Reason #637 of why I love a good cup of coffee is the Moka pot. With so many ways to brew coffee, it’s easy to forget how simple the process is. Getting more hands-on adds to the pleasure of using a stovetop coffee maker.
While the original Bialetti is still going strong, many more models are available nowadays. That’s why I set out to find out which are the best Moka pots on the market. Their affordable price means you don’t have to commit to just one and can experiment with different sizes and materials. There’s room in everyone’s kitchen for one of these; the question is, which one will you get the most enjoyment out of?
Our Top Picks
- Traditional Italian design
- Full Aluminum construction
- Available in 1-12 cup size options
- Extraordinary shape for better extraction
- Designed by a famous Italian architect
- Discrete handle
- Bi-layer design with aluminum internal casing
- 2 color options
- Handle is set far away
- Glass upper chamber
- Contemporary design with homestyle feel
- Premium aluminum is rust-proof
- Traditional aluminum construction
- Handle coated with heat-resistant rubber
- Multiple color options
- Includes its own heat source
- Auto-shutoff to prevent burnt coffee
- Keeps coffee hot for 30 mins.
In-Depth Reviews of The Best Moka Pots
Here we break down all the awesome features that each stovetop coffee maker offers.
Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup
The Bialetti Moka Express is the original if you want the true Moka pot experience. The most famous name in Moka pots, it has been made the same way for over 80 years producing a unique cup of coffee that can only be found with this pot. It’s the benchmark that all other pots are compared to.
Entirely made of aluminum, and the original design hasn’t changed. This is because they have perfected the heat distribution, which helps to reduce the bitter flavor that so many inexperienced users create.
It’s lightweight and can be brought along on any boat or camping trip; all you need is a heat source. This can be used on any style of stove, but use caution with induction systems; it can make the aluminum too hot and cause a bitter flavor.
The handle is also noteworthy as it sits at the perfect angle to easily maneuver the pot. You can remove it from the heat and hold it under cold water after the fact without worrying about dropping it.
- Original Moka pot design
- Exceptionally well-made in Italy
- Aluminum pot design for evenly distributed heat
- Comfortable handle
- Compact for easy travel
- Not great on induction stovetop
Alessi Pulcina
From the oldest to the newest, the Alessi Pulcina is designed by the world-renowned Italian architect Michele de Lucchi. While the outside may look incredible, it’s not all for show. This shape helps extract a more natural flavor from the coffee, and they spent countless hours researching and trying different shapes.
The entire pot is cast in aluminum to conduct heat evenly and control the temperature and steam pressure. This pot is very quick to heat up, and if it’s getting too hot, it will also cool down faster—no more bitter coffee with this modern design for modern kitchens.
The word ‘pulcina’ is Italian for chick, and if you look closely at the profile, you can see the resemblance. The handle completes the look and is tucked in nice and close, so there’s no fear of it melting from a nearby heat source.
When grasping the handle, watch your knuckles, as some people may find it a bit hot at times.
- One-of-a-kind elegant design
- Scientifically researched shape to optimize flavor and bars of pressure
- Aluminum cast structure
- Handle is discrete and out of the way
- Cannot be used on any induction stove
- Higher price tag
Bialetti Moka Induction
This stainless steel model has got you covered to make things easier on the person making the coffee and cleaning the pot. This harmonious design combines stainless steel and aluminum to give you bold coffee in a much safer setting.
The stainless steel takes a bit longer to heat up, but that’s what makes it safe; you won’t have any big temperature swings and can slowly perfect Moka-pot coffee.
The inside is lined with aluminum to evenly distribute the heat, preventing bitterness. An aluminum body is an original design Bialetti came up with, so naturally, they wouldn’t stray too far from that.
Stainless steel is also rust-proof, so it will last longer and is perfect for induction hobs. The handle also contributes to its success as its slight curve and distance from the body will help you safely handle this pot.
