Moccamaster Coffee Ratio
Calculator
Pick your Moccamaster model, how many cups you want today, and your preferred strength. Get exact grams, tablespoons, scoops, half-carafe switch guidance, and a step-by-step brew guide built for your machine.
Moccamaster Ratio Calculator
8 steps to your perfect Technivorm brew
Moccamaster Coffee Ratio Quick Reference
All volumes use the Moccamaster native 125 ml cup (4.2 oz). Real mug counts use a standard 240 ml (8 oz) mug.
By Model at Official 7.5g / 100ml Ratio
| Model | Capacity | Coffee (g) | Tablespoons | Scoops | Real 8oz Mugs | Half Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cup-One | 300 ml | 23 g | 4 tbsp | 2 scoops | 1.25 mugs | No |
| 8-Cup Glass | 1,000 ml | 75 g | 12.5 tbsp | 6 scoops | 4.2 mugs | No |
| 10-Cup (half switch, 625 ml) | 625 ml | 42 g | 7 tbsp | 3.5 scoops | 2.6 mugs | On |
| 10-Cup (full, 1,250 ml) | 1,250 ml | 94 g | 15.5 tbsp | 7.5 scoops | 5.2 mugs | Off |
| CDT Grand (full) | 1,800 ml | 135 g | 22.5 tbsp | 11 scoops | 7.5 mugs | No |
By Strength (Full 10-Cup, 1,250 ml)
| Strength | g per 100ml | Total Coffee | Tablespoons | Ratio | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 6g | 75 g | 12.5 tbsp | 1:16.7 | Delicate, bright, clean clarity |
| Balanced (Official) | 7.5g | 94 g | 15.5 tbsp | 1:13.3 | Full, sweet, no bitterness |
| Strong | 9g | 113 g | 19 tbsp | 1:11.1 | Bold, rich, good with milk |
| Extra Strong | 11g | 138 g | 23 tbsp | 1:9.1 | Intense, best with cream |
Cup Count to Real Mugs (10-cup model, 7.5g / 100ml)
| Machine Cups | Water (ml) | Coffee (g) | Real 8oz Mugs | Switch Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 cups (minimum) | 750 ml | 56 g | 3.1 mugs | Use half switch |
| 7 cups | 875 ml | 66 g | 3.6 mugs | Normal or half |
| 8 cups | 1,000 ml | 75 g | 4.2 mugs | Normal |
| 9 cups | 1,125 ml | 84 g | 4.7 mugs | Normal |
| 10 cups (full) | 1,250 ml | 94 g | 5.2 mugs | Normal |
The Official Technivorm Ratio: Why 7.5g / 100ml and Not the SCAA Standard
Technivorm Official Recommendation: 7.5 grams per 100 ml of water
For a full 10-cup pot (1,250 ml), that is 94 grams of coffee, or about 15.5 level tablespoons. This is not a generic drip ratio. Technivorm arrived at it through testing specific to their 196 to 205 F brewing temperature range and it should not be compared directly to standards written for lower-temperature machines.
The SCAA Golden Cup Standard recommends 55 grams per liter, which is about 5.5g per 100ml or a 1:18 ratio. That standard was written to apply to all drip machines, the vast majority of which brew at 175 to 185 F. The Moccamaster’s copper boiler reaches 196 to 205 F. At that temperature, hot water extracts soluble flavor compounds from coffee grounds significantly more efficiently. More extraction per gram of coffee means you need more coffee per liter to stay within the balanced flavor range, not less.
If you used the SCAA ratio of 5.5g per 100ml in your Moccamaster, the cup would taste diluted and flat, because the machine extracts so thoroughly that a smaller dose simply does not leave enough soluble material in the cup. Conversely, if you used Technivorm’s 7.5g ratio in a budget machine running at 180 F, the cup would taste over-extracted and harsh, because that lower temperature cannot pull enough from the grounds to reach balance.
Ratios are always machine-specific. The number that matters is not just grams of coffee but grams of coffee extracted at a specific temperature for a specific duration. Technivorm’s ratio accounts for all of this. Start at 7.5g per 100ml, taste critically, and adjust in 0.5g increments if you want something lighter or stronger.
The Half-Carafe Switch: What It Does and When to Use It
Most 10-cup Moccamaster models have a small switch on the side of the water spout housing, sometimes called the half-brew switch or half-carafe switch. One position allows full flow from the showerhead. The other restricts it, roughly halving the flow rate and doubling the time water spends in contact with the grounds.
