Best Moka Pot
If you love the rich, bold taste of espresso, then you’ve probably tried a few different ways to brew it. Maybe you have a favorite method, or you’re still looking for your coffee nirvana. Either way, you might want to try the traditional Italian method of brewing a delicious cup of coffee on the stovetop using a Moka pot.
A Moka pot is simple and uncomplicated to use, yet it produces a rich, aromatic espresso with a delicious crema. The pot only has three parts – the bottom, the filter and the top – that all fit together. After adding water and coffee, you just place the pot on the stovetop, and in about four minutes, the coffee is brewed.
While all Moka pots work the same way, they are not all the same, from the material and cup size to what the handle is made of. Read on to find some of the best choices you can purchase online and find the one that best suits your needs.
1. Top Pick: Bialetti Moka Mukka Express
Bialetti first began making Moka pots in Italy in the 1930s and since then, the company has been perfecting a product that has always produced a pretty perfect cup of coffee. All of their Moka pots brew espresso-type coffee, to which you later add cream or steamed milk to taste. We chose this Bialetti Mukka Express as our top pick because while it will brew an aromatic cup of coffee, it’s a bit different from the rest.
With this pot, you get the coffee and milk all at the same time. Just fill the top portion with milk and the bottom with water, add coffee to the filter and when it boils, the espresso enters the top chamber and mixes with the steamed milk. Within minutes you have two cups of cappuccino brewed and ready to serve. Brilliant, right?
We also love the unique and whimsical design. This little cutie has a shiny black base with a white top chamber dotted with black spots and accented with a black handle and lid knob so it looks like a little cow sitting on your stovetop or counter. Now that’s a real conversation starter!
Of course, you can always leave out the milk and make regular espresso. The Moka pot is made from aluminum and has an ergonomic handle, and of course, the exclusive patented Bialetti safety valve.
Pros:
- Made from aluminum
- Can heat milk at the same time as brew coffee
- Suitable for all stovetops except for induction
Cons:
- Not suitable for induction
- Makes a small quantity
2. Runner-Up: Rumia Stovetop Espresso Maker, Crystal Glass & Stainless Steel Moka Pot
We love this Moka pot because it combines the heat efficiency and shiny luster of stainless steel with the convenience of glass to produce a functional and artfully designed coffee maker.
The top part of this Rumia Moka pot is made of crystal glass and allows you to check the progress of your coffee, including the strength of the espresso. The stainless steel bottom means it’s easier to maintain, since stainless steel is rust resistant and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. As well, unlike an aluminum-bottomed Moka pot, this model is induction cooktop compatible, and can be used on other devices as well such as a ceramic stovetop, gas stove, and an electric cooker.
This Moka pot also comes with a heat-resistant handle made of plastic, and the safety valve adjusts to the internal pressure for your safety. Lightweight and easy to carry with one hand, you can make four, two-ounce demi-tasse cups of coffee.
Pros:
- Made of lightweight stainless steel and glass
- Glass top lets you monitor progress of coffee
- Induction stovetop compatible
Cons:
- Makes a small quantity
- Pricey
3. Best Large Capacity: Godmorn Italian Moka Pot
For decades, Moka pots have been constructed from aluminum, but more recently, stainless steel has become popular. Although aluminum is still a good material and affordable, it tends to lose heat fairly quick, whereas stainless steel retains its heat for a longer period of time.
This Moka pot from Godmorn is made from food-grade stainless steel, which makes it corrosion and rust resistant and super easy to clean. But of course, a Moka pot is also about producing a delicious cup of coffee, and this one doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it is larger than your typical Moka pot and can brew 450ml of delicious coffee, enough to share with six friends.
Suitable for an open flame and induction cookers, you can also use it on electric, ceramic, and gas stove tops. If you are using it on an induction burner, the minimum coil diameter must be larger than 8.5cm., and if on an open flame like a gas stove, the bottom might turn black but it will not affect the functionality of the pot.
A heat-insulated, ergonomic handle and an easy pour spout round out the features, and with its polished mirror surface, it will add a touch of elegance to your table.
Pros:
- Made of food grade stainless steel
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- Ergonomic, heat-resistant handle
Cons:
- Coffee filter is a tight fit and could be difficult to remove
4. Best Budget-Priced: IMUSA USA B120-42V Aluminum Espresso Stovetop Coffeemaker
Perhaps you’ve heard of a Moka pot or enjoyed a cup of coffee at a friend’s house that was brewed in this kind of pot, and now you are thinking of purchasing one for yourself. But you’re on a tight budget and are not sure if you can afford it. We included this Moka pot on our list because it is under $10.
This Moka pot is made from durable aluminum and is perfect for brewing two demi-tasse cups or a nice mug for one person. Don’t let its small size fool you. Being compact means it’s highly portable, so you can make great coffee anywhere you go. It is equipped with a cool-touch handle and knob for safe handling and a flip up top with side pouring for easy serving.
The espresso maker brews using mild pressure that forces the hot water up from the base through the ground coffee and into the top carafe, producing the same delicious coffee that you would get from a more expensive model.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact size
- Cool-touch handle
Cons:
- Small capacity
5. Best Gift Set: Rainbean Stovetop Espresso Maker Stainless Steel Espresso Moka Pot
If you’re looking for the perfect coffee-lover’s gift, or would like to give yourself something special, then consider this 12-ounce Moka pot that comes beautifully packaged with two espresso cups and a stainless steel spoon.
The pot is constructed from food-grade safe 304-stainless steel and will not rust or corrode. It will retain its beautiful polished shine while offering up the kind of heat retention for which stainless steel is famous. The sanded handle and temperature resistant knob protects your hands from burns, so that you will get a smooth, easy pour every time.
