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The exact coffee-to-water ratio for every Moccamaster model. Covers the KBGV Select, KBT, and Cup-One with specific measurements for full and partial brews.
Quick answer
Moccamaster recommends a 1:16.7 ratio — that is 60 grams of coffee per liter of water. For a full 10-cup pot (1250ml), use 75 grams (14 tablespoons) of medium-ground coffee. This is slightly lighter than the standard 1:15 because the Moccamaster's SCA-certified brew temperature extracts more efficiently than typical drip machines.
| Model | Fill | Water | Coffee (g) | Coffee (tbsp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cup-One | Full | 330 ml | 20 g | 4 tbsp |
| KBGV / KBT | Half (5 cups) | 625 ml | 37 g | 7 tbsp |
| KBGV / KBT | Full (10 cups) | 1250 ml | 75 g | 14 tbsp |
Most drip coffee guides recommend a 1:15 ratio. Moccamaster's own recommendation is closer to 1:16.7 (60g per liter). The reason is extraction efficiency. A $30 drip machine typically fluctuates 15-20°F during the brew cycle, with water sometimes dropping below 190°F where extraction stalls. The Moccamaster's copper heating element holds water between 196-205°F for the entire brew, extracting more flavor from each gram of coffee.
The showerhead makes a difference too. Budget machines drip water onto one spot in the coffee bed, creating a channel where water rushes through without contacting much of the grounds. The Moccamaster's 9-hole showerhead distributes water across the entire bed, ensuring uniform saturation. Better saturation means better extraction at a lower dose.
If you find 1:16.7 too light for your taste, increase to 1:15. The machine will handle it without any issues — you'll just get a bolder, more concentrated cup. Start with Moccamaster's recommendation, then adjust by 2-3 grams per brew until you find your preference.
Use the brew basket switch correctly. On KBGV models, the switch above the brew basket controls the flow. Open position lets coffee drip freely into the carafe. Closed position holds the coffee in the basket for a brief immersion phase before releasing. For small batches (under 6 cups), closing the basket for the first 2 minutes and then opening it produces a richer, more evenly extracted cup. For full pots, open position throughout works best.
Descale every 100 brews. The Moccamaster's copper heating element is efficient but susceptible to mineral buildup, especially in hard water areas. Moccamaster sells their own descaling solution, but a 1:1 white vinegar and water cycle works identically. Run the cycle, then two clean water cycles. Descaling restores brew temperature to spec — a scaled element can drop 10-15°F below the target range.
Pre-wet the filter. Moccamaster's paper filters have a slight papery taste when dry. Running a few ounces of hot water through the filter before adding grounds rinses away the paper flavor and preheats the brew basket. Dump the rinse water from the carafe before brewing.
Have a specific question? “How much coffee for my 34oz Bodum?” or “Why does my cold brew taste weak?”
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A full 10-cup Moccamaster (40oz / 1250ml) needs 75 grams of coffee (about 14 tablespoons) at a 1:16.7 ratio. Moccamaster recommends a slightly more dilute ratio than the standard 1:15 because their SCA-certified brewing temperature and showerhead design extract more efficiently than typical drip machines.