How to Make Coffee in a Moka Pot: A Guide for the Beginner
A Moka pot is a curiously fascinating little coffee maker. The distinctive design sets it apart from any other coffee-brewing device, and the process is, well, a bit mysterious to most. When it comes to learning how to make a great cup of coffee in a moka pot, it's certainly more than throwing some pre-ground coffee in a filter and pushing the 'start' button, but definitely a method that can be learned and enjoyed. If I can do it, so can you!
If you enjoy getting involved in the process with some hands-on experimentation, brewing a strong cup of espresso-like coffee with a moka pot may be right up your alley. And, it looks pretty cool sitting on your stove top, too.
Let's take a look at a little bit of history, some how-to's, see if this is a brewing method that will work for you, and give you some buying options as well.
If you happen to click on a link and then make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What is a Moka Pot and Where Did It Come From?
The Moka Express was invented in 1933 by an Italian engineer named Alfonso Bialetti, and has become the world's most famous coffee pot. It is referred a Moka, a Moka pot, a Bialetti, a Percolator, a stove-top coffeemaker, and in Italian as la Moka, la macchinetta, or la caffettiera.
The distinctive eight-sided design is always recognizable, with a retro-classic look that has retained the same design for over 70 years. It looks pretty cool sitting on your kitchen counter or stove top.
Simply put, a moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that brews a strong cup of coffee. It is one of the methods of making espresso coffee without using a machine expressly made for that purpose. More about that in a minute.
How Does a Moka Pot Brew Coffee?
It's about the pressure, friends. Hot water (in the bottom of the Moka pot) passes through coffee grounds (in the middle of the Moka pot) with the force of stream pressure, to create the strong coffee (that collects in the upper chamber of the Moka pot).
It's important to note that when using a moka pot, one cup = 1 "shot" of coffee, not a full cup.
Here are the components of a moka pot, from bottom to top:
- The water tank, or chamber is the bottom portion of the moka pot. It is constructed of stainless steel or aluminum, to withstand the heat as well as resist rust.
- Above the water tank is the basket that holds the coffee grounds. It contains many tiny holes on the bottom, which allow the steam to rise. It is part of the magic of moka pot coffee, as during this process extractions take place, like flavors, oils, and acids.
- The filter screen is directly above the basket. It will allow the coffee to rise into the upper chamber but keep the grounds where they belong...in the filter basket!
- Finally, the upper chamber is the area where the brewed coffee collects, waiting for you to pour and enjoy!
Our friends at MokaBees show us the process in the colorful graphic below:
you might also like: french press or pour over coffee? which brewing method is right for you?
Can a Moka Pot Brew Espresso coffee?
A moka pot will brew a shot of strong coffee that is similar to espresso. But let's be clear. It is not literally the espresso coffee that is brewed in an espresso machine.
What's the difference? Espresso coffee is brewed with pressure - about 9 bars of pressure. You'll get about 1 to 1.5 bars of pressure in a moka pot, which will give you a robust, strong brew. But it is not literally espresso.
I'm perfectly happy with the brew created by my little moka pot, though. The strong espresso-like brew is tasty and holds that extra rich flavor and intensity I want when creating a specialty coffee drink.
Coffee drinks
There is so much that you can do with a shot or two of espresso coffee brewed with a moka pot.
Use this handy graphic we created as a guide!
All you need for most of these specialty drinks is:
- a moka pot
- freshly ground strong coffee
- a milk steamer/frother
How to Make Coffee in a Moka Pot: Step-by-Step
As with any hands-on coffee brewing method, there will be some experimentation involved. So be patient and know that it may take a few sessions with your Moka pot to brew the espresso-like coffee you're craving.
Before you jump into the process, have these tools handy:
- the whole coffee beans of your choice, or freshly ground coffee
- your Moka pot
- a coffee grinder (unless your coffee has been previously ground)
- a timer, if you're the type of person who wants to be precise about the process
- a spoon for transferring the ground coffee to the coffee filter
- a kitchen towel for those unexpected things that sometimes occur
Step 1
Fill the lower chamber with cold water just below the pressure release valve. Don’t overfill, as the flavor of the coffee may be affected. And, the pressure release valve is designed to release extra pressure in case the Moka pot doesn’t brew properly for some reason. It will not function properly if it’s covered with water.
