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Best Moka Pot
About Moka Pots, some of the best Moka Pots and tips on how to use one.
Published December 7, 2021
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Chandra Melo
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
If you love espresso and want to make it at home but also want to avoid the effort required to pull a shot and the typically large expense of investing in an espresso machine for your home, then your next best option to consider is a Moka Pot. Chances are that you have already heard of the Moka Pot or seen one before. But if you haven’t, they are a simple stovetop coffee maker which are easy to use, super simple to clean and maintain, look great, and can be used to brew tasty coffee that’s very similar to espresso. A Moka Pot is a small coffee percolator that is often octagonal in shape and usually silver. It produces coffee that is strong, similar to an Italian roast and quite like an espresso shot, which is why the Moka Pot is often referred to as a stovetop espresso maker.
Why are Moka Pots Unique?
One of the main features of a Moka pot is that it does not require you to use a paper filter when brewing the coffee. As a result, you’ll get all the delicious flavor of your coffee because the aromatic components and oils from the grounds are not being absorbed by paper. Moka Pots tend to be built to last, very durable, and lovely to look at too. If you want to invest in a coffee maker that is going to last you a lifetime, a Moka Pot is a great investment. When it comes to the type of coffee that you can make using a Moka Pot, it is much more like espresso compared to other coffee maker types. While it’s not exactly the same as the espresso that you would get from using an actual espresso machine, it does come fairly close.
What to Consider When Choosing a Moka Pot
If you have decided that you want to get a Moka Pot for making espresso-like coffee at home, there are a few main features that are important to look out for. These include:
Size: A single serving of Moka Pot espresso is 2fl oz, so bear the size in mind when it comes to choosing the right Moka Pot for you. If you buy a three-cup model for example, you will only get 6oz of coffee per brew, so a larger model might be a better choice for you if that isn’t going to be enough.
Material: if you have a gas stove at home and have a small budget for your Moka Pot, aluminum is usually the cheaper option, although it’s still very durable. On the other hand, if you have an induction stove, are looking for a more durable Moka Pot and have a bit more to spend, a stainless steel moka pot is a better option, although bear in mind that these can sometimes be twice the price of an aluminum model.
Power: If you want something that is a little bit simpler and easier to use, an electric Moka Pot might be ideal for you. Though these models are often more expensive compared to the traditional Moka Pot and certainly not as easy to travel or go camping with, they are great for home use as all you need to do is plug them in, set them up to brew and they’ll do all the work.
Step By Step Guide to Brewing Coffee in a Moka Pot
Before you go ahead and invest in a Moka Pot, it’s a good idea to know how to brew coffee using one, so that you can get started as soon as you have one. To brew coffee in a Moka pot, start by heating some water up in a separate kettle, and then pour the heated water into the base of the Moka pot until it is full. Add some finely ground coffee to the filter and screw the filter basket into the base. Make sure that your coffee grounds are fairly level but do not tamp them. Put the filter basket into the base and put the top back on. Then, place the pot on your stove over a medium heat. The lid should remain open until you see brewed coffee coming out. When the top of the pot is filled with your brewed coffee, you will hear a gurgling sound coming from the pot. At this point, remove it from the heat and give it a few seconds to quiet down. You can now pour and drink your coffee.
Now that you’ve got the basics down when it comes to Moka pots, let’s look at some of the best options for your home. Some of the best Moka pot recommendations and Moka pot reviews include:
LuxHaus Stovetop Espresso Maker
This stovetop espresso maker from LuxHaus isn’t your regular Moka pot; it comes with a pop-out dispenser to make it even easier to clean. Along with this, it’s the perfect choice for any kitchen with a heat-resistant handle, a no-spill spout and safety valve. It is made from 100% food-grade stainless steel, makes six cups, and is compatible with your induction stove.
Zulay Classic Stovetop Espresso Maker
If you want a Moka Pot that is easy to take traveling with you, this option from Zulay is an ideal one to consider. Not only is it easy to carry around with you wherever you go, but it’s also very simple to keep clean and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The handle is also heat-resistant, making it the perfect choice for using over a campfire.
Primula Espresso Coffee Maker
With the capacity to brew six cups in one cycle, this durable Moka Pot has a stylish, modern design that will look great in your kitchen along with offering a very practical purpose too. It is compact, easy to use, and comes with great safety features such as a cool-touch handle and temperature resistant knob.
Coffee Gator Moka Pot
If you want a coffee maker that produces a tasty brew very quickly, this stovetop espresso maker from Coffee Gator might be the ideal one for you. It only takes five minutes to make your perfect cup of coffee and is made from premium cast aluminum. It’s lightweight and portable, making it ideal for camping, and comes with safety features like a cool-touch handle and safety valve. And you’ll even get three stainless-steel espresso mugs included with it when you purchase.
Sasso Moka Pot
This Moka Pot has a unique and attractive look that will really make it stand out in your kitchen with a timber-effect, ergonomic handle, and soft-touch coating. It is made from solid cast, food-grade aluminum so it’s really durable and set to last you for a long time. It works on a range of stovetops including ceramic, electric, and gas.
AMFOCUS Stovetop Moka Pot
Giving you the ability to brew four cups of coffee in mere minutes, this Moka Pot from AMFOCUS is a great way to enjoy the fresh taste of espresso-like coffee in your home. It comes with measuring scoops included to make sure that your coffee is always brewed perfectly and will fit most stovetops including induction stoves.
Yabano Stovetop Espresso Maker
If you are looking for a durable Moka Pot that is built to last, this aluminum Moka Pot from Yabano is a great choice. As long as it is maintained properly, including washing by hand and avoiding using soap on it, it will last you for years. With a black finish rather than the traditional silver, it looks amazing and is perfect for any modern kitchen. It comes with an easy-pour spout and a flame-retardant handle.
Primula Stovetop Espresso Maker
With this Moka Pot from Primula, you can make four cups of either Italian or Cuban style coffee easily. It is made from 18/10 stainless steel and has a silicone handle that will stay cool, for your safety. It’s dishwasher-safe, making it really easy to maintain and is portable and small, so it’s ideal for taking on the go whether you’re camping or just want to take it to the office to make your own coffee there. It works on both electric and gas stoves.
Godmorn Stovetop Espresso Maker
If you want a Moka Pot that makes you feel like you have been transported to an Italian café, this sleek option from Godmorn is the one. It brews nine cups of stovetop espresso, making it ideal for families or when you have guests, and is made from food-grade stainless steel. It will work on your induction stove and has a safety valve.
Vremi Stovetop Espresso Maker
The Vremi Moka Pot is designed to work on any kind of stovetop including induction stoves. It is lightweight, compact, and portable, making it the best Moka pot for anybody who wants to make coffee on the go since it is easy to use anywhere that there is a heat source. Your coffee will be ready in less than five minutes, and it makes six cups in one brew cycle.
If you want to make espresso-like coffee at home but don’t have the budget for an espresso machine, why not try a Moka Pot?
About the author
Chandra Melo
Marketing as job, barista as passion. An authentic coffee lover, looking for the next fantastic cup of coffee that I will fall in love with. Coffee, for me, is more than a beverage. It's about community and connection - how can all the world consume the same fruit? And differently? How can we have so many different tastes? I also don't know. And because of this, I feel in love each day more for this world. Happy to share and make a change in the coffee community.
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