Best Moka Pot: Top 7 Stovetop Coffee Makers

Reason #637 of why I love a good cup of coffee is the Moka pot. There are so many ways to brew coffee grounds, and with all the machines out there, it’s easy to forget how simple the process is. Getting more hands-on like our ancestors used to do adds to the pleasure of using an aluminum stovetop coffee maker. 

It brews its own unique texture and flavor that falls somewhere between espresso and drip coffee brewing methods. The most famous name in Moka pots is Bialetti. They have been making these for over 80 years, and their flagship model, the Bialetti Moka Express, is the benchmark that all other pots are compared to. 

Related Read: Best Coffee For Moka Pot

Their affordable price means you don’t have to commit to just one, and you 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?

In-Depth Reviews of The Best Moka Pots

Here we break down all the awesome features that each stovetop coffee maker offers.  

The Bialetti Moka Express is the original if you want the true Moka pot experience. 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 all-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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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This is the perfect combination of old-school construction but 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.   

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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. 

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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 being made 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. In comparison, stainless steel can be put in the dishwasher. It also resists rust better than aluminum and, therefore, will last much 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. When using a Moka pot with an aluminum body, controlling your temperature is crucial. This can be hard to do with induction hobs. 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 so you can match with 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 in Italy. Traditionally made with aluminum, all you need to operate this is coffee, water, and a heat source. It’s great to have for travel, and campers especially swear by it. 

What is a Moka pot made of?

A Moka pot is traditionally made with aluminum. Italy 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 are 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. These are great for camping trips; fire-brewed coffee, anyone?

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. They have limited technology and are essentially reverse brewers. Most machines work with the boiling water coming from the top, but a Moka pot works the other way due to the excessive pressure buildup. The Bialetti Moka Express produces unique concentrated coffee that only this portable coffee maker can provide. With its affordable price, having at least one in your collection makes sense.  

Further Read: Best Espresso Machine Under $1000