The Best Moka Pot – 8 Best Stovetop Espresso Maker Reviews

A simple yet effective machine for brewing a tasty cup is the Moka pot AKA stovetop espresso maker. The Moka pot is a stovetop machine responsible for moving pressurized, boiling water through ground coffee to create a divine cup of coffee.

Believe it or not, Moka pots have been around since the 1930s, and while they can handle any coffee roast, they typically excel at brewing dark roasts.

These machines differ widely in quality, so you need the best Moka pot to make a great cup with consistent quality.

Luckily, we’ve already done the hard work by testing and researching the best stovetop espresso makers.

Yours is to go through the list, find the best Moka pot for your needs, brew a cup, and enjoy it as often as you wish.

Let’s dig in:

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Quick Glance: Our Top Pick for the Best Moka Pot – Bialetti Moka Express

• Brews 4.4 ounces of Mocha coffee
• Makes coffee in under 5 minutes
• Clean-up is a snap!
• It brews strong, velvety, and creamy mocha coffee
• Comes in 1, 3, 6, and 9-cup sizes
• Italian-made

Here are our full reviews of our eight best Moka pots:

1. Bialetti Moka Express

Bialetti Express tops our list as the best stovetop espresso maker, which doesn’t come as a surprise, as thousands of happy customers are raving about this pot. One of the reasons your coffee will be ready in less than 5 minutes is the perfect heat distribution throughout this Moka pot, thanks to its octagonal shape.

Once your cup is ready, clean-up is child’s play – the Express model has a compartment design that you can unscrew, wash the parts, and carry on with your day. 

This Italian-made Moka pot is insanely popular and it’s available in a variety of cup sizes, including 1, 3, 6, and 9 options. Just select your preferred cup size and kick off your day with the right amount of coffee (and energy) in your system.

With this Moka pot, you have a patented safety valve for regulating water flow. Besides, the valve generates the ideal coffee-water combination for the best brew of your life!

To get the best results:

• Don’t grind your coffee too coarse or too fine, as extra-fine grounds may clog the Moka pot. Additionally, coffee that’s too coarse will result in a pale, tasteless drink.
• Don’t use excess heat because you’ll only experience a burnt taste afterward. It might take a little trial and error to find the right temperature. So, if your first brew has a somewhat bitter taste, you may want to lower the next batch’s heat.
• Once the coffee is done brewing, use a spoon to stir up the upper chamber.
• Want your taste buds to go places? Use filtered water each time you brew a cuppa joe.

What We Like

• Several cup sizes
• Drip-free pouring spout
• The patented safety valve
• Easy to clean
• Ergonomic handle
• Has a two-year warranty

What We Don’t Like

• The handle melts off if you leave the Moka pot unattended, which you shouldn’t do. But you can get a replacement.

Verdict

If you want the best stovetop espresso maker that makes tasty coffee within a short time, we recommend you go for the Bialetti Moka Express. 

2. Grosche Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker

If you thought an electric espresso maker is the fastest when it comes to brewing coffee, you need to think again. Grosche Milano brews faster than your favorite electric espresso maker.

But that’s not all.

Like the Bialetti model, this Moka pot comes with different espresso cup sizes, including 3, 6, and 9 cup options in food-grade anodized aluminum. So, you can choose what suits you best.

This Moka coffee maker works on all-electric and gas stovetop as well as propane camping stoves. In other words, you have no excuse not to enjoy the best cup of espresso outdoors.

Thanks to this best Moka pot, your dreams of becoming a home-based barista are finally coming to fruition. The Milano pot allows you to make the so-called low-pressure stovetop espresso right from the comfort of your kitchen.

And did I mention you can add milk from a milk frother or milk steamer to make the tastiest cappuccinos and lattes at home? 

The Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker is an improved version of most Moka stovetop espresso makers out there. An example of this improvement is the soft-touch handle attached to a burn guard to keep your fingers from getting burnt. 

Now, you can forget about the first aid box’s location and instead focus on making delicious espresso with this best stovetop espresso maker.

