These typically aluminum stovetop coffee makers have been around for over a century, and are a respected form of coffee brewing among baristas and amateur coffee makers alike.
Invented by Italian metal worker, Alfonso Bialetti in the 1930s, the most well-renowned Moka pot brand is his own – Bialetti. These days, there are numerous brands competing for the best-selling Moka pot spot.
There are also many names by which the humble Moka pot goes; bialetti, caffetiere, stovetop espresso maker, and countless others.
How does this contraption operate, you ask? Well, it’s actually pretty simple. A Moka pot consists of a bottom chamber and an upper chamber, which are joined together by a funnel.
The funnel’s opening is in the bottom chamber, and it leads up into a coffee compartment in the middle of the pot. The coffee compartment then leads up to a spout that opens in the upper chamber.
Cold water is placed in the lower chamber, and coffee – quite aptly – in the coffee chamber. When heated on a stove, the water begins to boil and causes pressure in the lower chamber.
The pressure of the steam generated forces the water to travel up through the funnel, through the coffee chamber, and up through the spout and into the upper chamber.
As this happens, the hot water combines with the coffee, and the product left in the upper chamber is a smooth brew of espresso. Delicious!
Now that you know the mechanics, you need to decide which Moka pot is best for you. They range in price, material, stove compatibility and other things, so there are many aspects to consider when choosing your new Moka pot.
However, we’ve done the hard graft for you, and have selected the best Moka pots on the market so that you don’t have to! Read on to find out more about the types of Moka pots that are available right now.
The Iconic Bialetti Moka Express
First on our list has to be the original Moka pot: the Bialetti. These classic stovetop espresso makers were the first to be around, and there’s a reason they still are. This bialetti provides an authentic Italian taste, and is easy to use.
These high-quality Moka pots are made in Italy, and includes a safety valve that ensures a safe experience and makes the pot easy to clean. This valve is patented, so no other Moka pot will have the same technology.
The handle of the pot has been carefully designed to make the pot easy to use, which enhances the coffee making experience.
The Bialetti Moka Express is available in many sizes: 1-, 6-, 9-, or 12-Cups. This means that whether you are planning on making one espresso shot at a time, or intending to feed a roomful of coffee drinkers, there is a Bialetti that suits your needs.
The Bialetti is particularly handy because it works on gas, electric, and induction hobs. This means that almost anyone can buy it, and that once you’ve got it you can take it anywhere!
The aesthetics of this Moka pot are the icing on the cake.
The unique shape of the bialetti is retro and sleek; the shiny aluminum silver exterior means it fits in in both modern and rustic kitchens; and each Bialetti is christened with the inimitable cartoon of a gentleman with a moustache. This pot has the skills and the looks. It’s timeless.
Pros:
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Suitable for 3 different types of stovetops
- Ergonomic and easy to clean
- Provides an authentic Italian coffee making process
- Bialetti is a trusted brand
Cons:
- The high quality of this product brings with it a high price. These Moka pots are generally more expensive than alternative brands’
- Aluminum is not as durable as stainless steel, which is what many competing brands make their Moka pots with
- Invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933, a symbol of Made in Italy all over the world
Bialetti Kitty Stainless Steel Espresso Maker
Next on the list is another Bialetti. This time, though, it is made entirely of stainless steel instead of aluminum. This makes it slightly more durable than the Moka Express, and equally as shiny.
Although it provides the same authentically Italian taste as the Moka Express, its design is more modern and sleek.
Bialetti have opted for a smooth cylindrical upper chamber, and a nicely rounded bottom chamber. This might be better for those who want a sleek looking pot instead of a traditional one.
This product has a capacity of 6 cups, which is a perfect amount for a family. You don’t have to make use of the whole capacity, though, so it’s equally great if you live by yourself.
The heat resistant handle on this Moka pot is ergonomic and is placed further away from the chamber than the Moka Express’s handle. This makes the coffee making process even safer and easier.