- Stainless steel outer is much safer and more efficient on induction stovetops
- Inside is lined with aluminum to distribute heat evenly
- A modern alternative that will last longer than traditional pots
- Comes in two different color schemes
- Aluminium makes it not dishwasher-safe
Geesta Premium Crystal Glass
This Moka pot also makes the list of best Moka pots for its creativity and comforting design. The first thing you notice is the upper glass chamber that lets you see exactly what’s happening even when the top is closed.
They say you eat and drink with your eyes, so this pot can make you crave that delicious coffee brew even more. The handle is made from heat-resistant glass to maintain the aesthetic and keep you safe.
A nice feature of this one is that it’s a little bigger than the others. This one efficiently brews nine cups so you can show off your skills to the rest of your family or visiting guests. The bottom stays true to traditional design and is made from aluminum.
- Clever glass-top coffee maker
- Heat-resistant glass handle
- Suits any homestyle kitchen decor
- Utilizes aluminum for better heat distribution
- Hard to make just one cup
Bialetti Venus
We turned back to the king of Moka pots, Bialetti, for the most formidable Moka pot. This one is made entirely of stainless steel, making it the most durable and best for traveling. The stainless steel also makes it easy to clean, as everything can go in the dishwasher.
The design is upgraded from the traditional Moka pots making it more elegant with smooth curves and a shiny exterior. They have also fitted this with a drip-less spout to keep your kitchen clean.
You can use this pot on any heat source you can find. Even though stainless steel takes longer to heat up, it also allows you the time to ensure you get the perfect temperature. This versatility makes it great to bring on trips with you if you’re unsure what kind of stove your AirBnB has.
The black nylon handle stays cool throughout the entire brewing process and is textured for optimal grip. This is also on the larger side, brewing six cups of coffee at once.
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Works on all stoves, including induction
- Dishwasher safe
- Smooth and sleek design feature
- Black nylon handle
- Doesn’t heat up fast
GROSCHE Milano
This is the perfect combination of old-school construction with an updated look. It also improved the safety features, so we had to include it on the list of best Moka pots.
The handle is really the star of the show here. It’s great if this is your first Moka pot, as you won’t have to worry about burning your hand. The grip is set far away from the body and even has a small knuckle guard at the top. This reminds you to keep your knuckles to yourself.
The handle is coated in a combination of heat-resistant rubber and plastic, so it never gets hot to the touch. It does stick out a lot, though, so be mindful of any other heat sources nearby.
Let’s not forget about the final product that this pot brews. Due to its classic aluminum design, it churns out espresso-like coffee much quicker than any stainless steel version. This is also an excellent option for anyone who wants to get their first Moka pot.
- Aluminum body stays true to original Moka pot design
- A design that is pleasing to the eye
- Re-invented handle to ensure safety and comfort
- Great for first-time Moka pot users
- Hard to store with such a prominent handle
Delonghi EMK6
If any of the other coffee makers seemed like too much work, I found you the ultimate in automation while still getting that unique flavor that only a Moka pot can provide. This one doesn’t need a heat source since it comes with its own.
Including a heat plate ensures that the temperature will always be correct. An automatic shutoff feature engages once the water reaches a certain temperature to prevent burning. This is the most common mistake among Moka pot users so having this feature is a huge bonus.
Complementing this automation is a transparent upper chamber so you can see your Moka pot hard at work. It’s also helpful to see how much you have left while the heating plate keeps it warm. The bottom is made from traditional aluminum, though, so there are no cut corners in the brewing process.
This is a great modern alternative to enjoying Moka pot coffee with as little effort as possible.
- Includes its own induction base for a heat source
- Auto-shutoff feature
- Warming setting keeps coffee hot for 30 minutes
- Transparent upper chamber
- Takes all the fun out of brewing Moka pot percolator coffee
- Pricier
Buyer’s Guide
Even though there’s not much to a Moka pot, it’s still essential to get the right one for your lifestyle and taste preferences. Take these aspects into account before you commit.
