We all love the rich and bold coffee of stovetop espresso makers, aka Moka pots, or as my father calls them: Macchinettas. In fact, many people in Europe use Moka pots as their preferred coffee brewing method at home.
However, choosing the best Moka pot to fit your budget and desired quality can be pretty dicey, with so many options on the market.
In this post, we’ll discover how to choose the best stovetop-espresso-maker. Then, I’m going to let you in on my personal list of top Moka pots, so you can enjoy that perfect, thick, rich Moka coffee at home. And finally, I’ll explain how you can brew the best Moka pot espresso at home.
Best Stovetop Espresso Maker in a Glance
The buying guide, reviews, and brewing tips are further below, but if you’re in a rush – check out my list of the best Moka pots for 2022.
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What is a Moka Pot?
Moka pots, also known as stovetop espresso makers, were invented in Italy in the 1930s. A Moka pot is a coffee maker that works with water at a pressure of about one bar to create vapor that presses hot water through ground coffee beans.
The pressure created by this process is less than that of an espresso machine but more than that of other types of stovetop coffee makers.
Moka Pot Buyer’s Guide:
When buying an espresso pot, the are several things to pay attention to.
Moka pot body materials
The body of Moka pots is made of one of two materials, either aluminum or stainless steel.
- Aluminum Moka pots are the most popular option because aluminum is cheaper than stainless steel. Aluminum is also a great conductor of heat, and it distributes and retains heat well.
- Stainless steel Stovetop espresso makers are more expensive than Aluminum pots, as they are corrosion-resistant and more durable than stainless steel. In addition, maintaining stainless steel pots is easy, and most often, all you need is water to rinse them.
Country of origin
Most Moka pot enthusiasts believe the quality of a pot depends on the country of origin. If you ask my father, a true “Macchinetta” is made in Italy. To be honest, my dad is right, but many Moka pots are also made in China and sometimes the United States.
I do recommend Italian-made stovetop espresso makers, though. They have dominated this culinary space for ages, and almost all Moka pots from Italy are of high quality.
Heat Source Compatibility
Make sure you choose your Moka Pot according to the heat source you have available at home. Some Moka pots are compatible with electric, gas, or induction stoves. Others are only compatible with one or two of the three.
The size of the Moka pot depends on the number of cups you want to make at one time, the size of your stove, and whether you are using 2 or 3 cups.
The right size of Moka pot for you
Bear in mind that Moka pots make small espresso cups. If you want to make 2 cups, I suggest using a 3-cup Moka pot to avoid spilling over the top. If you make 3 cups, use a 6-cup or 8-cup capacity Moka pot.
Best stovetop espresso maker in 2022
Not that we know how to choose the best stovetop espresso machine for you, let’s discover the best Moka Pots for 2022.
Grosche Milano Stove Top Espresso Maker
Best overall pick
The Grosche GR330. This coffee maker combines affordability, functionality, and aesthetics all in one package. With a size of 9.83 Oz, this stovetop coffee maker can make 6 cups of strong, bold, and delicious espresso.
Pros
- Added frother
- Use of anodized aluminum body
- Great price
Cons
- Slow heating when using an induction stove.
My best overall pick is the Grosche GR330. This coffee maker combines affordability, functionality, and aesthetics all in one package. With a size of 9.83 Oz, this stovetop coffee maker can make 6 cups of strong, bold, and delicious espresso.
It features a complex design made of food-grade anodized aluminum, protecting the inner aluminum layer from reacting to acids and heat. This design prevents the pot from rusting, gives it added durability, and makes sure that your espresso stays hot for long periods. Furthermore, the body has an octagonal shape, just like most Moka pots. And as we already know, this design is both eye-pleasing and helps even heat distribution throughout the pot.
This stovetop espresso maker is versatile and can be used on all stove types: electric, gas, or camping stoves. It features a plastic handle and a plastic lid tip, making it easy to touch the pot without getting burned. Please note that the Grosche GR330 might be slower on an electric stove as the bottom of the pot isn't magnetic.
The safety valve of the Grosche GR330 is made in Italy, and it is designed to handle all the pressure and heat built up during the brewing process. In addition, the non-toxic silicone gasket makes it almost impossible for any leakage to occur.