Plus, the Bialetti Kitty is made up of dishwasher safe parts that are easily cleaned. This is great if you prefer using a dishwasher to washing up and would like a quick turnaround between coffee brews!
This design is equally suitable for gas, electric, and ceramic stove tops, so almost anyone can buy it.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel fabrication
- Sleek and modern design
- Safe and ergonomic handle
- Dishwasher friendly
- Works on multiple stovetop types
- Bialetti is a well-respected brand
Cons:
- Price. Just like the Moka Express, most of Bialetti’s products are on the higher end of the price spectrum
- Not as wide a range of sizes
- Stainless steel construction
Coletti Bozeman Coffee Percolator
No products found.This stovetop coffee pot comprises of a stainless steel body, a tempered glass lid, and a stylish wooden handle.
What’s special about this particular Moka pot is that it has been designed primarily for outdoor use. It’s also usable with gas stoves, but is most often used for open fires.
If you’re big on camping or wilderness trips, or if you just fancy brewing a cuppa joe in the garden, this Moka pot is the one for it.
With this model, you can choose between a 9-Cup capacity and a 12-cup capacity, both of which are suitable if you’re brewing a pot for a group of campers!
Despite being designed for the outdoors, it is just as simple to use and efficient as any regular Moka pot.
If you’re always on the move and also always in the mood for coffee, take this espresso maker with you and enjoy a hot shot of coffee wherever you go.
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Perfect for camping or hiking trips
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Not suitable for any indoor stoves other than gas
No products found.
Grosche Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot
This product imitates the traditional shape of the Bialetti Moka express. An added bonus is that it comes in 5 different colors! Choose between classic silver, white, black, blue or pink, and get a coffee maker that suits your style!
There are also five capacity options: 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, or 12-cup. This means that you can specifically choose a size that will best suit your coffee needs.
The Milano pot is made out of food-grade anodized aluminum, so is ensured to last a long time, and through a lot of brews. Another functional aspect is the large wooden handle, to which Grosche have added a burn guard for your finger.
This minimizes the risk of burning yourself on the hot metal, so makes it safe and easy to use. The wooden handle is stylishly matched with the lid handle, which is made out of the same wood. This makes the design fluid and appealing.
What Grosche have also borrowed from Bialetti, as well as the shape, is the inclusion of a safety valve. The valve ensures safe use of the product as it reduces the build-up of pressure in the chambers.
This Moka pot provides you with most of the functionality and looks of a classic Bialetti, but without the high price accompanies a big brand name. It works on gas, electric, and camping stoves alike.
Pros:
- Choice of five stylish colors
- Safety valve ensures easy and burn-free use
- Bialetti-esque shape and design
- More affordable than a real Bialetti
Cons:
- Doesn’t work on induction hobs
- Not dishwasher safe
- The brewing process is slower than a real Bialetti’s
- [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 expresso coffee. 6-cup stovetop espresso maker in Food grade anodized aluminium Moka Coffee maker.
De’Longhi EMK6 Electric Moka Pot
Next up is our first electric Moka pot. Instead of heating your coffee on the stove, De’Longhi’s EMK6 heats it up at the click of a button.
All you need to do is fill up the water and coffee segments, and the machine does the rest! After a few minutes, your espresso will be ready for you.
Because of its stoveless design, it is impossible to burn your coffee with this device. The EMK6 has a safety automatic shut off, and stops heating your coffee as soon as it is ready.
What is even better about this electric device, is that it keeps your coffe hot for up to half an hour!
If you’re someone that likes to enjoy their cup of coffee slowly, and who often ends up throwing away coffee that’s gone cold, this could be your savior!
The design of the EMK6 is sleek and modern. The bottom chamber is made of aluminum, while the upper chamber is transparent.
This means that you can watch as your coffee satisfyingly foams out of the spout and into the top chamber! It’s functional and entertaining!
