The moka pot is a simple device that makes a properly aromatic brew at home. Coffee from a moka pot has an intense flavour, and brewing it is straightforward and enjoyable. The question is how to brew it so that it actually tastes good.
Choosing a moka pot for home
There are several kinds of moka pot on the market, from the classic aluminium ones to modern stainless steel. Aluminium pots are valued for heating and cooling quickly, which gives you more control over the brew. Steel models are more durable and easier to keep clean, but they can take longer to heat up.
One of the best known models is the Moka Express, made by Bialetti. These Italian moka pots are known for their classic design and build quality, which is why they are loved all over the world. The way a moka pot works is simple and effective, and that makes it a good choice for everyday use.
How a moka pot is built
A moka pot has three main parts:
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The bottom chamber, which you fill with water.
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The basket, which holds the ground coffee.
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The top chamber, where the finished brew collects.
Models such as the Bialetti Moka Express deliver on flavour thanks to a precise build and stainless steel construction.
Brewing in a moka pot, step by step
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Water: pour hot water into the bottom chamber, keeping it below the safety valve. Starting with hot water speeds the brew up and stops the coffee overheating, which would show in the taste.
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Grinding: grind a little coarser than for espresso, ideally to the texture of fine sugar. Too fine and the basket can choke, which changes the brew time. Add around 15 grams of coffee, depending on the size of the pot, and do not tamp it. Leave about 0.5 cm of space below the rim.
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Filtering: for a cleaner cup you can use a paper AeroPress filter. Put it in the basket before you add the coffee to cut down on the fines that get through.
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Assembly: screw the pot together firmly so nothing leaks during brewing, and check that all the parts sit properly.
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Brewing: put the pot on a gas hob over a medium flame. Watch it. When the first drops appear in the top chamber, start the timer. Brewing usually takes three to five minutes.
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Cooling: as soon as the coffee turns straw coloured, take the pot off the heat and cool the base under cold water. That stops the extraction and keeps the brew from overheating.
Tips for a better moka brew
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Do not overheat the coffee: a moka pot works at around 1.5 bar, far less than a professional espresso machine at 8 to 9 bar. Keep the water off the boil.
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Experiment with the grind: every coffee may want a different setting. Too fine tends towards bitterness, too coarse towards sourness, so adjust until you find what suits the coffee you are using.
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Keep it clean: rinse the pot regularly to get rid of old grounds and oils that would otherwise affect the next brew. After each use rinse every part in warm water, without detergent, which can leave a taste behind. Dry it afterwards.
Using the pot regularly also keeps deposits from building up and affecting what you brew next.
Which coffee to buy for a moka pot
Coffee for a moka pot is best bought from a specialty coffee roastery, because it will be fresher and more aromatic.
We would point you towards medium or dark roasts. The brew comes out sweeter, with lower acidity. Medium-roast single origins work well here.
Ground coffee should be kept somewhere dry so it holds its aroma. Storing it properly shows up in the cup as a clearer, more balanced flavour. A moka pot gives you a brew with deep aroma and intense flavour, which is exactly what most people want first thing in the morning.
A few more things worth knowing
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Water: use filtered water to keep scale out of the pot. Hard water also affects the taste.
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Blends: try different blends until you find your favourite. A moka pot handles both delicate and intense profiles well.
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Make it yours: add a spice you like, cinnamon or cardamom, to the ground coffee before brewing for a different character.
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Your hob: gas works particularly well, but any hob is fine as long as the pot is compatible with it.
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Every day: brewing in a moka pot regularly gives you a rich, aromatic coffee to start the day with.
That is the moka pot sorted
Brewing in a moka pot takes a bit of practice, but it is worth it. Pay attention to the grind, keep the temperature under control and experiment with technique until you get the best out of the coffee you have. What you end up with is an aromatic brew with a hint of sunny Italy about it.
