An Electric Italian Espresso Maker Can Be A Perfect Gift

There are times that a stovetop coffee pot can’t do the job, but an electric Italian espresso maker can still deliver delicious espresso every time.

For many Italian coffee fans, the moka pot is a favored tool. It’s a symbol of Italian coffee culture, known for its ability to brew a strong, rich coffee that’s close to espresso in flavor. But as technology evolves, so do our coffee-making options. 

Enter the electric espresso machine, a modern twist on a classic that combines the charm of traditional brewing with the convenience of not actually needing a stovetop. If you’re considering one for your home or office, this guide will walk you through what to look for, how they work, and some of the best models available.

Our History With Electric Espresso Makers

It might not be obvious, at first glance, why you might have a need to make delicious Italian stovetop espresso without a stove. Initially, we bought one for office use. There were no stoves available and apart from the delicious aroma, nobody seemed to care that I was brewing at my desk.

I continued with that for a while, but working from home (or remotely) hadn’t yet taken off so I was doing this in an office. I did get a little tired of having to clean my coffee pot in the bathroom, so I put that on hold for a while.

The best use case for our electric espresso maker was when our son went to college. There were no kitchens on his floor, but there were sinks, so this seemed like a perfect solution. For his freshman year we loaded him up with Kimbo coffee and the electric Moka and he was all set.

Why Choose an Electric Moka Machine?

Obviously, the traditional moka pot requires a stovetop, careful heat control, and a watchful eye to avoid over-brewing. The electric moka machines take away much of that guesswork. With features like automatic shut-off, consistent heating, and compact designs, they make the brewing process easier and more reliable.

I’ve already mentioned these first two use-cases, but here are a few to think about:

• College Dorm Use
• Office Use
• In A Garage
• Out On A Terrace
• In A Hotel

It all comes down to your ability to run an extension cord anywhere there isn’t a sink. Luckily these are pretty small, so packing them for travel isn’t out of the question, albeit not as easy as a regular Moka pot.

Key Qualities Of A Good Electric Moka Machine

• Build Quality and Materials – These aren’t heavy duty machines and they have a fair amount of plastic in them. Don’t let this scare you off because you can’t really avoid it, unless you are buying a larger, more expensive espresso maker.
• Heating Efficiency – Electric Italian espresso makers use a built-in heating plate to maintain the ideal temperature for extracting coffee. Unlike a stovetop moka pot, which requires manual heat adjustments, electric versions are designed to heat evenly without user intervention.
• Capacity Options – You are more limited in capacity options here because of the common ways they are being used. You shouldn’t expect a 1 to 12 cup option in an electric moka pot. Maybe just a 3 or 6 cup option will be available.
• Ease of Use – Look for machines with simple controls, such as a single on/off switch or a programmable timer. Detachable bases are another great feature, allowing you to brew coffee and serve it directly from the upper chamber without needing to unplug the machine. Cleaning an electric moka machine is usually straightforward. Look for models with easy-to-remove gaskets and filter plates.
• Safety Features – Modern electric moka machines often include safety features like automatic shut-off to prevent over-brewing or dry boiling. Heat-resistant handles and secure lids also ensure safe handling, especially when the machine is hot.

How Electric Moka Machines Should Work

Electric moka machines use the same basic principles as traditional moka pots. Water in the lower chamber is heated until it creates steam, which increases pressure and pushes the water upward through the coffee grounds. The brewed coffee then collects in the upper chamber, ready to be poured and enjoyed.

Where electric models are different is with their built-in heating element, which ensures consistent heat throughout the brewing process. Many also include timers and automatic shut-off features, so you don’t need to monitor the machine constantly.

Compared to stovetop versions, electric moka machines are safer, more user-friendly, and more consistent in their results.

Top Electric Italian Espresso Maker Brands For Consideration

Bialetti

It should come as no surprise that Bialetti makes a fantastic (and my favorite) electric moka pot. Bialetti’s Moka Elettrika electric coffee maker is a 2-Cup coffee maker that will run you close to $100 and is designed for anyone who can’t live without good moka coffee wherever they are. 

This electric moka pot takes on the iconic shape of the classic Moka Express, allowing you to prepare an excellent coffee wherever you want, in the office, on the road, in a campervan, on a sailboat or anywhere where you only have a plug socket available. Moka Elettrika is the perfect electric travel coffee maker for discovering the world, without giving up your usual coffee.

De’Longhi

Another popular name in Italian coffee makers is De’Longhi. They offer a 3 or 6-Cup Electric Italian Moka Coffee Maker (model: EMK6) that has a cordless, detachable base along with all the safety features you should be looking for. The choice is yours, you can make 3 or 6 cups with the convenient filter adapter. Unlike stovetop models, you never have to worry about your coffee burning or overflowing with the automatic safety system, and you’ll never have cold coffee again with the 30-minute automatic keep warm function.

There are other manufacturers, but my recommendation is to rely on reputation and experience when it comes to coffee makers. Mialetti and De’Longhi have a history and a reputation for quality that a cheaper knock-off simply won’t have.

Buying Electric Italian Espresso Maker Might Be For You