Stovetop coffee makers (Moka pots) are the traditional Italian way of making coffee. With a stovetop coffee maker, the result is a really strong and flavorful cup of coffee made in the easiest way possible. It’s quick, easy and affordable for everyone.

This post will talk about the best rated stovetop coffee makers, how to use them and we’ll answer the most common questions about them.

If you’re looking for the best stainless steel moka pots, click here to read our reviews.

Best Rated Stovetop Coffee Makers:

Bialetti Moka Express:

This is the original moka pot, it’s where it all started. The Bialetti stovetop coffee maker is made of brushed aluminum, it makes six 2-ounce espresso style cups of coffee in less than 5 minutes. It is also available in sizes 1-cup, 3-cup, 9-cup and 12-cup. The Bialetti is still made the same way it was made when it first came out more than 80 years ago, and it’s one of very few stovetop coffee makers are that are still made in Italy. In additional to silver, it is also available in red, blue, purple and orange.

Please note that this Aluminum model of Bialetti works with gas and electric stovetops but won’t work with induction stovetops.

Click here to learn more about Bialetti Express, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Bialetti Venus Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Maker:

Another great creation from Bialetti, the Venus coffee maker is made of Stainless steel. So unlike the Bialetti Express mentioned above, this coffee maker will work will all types of stovetops: gas, electric and induction. It is available in a 4-cup and 6-cup capacity.

Click here to learn more about Bialetti Venus, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Farberware Yosemite 8-Cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Percolator:

Made of polished stainless steel with 8-cup capacity, the Farberware stovetop coffee maker is a durable and affordable choice. It is compatible with all stovetop types and it’s very easy to care for as all parts are dishwasher safe.

Click here to learn more about Farberware Coffee Maker, read the customer reviews and buy it.

How To Brew Coffee Using a Stovetop Coffee Maker:

The process is quite easy. Load the basket with your favorite coffee grind, fill the pot with water and place on stovetop until it boils. Here are a few videos that explain how it works:

What Kind of Coffee Grind Can I Use with Moka Pots?

Brewing with a moka pot requires a fine grind coffee. There’s not one type of coffee you can use, feel free to experiment with your favorite type of coffee blends. However, make sure you’re using a fine to medium-fine ground coffee.

How Much Coffee Do You Put in a Stovetop Coffee Maker?

This would depend on how many cups you want to make. Usually a moka pot’s basket has markings inside that tell you how much coffee to add in so you won’t mess it up. Regardless of these measurements though, the rule is, if you’re looking to make a stronger cup of coffee, add in more ground, it’s that simple!

Recommended Coffee For Moka Stovetop Pots:

We highly recommend illy’s coffee. It’s authentic Italian coffee, and they sell ground coffee that’s been prepared for Moka. The coffee ground is packed in Nitrogen sealed packages to preserve freshness, and it’s available in many roasts: dark, medium or decaf. Click here to learn more about it.

Enjoying a cup of coffee is a daily routine for most people around the world. While a lot of people enjoy gourmet coffee drinks, many of us still enjoy the taste of an authentic Italian cup of coffee. With the following stainless steel moka pots, enjoying the flavor and aroma of a quality cup of old-style Italian coffee is quick and simple.

Moka pots, also known as stovetop espresso/coffee makers, are a traditional way of brewing a really authentic and flavorful cup of coffee. It does not produce the same thick shot of espresso a machine would product, but it does produce a strong quality of coffee that is served in small amounts.

There’s two types of moka pots, aluminum body and stainless steel body pots. When making a buying decision, many people would stop at this point. Should you get a stainless steel or aluminum moka pot?

Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Moka Pot, Which Is Best To Buy?

When it comes to coffee brewing, both moka pots will produce excellent coffee. But here’s where the difference takes place:

• An aluminum moka pot is a more traditional pot. It works great but it is harder to clean. Also, if your stovetop is induction type, it won’t work with it. It only works with gas cooktops.
• Stainless steel moka pots, a modern take on the aluminum moka pot, but still full of elegance and still sports a traditional design. It is very simple to clean, still stainless steel is nonstick. And it works with both induction and gas stovetops.

