottomed brew basket – ideal for scale use. The machine includes a glass carafe with a plastic draft tube and a hot plate for keeping coffee warm. It offers only two settings: full/half batch and on/off, and is available in 18 colors. Its dimensions are 14 inches tall.

The Oxo Brew 9 Cup has a slightly larger 45oz plastic reservoir, also with a glass pipe. Only the brew basket is removable, resting on a rounded, spring-loaded base preventing stable scale use. It employs a circular “rain maker” shower head water outlet designed for even saturation. A double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe (hand wash only) is included, lacking a heating element. It features a dial with 2-4 cup and 5-9 cup settings. The Oxo is taller at over 17 inches, potentially posing fit issues under standard kitchen cabinets (typically 18 inches of clearance). It is only available in stainless steel and black.

Brenda, the reviewer, awarded the first point to the Maka Master, citing its superior aesthetics, numerous removable parts for easier cleaning, and the convenience of the flat brew basket.

Brew Time, Temperature & Extraction

Both machines are SCA certified, guaranteeing adherence to standards for brewing time (4-8 minutes), temperature (185-205°F), and extraction ratios.

Testing revealed the Maka Master brewed at approximately 197-198°F, while the Oxo reached around 195°F. The Maka Master completed a full brew in 5-6 minutes, compared to the Oxo’s 8+ minutes.

Visually, the Maka Master exhibited uneven extraction, with a ring of lighter-colored grounds around the brew bed’s circumference, indicating potentially incomplete water circulation. Stirring during brewing could mitigate this. The Oxo, with its circular water dispersion, demonstrated a more even extraction, with consistent color throughout the brew bed.

The Oxo received a point for superior extraction evenness.

Taste Test & Sensory Evaluation

A blind taste test involving Brenda and colleague Spencer revealed differing preferences. Spencer favored the Oxo brew (Cup 2), describing it as stronger, more balanced, and less acidic. Brenda preferred the Maka Master brew (Cup 1), appreciating its muted, mellow undertones and nuanced flavor. A tiebreaker, Alexis, also preferred the Oxo brew, citing a more well-rounded and less acidic taste.

The Oxo earned a point for winning the taste test.

Temperature Retention & Cleaning

After 45-60 minutes, the Maka Master’s coffee temperature dropped to 162°F, while the Oxo maintained a temperature of 166°F, demonstrating superior heat retention due to its thermal carafe. The Oxo received a point for this.

The Maka Master offers more removable parts for cleaning, and while some dishwasher use is possible (with caution), the Oxo requires primarily hand washing. The Oxo features an alert system for descaling, while the Maka Master does not. The Maka Master received a point for ease of cleaning.

Additional Features & Value

The Maka Master is handmade in the Netherlands and boasts a 5-year warranty, priced at $359. Its simplicity is a key feature. The Oxo, priced at $229.99 with a 2-year warranty, includes a digital display, programmable brewing, and alerts for brewing progress and maintenance.

The Oxo was deemed the better value, earning a point for its features and lower price.

Overall Winner & Conclusion

The Oxo Brew 9 Cup emerged as the overall winner, with a final score reflecting its strengths in extraction, taste, temperature retention, and value. While both machines produce excellent coffee, the Oxo offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and affordability.

Brenda concluded that the Maka Master remains a strong contender for those prioritizing design and a premium experience, but the Oxo provides a more practical and feature-rich solution for most households. She emphasized that both machines are reliable and capable of brewing a “super solid cup” of coffee.