With this Moka pot in your home, making coffee couldn’t be easier. You just have to add cold water and your coffee grounds and then let the pot heat for five minutes on low to medium heat. The result is a vibrant and flavorful beverage.

Besides, the Milano model comes in a broad array of color schemes, meaning you can choose a color that matches your kitchen decor or simply your favorite.

What We Like

• Heat-resistant handle
• Easy to use
• Different cup sizes
• Comes in a variety of color schemes
• Budget pricing that doesn’t sacrifice build quality

What We Don’t Like

• A few users have complained about this device dripping

Verdict

If you are looking for something cost-effective but sturdy enough to brew different specialty coffees, then the Grosche Milano is the solution.

3. DeLonghi EMK6

Not sure if the best Moka pot on the market can work with your stovetop?

The DeLonghi EMK6 comes with a heating element. You just need to plug it somewhere, and your espresso shots will be ready within minutes.

This espresso machine keeps the espresso hot for about thirty minutes after brewing, giving you enough time to prepare your breakfast or get ready for the day. 

And the transparent upper container is another reason you should seriously consider owning this amazing coffee pot. Something is charming and hypnotic about watching your Moka pot bubble with crema-rich espresso as it brews.

But there’s another surprise:

You can detach this Moka pot from its base like you would an electric kettle. You can carry this pot to the serving table and leave its base plugged in.

While lifting the pot from its core, the DeLonghi EMK6 automatically shuts off. And that brings out another cool feature – the big and comfortable grip handle.

The next time you’re in a motel, you don’t have to miss your home-based Moka pot; you can carry it along while traveling.

Additionally, the automatic safety shutoff prevents your coffee from overflowing or burning.

What We Like

• Automatic shutoff
• Cord-free serving
• Easy to operate with the indicator light and on/off switch
• The transparent container allows you to monitor the brewing process
• Ergonomic handle
• Fantastic travel companion

What We Don’t Like

• Some users have complained of leakage between the rubber seals on the top and bottom compartments. 

Verdict

If you’re traveling or in an office without access to a stovetop and still want to enjoy great coffee, consider the DeLonghi EMK6.

4. Cuisinox Roma Stovetop Espresso Maker

This high-end sophisticated stovetop espresso maker is made from 18/10 stainless steel, making it a beast in the longevity department and one of the multiple reasons it landed on our best Moka pot list. Besides making it durable, the stainless steel design makes this pot pretty slick to look at too.

Cleaning the interior of the Cuisinox Roma is easy because it doesn’t have corners. But just like with the rest of Moka pots in our guide, there’s no need to do a bunch of scrubbing of the inside.

The coffee-making process in the Roma isn’t rocket science either. Start by filling the base with water, spoon ground coffee into the unit’s funnel, and close the top over water and grounds.

The next step is to put your gas burner on low to prevent the flame from going beyond the pot’s base where it might burn the handle. You may also use the pot on an electric stove, but be sure to keep the handle far away from the heating element. It will melt if you don’t.

The use of less heat prevents your coffee from burning. After a few minutes, you’ll hear the pot gurgling as the steam-pressurized hot water moves through the coffee grounds and through the Moka pot’s spout to form a robust and rich cuppa.

You can go for the Cuisinox Roma in the 10-cup, 6-cup, and 4-cup sizes to meet your needs. Most users prefer the 6-cup model, but if you have a lot of coffee drinkers in the house of you entertain frequently you’ll prefer the 10-cup espresso machine. 

What We Like

• Rugged 18/10 stainless steel design for withstanding some serious use
• Comes in a variety of sizes
• It works on both electric and gas stoves
• Easy to clean
• Affordable if you compare with high-end espresso makers
• Can brew up to 6 cups of coffee in one batch, making it ideal for busy mornings
• It comes with a 25-year warranty 

What We Don’t Like

• It’s substantially pricier than its counterparts, but hey, the features are worth every penny.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a user-friendly and ergonomic experience while making top-notch coffee, then the Cuisinox Roma is your answer.

5. Bialetti 06661 Kitty Espresso Maker

Even at less than $100, you can still find the best Moka pot made from stainless steel and grace your kitchen with a classy look.

