A Moka pot (aka stovetop espresso maker, or: Macchinetta) makes it easy to get rich, flavorful coffee. But what kind of coffee beans should you use? Whether you’re looking for mild or bold flavor, there’s a coffee out there that will be perfect for your Moka pot! People will have different opinions on this, but I will share my personal favorites with you.

The best coffee for a Moka pot at a glance

Further below, you will find a full review of our favorite coffees for a Moka pot and an explanation of how to choose coffee for a Moka pot. If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to read the full review, here’s the list:

Illy Coffee Classico Medium Roast, Moka
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend
Peet's Major Dickason's Blend
Death Wish Whole Bean Coffee Medium Roast
Volcanica Sumatra Mandheling Dark Roast Coffee

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The best coffee for a Moka pot for 2024

Illy Coffee Classico Medium Roast, Moka

This coffee is designed explicitly for Moka pots. It is the perfect way to enjoy a rich and flavorful cup of coffee. The coffee beans are finely ground, making it easy to brew a coffee full of flavor.
The Illy Coffee Classico Medium Roast is an excellent choice for Moka pot coffee because it has a full body and rich flavor. The coffee also features chocolate and caramel notes, making it even more delicious. Additionally, the Moka pot helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the coffee beans. As a result, you'll enjoy a cup of coffee that is both delicious and aromatic.

Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend

This coffee's rich aroma and complex flavor notes are sure to please even the pickiest palate.
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend contains 100% Arabica beans. It delivers a rich experience with an aftertaste that lingers delicately on your tongue, making it perfect for brewing in any Moka pot or serving espresso guests at home!

Peet's Major Dickason's Blend

This coffee has a nice body and aroma, with notes of chocolate and hazelnut. It's also relatively low on acidity, making it a good choice for those sensitive to that quality of coffee. And if you're brewing it at home, the Moka pot is the perfect way to make this coffee - be sure not to overdo it, or you'll end up with an overly bitter cup.

Death Wish Whole Bean Coffee Medium Roast

Death Wish Whole Bean Coffee Medium Roast is the perfect coffee for those who want a little extra Pep in their step. This coffee's rich, smooth flavor comes from a high-quality bean that is carefully roasted to perfection. It has an intense chocolate aroma and taste that lingers in the mouth. The aroma is that of freshly brewed coffee, and the flavor is rich and full-bodied. The aftertaste is smooth and slightly sweet. Overall, this delicious coffee will wake you up and get you going.
Death Wish Coffee Company roasts its coffees in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. Their beans are fair trade and organic, so you can feel good about drinking their coffee. They also offer a money-back satisfaction guarantee so you can buy it confidently.
Whether you're looking for a dark roast or a light roast, Death Wish Coffee has something for everyone.

Volcanica Sumatra Mandheling Dark Roast Coffee

Volcanica Sumatra Mandheling Dark Roast Coffee is the perfect coffee for those who want to enjoy a rich and full-bodied cup of joe. This coffee is roasted to perfection, giving it an intense flavor that is sure to please.
Additionally, the Volcanica Sumatra Mandheling Dark Roast Coffee has a pleasant aroma that will awaken your senses. When brewed in a Moka pot, this coffee has notes of chocolate and spice, making it the perfect way to start your day.
Volcanica Sumatra Mandheling Dark Roast Coffee is certified organic and fair trade, so you can feel good about drinking it. This coffee is also GMO-free and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Can You Use Any Coffee in a Moka Pot?

The beauty of the Moka pot is that it can accommodate any coffee bean, as long as your grind it to the proper coarse level.

We recommend going for a medium-fine coarse grind, which is more coarse than your regular espresso coarseness.

Also, avoid Turkish coffee, which is way too fine for a Moka pot.

Best grind for Moka pot 

As we said, you’ll want to grind your coffee a bit more coarsely than you would for espresso. The ideal grind size is somewhere between French press and regular drip coffee.

Is Pre-Ground Coffee Good for Moka Pot?

We get this question a lot. And the answer is yes! If you’re using pre-ground coffee, check the grind size before buying it. If it’s too fine, your coffee will be over-extracted and taste bitter. If it’s too coarse, your coffee will be under-extracted and taste weak.

Should you tamp coffee in a Moka pot? (No!)

The answer is no. You shouldn’t tamp the coffee in a Moka pot. Just fill up the filter with your grounds and screw on the top. The pressure from the water will do all the work for you! If you tamp the coffee, you might end up with a very bad-tasting coffee.

Why Does My Moka Pot Coffee Taste Bitter?

If your Moka pot coffee tastes bitter, it’s probably because you’ve used too much coffee grounds and tried to tamp it. Another reason for bitter Moka pot coffee is using too fine coffee grounds.

The best coffee for Moka pot – Final Thoughts

In the US, as in Italy, a Moka pot is one of the best brewing techniques to get high-quality coffee at home, as long as you use the right technique and coffee beans.

So, what’s the verdict? What is YOUR favorite coffee for Moka pot? Remember, there isn’t one definitive answer. 

Just remember to use a medium-fine grind level and avoid tamping the coffee. Also, have fun experimenting with different coffee beans until you find the perfect one for your taste buds!

If you’re looking to get yourself a new Moka pot or learn how to use it properly – you’ve got to check this post.