Moka pots are a great way to make cafe-quality espresso at home. They are inexpensive, easy to use and they make a great cup of coffee. Moka pots can be made from aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or even glass. No matter what material the pot is constructed with, it will make cafe-quality espresso that is perfect for your morning cup of coffee.
I was a bit nervous the first time I use my Moka pot. After adding coffee grounds and water, you screw it together and just sit in on the stove. There’s nothing else to do but hope you are brewing at the right temperature and have some patience. Turns out, I worried about nothing. There’s a reason people still use this quirky little device. They are easy to use and pretty forgiving when it comes to brewing. Just check out our brewing guide to learn how.
One of the great things about Moka pots and espresso makers, in general, is their ability to make a lot with just a little. They are not meant to pull long shots, so they require less coffee than typical home brewers. This makes them great for single or double servings in smaller spaces. With our list of the best espresso roast coffee beans you can make amazing coffee.
Here’s our list of the best Moka pot to use to make delicious stovetop espresso. Don’t forget to check out our Moka pot brewing guide to help you brew a perfect cup!
1. Bialetti Moka Express
Benefits
- Made in Italy and is of high quality
- Patented safety valve which makes it easy and safe to use
- Multiple size options so you can make just the right amount of coffee.
- The pot is easy to clean and maintain
The Bialetti Moka Express is a line of classic stovetop coffee makers that have been in production since 1933. It is made in Italy and its quality is ensured by the patented safety valve making it safe to use while it builds pressure. The cup sizes are measured in Espresso Cups, so a 3 cup pot will make three espresso shots worth of coffee (about 90 mL total).
The Bialetti Moka pot is a great way to make specialty espresso drinks at home without the need for a large and expensive espresso machine. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now and it’s still going strong. The plastic handle stays cool after it’s finished brewing coffee and it’s easy to clean (just use a brush and some hot water).
I own the 6 cup version so that I can make enough stovetop espresso for my spouse and me to share large cappuccinos and iced lattes without having to make a second pot. This is one of my favorite household brewing contraptions to pull out and impress my friends with at brunch.
2. GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker
Benefits
- Easy to use and will work on all gas and electric stovetops
- Large soft touch wooden handle with a burn guard
- Italian Safety Valve prevents high pressure buildup
- Ultra-fine stainless steel mesh which allows for a smooth taste
If you’re looking for a stylish stove top espresso maker, then the Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker is the perfect choice. It’s easy to use and will work on all gas and electric stove tops as well as propane camping stoves. This moka pot has features like an Italian Safety Valve which prevents high pressure build-up. And with its super stylish colors and styles it’ll look great on your kitchen counter!
The wooden handle of the moka pot is ergonomically designed so it won’t get too hot. The handle also has a burn guard to keep your fingers safe when you pick up the coffee maker. Inside it has an ultra-fine stainless steel mesh which allows for a smooth taste.
If you want great looking Moka espresso at home and like Style combined with an effective way to make Coffee then check out the Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker. It’s available in 3 cup ,6 cup and 9 cup sizes.
3. Cuisinox Roma Moka Pot
Benefits
- Able to make different amounts of espresso with just a single pot.
- Pot and handle are made from 18/10 stainless steel.
- Induction base heats both the water very quickly
- 25 year manufacture warranty
Unlike other Moka Pots, the Cuisinox Roma espresso maker is able to make different amounts of espresso like coffee with just a single pot. That means it’s great for when your home alone, or when you have a large group of friends over.
The Cuisinox throws away the traditional look for something more elegant and sleek. The entire pot and handle are made from 18/10 stainless steel, nice and heavy duty. The induction base heats both the water and boiler up very quickly. The last thing to note is that this espresso maker comes with a 25 year manufacture warranty, which is way more than other major brands.
The Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Moka pots brew coffee just like the traditional Italian method, but in customizable sizes. When it’s done you’ll have as many demitasse cups of steamy hot espresso sitting there waiting for you as you want. Perfectly balanced, sharp and fresh.
