What Coffee Machine Do Italians Use? Here They Are!

If you were wondering: “What Coffee Machine Do Italians Use?” then this complete guide to Italian coffee makers is definitely what you are looking for.

When you move to Italy and see how important coffee is to nearly everyone here, it’s no surprise that Italian coffee culture is born of tradition and craftsmanship. If you’ve ever been curious what coffee machines Italians use at home, you’ll find that their choices reflect both a commitment to quality and a celebration of the rich Italian heritage. Here are  the most popular coffeemaking methods and machines that are in Italian households.

A Stove Top Moka Pot Is Timeless

The Moka pot is synonymous with Italian coffee culture. These include the iconic Bialetti, although there is no shortage of copycats, which was invented in 1933 and this stove top espresso maker produces a strong brew by forcing steam through ground coffee. It isn’t a true replacement for a commercial espresso machine, but for home use, it is an acceptable substitute.

Its compact size, ease of use, and ability to brew coffee with a nice strong flavor have made it a staple in Italian homes for generations. There are variations like the Bialetti Brikka that elevate the experience by adding a crema-like froth to the coffee, which tries to mimic an espresso from a bar. 

These come in a range of sizes from a single serving to enough for an entire family. These vary by the number of cups served in one brewing and other characteristics, like with the Brikka or the Mukka. 

Home Espresso Machines For the Connoisseur

If you are looking for a home espresso machine that is a step up from a moka, both in cost and quality, brands like Gaggia, De’Longhi, and La Pavoni, who were pioneers in espresso machine manufacturing, offer models that range from entry-level to professional-grade.

These machines can allow you to perfect your espresso, cappuccino and macchiato brewing with better control over pressure and temperature.

Capsule Machines Continue To Improve Quality

As someone who hasn’t really enjoyed single serving coffee makers like a Keurig K-Cup style capsule coffee maker, I must admit that some of these newer coffee makers can brew a delicious cup of coffee. The fast-paced modern lifestyle has made capsule coffee machines a viable alternative. 

Popular models, from my experience and not a scientific study, include various models by Nespresso and De’Longhi, with what I expect are cheap knock-offs that have the names of Italian coffee roasters like illy and Lavazza added to them. While I would probably avoid the coffee roaster brands, I can attest that the Nespresso coffee makers can make a quality cup.

With pre-measured single-serving capsules containing what can be expertly roasted coffee, they strike a balance between tradition and innovation.

Traditional Neapolitan Coffee Makers Might Work For You

In southern Italy, more specifically in Naples, the uniquely Neapolitan flip coffee maker (known as the “cuccumella”) holds a special place in every Neapolitan heart. This very old-fashioned method involves boiling the water, then flipping the pot mid-brewing to allow hot water to seep through the coffee grounds.

I have one of these Neapolitan coffee makers, and there are two reasons it isn’t my favorite way to make stove-top espresso:

1. There is a tiny hole in the front of it that spills coffee when you flip the pot, regardless of how quickly you do it.
2. This makes coffee that is more like drip or percolated coffee. There is no steam or pressure like with a moka, and the coffee comes out a little bit weaker.

Is French Press A Growing Trend?

Even though it is French, which would instinctually cause some hatred among Italians, I have read that the French press has begun to find favor among younger Italians and coffee enthusiasts. To be honest, even though it has been written about, I have yet to find a French Press in any home or B&B we stay in here in Italy, but I guess it is possible.

How To Choose the Right Coffee Machine for You

The daily Italian coffee ritual is deeply personal and culturally significant. Italians value the quality of the brew and the process behind it. Many prefer stovetop Moka pots for their nostalgic charm and ability to deliver a bold, espresso-like flavor. Others are choosing capsule machines as a nod to convenience without sacrificing quality.

If you’re inspired to brew coffee the Italian way, consider your priorities:

• For lower costs, tradition and great flavor, try a Moka pot or Neapolitan flip coffee maker.
• If you need more caffè level espresso and price is no object, check out something from Gaggia, Smeg or La Pavoni.
• For convenience, a capsule coffee maker offers a quick and consistent cup.