This is critical to understand: the half switch does not make coffee stronger by adding more coffee. It makes coffee extract more completely by giving the same dose more time in hot water. If you use the half switch at your normal full-carafe ratio, you will likely find the cup tastes over-extracted, slightly bitter, or more astringent than usual. This is because each gram of coffee is now releasing more solubles into the cup than it does during a full-flow brew.
Technivorm recommends using the half switch when brewing 5 to 6 machine cups (625 to 750 ml). At that volume, the normal flow rate moves water through the basket too quickly for full extraction. Without the half switch, the result is a thin, under-developed cup even with the correct ratio. With the half switch on for 5 to 6 cups, contact time normalizes and the cup tastes as it should.
When you engage the half switch, reduce your coffee dose by about 10 percent. If you normally use 7.5g per 100ml for a full pot, try 6.8g per 100ml at the half switch setting. The calculator above applies this adjustment automatically when you select the half switch option.
Grind Size for the Moccamaster: The Variable You Control Every Morning
Once you own a Moccamaster, brewing temperature is fixed at 196 to 205 F, flow rate is determined by the switch position, and brew time is governed by the basket and grind. The two things you control every morning are the coffee dose and the grind size. Both matter more than most people realize at first.
The Moccamaster needs a medium grind for most roasts, similar to dry beach sand or coarse table salt. For light roast, go slightly finer than medium (medium-fine). For dark or espresso roast, go slightly coarser than medium (medium-coarse). The high brew temperature extracts dark roasts very efficiently, so starting coarser prevents the cup from turning harsh.
Brew time tells you exactly where your grind is. If your full 10-cup brew consistently takes longer than 6 minutes, grind coarser by one or two settings. If it finishes in under 3.5 minutes, grind finer. These are precise diagnostic signals because the Moccamaster’s temperature and flow are consistent. Any change in brew time comes directly from the grind.
A blade grinder is not adequate for Moccamaster results. Blade grinders produce a chaotic mix of fine dust and large chunks in every batch. The fine dust extracts in seconds at 200 F and turns harsh. The large chunks barely extract at all and taste watery. Both problems occur simultaneously in the same basket, producing a muddy, harsh cup that no ratio adjustment will fix. A burr grinder set to medium removes this problem entirely.
Paper vs Gold-Tone Filter: How Your Choice Changes the Cup
This is one of the Moccamaster decisions that most new owners do not think about until they taste the difference. The filter type does not change the ratio, but it meaningfully changes what ends up in your cup.
White bleached paper filters produce the cleanest, brightest cup. They trap all coffee oils (diterpenes including cafestol and kahweol) and all fine particles, leaving nothing but extracted liquid. The result is a very transparent cup where origin flavors and roast character come through with exceptional clarity. This is the filter style most often used in specialty coffee competitions and professional tastings. Always rinse with about 100 ml of hot water before brewing to remove the faint paper flavor and to pre-heat the carafe.
Natural brown (unbleached) paper filters perform identically to white once properly rinsed, but they carry more paper flavor if under-rinsed. Rinse with at least 150 ml of hot water and you will taste no difference compared to white paper. They are a good choice if you want to avoid the bleaching process.
Gold-tone reusable filters (Technivorm makes an official version for all 10-cup models) pass coffee oils through into the cup. The result is a noticeably fuller body, a richer mouthfeel, and a slightly more complex character similar to French press but without the sediment. If you switch from paper to gold-tone at the same ratio, the cup will taste stronger because the oils add perceived weight and intensity. Most people using the gold-tone filter find they prefer a dose about 5 to 10 percent lower than their paper filter recipe.
Moccamaster Model Guide: Which One Is Right for You?
Every Moccamaster uses the same copper boiling element and brews at the same temperature range. The differences are capacity, carafe type, and features.
Cup-One (KBGC 741)
Single-serve, 300 ml per brew. Uses a size 1 filter. Brews directly into your mug in about 3 minutes. Best for solo drinkers who want true Moccamaster quality without a carafe. No half switch.
- Capacity: 300 ml (one brew at a time)
- Filter: Size 1 (No. 1) paper
- Brew time: about 3 minutes
- Ratio: 22 to 23g coffee at official ratio
8-Cup Glass (KBG 741 AO)
Glass carafe with hot plate. 1,000 ml total. Good for 1 to 2 people who drink their coffee within 20 to 30 minutes. No half-carafe switch. Size 4 filter. Pour within 20 minutes for best flavor.
