If you love espresso, but not so much the effort required to make it at home (not to mention the expense of an espresso machine!) — you need to meet the Moka Pot!
You’ve likely seen one of these sleek beauties before. Their presence on a stovetop transports one instantly to an Italian holiday. La dolce vita.
They’re easy to use, easy to maintain, attractive, and they produce delicious espresso-like coffee.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at the best Moka coffee pots for any budget. You’ll be sipping in style after checking out our reviews and frequently asked questions.
Looking for a fresh new twist on the classic Moka pot?
Then the Bialetti stovetop espresso maker might be the best choice for you!
It’s a stylish, fun vessel that hooks you up with rich, authentic espresso in minutes. No bulky, complicated machine required. All you need is your favorite coffee ground just a bit coarser than traditional espresso, water (filtered preferably), and heat!
You can drink your stovetop espresso as is or add more hot water for an Americano.
Simplicity, functionality, and beauty. That’s what you get when you buy the affordable Bialetti Moka Pot!
Note: Do not put this product through the dishwasher. And avoid using abrasive soaps and sponges on it.
Premium picks tend to run a bit higher in price, but there’s no denying the luxury of this bonVIVO Intenca stovetop espresso maker. It’s still very affordable and will fit any budget.
Moka pots make brewing good coffee an absolute breeze. Even though they are thought of as Italian espresso makers, a Moka pot is a wonderful way to make Cuban coffee as well.
With a heat-resistant handle and an easy-pour spout, this Moka pot is head of the class. Plus the stylish chrome finish will look so lovely in your kitchen!
The Imusa stovetop espresso Moka pot has a truly classic look. And a price tag we are big fans of! That’s what we call a best value buy, traditional appeal meets budget-friendly.
The durable aluminum will keep your coffee warm so you can sip at your leisure. The cool-touch handle and knob mean no more burnt fingers.
It’s small and portable, so you can take it on your travels. Available in one, three, six, and nine-cup capacity sizes.
No matter what kind of stovetop you have, the Vremi espresso maker will work with it. Yes, even induction!
You can take it anywhere with a heat source — camping, boat, etc. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to store as well.
The best part, though?
Coffee is ready in under five minutes (depending on your heating element that is). Simple and fast is always nice for those rushed early mornings.
The 8-sided octagon shape diffuses heat, enhancing the luscious coffee aroma. The easy-grip rubberized handle is ergonomic for your comfort.
Note: Not dishwasher-safe, handwash only.
Elegant and polished, the XIBLISS espresso maker doesn’t boast the same octagon shape of other Moka pots. But rest assured, it still brews a rich, indulgent cup!
Works on electric or gas stovetops. The sanded and curved handle provides you with a comfortable grip for pouring.
Makes a great gift for the coffee lover in your life!
The Godmorn stovetop espresso maker has a similar sleek look and handle as the XIBLISS Moka pot above. Transport yourself to an Italian cafe when you bring this to the breakfast table.
We especially enjoy that this model brews 9-cups worth of stovetop espresso! Meaning a larger portion or enough for guests or both.
Make four cups of Italian or Cuban style coffee in the Primula stovetop espresso maker.
The silicone handle stays cool, so you won’t burn your hand when you grab your brew off the burner.
Small and portable, you can take it on the go. Great for boats, studios, offices, etc. Anywhere you’ve got a heating element basically!
This aluminum stovetop espresso maker from Yabano is built to last. Enjoy Moka pot coffee for years to come if you maintain this beauty right. That means handwashing and don’t use soap on it!
The handle is flame-retardant and will stay cool on your stovetop.
Our favorite thing though? The aesthetic. Classic octagon shape, but Yabano makes this Moka pot in black instead of the usual shiny silver. Great for a modern kitchen.
The fresh taste of espresso without the price of driving, waiting in line or buying an expensive machine. With the AMFOCUS stovetop Moka pot, you can brew four cups of coffee in minutes.
Fits most cooktops, includes measuring scoops, and can even double as a butter infuser!
