A Stovetop Espresso Maker Brings Italian Coffee Home

ByBeppe Castro

This is your guide to choosing a quality stovetop espresso maker so that you can make delicious Italian coffee at home every morning.

Alessi Stovetop Espresso Maker

When it comes to making a rich, authentic cup of Italian espresso at home, a stovetop espresso maker, or moka pot, is a timeless choice. These inexpensive and compact coffee makers are a staple in many households in Italy, but what makes a stovetop espresso maker truly exceptional? Here is your guide to what to look for, how they work and some recommendations across various quality levels.

How Do Stovetop Espresso Makers Work?

A stovetop espresso maker, also known as a Moka, works well because of one characteristic: pressure. Most drip and pour-over coffee makers only rely on gravity and don’t take advantage of steam and pressure to create a truly delicious cup of espresso at home. These devices typically have three main sections:

  1. The Boiler (bottom chamber): This holds water before being boiled and is heated on the stove.
  2. The Filter Basket (middle section): This contains the coffee that is ground to a specific size as not to clog or brew a weaker cup of coffee.
  3. The Collecting Chamber (top section): This is where the brewed espresso settles.
few parts to a moka pot

As the water in the boiler heats, it generates steam, creating pressure that forces steam through the coffee grounds and up into the collecting chamber. While the pressure is lower than a traditional espresso machine, stovetop makers produce a concentrated, flavorful brew that is close to espresso.

There is a risk of clogging the filter basket if the coffee is ground too small, so most stovetop espresso makers have a release valve that can let the steam escape safely if it gets clogged. I say the steam is released “safely”, but when that happens, the noise can definitely be startling. Take it from someone who has clogged a couple mokas in my day!

Qualities Of A Good Stovetop Espresso Maker

  • Material Quality: Aluminum and stainless steel are the most common materials. Aluminum models, like the iconic Bialetti Moka Express, are lightweight and offer excellent heat conductivity. Stainless steel options, such as the Alessi Pulcina, are durable, induction-compatible, and resistant to corrosion. There are some knock-off versions that you will want to avoid. We had heard reports of the cheaper Chinese versions exploding on the stove. In this case, stick with Bialetti or Alessi.
  • Capacity Options: Stovetop espresso makers come in various sizes, typically measured in espresso cup sizes “tazzine” (1-12). Choosing the right size ensures you can brew the amount of coffee you need without waste.
A Very Large Moka Pot

Recommended Manufacturers To Consider

  • High-End Options – Alessi makes a few models that are not only beautiful, but build well and can brew a nice cup of stovetop espresso. Their models to consider are the standard Moka, the Pulcina, the La Cupola, the Ossidiana and La Conica.
  • Moderately Priced Options – The inventor of the Moka, Bialetti is a very popular choice, both in Italy and worldwide. Their Moka Express is the gold standard of stovetop espresso makers. The quality remains high and they can almost last forever, only changing the gasket when needed. They have other stovetop espresso makers that have slight functional differences, like the Brikka and the Mukka, but I recommend starting with the Moka.

How To Choose The Right Stovetop Espresso Maker

  • Match Your Stove Type: Not all moka pots are compatible with induction stoves. Look for stainless steel models if you have an induction cooktop.
  • Consider Form vs. Function: Brands like Bialetti are known for their durability and quality of coffee. Alessi, while still making delicious coffee, offers beautiful designs that are artistically designed and add that touch of beauty to your morning cup of coffee.
moka replacement parts

Care And Maintenance Of A Moka Pot

Proper maintenance prolongs the life of your moka pot, here is a very brief list of things you should do to keep these pots clean without introducing strange flavors:

  • Read the manufacturer’s guidance on seasoning your moka correctly when you use it the first time. 
  • Always rinse with water and don’t use a dishwasher. Do Not use soap as it can affect flavor. Clean water only!
  • Depending on where you live, these are susceptible to a build-up of Calcium. If this happens, clean with vinegar and rinse thoroughly.
  • You can ensure that it lasts a very long time and only requires a gasket replacement from time to time, so regularly check and replace rubber gaskets to maintain pressure and don’t clog up with coffee grounds.

Which One Should You Choose?

Hopefully, this guide to choosing a stovetop espresso maker answered any questions you might have. For most users, Bialetti or Alessi offer mokas that will meet your needs. No matter your choice, a stovetop espresso maker is an invitation to enjoy the ritual of brewing Italian coffee and savoring its rich aroma and flavor.

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