Size/Capacity
To extract the best flavor from your coffee grounds, it’s paramount to have the correct ratio of coffee to water. So knowing how many cups you usually drink will give you great consistency when you’re brewing. It’s always better to get a size that’s a little too big rather than one too small. There is less of a chance you burn it and make bitter coffee.
When choosing cup size, keep in mind these are much smaller “cups” than North Americans are used to. The coffee is also more robust, so not as much is needed. Because these are so affordable, it may be good to get two, one for yourself and one for when you need to make for a crowd.
Material
The two materials you will have to choose between are aluminum and stainless steel. The most common and traditional is aluminum. This is how they have been made for over 80 years and continue to dominate the market.
Aluminum is great for this purpose because of its heat-conductive properties. It heats up fast and spreads evenly to ensure an equal rise in temperature.
The other option is stainless steel. This is great for durability and cleaning purposes. An aluminum pot must be washed by hand after each use, whereas stainless steel can be put in the dishwasher. It also resists rust better than aluminum and, therefore, will last longer.
Stainless steel will take longer to make hot water, so it’s imperative to use hot water in a stainless steel pot before you brew,
Stovetop Compatibility
This is where opinions differ because there is more than one way to get the job done. Controlling your temperature is crucial when using a Moka pot with an aluminum body. This can be hard to do with induction hobs, as the temperature can spike very quickly if you’re not used to that specific induction stove.
If you do have an induction base and aluminum Moka pots, you can use a diffuser plate to lessen the intensity of the heat. There are specially made ones for this purpose so your pot can balance safely on a hob and have a gradual and controlled rise in temperature.
You can avoid all of this if you get a stainless steel base chamber. The metal is designed to handle it without making your coffee bitter.
Design
Once you have chosen between aluminum and stainless steel, the rest of the design features are mainly for personal preference. The color, size, and other design features won’t have the same effect on your brew as the type of material used.
Many have different color options available now to match your kitchen. There are also a couple that has a clear upper chamber so you can watch as your coffee brews.
Take note of the handle, as this will differ slightly from pot to pot. Some are positioned quite close to the hot upper chamber in the name of style. Some are set far back to ensure your safety, making them bulky for storage.
While most handles are heat-resistant, some are more than others. Determine your level of comfort before choosing a Moka pot.
FAQs
What is a Moka pot?
A Moka pot is a specific apparatus used to brew coffee. It makes lighter espresso or strong drip style and is very popular across Europe and Latin America. Traditionally made with aluminum, all you need to operate this is coffee, water, and a heat source. It’s great for travel, and campers especially swear by it.
What is a Moka pot made of?
A Moka pot is traditionally made with aluminum. The Italian company Bialetti has used this material to make Moka pots for over 80 years. It’s great for conducting heat, so your coffee brews fast and evenly. Some pots are made with stainless steel, which slows the heating process but prevents it from getting too hot too fast.
Are Moka pots portable?
Yes, Moka pots are portable and great for travel. They are lightweight and relatively durable, so you can throw them in your suitcase and bring them everywhere. Just ensure you have a way of heating it when you get to your destination.
How long do Moka pots take to brew coffee?
The time a Moka pot takes to brew coffee is only a few minutes. However, a couple of things have to happen to get the right brew time. First, it’s always advised to heat your water before adding it to the water chamber. Using cold water will delay the brewing process. Second, ensure your heating source is hot. You want to add your preheated water directly to the heat source to create boiling water quickly and extract the best flavor.
Conclusion
At first glance, you’d think there is not much to know about a Moka pot. However, I came across some interesting and futuristic designs. The original Bialetti Moka Express is still my all-time favorite, producing unique concentrated coffee so characteristic for Moka pot brewers.
Bialetti is the most famous name in Moka pots, making stovetop brewers for over 80 years. For perfect heat distribution, it's entirely made of aluminum. With its affordable price, having at least one in your collection makes sense.