Another great feature about this Moka Pot (besides its looks), is how easy it is to clean after your done making any type of coffee or espresso drink . Just rinse it out right after use and scrub with warm water. You never want to wash your Moka Pot with soap, rather just a quick rinse and immediately dry.
- Able to make different amounts of espresso with just a single pot.
- Pot and handle are made from 18/10 stainless steel.
- Induction base heats both the water very quickly
- 25 year manufacture warranty
4. DELONGHI EMK6 Electric Moka Pot
Benefits
- 3 or 6 cups of coffee with the convenient filter adapter
- The Italian way to make authentic Coffee with electric heating
- Easily monitor the entire brewing process with the transparent container
- Automatic shut-off with a 2 level safety system
- Durable, high quality aluminum boiler
- Pressurized safety valve and cool touch handle
Delonghi EMK6 Electric Moka Pot is the perfect solution for your coffee needs. It’s easy to use and will make you a fresh cup of coffee in minutes. With this machine, you’ll never have to worry about burning or overflowing again!
Easily monitor the brewing process with its transparent top container that is both durable and easy to clean. Choose 3 or 6 cups of Coffee depending on what size pot you want, then serve it using its detachable base for cord free serving.
With an automatic shut-off feature that has two levels of safety (one when it finishes brewing, another when the body is lifted from the base), this machine ensures your safety while making your favorite bold and strong espresso! The Delonghi EMK 6 Pot’s cool touch handle means it is always safe to use.
With a pressurized safety valve for safe operation, this Moka pot ensures long-lasting use with a durable high quality aluminum Moka pot boiler. This beautiful Delonghi EMK makes great Coffee right in your kitchen for years to come!
5. Alessi Pulcina Stove top Espresso
Benefits
- The design stops the filtering process at just the right moment for full
- Available in a variety of colors
- It’s made from high quality materials and is built to last
Alessi has been around since 1921 and is known for its high quality products. Michele De Lucchi is an architect who graduated from Florence. He has worked on designs for Olivetti, Compaq Computers, Philips, Siemens, and Vitra. His professional activity today is divided between architecture (private and public), design, technology, and craftsmanship.
One of his recent projects was the Alessi Pulcina stove top espresso maker which was designed in partnership with two historic Italian companies: Alessi and Illy. The special design of its boiler and the ‘V’ shaped spout enhances the aroma and stops the filtering process at just the right moment. The “Pulcina” is a Moka coffee maker that was designed to obtain “the finest coffee”.
The shape makes it seem larger, but it still only makes 1, 3, or 6 espresso cups of coffee in total. If you don’t like the traditional look of Moka pots, but are a coffee lover in need of stovetop espresso, then this one is for you.
- The design stops the filtering process at just the right moment for full
- Available in a variety of colors
- It’s made from high quality materials and is built to last
6. GEESTA Premium Crystal Glass-Top Stovetop Espresso
Benefits
- Made in Italy and is of high quality
- Patented safety valve which makes it easy and safe to use
- Multiple size options so you can make just the right amount of coffee.
- The pot is easy to clean and maintain
Geesta Premium Crystal Glass-Top Stovetop Espresso Kit has all the features of a Moka pot, but also includes safety measures which are essential to prevent accidents. The heat resistant handle provides complete protection for your hands and the finger grip ensures you have a better hold of the pot.
The most unique part of this moka pot is the crystal glass top which allows you to see your coffee bubbling as it builds up. You’ll know when the pot is about to be full and ready to pull off the burner.
The lid on top can be left open while pouring the coffee so you’re not startled by the lid closing halfway through a pour. The special lock guarantees safety and prevents spills of hot moka coffee onto your wrist or palms.
The main parts are made from stainless steel and dishwasher safe thus quick and easy to clear. It comes with a Geesta Quality Guarantee which offers all customers a lifetime satisfaction guarantee if at any point they decide they are not completely satisfied with their purchase just drop them an email and they will refund 100% of the money, no questions asked.