- Capacity: 1,000 ml (8 machine cups)
- Filter: Size 4 (No. 4) paper
- Brew time: 3.5 to 5 minutes
- No half-carafe switch
10-Cup Glass (KB 741 / KBG Select)
The classic Moccamaster. Glass carafe with hot plate. Available in 20-plus colors. Has the half-carafe switch for smaller batches. The most widely sold Moccamaster model in the world. Best if you pour the pot within 20 to 30 minutes.
- Capacity: 1,250 ml (10 machine cups)
- Filter: Size 4 paper
- Brew time: 4 to 6 minutes
- Has half-carafe switch
10-Cup Thermal (KBT 741 / KBT Select)
Same machine as the glass models, different carafe. Double-wall stainless thermal keeps coffee hot for 1 to 2 hours without a hot plate. The better choice if coffee sits for more than 20 minutes before the last cup. Has the half-carafe switch.
- Capacity: 1,250 ml
- Filter: Size 4 paper
- Brew time: 4 to 6 minutes
- Has half-carafe switch
KBGV Select (Variable Temperature)
The only Moccamaster with a manual temperature adjustment dial, letting you brew between 155 and 175 F (the dial adjusts the output temperature, and the copper boiler still heats to the same internal range). Available with glass or thermal carafe. Has the half-carafe switch.
- Capacity: 1,250 ml
- Filter: Size 4 paper
- Variable output temp control
- Has half-carafe switch
CDT Grand (15-Cup, 1.8 L)
Technivorm’s largest machine. Brews 1,800 ml into a large thermal carafe using two separate brew baskets. For households of 4 to 6 people or small offices. No half switch. Two size 4 filters. Brew time 6 to 9 minutes.
- Capacity: 1,800 ml (15 machine cups)
- Filter: Two size 4 paper filters
- Brew time: 6 to 9 minutes
- No half-carafe switch
Water Quality and Descaling: More Critical in a Moccamaster Than Any Other Drip Machine
The Moccamaster’s copper boiling element and precise temperature make it more sensitive to mineral scale than a standard drip machine. Calcium and magnesium deposits from hard water accumulate on the copper element over time, acting as insulation that reduces the element’s ability to reach full brewing temperature. A machine that normally brews at 200 F can drop to 185 F after several months of hard water use without descaling, and at that lower temperature even the correct ratio produces a noticeably flatter, weaker cup.
For brewing, use filtered water at 75 to 150 ppm total dissolved solids (TDS), which is the SCA-recommended range for coffee brewing water. Tap water is usually acceptable in soft water areas. Chlorinated tap water adds off-flavors that paper filters do not fully remove. Distilled or reverse osmosis water with no mineral content should be avoided because the absence of dissolved minerals actually inhibits extraction.
How to descale your Moccamaster correctly
Technivorm recommends descaling every 100 brew cycles or whenever the brew time for a full carafe extends beyond 6 minutes. In hard water areas that can mean every 2 to 3 months. Use the official Technivorm descaler or dissolve food-grade citric acid powder in water (about 25 grams per liter). Never use white vinegar. Vinegar is acetic acid, which is too aggressive for the copper element and is nearly impossible to rinse out completely. The residual acidic taste can persist for 10 or more brew cycles after a vinegar descale.
To descale: remove the filter and grounds basket. Fill the reservoir with the descaling solution. Place a container under the basket to catch the solution. Run a full brew cycle. Discard the solution. Run two full cycles with fresh cold water to rinse. The machine is now clean and back to full operating temperature.
Moccamaster vs Other SCA Certified Machines: Ratios and Key Differences
| Machine | Recommended Ratio | Brew Temp | Brew Time | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technivorm Moccamaster KB / KBT | 7.5g / 100ml (1:13.3) | 196-205 F | 4-6 min | Copper boiler, manual simplicity, 30-plus year reliability record |
| Breville Precision Brewer | 7g / 100ml (1:14) | 197-204 F | 5-7 min | Programmable, pour-over basket mode, bloom pre-infusion cycle |
| OXO Brew 9-Cup | 7g / 100ml (1:14) | 197-204 F | 5-7 min | Rainmaker showerhead for even saturation, simple interface |
| Bonavita 8-Cup | 7g / 100ml (1:14) | 195-205 F | 5-7 min | Most affordable SCA certified option, thermal carafe standard |
| Ratio Six | 6.5g / 100ml (1:15) | 196-205 F | 6-8 min | Bloom pre-infusion built in, premium glass and stainless build |
| Budget machines (under $60) | N/A | 175-185 F | Variable | Cannot reach brewing temperature. Ratio adjustments give limited results. |
Moccamaster Troubleshooting Guide
Every Moccamaster problem has a specific cause. Work through these one variable at a time.