The capacity of this product is six cups, but there is a three-cup option that you can use with the handy filter adapter.
If you’re hoping for a more hands-off approach to coffee making, this machine does all the hard work for you.
Pros:
- Sleek and modern design
- Shut off prevents coffee from burning
- The warming function keeps your brew warm for 30 minutes
- Convenient and simple to use
Cons:
- The transparent chamber is made of plastic, which could affect the taste of your coffee
- The aluminum base is not as strong as its stainless steel competitors
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted.450.0 watts
Alessi Pulcina Stove Top Coffee Maker
This is a Moka pot that would turn anyone’s head. The design of this coffee pot is unique and artistic; it was developed by an architect called Michele De Lucchi.
De Lucchi was renowned for designing furniture, and his work has been showcased worldwide. It’s no surprise, then, that this stovetop coffee maker is one of the prettiest ones around.
The shape is completely different from that of Bialettis, because it is made up of ridges that form a rounded shape at both the top and bottom of the pot.
Alongside the aesthetics of this product is well-researched functionality. Alessi adopted the research of Italian coffee company, illycaffe, and this pot is therefore able to stop dispensing the coffee from the spout as soon as it is ready – before a bitter aftertaste is able to develop.
The spout, which is designed to look like a chick’s beak, has been designed to prevent dripping after you have finished pouring. The beak-like spout is what gives this coffee maker its name; ‘pulcina’ is the Italian word for chick. Cute, right?
The Pulcina works on gas and electric stoves.
Pros:
- Uniquely designed
- Boiler technology prevents a bitter aftertaste
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Does not work on induction hobs
- Very expensive. The intensive research that has gone into this product makes this an even pricier purchase than a Bialetti
- Elegant stovetop moka for espresso
LuxHaus Stovetop Espresso Maker
The design of this product is similar to that of the Bialetti Kitty; it’s smooth and sleek, and made out of stainless steel.
The product is available in either a 3-cup or a 6-cup capacity, so you can decide how many cups would be suitable for your household.
The LuxHaus works on gas, electric, and induction hobs, so almost anyone can invest in one! The stainless steel base means that it heats up the coffee no matter what stove you’re using.
Another benefit of the stainless steel is that it is food safe. LuxHaus have chosen the highest quality steel to make sure that rust cannot form on this pot, and that it is always risk-free to use.
As well as this, the pouring spout has been made to prevent spillage, reducing any risks of burns or mess. Like the Grosche Milano, Luxhaus has also incorporated Bialetti’s concept of a safety valve. This makes the coffee pot extremely safe to use.
This espresso maker was made with coffee connoisseurs in mind, so it has been designed to guarantee a full-bodied, rich flavor, that matches the quality of the best coffee house espressos.
Pros:
- Stainless steel ensures safety and durability
- Sleek design
- Safe use ensured, thanks to the safety valve and no-spill pouring spout
- Produces consistently high-quality cups of coffee
Cons:
- The lid’s connection to the body of the pot is quite flimsy, so requires a delicate touch
- THE BEST TASTING ESPRESSO – Experience delightful flavor in your morning coffee. The LuxHaus stainless steel moka pot was made specifically for discerning coffee afficionados that appreciate a full bodied aromatic cup of espresso. We are excited to offer you our high-quality espresso pot. Life is too short to be drinking bitter coffeeso ditch the instant coffee or cheapo competitor and step up to LuxHaus quality.
Primula Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker
This product is widely popular, predominantly because of its affordability. Primula have mimicked the shape and design of the classic Bialetti Moka Express, and have made it available in three colors; silver, black, and red. You can choose between five size options: 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, or 12-cup capacity.
As well as being as attractive as a Bialetti, this pot is also pretty functional. The handle is made out of a heat-resistant handle which reduces the risk of burning your fingers, as does the no-drip spout, which has been designed for an effortless pour.