This Espresso maker is the only model on this list that comes with a milk frother to help you froth your milk just in case you want to change your espresso to a latte. This frother is battery operated, and it is efficient at whisking up your milk, egg, and sauces. It is made of easy-to-wash stainless steel.
Cuisinox Roma 10-Cup Stainless Steel Expresso
Best Moka Pot For Large Groups
The Cuisinox comes with all the bells and whistles you need to brew your guests up to 10 strong coffee in a classical-Italian way.
Pros
- Great Design
- Extra reducer and gasket
- Durable
- Induction compatible
Cons
- More expensive than smaller Moka pots
To start, the Cuisinox Roma can brew 10 cups of coffee at a go, which is an efficient way to satisfy the coffee cravings of a large group of people or a family. This means you wouldn't have to stress refilling the pot after each cup when you have guests.
The pot has a tough design that can last for a lifetime. It is made of heavy-gauge 18/10 stainless steel, making the pot durable and lustrous than a regular aluminum pot.
In addition, you wouldn't need to worry about the acids of the coffee corroding the Moka pot or any rust. To top it all off, it has a smooth polish finish which gives it an aesthetic look and adds to the corrosion-resistant property of the pot.
This pot comes with a free reducer disk, which most Moka pot makers do not have. This reducer disk helps boost your espresso's flavor when making half a pot. It also comes with an extra gasket if the original gets worn out.
The base of the Cuisinox 10 Roma is induction compatible. This gives you the flexibility to use it on induction stoves (electric stoves) and gas stoves.
This pot is super easy to use, and within 3 to 4 minutes, you should have your espresso ready. When you're done with this Moka pot, just wash it under the tap after disintegrating its parts. The Cuisinox 10 Roma should not go into your dishwasher.
Weighing only 2.75 lbs, the Cuisinox 10 Roma is a lightweight stovetop coffee maker you can carry around with you wherever you go.
Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup, 1 EA, silver, 6800
Best Value For Money
Bialetti is a well-renowned Italian brand in the world of Moka pots. This classic model is affordable, making it a good deal for every espresso enthusiast.
Pros
- Great price point
- Octagonal shape evenly distributes heat
Cons
- The aluminum body makes it more prone to rust
- this model isn't compatible with an electric stove
Bialetti is a well-renowned Italian brand in the world of Moka pots. It has established itself as a go-to option, and one of the models we want to look at is the Bialetti Moka 6 Cup 1 EA.
Just as the name implies, this pot is suitable for making 6 cups of coffee at a go, making it optimal for families who love their hot espresso. At first glance, you will love the unique design, which is an octagonal design that isn't just aesthetic but functional. The octagonal design creates an even distribution of heat in the pot, ensuring fast boiling time and better coffee flavor extraction.
This unique design is complemented by their patented safety valve, which provides maximum safety during high temperatures and makes it easy for you to clean the pot.
The ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold the pot and then pour the coffee into the cup without any splashes. The dark rubberized handle is insulated, making it safe to hold without getting any burns.
The body is constructed with aluminum which is quite durable. The silver polish finish on the material helps make the pot resistant to rust and corrosion. This pot should be hand-washed only, with just water and without any detergent or even liquid soap. Make sure you wash the pot immediately after use.
In conclusion, the Bialetti Moka cup combines an affordable price point with great functionality, making it a good deal for every espresso enthusiast. When you buy this Moka pot, you are supporting the Oceana project, which is a project that is dedicated to cleaning up and protecting the ocean.
If you are a Bialetti fan, check out our review on the Bialetti Brikka - A Moka pot that gives you coffee an extra layer of crema, just like an espresso.
Coffee Gator Moka Pot
Most Versatile Choice
A great option for espresso lovers who do not want to compromise the flavor and taste of their homemade Italian coffee
Pros
- Great aesthetic
- Durable
- Great price
- Compatible with gas, electric, and camp stoves
Cons
- It takes a little more time to get your espresso ready
Coffee Gator is a great option for espresso lovers who do not want to compromise the flavor and taste of their homemade Italian coffee. It brings out every flavor in each brew without leaving any behind.
