Moka Pot

Coffee Preparation - with pressure - the Moka Pot

The moka pot, "Caffettiera" in italian, is a stove top coffee maker and the most common method of coffee brewing in Italy. It was invented in its classic design in 1933 for Alfonso Bialetti and was manufactured as Moka Express (made of aluminium) in the postwar era.

The classic espresso pot works with about 1 bar pressure, special models such as the Bialetti Brikka can produce up to 2 bar pressure. Although the coffee is brewed with pressure the end result is not an espresso - for the pressure and other factors necessary for espresso brewing are too low.

Recommended coffee for Moka Pot

Not surprisingly, the Italian Espresso coffees are best suited for the preparation of with the moka pot.

Grind Level for the Moka Pot

The grind for espresso maker is somewhat finer than that for Drip Brew but not as fine as the portafilter espresso machine .

Good guidance for the right degree of grinding:

Does the coffee taste thin the grind may be too coarse, Does the coffee taste bitter/burnt the grind may be too fine

.
Grind level | Fine

Brewing ratio for the Moka Pot

Use the amount of coffee necessary to fill the basket. The size of the moka pot is given in "espresso cups" and the quantity of water (in the boiler) precisely matched to the quantity of coffee in the basket.

Coffee brewing with the moka pot

Brewing Guide Moka Pot - Pre-heat water

1. | Pre-Heat Water

Use preheated water (not boiling) - you speed up the brewing process. This step is not mandatory, but Moka Pot experts did report positive changes in taste.

Brewing Guide Moka Pot - Fill up with water

2. | Fill up the boiler with water

Fill the boiler with water, stop shortly under the valve.

Brewing Guide Moka Pot - add coffee and smoothen surface

3. | Grind coffee

Freshly ground coffee is the best way to improve the taste. Please make sure that you use the right grind level (see above).

Brewing Guide Moka Pot - clear the rim

4. | Fill the basket with coffee

Fill up the basket with coffee , smooth the coffee to a flat and even surface but do NOT press the grind.

Tip: In our experience, some coffees swell up more than others and thus may press too strongly against the filter during the brewing process.
Should your coffee taste bitter or burnt try to use 1-2mm less coffee (from the rim of the gasket). Thus the coffee has more space to swell and water can penetrate (and extract) evenly.
Another possibility is to use a coarser grind (should you grind yourself).

5. | Screw on the top of the Moka Pot and put it on the stove

Brewing Guide Moka Pot - heat on a low flame

6. | Heat on a low flame

On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) we recommend a heat setting between 3 to 4.

In our experience, ceran hobs pose an exception: you can and should use a higher heat setting.

Brewing Guide Moka Pot - Coffee extraction

7. | Coffee Extraction

As soon as the coffee starts pouring out of the chamber, listen carefully until steam starts mixing with the coffee.

This is the moment to stop the extraction by taking the moka pot off the heat

Brewing Guide Moka Pot - End of Coffee extraction
Brewing Guide Moka Pot - Remove from Heat

8. | Remove Moka Pot from Heat

As soon as more and more steam appears, take the moka pot off the heat, the residual pressure will still extract some coffee.

You can stop the extraction immediatly by using a wet, cold towel wrapped around the boiler. This will reduce the heat (and the pressure) and thus stopping the extraction.

Brewing Guide Moka Pot - Enjoy your coffee

9. | Pour the coffee and enjoy!

Taste Characteristics for the Moka Pot

The taste depends, as always, on the roast level and the coffee blend and type .

In general the coffee has a more intense taste than the non pressure brewed coffee .

Coffees that we can personally recommend to begin with are:

Cleaning and Care for the moka pot

Clean your moka pot after each preparation, rinse and clean the bottom (boiler) with a sponge - as well as the screen and the filter. Aluminium moka pots: DO NOT USE the dishwasher!!!

Important: remove coffee residues also from the seal, they can damage the seal in subsequent cooking sessions and become rancid.

Video Coffee Preparation with Moka Pot (German)

We made a small tutorial video for you

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  1. Bialetti Venus for 2 Cups Stainless Steel

    Bialetti Venus for 2 Cups Stainless Steel

    €40.00 incl. VAT plus shipping

    The original from Italy - since 1933!

    Dedicated to those who love coffee and stylish design, Venus is the stainless steel coffee maker whose practicality, pleasing shape and essential and functional style portray all Bialetti’s experience, passion and enthusiasm for this extraordinary beverage.

     A productive wisdom that has made this unique and avant-garde steel coffee maker into an everyday object.

    Suited for all stove types except induction! Learn More
  2. Bialetti Venus for 4 Cups - Stainless Steel

    Bialetti Venus for 4 Cups - Stainless Steel

    €45.00 incl. VAT plus shipping

    The original from Italy - since 1933!

    Dedicated to those who love coffee and stylish design, Venus is the stainless steel coffee maker whose practicality, pleasing shape and essential and functional style portray all Bialetti’s experience, passion and enthusiasm for this extraordinary beverage.

     A productive wisdom that has made this unique and avant-garde steel coffee maker into an everyday object.

    Also suited for induction stoves! Learn More
  3. Bialetti Venus for 6 Cups - Stainless Steel

    Bialetti Venus for 6 Cups - Stainless Steel

    €55.00 incl. VAT plus shipping

    The original from Italy - since 1933!

    Dedicated to those who love coffee and stylish design, Venus is the stainless steel coffee maker whose practicality, pleasing shape and essential and functional style portray all Bialetti’s experience, passion and enthusiasm for this extraordinary beverage.

     A productive wisdom that has made this unique and avant-garde steel coffee maker into an everyday object.

    Also suited for induction stoves! Learn More
  4. Bialetti Moka for 3 Cups Aluminium

    Bialetti Moka for 3 Cups Aluminium

    €35.00 incl. VAT plus shipping

    The original from Italy: Bialetti Moka Express for 3 cups in aluminum.

    Bialetti invents Italian coffee: your own personal daily ritual “par excellence”, or for hospitably sharing with someone. A beloved habit to start the day with, to allow yourself a pleasant break or to end a meal with this traditional taste.

    NOT suitable for induction stove!

    Learn More
  5. Bialetti Moka for 6 Cups Aluminium

    Bialetti Moka for 6 Cups Aluminium

    €49.00 incl. VAT plus shipping

    The original from Italy: Bialetti Moka Express for 3 cups in aluminum.

    Bialetti invents Italian coffee: your own personal daily ritual “par excellence”, or for hospitably sharing with someone. A beloved habit to start the day with, to allow yourself a pleasant break or to end a meal with this traditional taste.

    NOT suitable for induction stove!

    Learn More
  6. Bialetti Moka for 2 Cups Aluminium

    Bialetti Moka for 2 Cups Aluminium

    €33.00 incl. VAT plus shipping

    The original from Italy: Bialetti Moka for 18 cup aluminum.

    Bialetti invents Italian coffee: your own personal daily ritual “par excellence”, or for hospitably sharing with someone. A beloved habit to start the day with, to allow yourself a pleasant break or to end a meal with this traditional taste.

    NOT suitable for induction stove!

    Learn More
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