The solid cast, food-grade aluminum body of the Sasso Moka pot will have you sipping quality coffee for years and years.
This stovetop espresso maker is uniquely attractive with its timber-look ergonomic handle and soft-touch coating. It’s undeniably stylish!
The Coffee Gator stovetop espresso maker means business. You’re five minutes from caffeinated bliss with this Moka pot in your home.
Plus, Coffee Gator throws in three stainless steel espresso mugs! Pretty cool.
The modern stylish design of the Primula espresso coffee maker provides six cups in one brewing cycle.
Enjoy the rich, full-bodied coffee a quality Moka pot delivers consistently with just five minutes on your stovetop!
If you’re looking for a stovetop espresso maker to take traveling with you, the Zulay Classic is a great option.
It’s easy to carry and easy to clean. The best part is Zulay backs up their awesome product with a lifetime guarantee.
The LuxHaus stovetop espresso maker isn’t just any old Moka pot. It’s equipped with a pop-out dispenser for easy cleaning.
That plus the no-spill spout, heat-resistant handle, and safety valve make it a smart choice for your home kitchen use.
More questions? Good! We like a curious soul. Let’s answer all your most burning questions on everything stovetop espresso.
Maybe we should’ve started the article off with this one!
A Moka pot is a small (often silver and octagonal), percolator. The coffee it produces is strong like an Italian roast, comparable to a shot of espresso. Hence why it is referred to as a stovetop espresso maker.
It is very simple to use, but we’ll cover the steps more in-depth below.
For one, a Moka pot doesn’t require the use of a filter. Meaning you get all the delicious flavor of your coffee instead of a paper filter absorbing the aromatic oils.
They’re aesthetically pleasing and built to last. If you have a Moka pot, you have a coffee maker for life.
And as we mentioned above, it produces a more espresso-like brew than other coffeemakers (except of course an actual espresso machine!).
Here’s what to look at when shopping for your Moka pot:
Now you’re prepared to purchase what your heart truly desires!
Let’s walk through the coffee brewing process for your Moka pot:
These directions assume you are using a standard not an electric Moka pot.
Note: You can add some hot water to your brew for an Americano-like beverage.
Check out these final thoughts on stovetop espresso.
No, not quite. A Moka pot produces a mighty strong brew, it’s true. But not nearly at a proper Espresso level.
For comparison: Moka pot uses 1-2 bars of pressure, while Espresso is more 8-10 (with a lot of modern machines going up to 15 or 18!).
The resulting coffee from a Moka pot is two to three times as concentrated as a regular brew. On the other hand, Espresso is a mighty five to eight times as concentrated!
Both produce gourmet coffee, so to say which is better is more a matter of taste.
We can tell you, though, that in a few ways French press might be the easier method to learn. This is because you have more control over the proper Espresso. You can control the measurement of grounds and the steeping time in a French press. In a Moka pot, you’re a little more at the mercy of your stovetop (though getting the right grind is still crucial).
If you want something strong and closer to Espresso, go for Moka pot. If you want a strong brew and don’t mind some grounds in your coffee, opt for French press.
Studies of aluminum Moka pots indicate that consumption of coffee prepared in this method fits safely within Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI). Something to be aware of, aluminum content spiked after Moka pots were washed in a dishwasher.
To be safe, always hand wash your Moka pot. Especially if it is aluminum instead of stainless steel.
Renato Bialetti, the Mr. Coffee of Italy, Dies at 93
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/21/business/renato-bialetti-italian-marketer-dies-at-93.html
How Does a Percolator Coffee Pot Work?
https://www.hunker.com/13408050/how-does-a-percolator-coffee-pot-work
Migration of aluminum from food contact materials to food—a health risk for consumers? Part II of III: migration of aluminum from drinking bottles and Moka pots made of aluminum to beverages
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5388725/
How do Moka pots work?
https://www.howitworksdaily.com/how-do-moka-pots-work/#:~:text=The%20moka%20pot%2C%20also%20known,heats%20up%20and%20generates%20steam.