The Kitty machine consists of 18/10 stainless steel, which makes it both attractive and seriously durable. The device has a broad handle with a comfortable grip, especially when it comes to serving the espresso.

This best stovetop espresso maker works on ceramic, electric, and gas stovetops, making it very versatile for different kitchens and locations. It comes in 2-cup, 4-cup, and 6-cup sizes, and we recommend the 6-cup option to make approximately twelve fluid ounces of coffee.

As with other stovetop espresso machines, follow the instructions carefully to get a quality brew. Only add coffee grounds in the pot’s built-in filter and don’t overfill the chamber. The Bialetti Kitty has a two-year warranty in case you experience problems.

 What We Like

• Dishwasher safe parts
• Stainless steel build
• Ergonomic handle
• Elegant and classy design
• Suitable for use on electric, gas, or ceramic stovetops
• 2-year warranty

What We Don’t Like

• The base is corrosive

Verdict

The Kitty Espresso Maker is perfect for those looking to make great coffee in an affordable stainless steel Moka pot.

6. Alessi MDL02/3 R “Pulcina” Stove Top Espresso 3 Cup Coffee Maker 

The next model comes from Alessi, a company that has been making housewares since 1921. 

The Alessi “Pulcina” was designed by Michele De Lucchi and illy. De Lucchi, a renowned Italian architect who has worked with world-class brands, such as Philips and Siemens and illy who specializes in espresso joined forces to create a Moka pot that not only makes incredibly delicious coffee but is also stunning to look at.

The boiler of this unique espresso maker is specially designed to stop filtering coffee at the right time, thus eliminating the ‘eruption phase’ – the last filtering stage that can produce a burnt aftertaste. The outcome is a rich and full-bodied aroma. 

This pot has a V-shaped spout to cut the drops of coffee entirely.

Pulcina works like any other best stovetop espresso maker; you pour water into the base and add coffee grounds in the machine’s filter. But unlike a few other choices on our best Moka list the Pulcina is meant for gas stoves only.

This best stovetop espresso maker comes in 6-cup and 3-cup models with either a black or red handle. The 6-cup size is appropriate for most espresso lovers. 

What We Like

• Exceptional design by Michele De Lucchi
• Multiple cup sizes
• Easy to clean and use
• The handle comes with fun color options

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t work on an induction stove
• Big price difference depending on what color you select

Verdict

If you are an artsy person that loves great coffee and wants your machine to be beautiful to look at, then the Alessi Pulcina will suit your needs.

7. bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker

The beauty of espresso is in both the taste and aroma. The bonVIVO Intenca landed on our best Moka Pot list because of its quality build and ability to fill your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of fresh brewed espresso.

It doesn’t make sense to have a Moka pot that makes terrible coffee, right? The guys at bonVIVO know this pretty well, which is why they created a high-end Italian coffee maker with German QC.

They have invested in quality parts to build the espresso maker to ensure that every look pleases your eye and every drop pleases your taste buds.

The copper finish is unique and gives this espresso pot a touch of elegance, making it a stylish gift for friends and family.

This Intenca Moka pot has a larger capacity – 10 ounce, which makes it a perfect fit if everyone at home is clamoring for a delicious coffee cup in the morning. A single brew can give you up to 6 small cups, and you can brew this within 5 minutes without much effort.

Whether in chrome, black, or copper, this Moka pot is a real conversation piece. The pot makes top-grade coffee, too! To extract the best flavors from your coffee, be sure to use freshly ground coffee.

What We Like

• 3 different colors to enhance any kitchen
• The pot can make 5 or even 6 cups, making it ideal for the entire family or groups
• Attractive Italian design 
• Easy to use
• Made of durable stainless steel material
• Easy to care for 

What We Don’t Like

• If coffee grounds are stuck in the pot’s filter for long, they might discolor it. You can prevent this through regular cleaning.

Verdict

If you like design-driven Moka pots that also deliver when it comes to functionality, then the bonVIVO Intenca just might be the best Moka post for you.

8. Tops Rapid Brew Stovetop Percolator

Craving for a richer, fuller flavor from your best espresso beans? You can use the traditional percolation process to achieve that through the Rapid Brew Percolator. 