Expert Tips for Getting the Most from Your Moccamaster
Rinse the filter every single time
Rinsing the paper filter takes about 20 seconds and eliminates two problems at once: it removes the papery cardboard flavor from the filter, and it pre-heats the carafe so the first cup does not lose 5 to 10 degrees of temperature to cold glass or stainless steel. This is especially important for the glass carafe models, where a cold carafe can pull the serving temperature noticeably below the comfortable drinking range before you even sit down. Every specialty coffee shop that uses paper filters rinses them. There is a reason for that.
Weigh whole beans and grind fresh
Pre-ground coffee loses volatile aromatic compounds within 15 to 30 minutes of grinding because the massive increase in exposed surface area accelerates oxidation. A Moccamaster brewing at 200 F extracts stale pre-ground coffee just as efficiently as it extracts fresh coffee, but the flavor compounds that make a great cup are no longer present to be extracted. The result is a technically correct extraction of degraded material. Grinding whole beans immediately before each brew makes a more noticeable difference in the cup than almost any ratio adjustment.
Use the low hot plate setting on glass carafe models
Most Moccamaster glass carafe models have two hot plate settings. Use the low setting for holding the pot and the high setting only in very cold kitchen environments. The high setting cooks the coffee more aggressively and accelerates the staling and bitterness that develops in held coffee. If you notice the coffee tasting increasingly flat and bitter the longer it sits, the hot plate setting is likely the cause. Better still, pour the entire carafe into a thermal container immediately after brewing and switch the hot plate off.
Clean the spray arm and basket monthly
The spray arm openings and the brew basket accumulate coffee oil residue over time. Rancid oil produces a musty, stale off-flavor that can contaminate fresh brews. Once a month, remove the spray arm (it lifts straight out on most models) and the basket, and soak both in warm water with a small amount of unscented dish soap for 15 minutes. Rinse well. This takes five minutes and noticeably freshens the cup character.
Target beans roasted 4 to 30 days ago
Coffee beans roasted within the last 4 days still contain active CO2 from the roasting process. This CO2 creates an uneven barrier during extraction and produces a hollow, flat cup even at the correct ratio. Beans more than 30 days past their roast date have lost much of their volatile aroma through oxidation. The ideal window for Moccamaster brewing is 4 to 30 days from the roast date, with the sweet spot around 7 to 21 days. If a bag lists only a best-by date and no roast date, assume it is well outside this window.
Gear That Makes Your Moccamaster Even Better
The machine handles temperature and timing. These four additions complete the setup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moccamaster Coffee Ratios
What is the best coffee ratio for a Moccamaster?
+Technivorm officially recommends 7.5 grams of coffee per 100 ml of water, which equals 94 grams for a full 1,250 ml brew (1:13.3 ratio). This is stronger than most standard drip ratios because the Moccamaster brews at 196 to 205 F, extracting more efficiently than machines at 175 to 185 F. Start at 7.5g per 100ml and adjust in half-gram increments up or down based on your taste. Most people settle between 7 and 8.5 grams per 100ml.
How much coffee for a full 10-cup Moccamaster?
+A full 10-cup Moccamaster (1,250 ml) needs 94 grams of medium-ground coffee at the official 7.5g per 100ml ratio. That is about 15.5 level tablespoons or 7.5 to 8 standard coffee scoops. A full pot fills about 5.2 standard 8 oz mugs, not 10, because each Moccamaster cup is 125 ml (4.2 oz), not 240 ml. The calculator above handles this conversion automatically.
What grind size for the Moccamaster?
+Medium grind for most roasts. Think dry beach sand or coarse table salt. For light roast go slightly finer (medium-fine). For dark or espresso roast go slightly coarser (medium-coarse). If your brew takes over 6 minutes, grind coarser. If it finishes under 3.5 minutes, grind finer. A burr grinder is essential. Blade grinders create inconsistent particle sizes that over-extract the dust and under-extract the chunks simultaneously.
