How to Use a Moka Pot
How to Use a Moka Pot for Stovetop Espresso
A Moka pot is a type of stovetop espresso maker, also known as a macchinetta. It was invented in Italy in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti and has become one of the most popular methods of brewing espresso-style coffee worldwide.
The Moka pot consists of a lower chamber for water, a filter funnel basket for the coffee grounds, and an upper chamber for the brew. When placed on the stovetop, steam pressure forces the hot water from the lower chamber up to the upper one, resulting in a rich cup of espresso-style coffee but without the thick crema.
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The best espresso – step by step
About Moka Pot Coffee Brewing
| Coffee / Water Ratio | built into the pot; fill the water to the valve line and fill the filter with coffee (without tamping) |
| Grind | slightly coarser than espresso grind |
| Cup | narrow espresso cups (no wide mouth needed to preserve crema) |
| Crema | no |
| Brewing Process | stovetop brewing with the water in the bottom chamber, the coffee in the filter funnel, and the top chamber for the finished product |
| Benefits | easy to make, super-delicious espresso without an expensive machine |
Benefits of the Moka Pot
Not only is using a Moka pot easy – but it also has many benefits associated with its use!
First off, because it uses steam pressure instead of electric pumps like other types of machines do – this results in less wear and tear over time since no parts need replacing.
Also, because no electricity is needed – this makes it perfect for camping or traveling since its small size allows it to fit easily into your suitcase or backpack.
Save the trees
Unlike drip brewers, which rely on paper filters – using a steel mesh filter means no additional cost incurred each month from buying replacement paper filters – thus saving money over time!
And, speaking of money-saving, a Moka pot is relatively inexpensive. You can find some models for as little as $20 and top-of-the-line options, like Bialetti’s new Brikka, which makes espresso with crema for less than $60.
How to Use a Moka Pot to Make Espresso – Step-by-Step
1. Gather the necessary supplies: Moka pot, finely ground coffee (slightly coarser than espresso-style), and water.
2. Remove the top and bottom sections of the Moka pot.
3. Fill the lower chamber with cold water up to the safety valve.
4. Fill the funnel-shaped filter with freshly ground coffee and gently level it off without pressing it down.
5. Place the Moka pot back together and secure the top and bottom sections.
6. Place the pot on a stovetop burner set to medium-low heat.
7. Allow the coffee to begin flowing into the top chamber.
8. Once the coffee has finished brewing (the gurgling will quiet down), remove the pot from the heat, give the coffee in the upper chamber a quick stir, and pour it into thinner espresso cups.
Note: The proper Italian way of brewing espresso with a Moka pot is to take the pot off the heat as soon as it begins gurgling. You’ll produce less coffee this way, but the taste is optimal.
The coffee and water ratio is built into the Moka pot, as you fill the water to the valve line and fill the basket with coffee to just under the very top. That’s why many Italian kitchens have various sizes of Moka pots.
Never tamp the coffee grounds for stovetop espresso – you want the water to flow freely through them for the best brew
Tips for Making the Best Stovetop Espresso
Using a Moka pot is a pretty straightforward process. However, there are a few things to keep in mind for the ultimate cup of fresh-brewed espresso.
- Use a fine-ground coffee that’s just slightly coarser than an espresso grind
- Keep in mind that your servings are espresso-sized
- Don’t tamp the grounds after you fill the coffee filter as you would with an electric espresso maker – you want the water to flow freely through them when you make stovetop espresso
- The best way to use a Moka pot is to make a full pot (small pots make three shots of espresso) – you want to fill the water container and the coffee filter to the designated line
- Don’t overfill the water container above the flow valve
- Keep in mind that traditional Moka pots don’t produce an espresso with crema – however, Bialetti now has a custom model that will produce crema
- Take the Moka pot off the heat as soon as it starts gurgling for the best taste results
- Give your espresso a quick stir in the upper chamber before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
A Moka pot is a stovetop espresso maker that uses steam pressure to extract espresso from finely ground coffee beans.
A medium-fine ground coffee is best for a Moka pot, as this will give the most consistent extraction. Keep in mind that the Moka pot is for espresso and not drip coffee.
You can disassemble the Moka pot and gently clean all of the parts with warm, soapy water. Then, rinse the parts with hot water and dry them before reassembling the Moka pot. However, many coffee experts recommend avoiding the soap and just giving the parts a good rinse with hot water.
When you use a Moka pot for espresso, your measurements are built into the Moka pot itself. You fill the water to just below the valve in the lower container and fill the filter basket with coffee to the top (but not overflowing).
