Coffee maker
Moka pot
A stovetop brewer using steam pressure to produce a strong, concentrated coffee often used as an affordable espresso substitute.
How it works
Water in a lower chamber is heated until steam pressure forces it up through a puck of coffee into an upper collecting chamber.
Who it suits
- users wanting a strong, affordable, no-electricity brewer
- users who enjoy stovetop brewing
Who it may not suit
- users wanting true espresso pressure or crema
- users wanting precise temperature control
- Starting dose
- 18g
- Coffee-to-water ratio
- 90–110 g per litre (typically 100)
- Grind
- Medium-fine, finer than drip but coarser than espresso.
- Capacity
- 1-6 cups
- Brew time
- 4-6 min
- Skill level
- intermediate
- Noise
- quiet
- Space
- compact
- Cleaning burden
- low
- Convenience
- medium
- Manual control
- medium
Descriptive grind labels like this are illustrative starting points, not precise measurements — the same label can mean different particle sizes on different grinders. See the grind size guide for how to dial this in on your own equipment.
Uses the Moka pot brewing method.
Equipment
Advantages
- low cost, no electricity needed
- strong, concentrated result
- compact and durable
Disadvantages
- not true espresso pressure or crema
- can taste bitter or burnt if not attended carefully
Steps
- Fill the base chamber with hot water up to the safety valve.
- Fill the funnel basket with coffee and level it without tamping firmly.
- Assemble and place on medium-low heat with the lid open.
- Remove from heat as soon as the flow turns pale and sputters, and close the lid.
Cleaning & maintenance
Rinse all three chambers after each use; avoid soap, which can taint the internal gasket.
Replace the rubber gasket and metal filter plate periodically as they wear.
Consumables: replacement gasket and filter plate (occasional)
Common faults
- bitter, burnt-tasting coffee from too much heat
- sputtering or leaking from the sides
Cost
Purchase cost band: budgetWidely available at a low price point across sizes.
No filters or pods needed — ongoing cost is only beans.
Suitable roast levels
Related guides
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