Unlike some Moka pots, this one has high-quality sealing so you won’t have problems with water leaking during or after the brewing process. The coffee maker is easy to clean, too. You can simply rinse it under water and air dry all the parts, or pop it into the dishwasher.
With the two cups and a spoon included with the Moka pot, whether for you or a friend, the coffee magic can start to happen right out of the box.
Pros:
- 12-ounce capacity
- Made from 304-stainless steel
- Comes with two cups and a spoon.
Cons:
- The cups may not be to everyone’s taste
6. Best Electric Model: FUOCCI Espresso Machine With Milk Frother, 2 in 1 Moka Pot
Most Moka pots are compatible with most stovetops, from induction and gas to electric and ceramic, but in all of these cases, the pot needs direct contact with an outside heat source. This 2-in-1 Moka pot from Fuocci is different.
It is compact, totally portable and consists of a two-burner hotplate that you plug into an electrical socket. One side is for the Moka pot that has a transparent upper chamber so you can monitor the progress of the coffee. The other burner is for the milk container that heats and froths milk.
Instead of needing a separate, direct flame, you just click one button to start the brewing process (after putting coffee and water in the Moka pot like you would any Moka pot), put milk in the other container and turn it on. It takes between three and five minutes for the coffee to brew and between two and three minutes for the milk to heat up and froth, and then you are ready to pour.
This duo cleans easily, too – just rinse and wipe dry.
Pros:
- Electric plug-in Moka pot
- Comes with a milk heater/frother
- Compact
Cons:
- Pricey
7. Best Versatile: Data Deer Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot
Most Moka pots are made from either aluminum or stainless steel and because of that are usually silver in color. And while a good Moka pot is all about the coffee, there’s no reason why it can’t also match your kitchen décor or stand out a bit from the crowd.
This Moka pot from Data Deer is made from aluminum die casting for durable, long-lasting use. It also has an ergonomic, high-heat resistant handle, a safety valve, filter, funnel and secure silicone gasket, all important factors for making a perfect cup of coffee. So while you will have all your java needs met, you can also indulge a bit in terms of aesthetics since this Moka pot is available in four colors – silver, black, multi-color (green and red), and red.
The other nice thing about this brand is that it is available in multiple sizes – from a small Moka pot that makes one cup to three, six, nine and 12-cup sizes – plus it is safe to use on most cooktops except for induction.
Pros:
- Available in four colors
- Available in five sizes
- Made from high quality aluminum
Cons:
- Not suitable for induction stovetops
8. Top Pick Best Unique Design: Fdit Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Pot
Most Moka pots look the same. Okay, it’s true that some are available in funky or cool colors, but for the most part, there is a particular ‘look’ that makes a Moka pot, well, a Moka pot! That being said, we included this stainless steel model on our list because of its unique, eye-catching design.
This pot is made of high quality stainless steel with a stainless steel stamping fine mesh filter for more thorough filtration, resulting in a more aromatic coffee. And while the overall color is a matte silver finish, the lid knob and ergonomic handle are a cool brass color, giving the pot a very stylish and contemporary look. Also because the handle is not made of plastic, it will not melt if too close to the heat source.
The capacity of the pot is four, 50ml-sized cups and it is suitable for all cooktops, including induction, plus the lid stays closed when you pour.
Pros:
- Made from 304-stainless steel
- Three layered filter for fine filtration
- Handle does not get hot
Cons:
- Lid can get very hot
What to look for when choosing a Moka pot:
Material: Moka pots are either made of aluminum or stainless steel. Both of these materials are good and make the same quality and aromatic coffee, but there are pros and cons for each.
Aluminum: The original Moka pot that was invented in Italy in the 1930s was made from thick aluminum. Many of the Moka pots that you will find today are still made from aluminum. It is still a solid material, although it’s important to make sure that the one you purchase is made from a quality, food-grade material. As well, aluminum is a great heat distributor so your coffee will heat up quickly, and since it’s really tough, it’s less likely to dent if dropped. Finally, while an aluminum Moka pot is suitable for all cooking surfaces from electric and gas to ceramic and even an open campfire flame, it is not recommended for an induction cooktop.
Stainless steel: A lot of people prefer a stainless steel Moka pot mainly because it is lighter and easier to clean. While it’s not a great idea to put an aluminum Moka pot into the dishwasher, you won’t have a problem with stainless steel. The downside to stainless steel is that it is not as durable and when dropped may dent. On the bright side, though, stainless steel is safe to use on most cooktops including induction.
Stainless steel and glass: There are some Moka pots that combine a stainless steel lower pot with a glass chamber on top. The advantage to this is that you can monitor the progress of the coffee as it brews, while still having the heat retentive benefits of stainless steel.
Size: The first thing to note is that when it comes to “cups”, as in how many cups of coffee a Moka cup will make, it is referring to an espresso cup, which measures two fluid ounces. For comparison, most people who have a mug of coffee are consuming between six and 12 ounces, depending on the size of the mug.
Moka pots are available in different sizes, from two cups all the way up to 12, but remember, these are small cups. A two-cup Moka pot will produce four ounces of liquid; a three-cup pot six ounces, and so on. Always consider how much coffee you will be making at one time before choosing a specific size Moka pot.
Extra features: Most Moka pots are pretty basic and work the same way. However, it is possible to find models that offer up some extra features. For example, there are electric models that you can plug into a wall socket. These are pretty convenient if you are travelling and don’t have access to a stovetop, like if you are staying in a hotel room. There are also models that have milk frothers so you can make a latte or cappuccino.
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