An example of a aluminum moka pot is the famous Bialetti Moka Pot, and this one comes with a modern twist:

• Electric base with authentic design.
• Makes six cups of espresso, simply add hot water for Americano.
• Polished aluminum body ensures durability.
• Mobile power base and automatic switch off function allow peace of mind.
• Combines reliability, quality, mobility and convenience.
• Tradition meets modern technology in authentic coffee making.
• Also available as a stovetop moka pot.

But, as we’re more fans of the stainless steel moka pots… here’s our top picks:

Best Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Pots:

Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Maker:

• Beautiful, distinguished design.
• Holds 6 cups of coffee.
• Heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel ensures durability.
• Mirror polish finish.
• Induction base, tough and reliable, suitable for all cooking surfaces.
• Includes 1 extra gasket and reducer.

Click here to learn more about this pot, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Vev Vigano 8160 Vespress Gold 12 to 14-cup Coffee Pot:

• Traditional design.
• Holds 12 to 14 cups of coffee (espresso cup capacity).
• Provides long term durability with 18/10 heavy gauge stainless steel construction.
• Polish finish on handle and lid knob ensures the coffee pot will shine in any kitchen.
• Suitable for use on all cooking surfaces.
• Comes with stainless steel filter basket and brass pressure release valve.
• Easy to use, clean and produces unbeatable espressos.

Click here to learn more about this pot, read the customer reviews and buy it.

Ilsa – Neapolitan Stainless Steel Coffee Maker 6 Cup Size:

• Made in Italy, the home of espresso.
• Holds 6 cups of coffee.
• Uses the traditional flip drip method to create authentic Italian coffee.
• Stainless steel body and filter ensure durability.
• The original way to make coffee.

Click here to learn more about this pot, read customer reviews and buy it.

The four moka pots above are the pinnacle of traditional coffee making at home and offer long term durability combined with stylish design and, of course quality coffee. Creating authentic Italian coffee at home has never been easier or more enjoyable.

Common Questions:

Is Moka Pot Coffee as Strong As Espresso?

I know a moka pot is also referred to as a stovetop espresso maker, but is moka coffee really the same as espresso? Well, not exactly. But it’s close enough! Espresso shots are made nearly the same way as moka coffee, both are the product of forcing water through coffee ground by pressurizing. The difference is, Espresso machines use way more powerful pressure than moka pots. Moka pots produce coffee nearly as strong as an espresso shot in terms of ratio of water to coffee, however, it is not considered to be an authentic shot of espresso.

Is a Stainless Steel Moka Pot Better Than Aluminum?

Stainless steel is more durable than aluminum, so a stainless steel moka pot is going to hold up better over time for sure. But that’s not the only advantage of a stainless steel moka pot… like mentioned earlier in this post, if you have an induction stovetop, then stainless steel is the only way to go as an aluminum pot won’t work unless with a gas or electric stovetop.

How Do I Choose The Right Moka Pot Size?

There are two things to keep in mind when coming to choosing the right size:

• Moka pot sizes are calculated using standard European espresso cup size and not your average cup size of 4 oz or 8 oz. So a cup size by Moka pot capacity is about 1.3 oz or so. So, if you buy a 6-cup moka pot, you’ll be able to make a single standard cup of 6 oz or 10 oz or so.
• When brewing using a moka pot, the filter has to be filled to the max capacity for it to brew. Which means, you can’t buy a larger pot and brew less coffee in it. Buying a 30 oz moka pot, for example, means you’ll have to brew that amount every time you use the pot. So, make sure you pick the right size for your needs!

Why Does My Moka Pot Coffee Taste Bitter?

If you’ve finally tried brewing using a moka pot and the results were unpleasant, here’s what could have gone wrong:

• The grind size is not correct: if your coffee is too better, try making the grind a bit more coarser and try again. With coarser coffee grind, the flavor isn’t drawn too quickly from the coffee ground, so there is less chance of it becoming better.
• Make sure you use fresh coffee or try a medium roast.
• Don’t keep your coffee brewing for too long. When brewing using a moka pot, always use pre-heated water, this way you don’t have to keep the pot over the stove for too long and it will brew quicker.