NOTE: some Moka pot aficionados use hot or even boiling water to speed up the process. Experiment with it and determine what will work best for you.
Step 2
Grind your fresh, whole coffee beans to a fine consistency (a little finer that for drip coffee), enough to fill the Moka pot chamber. The grind should be fine, but not super fine, as this may cause clogs in the pot.
Step 3
Now insert the filter basked funnel into the pot and fill it with the ground coffee. Use a gentle hand, don’t overfill, and do not tamp the coffee down, as this may create more pressure than wanted. Clean any excess ground off of the edge of the funnel by running your finger around it.
Step 4
Next, screw the upper chamber of the Moka pot onto the base and make sure it’s on there tightly.
Step 5
Okay, now you’re ready to place your Moka pot onto a stove top burner. Select a burner that is closest to the size of the Moka pot bottom, and place it at the edge of the burner to avoid heating the handle. If you’re using a gas stove, make sure that the flame is not larger than the bottom of the Moka pot. It’s also a good idea to point the safety valve away from you, just in case.
Use a medium-low heat, nothing higher, and wait...patiently. It could take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes for the water to boil. As the water begins to boil, the coffee will come up and out of the center post. You’ll also hear a gurgling sound.
Note: It takes the water in my Moka pot a good 10 minutes to boil and begin to brew. I have an electric stove top and keep the heat just shy of medium.
If you hear spurting and the coffee is spewing out, your heat is too high. Turn it down a bit or your coffee may taste burnt.
Step 6
When you begin to see a hazel-brown foam appear at the spout, take your Moka pot off of the stove. You can stir the brewed coffee a bit before pouring if desired. Now, enjoy your freshly brewed espresso-like coffee!
I enjoy my Moka pot espresso coffee with steamed milk and foam, and use a nifty little electric milk steamer. It works great and is easy on the budget, too.
you might also like: how long do coffee beans stay fresh?
How to Brew Better with a Moka Pot: helpful tips and suggestions
Find the Best Moka Pot for you
You can find a sturdy and reliable Moka pot for about 20 dollars and up, depending on the size and manufacturer. If cared for according the the manufacturer specifications, your sweet little Moka pot can last for a long, long time. Some things get better with age!
- The original moka coffee pot: Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker, it provides the experience of the real Italian way of preparing a tasteful coffee, its unique shape and the inimitable gentleman with moustache date back to 1933, when Alfonso Bialetti invented it.
- Made in Italy: it is Made in Italy and its quality is enhanced by the patented safety valve which makes it easy to clean and its ergonomic handle, available in many sizes and suitable for gas, electric and induction (with the Bialetti induction adapter plate)
- How to prepare the coffee: fill the boiler up to the safety valve, fill it up with ground coffee without pressing, close the moka pot and place it on the stovetop, as soon as Moka Express starts to gurgle, turn the fire off and coffee will be ready
- One size for each need: Moka Express sizes are measured in Espresso Cups, coffee can be enjoyed in Espresso Cups or in larger containers
- Cleaning instructions: the Bialetti Moka Express should be rinsed simply with water, after use. Do not use detergents. The product should not be washed in the dishwasher as this could cause damage to the product and affect the taste of the coffee.
- The original moka coffee pot: Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker, it provides the experience of the real Italian way of preparing a tasteful coffee, its unique shape and the inimitable gentleman with moustache date back to 1933, when Alfonso Bialetti invented it.
- Made in Italy: it is Made in Italy and its quality is enhanced by the patented safety valve which makes it easy to clean and its ergonomic handle, available in many sizes and suitable for gas, electric and induction (with the Bialetti induction adapter plate)
- How to prepare the coffee: fill the boiler up to the safety valve, fill it up with ground coffee without pressing, close the moka pot and place it on the stovetop, as soon as Moka Express starts to gurgle, turn the fire off and coffee will be ready
- One size for each need: Moka Express sizes are measured in Espresso Cups, coffee can be enjoyed in Espresso Cups or in larger containers
- Cleaning instructions: the Bialetti Moka Express should be rinsed simply with water, after use. Do not use detergents. The product should not be washed in the dishwasher as this could cause damage to the product and affect the taste of the coffee.
- CRAFT COFFEE AT HOME: Produces three demitasse/espresso servings of rich, smooth espresso coffee in minutes. Craft your own espresso, Americano, Cuban coffee, Italian-style coffee, Moka, lattes, cappuccinos and more from the convenience of your home.