The Coffee Gator Moka pot is one of the most aesthetic stovetop espresso makers out there. Many people love it just for that. However, looking beyond the aesthetics, this pot is one of few Moka pots that has been approved by baristas across the globe. This makes it our go-to option for beginners since it is easy to work with.
The body of the Coffee Gator is crafted with premium aluminum which is engineered to endure all the heat and pressure generated when brewing your coffee. The stainless steel body also makes the pot more resistant to wear and corrosion. This means you can use it for ages if you take care of it properly.
The body is further constructed into an octagonal shape to ensure that heat is evenly distributed throughout the pot for a faster brewing time and maximum flavor extraction.
The body has a matte gray finish which gives the Coffee Gator a chic look and adds to the corrosion resistance ability of the pot. The handle is cool to touch and is designed to fit your hands for a firm grip.
This pot can be used to prepare espresso coffee anywhere. It is compatible with gas and electric stoves and even a camping stove. Bring this little buddy along and brew genuine coffee to sip as you watch the sunrise or the sunset in the wilderness if you go camping.
The Coffee Gator pot comes with two free aluminum mugs which are double-wall insulated to ensure your coffee cup stays hot longer.
The Coffee Gator stovetop espresso maker can make up to 6 cups of delicious, hot, and bold espresso to energize you to start the morning on a great note.
Once you are done making a cup of coffee, all you need to do is to disintegrate it, and rinse the pot with clean water, clean it up, store it, and then you s are good to go. Avoid using dishwasher and detergents to clean it.
Bellemain Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot
Best budget stovetop espresso maker
The Bellemain stovetop espresso maker is an excellent option for anyone looking for a simple, low-cost, yet practical Moka pot to produce hot coffee cups for you and your guests. This option is great if you're looking for a budget espresso machine.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compatible with electric and gas stoves
Cons
- Simple design
- Some reviewers mention their silver coat fell off
If you are on a budget but want to brew high-quality coffee at home, I recommend the Bellemain Stovetop Espresso maker. This Moka pot comes at an affordable price without compromising the taste and different flavors of the coffee beans you use.
The Bellemain Stovetop Espresso Maker comes in various capacities, ranging from 3 cups to 6 cups, 9 cups, and 12 cups. However, the most popular option is the 6 cup, which you can use to brew 6 rich demi-tasses of mocha espresso at a go.
This stovetop espresso maker is made of an aluminum body, a great conductor of heat to allow for a quicker brewing time. In addition, the aluminum body is engineered into an octagonal shape to bring out every flavor and richness in the ground coffee beans by evenly distributing heat in the pot. The body also features a minimalist design, making the pot purely functional rather than aesthetic. In addition, its aluminum finish protects the pot from rust and scratches for maximum durability.
The Bellemain Stovetop Espresso Maker comes with a plastic handle and lid knob, which are insulated to easily handle your Moka pot without injuries. It is compatible with electric and gas stoves, making it more versatile than other pricier options.
The Bellemain stovetop espresso maker is an excellent option for anyone looking for a simple, low-cost, yet practical Moka pot to produce hot coffee cups for you and your guest.
Cleaning this Moka pot is easy. Just rinse it with soapy water, and you're done.
Imusa 1 Cup Coffee Maker
Best 1 Cup Espresso Coffee Maker
If you wish to enjoy a rich, bold cup of espresso when you're by yourself, the Imusa 1 Cup Coffee Maker is a Moka pot you might want to check out.
Pros
- Affordable
- Portable
- Great for singles
- Quick heat time
Cons
- Somewhat poor finish
- Small capacity
If you wish to enjoy a rich, bold cup of espresso when you're by yourself, the Imusa 1 Cup Coffee Maker is a Moka pot you might want to check out.
The aluminum body of the Imusa 1 Cup Coffee Maker is durable and can keep your coffee warm, which is excellent for people like me who tend to forget to pour it on time. Like many other Moka pots, it has an octagon shape for evenly heating and less brewing time.
You can heat the Imusa 1 on gas stoves and camp stoves, but not on electric stoves, though, which limits its versatility. This Moka pot features a cold-to-touch rubberized ergonomic handle and knob to protect you from heat burns.
The Imusa 1 cup coffee maker is designed with a lid that flips open and a side spout giving you various ways to serve your coffee. The small and durable body makes it possible for you to carry this around anywhere and use it without any hassle.
