Is the Moka Pot Best for you?
Hello from Hornsby!
I know that moka pots have a bit of a bad reputation in the specialty coffee world because the coffee they brew can sometimes be very bitter. However, there are new and better ways of brewing with this style of coffee that are being discovered all the time.
That's why we are excited to share with you this Ultimate Guide To Moka Pot Coffee. It's full of valuable information from a specialty coffee perspective, and I'm confident it will empower you to brew the best coffee possible. So let's get started and make some delicious coffee together!
What Is A Moka Pot?
Did you know that the Moka Pot became really popular in Italy because it allowed people to make commercial espresso-like coffee at home. It quickly spread to Europe, North America, North Africa, and the Near East in the late 50's. Nowadays, there are many different styles and companies producing Moka Pots, but Bialetti remains the original and most popular. The pot is made up of a stainless steel or aluminum body, a water chamber, a coffee basket with tiny holes, a filter screen, and an upper chamber for the brewed coffee. Isn't it amazing how such a simple device can make such delicious coffee?
Brewing with Pressure
The moka pot uses pressure to brew coffee. Water is heated in a sealed environment, creating pressure that shoots up water vapor to the grounds, initiating brewing. The pressure forces the coffee up through the funnel and into the upper chamber. This brewing technique produces strong coffee, about twice as strong as normal coffee made at a 1:7 coffee to water ratio. The coffee can be enjoyed as espresso, with steamed milk, or diluted with hot water for a less intense drink. However, this pressure element has caused a major misunderstanding.
Moka pots do not make true espresso
Moka pots are often referred to as "stovetop espresso makers," but they do not make true espresso. Genuine espresso is produced by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans at 8-11 bars of pressure, a feat only achievable by a true espresso machine. Moka pots only generate 1-2 bars of pressure, more than what humans can create manually, but still insufficient for authentic espresso. Although the coffee made in a moka pot is concentrated, it does not pass the crema test and is not true espresso. Nevertheless, the flavor is similar and can be used to make espresso-like drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos by adding steamed milk or mixing with hot water. If you enjoy the taste, authenticity may not be a concern for you.
Pros and Cons Of The Moka Pot
Moka Pots are simple to use and brew a rich, intense coffee. They are made of durable aluminum or stainless steel and can be easily cleaned. With a safety release valve, they can be used on most stoves. They are also affordable.
However, they can be finicky and require some practice to use properly. The coffee can become bitter if not brewed carefully.
Let's see if it’s for you
Want an affordable way to make espresso-like coffee? Save several hundred dollars by getting yourself a moka pot.
Prefer rich, intense coffee with variety? A moka pot is a great option.
Not looking for a brewer with a steep learning curve? Although not difficult, the moka pot takes some time to learn. It is the easiest way to make espresso-like coffee, but requires some learning.
If you think the moka pot is right for you, let's move onto some pre-brewing considerations.
What to think about before starting
Find some coffee beans that suit your taste preferences. If you’re not sure what to look for, feel free to come in store and speak to us how we can help you choose. To save you the travel, you can also order from our website here. We recommend using the check up blend if you don’t know where to start =)
Choose the appropriately-sized moka pot to get the right amount of coffee. Using a consistent fine to medium-fine grind size is crucial for properly brewed coffee. Don’t worry if you don’t have a grinder because you can also ask us to grind it for you in store or choose one of the grind options before you place your order online.
Use delicious water that does not have a high calcium content since coffee is 99.9% water. Pre-heating water reduces the moka pot's time on the stove and the potential for bitter coffee.
While a gram scale is useful for precise measurements, the streamlined measuring process for Moka Pots does not require one. Fill the coffee basket with grounds and the water chamber to the bottom of the release valve for consistent brewing.
Now that you have considered these things, it's time to start brewing!
A Step-By-Step Moka Pot Coffee Guide
Gather your supplies before starting:
Hot water
Coffee grinder or get it ground by us
For this guide, we’ll use a 2-cup Moka pot.
Grind enough coffee to fill the basket, without tamping it down, and level it with a knife.
Fill the water chamber with boiling water up to the bottom of the release valve. Don't cover the valve, or it won’t work in case of a pressure emergency.
Assemble the Moka pot, ensuring no grounds are on the ridges where the pieces screw together. This will prevent a full seal and damage flavor.
Set it on your stove on medium-low heat. If possible, place it on the edge of the burner to avoid the handle getting too hot.
Start a timer and wait for 5-10 minutes. If nothing happens, turn up the heat slightly.
When coffee starts filling the upper chamber, it means the pressure is working and that the coffee is brewing. If it splatters and gushes out rapidly, the heat is too high.
When the coffee is about 80% up to the spout or looks like golden honey, take it off the burner and put it directly onto the cold towel to cool it rapidly.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to adjust if needed to suit your taste
To fix bitter coffee:
Use a slightly coarser grind
Stop brewing a few seconds earlier
Use lower heat
To fix weak coffee:
Tap filter basket to distribute grounds evenly
Use finer grind
If water or steam leaks from the side:
Remove from heat immediately
Make sure the pot is clean and tightly sealed
Try a slightly coarser grind next time
If steam leaks from the release valve:
Make sure you didn't overfill or tamp the grounds
Use lower heat
Cleaning
To clean your Moka Pot, wait for it to cool down, disassemble it and remove any excess water or grounds. Rinse it thoroughly with hot water, using your finger to remove any stuck grounds. Hand dry everything and let it air dry completely before reassembling. Avoid using soap or other chemicals, as this may strip the metal body of its shiny surface permanently.
Final Thoughts
The Moka Pot is a powerful coffee brewer that can make rich, balanced espresso-like coffee. It has a learning curve, but it's worth exploring. To get the best results, use specialty-grade coffee beans. Happy brewing and don’t forget to come see us in store if you need help with our range of coffee beans!