When should I use the half-carafe switch?
+Use the half-carafe switch when brewing 5 to 6 machine cups (625 to 750 ml). The switch restricts showerhead flow to extend contact time with the grounds, compensating for the lower water volume moving through the basket. Do not use the half switch for 7 or more cups. For 5 to 6 cups with the half switch on, reduce your coffee dose by about 10 percent because the longer contact time increases extraction efficiency.
How many real mugs does a full Moccamaster pot fill?
+A full 10-cup Moccamaster makes 1,250 ml. In standard 8 oz mugs (240 ml) that is 5.2 mugs. In large 10 oz mugs (300 ml) that is 4.2 mugs. In 12 oz travel mugs that is 3.5 mugs. The machine labels cups as 125 ml (4.2 oz), so the number printed on the carafe markings does not match what most people pour into. This is one of the most commonly asked Moccamaster questions.
Why does Moccamaster coffee taste better than my old drip machine?
+Brewing temperature. If your previous machine brewed at 180 F and the Moccamaster brews at 200 F, that 20-degree difference extracts flavor compounds from the same coffee far more completely. The sweet, complex compounds that make coffee taste rich and nuanced are soluble at higher temperatures. At 180 F they largely stay locked in the grounds. At 200 F they dissolve fully into the cup. The same beans, same ratio, same grind, in the Moccamaster, produce a noticeably more flavorful result.
How often should I descale my Moccamaster?
+Technivorm recommends descaling every 100 brew cycles or when brew time extends beyond 6 minutes. In hard water areas, every 2 to 3 months. In soft water areas, every 5 to 6 months is usually enough. Use Technivorm’s official descaler or food-grade citric acid solution (about 25g per liter of water). Never use white vinegar. It is too aggressive for the copper boiler and leaves a residual acidity that can take 10 or more brew cycles to fully clear.
What filter does the Moccamaster use?
+All 10-cup and 15-cup Moccamaster models use a size 4 (No. 4) basket paper filter. The Cup-One uses a size 1 (No. 1) filter. Technivorm also makes a reusable gold-tone permanent filter that fits all 10-cup models. You do not need to buy Technivorm branded paper filters. Any quality size 4 basket filter works. Always rinse paper filters with hot water before brewing to remove paper taste and pre-heat the carafe.
Does filter type change the Moccamaster coffee taste?
+Yes, meaningfully. White and natural paper filters trap all coffee oils, producing a very clean, transparent cup. The gold-tone reusable filter passes those oils into the cup, adding a fuller body and richer mouthfeel. Switching from paper to gold-tone at the same ratio makes the cup taste noticeably stronger because the oils add perceived weight and intensity. Most people reduce their dose by 5 to 10 percent when switching to the gold-tone filter to return to their preferred balance.
Can I brew less than a full carafe in my 10-cup Moccamaster?
+Yes, but with important minimums. Technivorm recommends at least 6 machine cups (750 ml) for 10-cup models. Below that, water moves through the basket too quickly and the cup tastes thin even with the correct ratio. Engage the half-carafe switch for 5 to 6 cups. For 4 or fewer cups (roughly 2 real mugs), the Cup-One model or a pour-over dripper will produce a better result than a 10-cup machine running at very low volume.
What is the Moccamaster Cup-One ratio?
+The Cup-One brews a single 300 ml serving. At the official 7.5g per 100ml ratio, use 22 to 23 grams of coffee. The Cup-One’s smaller basket works best with a slightly finer grind than the larger 10-cup basket models. Start at 22 grams and adjust by 1 gram at a time. For a lighter cup use 18 to 19 grams. For a stronger cup use 25 to 27 grams. Brew time is about 3 minutes.
Start Here and Adjust Twice
Use 7.5 grams of freshly ground medium coffee per 100 ml of water. Rinse your filter first. Brew at the full or half switch setting appropriate for your volume. Taste the cup black and make one adjustment if needed. For most people, that adjustment happens once and the recipe stays fixed from that point forward.
The Moccamaster handles the temperature, the timing, and the flow automatically every single morning. You handle the dose and the grind. That clean division of responsibility is what makes the machine worth buying and what makes the morning routine genuinely simple once you have dialed it in. The calculator above does the math for every variable, every time, so there is nothing left to guess about.