Cleaning the pot is as simple and easy as cleaning any Moka pot. Just rinse it with warm water, and you're good to go.
Understanding the parts of a Moka pot:
A Moka pot has three main parts: the chamber, the funnel, and the coffee collector.
- Chamber – The base of the Moka pot, where you place your water. It is important to note that the chamber has a Max line that indicates the limit of the chamber. Do not fill the chamber over this line to avoid covering the pressure release valve. If the valve is covered with water, it can cause a valve malfunction that may lead to an explosion when pressure rises during brewing.
- Funnel – The second part is the funnel, located in the middle of the Moka pot. The funnel is where you would place your ground coffee. During the brewing process, the funnel draws the boiling water from the chamber to the top part of the pot. The funnel comes with a filter plate and a gasket. The filter plate serves as a cover that holds the ground coffee in place. The gasket prevents water from leaking sideways when pressure is high.
- Coffee Collector – The last part of the Moka pot is the coffee collector, where the espresso is collected.
How to use a stovetop espresso maker
Some people claim that stovetop espresso-makers brew bitter coffee. This bitter-burned taste might be related to how they use their Moka pots. So after choosing the best stove-top espresso maker for your needs, it’s time to learn how to use it well.
To ensure that you get the most out of your Moka Pot, I’ll share with you some tips to help you brew the perfect coffee using a Moka pot.
Step 1: Grinding your coffee to the right level
The first step involves grinding your coffee beans. Ground coffee for a stovetop espresso maker should not be as super-fine as your ground coffee for an espresso machine.
Make sure that the beans are a bit more coarse than table salt. Something between the ground coffee you use for pour-over and an espresso machine. If your coffee is ground to a super-fine level, you will end up drinking bitter coffee. Super-fine ground coffee restricts water from flowing freely through the ground beans.
So, I strongly recommend setting your grinder to “drip coffee” level.
Depending on the cups you want to make, the mass of the coffee beans you grind might vary. For a 6-cup Moka pot, grind 22 grams of coffee. For a 4 cup Moka pot, grind about 2.5 tablespoons or 17 grams of coffee.
Step 2: Fill the chamber with warm water
Heat your water in an electric kettle, and then pour the warm water into the chamber of the Moka pot. Again, make sure that the water doesn’t exceed the fill line!
Step 3: The art of filling the filter with ground coffee
Place the funnel in the water-filled chamber and fill it with your ground coffee. Do not tamper the coffee as you would for an espresso machine! Loosely fill the filter with your ground coffee. Then gently move your hand over the filter to level out the ground coffee. I cannot stress this enough: if the coffee grounds are too tight, water won’t flow effectively through it, resulting in bitter coffee.
When done, gently screw the collector to the chamber.
Step 4: The perfect brewing
Place your stovetop espresso maker on a compatible heat source (electric, gas, or induction stove). Set the heat to medium level and wait a few minutes. You may close the lid or leave it open – either works fine.
After some time, you should hear a bubbling and hissing sound. You will also notice that the surface of your brewed coffee is yellow to brown. That’s your cue to take your Moka pot off the fire – your espresso is ready!
Stovetop espresso makers FAQ
In this post, I tried to cover many frequently asked questions about stovetop espresso makers.
I hope you have all the information you need to get your next Moka pot today.
Moka pots, also known as stovetop espresso makers or Macchinetta, were invented in Italy in the 1930s. A Moka pot is a coffee maker that works with water at a pressure of about one bar to create vapor that presses hot water through ground coffee beans.
The pressure created by this process is less than that of an espresso machine but more than that of other types of stovetop coffee makers.
The body of Moka pots is made of one of two materials, either aluminum or stainless steel.
- Aluminum Moka pots are the most popular option because aluminum is cheaper than stainless steel. Aluminum is also a great conductor of heat, and it distributes and retains heat well.
- Stainless steel Moka pots are more expensive than Aluminum pots, as they are corrosion-resistant and more durable than stainless steel. In addition, maintaining stainless steel pots is easy, and most often, all you need is water to rinse them.