- DURABLE DESIGN: Carefully crafted with cast aluminum for long-lasting durability. Provides thorough and even heat distribution for enhanced flavor, aroma and consistency. Features a flip-top lid with a heat-resistant knob and handle for safe, easy pouring.
- EASY TO USE: Simply fill the lower chamber with water, add ground coffee or espresso to the filter and place on stovetop. Within minutes, delicious espresso will fill the top chamber of your moka. Remove from heat and enjoy!
- EASY TO CLEAN: Simply rinse with warm water and allow all components to dry before reassembling.
- COFFEE ON-THE-GO: This coffee maker is portable and works on all electric, ceramic and gas stovetops (including propane) making it the perfect camping accessory. Available in 5 different sizes. Not compatible with induction
- ⭐ [Moka Espresso Coffee] Stovetop espresso maker, Moka pot, & manual coffee percolator machine. Available in 3 cups, 6 cups, 9 cup sizes. Stove top percolator coffee pot to make home espresso like a barista. Its easier to use than electric espresso coffee machines and makes a rich cup of moka Espresso coffee. 3 cup expresso coffee maker stovetop size in Food grade anodized aluminium Moka expresso Coffee maker.
- ⭐ [Easy to use Moka Espresso coffee Maker & Cuban Coffee maker] will work on all gas and electric stove top and propane camping stoves as well. It makes moka coffee on glass top induction stoves but will heat very slowly since its not magnetic. It is a type of easy to use stovetop espresso maker, coffee perculator, or expresso coffee maker stovetop. Its also called a Moka pot, Moka coffe maker, or Cafetera Cubana.
- ⭐ [Highest quality stove top espresso at home] You can easily make a moka coffee, also called a low pressure stovetop espresso at home with the Milano Moka Stovetop Espresso maker. Add milk from a milk steamer or milk frother to make lattes or cappuccino at home with ease with this coffee percolator stovetop at home. With premium silicone moka pot gasket. Uses standard 3 cup gasket size.
- ⭐ [Made in Italy Safety Valve for maximum safety] We studied all brands of moka express stovetop espresso makers and improved on them in many ways. We gave the Milano Stovetop Espresso maker moka pot a larger soft touch handle with a burn guard for your finger, addressing a common complaint of hot handles and burnt fingers! Also, the Italian Safety Valve in this stove top espresso coffee maker keeps you safe from high pressure buildup.
- ⭐ [Super espresso cafeteras with style - Also use as a Greek Greca coffee maker] With a silicone gasket, and colors and styles to boot, the Milano coffee pot is the home espresso machine coffee maker and moka pot every one should have. Try it with your favorite coffee and double walled glass espresso cups. This is the coffee cup every coffee lover should enjoy.
- Thick Crema for a rich espresso: Bialetti Brikka is the only stovetop coffeemaker delivering an intense and crema-rich espresso coffee, with an unmistakable intense flavor;
- New Bialetti Brikka is Made in Europe by Bialetti, the inventor of the original Moka pot and recognizable by the one and only the gentleman with moustache gracing it
- The easiest way to prepare coffee: use the measuring cup, fill the boiler with water, put the filter back, add coffee, close the pot and place on the stove, until start to gurgle then turn the fire off and wait for the coffee to be fully extracted
- The right number of espresso cups: coffee can be enjoyed in espresso cups or in larger containers, Brikka is available in 2 sizes 2-cup 3,4 oz espresso and 4 cup 5,7 oz espresso
- Fire it up: Brikka pot is suitable for gas cooktops, electic stove top and propane campaing stoves, if you have an induction cooktop at thome, you will need to buy the Bialetti adaptor plate for induction (sold separately)
Final Thoughts
Hopefully you've learned all about how to make make coffee in a Moka pot Just remember to be patient, experiment with the type of coffee, the grind, and be willing to try and try again. You'll find that is really is quite simple to brew a rich, tasty shot of espresso-like coffee in a Moka pot!
Candi Randolph is a coffee lover, blogger, and content creator who loves to share her knowledge with the coffee-drinking world. You'll often find her tending to her coffee bar at home, deciding which method to use to brew her next cup of java. Life is full of important decisions!
Last Updated on July 16, 2021