Primula have also included a stainless steel safety valve, which makes sure that the pressure inside the pot’s chambers doesn’t reach dangerous levels.
Another thing that’s great about this coffee maker is that it is compatible with all stovetops: electric, ceramic, induction, and gas (including propane gas, meaning this can be used for camping trips as well as at home).
The Primula Moka pot is easy to use and provides tasty results, and shares the beauty of the Bialetti’s design without the Bialetti price.
It’s a perfect option if you’re on a budget or are still experimenting with the Moka pot way of brewing.
Pros:
- Competitively affordable price
- Safe use ensured by no-drip spout and stainless steel safety valve
- Traditional Bialetti design
Cons:
- Constructed predominantly out of aluminum, which is not as durable as stainless steel
- The aluminum is heavy, which can make pouring quite difficult
- DURABLE AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN – Carefully crafted with strong cast aluminum for long-lasting durability. Provides thorough and even heat distribution for enhanced flavor and aroma.
Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve seen the best of what stovetop Moka pots have to offer, it’s time to think about which aspects you value most in a Moka pot. There are so many things to consider when buying a new pot, and you want to make sure that you invest in a product that suits you and your needs.
Capacity
Moka pots come in an array of sizes. They can make as little as 1 cup of coffee, to as many as 12.
As you have seen, plenty of the brands sell the same product with a choice of capacities, and it’s important to decide how big you want your Moka pot to be.
If you live by yourself, for example, it might make sense for you to buy a 1-cup espresso maker, so that you spend less money but get exactly what you need.
If you’re in a house full of coffee drinkers, though, it might be better to purchase a pot with a higher capacity.
Aesthetics
Of course, when it comes to making coffee, the functionality of the pot and the quality of the coffee it makes are the priorities. However, when you buy a Moka pot, you are buying something that will likely take pride of place on your kitchen counter, so you also want it to look nice.
Moka pots can have traditional styles, like the Bialetti Moka Express, or artistic and modern looks, like the Pulcina.
Before you invest in a stovetop coffee maker, you should have a think about which one would look best in your home. You’ll be looking at it pretty much every day, after all!
Price
Moka pots are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and qualities. With these variations also comes a variation of price. It is important that, before spending your hard-earned money on a new pot, you decide how much you’re willing to invest in it.
If you’re on a budget and are only looking to try out a Moka pot, for example, you might want to opt for a cheap pot, like the Primula espresso maker.
If your budget is a little looser, and you want to make sure your coffee maker gives you the best quality taste and aroma, you’ll probably want to spend a little more to get the taste you’re craving.
The same goes for those who know they will use the coffee maker really regularly; the more you use it, the more durable it needs to be, so investing a bit more money on it might mean that it will last longer.
Material
Most of the Moka pots available are made primarily of either aluminum or stainless steel. While both are great options, it has been proven that stainless steel is likely to last longer than aluminum.
If you are planning on having your coffee pot for a long time, or if you know you will use it on a daily basis, you’ll probably want to opt for a stainless steel pot. Other materials can affect the taste of the coffee.
For example, the transparent upper chamber of the EMK6 makes it aesthetic and fun to use, but has been known to affect the flavor of the coffee it makes. Because of this, decide whether aesthetics or taste are more important to you before purchasing a Moka pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should you serve coffee that is made in a Moka pot?
Moka pots are used primarily for espresso coffees. This means that you can serve the coffee how you would usually serve an espresso. Espressos can be served on their own; with a dash of sugar, Cuban style; or with a splash of milk – like a macchiato.
Should I use hot or cold water in the bottom chamber?
This can vary between products, so check the manual that came with your purchase first of all. However, most Moka pots will require you to use cold water, so that the stove and pot can work together to reach the temperature that works best with the Moka pot.
How long does a Moka pot take to brew my coffee?
This can range from product to product, but the average Moka pot will take between 4 and 6 minutes to brew the perfect coffee.
Last update on 2024-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