- Chamber – The base of the Moka pot, where you place your water. It is important to note that the chamber has a Max line that indicates the limit of the chamber. Do not fill the chamber over this line to avoid covering the pressure release valve. If the valve is covered with water, it can cause a valve malfunction that may lead to an explosion when pressure rises during brewing.
- Funnel – The second part is the funnel, located in the middle of the Moka pot. The funnel is where you would place your ground coffee. During the brewing process, the funnel draws the boiling water from the chamber to the top part of the pot. The funnel comes with a filter plate and a gasket. The filter plate serves as a cover that holds the ground coffee in place. The gasket prevents water from leaking sideways when pressure is high.
- Coffee Collector – The last part of the Moka pot is the coffee collector, where the espresso is collected.
Most Moka pot enthusiasts believe the quality of a pot depends on the country of origin. If you ask my father, a true “Macchinetta” is made in Italy. This is partially true, but many Moka pots are also made in China and sometimes the United States.
I do recommend Italian-made stovetop espresso makers, though. They have dominated this culinary space for ages, and almost all Moka pots from Italy are of high quality.
Bear in mind that Moka pots make small espresso cups. If you want to make 2 cups, I suggest using a 3-cup Moka pot to avoid spilling over the top. If you make 3 cups, use a 6-cup or 8-cup capacity Moka pot.
Though the coffee of a stovetop espresso machine may be bold and bitter, a Moka pot is a coffee maker that works with water at a pressure of about 1 bar to create vapor that presses hot water through ground coffee beans. Genuine espresso is created with a 19 bar pressure level.
After a few minutes on medium-level heat, you should hear a bubbling and hissing sound. You will also notice that the surface of your brewed coffee is yellow to brown. That’s your cue to take your Moka pot off the fire – your espresso is ready!
Some people claim that stovetop espresso-makers brew bitter coffee. This bitter-burned taste might be related to how they use their Moka pots. So after choosing the best stove-top espresso maker for your needs, it’s time to learn how to use it well.
To ensure that you get the most out of your Moka Pot, I’ll share with you some tips to help you brew the perfect coffee using a Moka pot.
Step 1: Grinding your coffee to the right level
The first step involves grinding your coffee beans. Ground coffee for a stovetop espresso maker should not be as super-fine as your ground coffee for an espresso machine.
Make sure that the beans are a bit more coarse than table salt. Something between the ground coffee you use for pour-over and an espresso machine. If your coffee is ground to a super-fine level, you will end up drinking bitter coffee. Super-fine ground coffee restricts water from flowing freely through the ground beans.
So, I strongly recommend setting your grinder to “drip coffee” level.
Depending on the cups you want to make, the mass of the coffee beans you grind might vary. For a 6-cup Moka pot, grind 22 grams of coffee. For a 4 cup Moka pot, grind about 2.5 tablespoons or 17 grams of coffee.
Step 2: Fill the chamber with warm water
Heat your water in an electric kettle, and then pour the warm water into the chamber of the Moka pot. Again, make sure that the water doesn’t exceed the fill line!
Step 3: The art of filling the filter with ground coffee
Place the funnel in the water-filled chamber and fill it with your ground coffee. Do not tamper the coffee as you would for an espresso machine! Loosely fill the filter with your ground coffee. Then gently move your hand over the filter to level out the ground coffee. I cannot stress this enough: if the coffee grounds are too tight, water won’t flow effectively through it, resulting in bitter coffee.
When done, gently screw the collector to the chamber.
Step 4: The perfect brewing
Place your stovetop espresso maker on a compatible heat source (electric, gas, or induction stove). Set the heat to medium level and wait a few minutes. You may close the lid or leave it open – either works fine.
After some time, you should hear a bubbling and hissing sound. You will also notice that the surface of your brewed coffee is yellow to brown. That’s your cue to take your Moka pot off the fire – your espresso is ready!
Ground coffee for a stovetop espresso maker should not be as super-fine as your ground coffee for an espresso machine.
Make sure that the beans are a bit more coarse than table salt. Something between the ground coffee you use for pour-over and an espresso machine. If your coffee is ground to a super-fine level, you will end up drinking bitter coffee. Super-fine ground coffee restricts water from flowing freely through the ground beans.
So, I strongly recommend setting your grinder to “drip coffee” level.