History of the Technivorm Moccamaster

History of the Technivorm Moccamaster

Did you know that the Technivorm Moccamaster I keep talking about was invented in the 1960s? It was invented by Gerard Clement Smit through his company, Technivorm. Smit was a passionate engineer, and his goal was to design a machine that could brew coffee quickly, efficiently, and at the optimal temperature to extract the best flavor from the beans.

Technivorm originally made things like step ladders and shelving systems. In 1965, they invented a coffee grinder made for home use, something that hadn’t been available to the average consumer until then. The grinder solved the problem of the beans heating too much during the grinding process. The success of the new grinder caught the attention of Dutch coffee brand Douwe Egberts. 

Together, Douwe Egberts and Smit created a brewer that allow the same high quality at home as commercial machines. After several years of research and development, and expanding the factory to work on the brewer, the vision became a reality and the Moccamaster 68 coffee brewer was introduced to the Dutch market in 1969. It quickly became popular due to its precision and reliability. One of the main attributes that set the Moccamaster apart from other coffee makers was its ability to to brew at the ideal temperature range, which is crucial for extracting the best flavors from the coffee, and something that was not available before. This, combined with the brewing speed, made it a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts everywhere. 

Technivorm Moccamaster machines are still handmade in the Netherlands, maintaining the same high standards of craftsmanship. The brand has stayed true to its original principles, focusing on simplicity, durability, and function. Each machine is tested individually to ensure it meets the strict quality standards set by Smit and Egberts. 

 Over the years, the Moccamaster has received numerous certifications from organizations like the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and the European Coffee Brewing Centre (ECBC), further solidifying its status as one of the top drip coffee makers in the world.

There have been slight updates to the Moccamaster since 1969. Better materials, safety features, and updated designs. ​​Despite these updates, the Moccamaster's basic brewing principle—heating water to the perfect temperature and evenly distributing it over the coffee grounds—has not changed. This commitment to quality and ease is part of why the Moccamaster is considered a timeless coffee maker that has evolved without losing its original appeal.

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