It’s a non-electric stovetop percolator that’s ideal for RV’s camping, tailgates, home use, and any place you’d like to enjoy making a fresh cup of coffee even when there’s no electricity.

The design is a beauty to behold with the glittering high-luster 18/8 stainless steel body and a glass top to monitor the coffee during brewing. 

The pot’s basket and stem assembly consist of top-notch solid material, making the pot perfect for outdoor use, campfire, or a gas burner.

You can handle the Moka pot when it’s hot, thanks to the permawood handle.

The pot’s capacity is 2 to 12 cups, which means it works perfectly for mid-sized groups whether at home or in the great outdoors.

What We Like

• Glass knob for observing the brewing process
• Great for outdoor use
• Traditional percolation process for quality coffee
• Stainless steel construction for lasting beauty and durability
• Large capacity – up to 12 cups
• Good value

What We Don’t Like

• The percolation is weak when water is low (below 300ml)
• It’s a little noisy during the brewing

Verdict

If you want to serve the family or a group of friends with full-bodied, rich coffee from any location, we recommend you try the Rapid Brew Stovetop Percolator.

Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best Moka Pot

For total brewing control, you need the best Moka pot to brew you a strong, concentrated, and delicious cup of coffee. The type and coarseness of coffee and technique you use will determine the outcome of your brew.

Here are some characteristics to consider when shopping for your the best Moka pot:

Is It Compatible With Your Stove?

Before purchasing your Moka pot, you should find out whether it’s compatible with your stove. 

Not all pots will work well with induction, gas, or electric stoves. If you have an induction stove in the office or at home, you’ll need a Moka pot with a magnet at the bottom for it to function well. 

Most Moka pots are compatible with glass top electric stoves, while some will work best with gas stoves. Always check to see that the one you choose is ideal for the type of stove you have.

Where Is It Made?

The best stovetop espresso makers originate from Italy. It is perceived that Italian made Moka pots are high quality and durable. But some brands like Bialetti shifted production from Italy to China. 

To choose the best, you should research the brand thoroughly. China-made brands are known to be of low-quality and there are even reports of toxicity. Italian made Moka pots are authentic.

Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum

Aluminum and stainless steel are the only materials used to make Moka pots. Both can make tasty coffee, but the quality of the brew differs according to the material of the pot you’re using.

Aluminum was the original material that Moka pots were made of mainly because of its malleability and lower cost. But the downside to aluminum is its porosity. 

The holes on its surfaces allow coffee oils and particles to build up. When cleaned with soap or abrasive surfaces, your coffee will have a tainted metallic flavor. This means that an aluminum Moka pot can impact the flavor of your coffee. 

Over time and when exposed to oxygen and acid, your aluminum Moka pots will begin to rust. But if you’re budget conscious, aluminum Moka pots are less expensive (like half the price) than their stainless steel counterparts.

On the other hand, stainless steel pots are non-porous, easy to clean, and have no impact on your coffee’s flavor. They are non-corrosive, too, and will last you a lifetime. If the budget isn’t your concern, we definitely recommend opting for a stainless steel Moka pot.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The best Moka pots are designed with three chambers and gaskets that help to maintain pressure. Cleaning them, especially aluminum models, requires extra care in order to maintain the seal.

Avoid using soapy water on aluminum pots; just rinse with warm water and wipe the interior with a dry cloth. A drop of vinegar and gentle brush can be used to scrub the inner part. 

Stainless steel pots are easy to clean since you can disassemble parts and put them in the dishwasher.

Sometimes you may need to replace the pot’s filters or rubber seal. This procedure is quite easy. After replacing these parts, you should do a few dry brews with just hot water. This will help to prime your Moka pot so that the new seal doesn’t impact your coffee’s taste. 

Always check the safety valve too, to monitor the wear. The screw has to be tightened, and the safety valve not worn out as this could be dangerous.

Warranty

The best stovetop espresso maker should come with a warranty that meets your support needs. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you can replace it at no extra cost if it breaks down.

Warranties vary with every brand; some Moka pots come with a two-year warranty while others have up to a 25-year warranty. When shopping, look beyond the price of the pot and consider the warranty as well.

