Most coffee lovers have tried various ways of making their morning cup of coffee. Everyone can’t get an espresso machine and depending on what you want, you may not even need one.
A moka pot helps in cases like this. This post tells you all about moka pots and it also reviews the best moka pots for you to choose from.
Why Use A Moka Pot
Moka pots are classic stovetops or electric coffee makers that are used to make espresso coffee. It passes boiling water pressurized by steam through ground coffee like an espresso machine.
It can hit about 2 to 3 bars of pressure unlike espresso machines which hit 9 bars of pressure.
To use a moka pot, all you have to do is heat water in the bottom chamber which forces the steam to pass through the ground coffee in a strainer above it. This makes strong coffee which is what you need when making your lattes and espresso.
If you can’t get an espresso machine for home, it’s a cost-effective and reliable option.
Best Moka Pots For Brewing Coffee
Here are some moka pots you can choose from:
1. Bialetti 06800
It has the traditional moka pot design. Its octagonal shape allows for an even distribution of heat while brewing coffee. This gives you a strong cup of coffee in just 5 minutes.
It has a polished aluminum body and the compartments are designed in such a way that it makes clean up very easy for the user.
These Italian made moka pots are available in different sizes and can make 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 cups of coffee. You only need to pick the right size for your needs.
The aluminum body of this moka pot makes it slightly less stylish than stainless steel moka pots.
2. Cuisinox Roma
The Cuisinox moka pot is one that can be used to make 10 cups at a time. It is perfect if you have a big family or guests to serve. It makes coffee by heating at medium heat for 3-4 minutes until you hear a steaming sound which indicates that the coffee has risen into the reservoir chamber. You can then serve the coffee.
It has an elegant design with a stainless steel body that makes it look very appealing. It comes in different sizes which serve 4, 6 and 10 cups of coffee. You can pick the right size for your needs. It has an induction base and also comes with one extra gasket and reducer.
You might have to be a bit careful that the flames do not rise around the sides of the moka pot when you place it over a gas stovetop. The handle of the pot heats up sometimes. It is also more expensive than most moka pots.
3. Tops 55705
The Tops 55705 Rapid Brew Stovetop Coffee Percolator has a sparkling, heavy gauge made of stainless steel. Its elegant design makes it a very appealing option for your kitchen. It comes in varying sizes that can be used to make 6, 9 and 12 cups of coffee.
This coffee percolator offers instant coffee and this makes it a good choice for camping as well. It has a glass cover knob, a permawood handle, and permanent cup markings.
It also has a fluted coffee basket filter made of fine polyester mesh with a plastic frame. This means that you don’t have to buy coffee filters.
Some cons of the Tops coffee percolator are that it can only be used on a stovetop and is non-electric. The lid of the percolator also pops up sometimes.
4. DeLonghi EMK6 Electric Moka Pot
The DeLonghi EMK6 electric moka pot uses electricity to power the coffee brewing process and can’t be used over the stove.
It’s an easy-to-use coffee maker which makes 3-6 cups of coffee and keeps them warm up to half an hour. It has a setting that allows it shut off automatically and this is a convenient option for busy mornings.
You would also love to watch the moka pot fill up with bubbling coffee in the transparent coffee carafe. In addition to the convenience this electric coffee maker offers, you can easily take off the coffee pot from the base and take it to your table.
It is lightweight and easy to clean. However, it sometimes leaks due to the rubber seals between the top and bottom.
5. Bialetti 06661 Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker
Bialetti has designed many great moka pots with and the Bialetti 06661 is one with a less angular shape.
It has a heavy gauge stainless steel build which makes it appropriate to be used on any type of stovetop, including electric, gas, and ceramic stovetops. It has a capacity of about 12 fl oz and can make up to 6 cups of coffee.
The body is made of stainless steel with a heat resistant ergonomic bakelite handle. It makes fresh and bold coffee within just 3-6 minutes.
Though it can be used in a dishwasher, some areas of the moka pot are difficult to reach and clean.
Things To Consider When Buying A Moka Pot
Moka pots have been used for decades and can look all similar when you’re trying to buy, but there are still features that differentiate them.
There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a moka pot and here are some important ones:
#1. The Size Of The Moka Pot
How much coffee do you need? That’s the first question you want to ask yourself.
Moka pots come in different sizes and all the pots in this review have their maximum capacities. This capacity can range from 1-12 cups so you need to get one that fits your needs.
#2. The Type Of Stove You Have
Another thing to consider is the type of stove you will be using for the moka pot. For example, induction stoves do not heat aluminum moka pots properly unless they have a steel base.
Some moka pots are not compatible with electric stoves. Cost can also affect this so if gas is expensive wherever you live, sticking with a cheaper option like electricity is a good option.
#3. Ease Of Cleaning
The cleaning instructions of different moka pots vary. Dishwashers also tend to decrease the life of the pot.
Moka pots made of stainless steel do well in the dishwasher but aluminum moka pots should not be put in a dishwasher for cleaning.
Moka pots have been around for a long time, they’re a great tool to have in your coffee pack and this review can help you with picking the best one.
And if you’re ready to make a decision, why not check out our moka pot brew guide for more!
