A stove-top coffee maker that “brews coffee by passing boiling water pressurized by steam through ground coffee” ₁. It is used by people who want a slightly stronger coffee, that is more similar to espresso, without the extra time and cost. If you are someone who doesn’t like a standard automatic drip coffee, then a Moka Pot could be the right choice for you.

Why change your coffee setup to a Moka Pot?

Stronger than a coffee machine, but milder than espresso. It is as close to espresso you can get without owning an actual espresso machine. You will be saving upwards of $100 by choosing a stovetop Moka pot instead. It is a small pot which is easy to store or pack, keeping your home and travel gear less cluttered than a larger option.

Is a Moka Pot the same as a French Press? Not truely. They are both alternatives to a regular coffee pot or a higher end espresso machine, but their compositions differ. If you prefer a flavourful, hot coffee, then a French Press could be right for you. If you prefer extra hot, no sediment, sharp coffee that is similar to espresso strength and flavouring, then a moka pot would be a better choice.

Benefits and features

Moka pots have a sleek design and come in several varieties that include all steel or part steel/part glass.

• No need for paper filters as the filter basket is designed to
• Heat resistant comfort handle
• Certified safety valve
• 3 cup or 6 cup capacity
• Comes in Black, Red, or Stainless Steel
• Italian brand

Travel with espresso quality coffee

Whether you enjoy being out on the open road or exploring in the woods, a moka pot would be a great option for your daily coffee needs. It can brew on a camping stove, or a singular stove like a canister or liquid fuel backpacking stove. It won’t take up a lot of extra space in your limited packing allotment, and will save you money compared to buying a coffee every day while travelling.

How to use a Moka Espresso Pot

Step One

Preheat water, bring the kettle to a boil and remove from heat. This ensures the pot doesn’t get too hot and cook the coffee grinds, imparting a metallic taste.

Step Two

Grind your coffee beans to espresso fine size, similar to table salt.

Step Three

Add the heated water until the fill line in the bottom part of the brewer.

Step Four

Place the filter basket onto the brewer bottom.

Step Five

Fill the basket with the coffee grounds, slightly mounded, and then level the surface off with your finger. Dust loose grounds off the top edge of the filter basket.

Step Six

Screw the top piece, with lid, onto the bottom pieces. Do not over tighten.

Step Seven

Put the brewer on the stove, use medium heat and make sure the handle is not over the burner.

Step Eight

When the water in the bottom chamber approaches a boil, the coffee will be pushed into the upper chamber. If the lid explodes upward, the water is too hot, and if it bubbles slowly, it needs to be turned hotter. You’ll know the coffee is done when you hear hiss and bubble sounds.

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moka_pot
• https://bluebottlecoffee.com/preparation-guides/bialetti-moka-pot