- Glass top for crystal clear sight of your coffee bubbling up
- Heat resistant handle provides complete protection for your hands
- Parts are made from stainless steel and dishwasher safe, making it quick and easy to clear.
- Comes with a Geesta Quality Guarantee, 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee
7. Primula Stovetop Espresso
Benefits
- Carefully crafted with strong cast aluminum for long-lasting durability
- The flip-top lid features a temperature resistant knob and handle that allows for easy, safe pouring
- The safety-release valve controls water pressure and delivery for perfectly extracted espresso, every time
- Most affordable stovetop espresso maker
The Primula Stovetop Espresso Maker is the perfect way to make delicious, rich espresso coffee at home. This durable and innovative appliance is carefully crafted with strong cast aluminum for long-lasting durability, providing even heat distribution to enhanced flavor and aroma.
The flip-top lid features a temperature resistant handle allowing for easy, safe pouring, while the safety-release valve controls water pressure for safety.
Primula Stovetop Espresso Makers are compatible with all stovetops, making them the perfect camping accessory. Use it to make coffee house quality coffee from the convenience of your home, brewed exactly to your preferences. It makes demitasse espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, Cuban coffee, Italian espresso style coffee, moka, mochas, crema and more.
The Primula Stovetop Espresso Maker is also easy to clean. Simply rinse parts with warm water and allow to dry before reassembling. As the most affordable stovetop espresso maker, it may also be the best choice for you to try making your first espresso coffee at home.
What is a Moka Pot stovetop espresso maker?
A moka pot is an Italian aluminum stovetop coffee maker which produces one to 12 cups of espresso by passing steam through ground coffee. Its design may vary slightly but the principle of operation remains the same. The moka pot was patented in 1933 and is used by millions of coffee lovers in Europe, South/Central America and in the Middle East. It is simple to use and requires no electricity—just stovetop heat needed.
The term “moka pot” comes from the Italian word for “cooker” (moka) and “espresso coffee pot” (pot, e.g., the French word for coffee maker is cafetière).
The moka pot was designed by inventor Luigi di Ponti for Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. The patent was granted in 1936. Di Ponti aimed to create an inexpensive but tasty espresso machine which requires no electricity. The first commercialized model of the Moka Express was patented on May 28, 1938. It was called Moka Express because it yielded up to eight cups of coffee per brewing cycle with its 14 ml per serving – the same as a strong cup of drip brewed coffee using a traditional drip brew basket paper filter.
While they are similar, Moka pots are not the same as coffee percolators. Read our review on the best coffee percolators to discover the benefits of classic brewing at home or in the great outdoors.
How does a moka pot work?
A Moka pot works by passing pressurized steam through finely ground coffee. This produces coffee or espresso by pulling a “shot” or about 1 to 2 ounces of concentrated coffee through at about 1.5 to 2 bars of pressure. The strength of the final beverage depends on how finely ground the coffee is and how much water passes over it.
A stainless steel Moka pot can be used on gas and electric stoves. Meaning coffee drinkers don’t have to buy one for camping and one for home use.
Parts of a Moka Pot
Most Moka pots are made up of three parts:
Bottom – Contains the water chamber that acts as the boiler. Most modern pots also have a pressure release valve here.
Middle – Contains the finely ground filter basket and a funnel, where the coffee grounds are placed.
Top – A funnel/spout/filter assemly which allows the coffee to bubble up and out into the main container.
How much caffeine content in moka pot coffee?
Coffee produced in a moka pot has significantly less caffeine than espresso because it has been brewed under lower pressure, but more caffeine than when drip coffee maker brews coffee.
The caffeine content in moka pot varies depending on the type of beans used, how finely ground are the beans and the size of brew made.
For example, if you make 6 ounces of espresso using a typical espresso machine, it contains about 150 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per ounce, whereas 6 ounces brewed in a moka pot has approximately 100 mg to 120 mg per six ounces. So six ounces makes about two cups for most people, but could be enough for three smaller servings.