What Kind Of Coffee Do You Use In A Stovetop Espresso Maker?

The best Moka pots are known for brewing strong concentrated coffee if the right beans are used. Richly flavored coffees with a little bit of spice or sweetness are the best for stovetop espresso makers. They can help temper any bitterness in your brew.

Some of the best ground coffee varieties you can use include Lavazza Qualita Rossa, Taylors of Harrogate, illy, Carte Noire, Lyons, Sulawesi Kalossi, or Celebes Kalossi coffee, and Lavazza Dek Filtro Decaf.

A medium to dark roast produces a rich flavor of toasted nuts or chocolates with a creamy mouthfeel, low acidity, and heavy texture. 

Light roasts are not the best for Moka pots due to their high acidity and uneven extractions.

What Grind Size Do You Need For Moka Pot Coffee?

As with all coffee makers, the right grind is essential to optimal coffee extraction. When the grind is too coarse, your brew will be watery, weak, and overly acidic. If it’s too fine, the result will be a burnt and bitter brew.

The right grind size for the best stovetop espresso maker is medium to medium-fine. It should be coarser than the grind used for espresso, but finer than the one for a drip coffee machine. To get the right grind, buy whole coffee beans, and grind them yourself.

This way, you’ll have the right grind and an added advantage of brewing fresh coffee. 

The best part about Moka pot is that you can use pre-ground coffee that isn’t the right size, but as long as it is the right beans, your brew will come out as tasty as ever.

A medium to medium-fine grind is ideal for Moka pots because it takes a short time to come to contact with water. When pressure builds up in the Moka pot, it forces water through the grinds.

If you use a coarse grind, the water may not extract flavor from the coffee beans. Remember, the grind quality will impact the caffeine level and flavor of your brew.

Always keep in mind not grinding your coffee beans too fine or too coarse. The last thing you want is to deal with grounds stuck in the filter.

Do Stovetop Espresso Makers Make Crema?

Moka pots produce a pressure of 1.5 bars, and most coffees need an approximate pressure of 6 bars to make crema. That said it is possible to make crema with your Moka pot. It’s not easy though.

You can make delicious crema in a Moka pot using fresh coffee beans. Just make sure your roast is medium and has the right oils for producing crema.

For best results, ensure that you have the right espresso grind. It should not be coarse; otherwise, you may not be able to build adequate pressure in the chamber. Ensure the lower chamber is filled with hot water to put the pot up to temperature fast and lessen the chances of the coffee burning.

Put the espresso in the basket until it’s full. You can lightly tamp it but, don’t tamp too much because the Moka pot doesn’t produce enough pressure to push the water through the grounds.

Place your Moka pot on medium heat to allow for slow extraction. After a while, the coffee will start seeping out. So if you tamped the right way and brewed your coffee at the right pace (slow enough), you’ll get your Moka pot-rich, reddish-brown crema to enjoy.

Note, this is going to be a bit of a learning process to do so don’t get discouraged!

Is Moka Coffee As Strong As Espresso?

By definition Moka pots don’t brew true espresso so we can’t say that the coffee they brew is as strong as espresso BUT, we will say it’s as close as you can get in strength without being true espresso.

Moka produces strong tasting coffee with intense flavor, exceptional body, and richness just like that of espresso. The coffee is concentrated and delicious. But it cannot be compared to espresso made from an espresso machine in terms of control, quality, and consistency. 

A stovetop espresso maker has no pressure consistency, which may make your coffee bitter and watery. An espresso machine will produce an even extraction that is full of flavor. It comes with mechanics that ensure consistency throughout. They’re far more expensive though so it’s not really an apples to apples comparison.

Final Word

The Moka pot is quite fascinating – a powerful coffee maker that will ensure you enjoy a fresh, rich flavored cup of coffee every morning or during the day. With one by your side, and freshly roasted, quality coffee beans, you are guaranteed a perfect cup any time of the day. 

Now, keeping various factors, discussed above, in mind, we hope you’ll go back to our list of stovetop espresso makers and select the best Moka pot for your needs.