Best Moka Pot: Reviews & Top Picks

best moka pot
This article may contain links from our partners. Please read our Disclaimer for more information.

If you’re anything like us, you love a delicious and complex espresso in the morning to start your day. However, espresso machines are expensive, take up lots of counter space, and many of them are finicky due to the pressure they create to make espresso. That’s why a stovetop espresso maker, also known as a moka pot, is a great alternative. They’re small, easy to use, affordable, and make fantastic espresso.

If you’ve already begun your search for the best stovetop espresso maker, you’ll have noticed that there are countless options available. Not all moka pots are created equal, though, so which do you choose? Luckily, we did the research, testing, and comparison of the top moka pots for you, and we put together this list of reviews to help you narrow down your search. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!

The 6 Best Moka Pots

#1
#2
#3
Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 6 Cups (6 Oz), Aluminium, Red
Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 3 Cups (4.3 Oz - 130 Ml), Aluminium,...
Bialetti Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel, 6 cup
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 6 Cups (6 Oz), Aluminium, Red
Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 3 Cups (4.3 Oz - 130 Ml), Aluminium,...
Bialetti Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel, 6 cup
$47.59
$37.53
$105.40
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
-
#1
Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 6 Cups (6 Oz), Aluminium, Red
-
-
Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 6 Cups (6 Oz), Aluminium, Red
$47.59
Amazon Prime
#2
Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 3 Cups (4.3 Oz - 130 Ml), Aluminium,...
-
-
Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 3 Cups (4.3 Oz - 130 Ml), Aluminium,...
$37.53
Amazon Prime
#3
Bialetti Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel, 6 cup
-
-
Bialetti Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel, 6 cup
$105.40
-

#1. Bialetti Moka Pot Espresso Maker

Bialetti 6 Cup Moka Stovetop Espresso Maker
  • The original moka coffee pot: Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker, it provides the experience of the real Italian way of preparing a tasteful coffee, its unique shape and the...
  • Made in Italy: it is Made in Italy and its quality is enhanced by the patented safety valve which makes it easy to clean and its ergonomic handle, available in many sizes and suitable for gas,...
  • How to prepare the coffee: fill the boiler up to the safety valve, fill it up with ground coffee without pressing, close the moka pot and place it on the stovetop, as soon as Moka Express starts to...

This Bialetti Moka pot is our all-around top pick for quality, durability, and consistency. It has a 10-ounce capacity, so you’ll be able to make about 6-7 shots of espresso at a time, perfect for serving friends and family. It’s made out of aluminum, so it isn’t dishwasher safe. However, it is straightforward to disassemble and clean, as the top portion is wide enough to get your hand into, and the bottom piece is shallow enough to clean with a sponge.

It features heat-resistant handles on the side and top, so it’s easy to use without burning your fingers. Most importantly, it delivers delicious moka pot espresso that is sure to satisfy you and keep you coming back for more. It produces complex flavors and delightful crema.

The Bialetti Moka Post Espresso Maker makes some great coffee in a stylish and fun vessel.  This espresso maker is beautiful and high quality, so you won’t mind leaving it out on display in your kitchen when not in use.  

#2. Bialetti Moka Express Pot 

Sale
Bialetti 3 Cup Moka Express Stovetop Coffee Maker
  • The original moka coffee pot: Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker, it provides the experience of the real Italian way of preparing a tasteful coffee, its unique shape and the...
  • Made in Italy: it is Made in Italy and its quality is enhanced by the patented safety valve which makes it easy to clean and its ergonomic handle, available in many sizes and suitable for gas,...
  • How to prepare the coffee: fill the boiler up to the safety valve, fill it up with ground coffee without pressing, close the moka pot and place it on the stovetop, as soon as Moka Express starts to...

This is another moka pot made by Bialetti, and it’s just as high-quality as the previous option. It is a moka express stovetop espresso maker that is also made of aluminum, and it feels durable and premium, so we’re confident this will last quite a long time even with regular use. It isn’t dishwasher safe, but the design does make it easy to take apart and hand wash.

This express moka pot only makes about four shots of espresso at a time, so while it’s perfect for making moka pot coffee for one or two people at a time, it isn’t ideal for serving large groups of people. We found that this espresso maker makes delectable coffee. The flavor nuances were highlighted beautifully, and the espresso had a nice crema on top. It includes heat-resistant handles on the lid and the side, making pouring and emptying safe and straightforward.

#3. Bialetti Kitty Espresso Coffee Maker

Bialetti 6 Cup Espresso Coffee Maker
  • Makes 6 espresso cups = appx 12 fl oz total
  • Stainless Steel Construction
  • Heat resistant and ergonomic bakelite handle with extra wide reach

Yet another option from Bialetti, this stainless steel stovetop espresso maker is made with a thicker metal that is dishwasher safe, so your clean up will be a breeze! It’s quite a bit heavier than the aluminum options on our list, and it takes a longer time to brew your espresso, given the slower transfer of heat through the metal.

This stovetop coffee maker has a maximum capacity of around 12 ounces, so it’s an excellent option for homes with multiple coffee drinkers or for those who want the option to serve numerous people at a time during gatherings. It includes a heat resistant handle, which makes pouring easy, but the top only has a metal piece for opening the lid. As such, you’ll need to wait for the espresso maker to cool before emptying the grounds.

Unfortunately, we found that with extensive use, the bottom became discolored. Although it didn’t impart any off-flavors in our coffee, you may not be comfortable using it if this happens to your moka espresso coffee maker.

#4. Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Moka Pot

Cuisinox Roma 6-cup Stovetop Moka Espresso Maker
  • 6-Cup Roma Stainless Steel Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker
  • 3.5" x 7" Moka Pot is made of mirror polished, 18/10 stainless steel
  • Stovetop Espresso Maker has an Induction base that is compatible with all stovetop surfaces.
  • Enjoy the classic Italian method of brewing espresso

This stove top espresso maker is another that is of stainless steel construction, so it’s rather heavy but extremely durable. It feels like it’s made of high-quality, thick metal, so it’s a costly moka pot, and it takes a relatively long time to brew, given the slower heat transfer.

It brews a maximum of 9 ounces at a time, so it’s a good option for those who want to serve guests or multiple coffee drinkers in their homes. Both the top and the side handles are made out of metal, so they do get reasonably hot during brewing and should be handled with an oven mitt. Although this factor makes it a bit annoying to use, the sleek, all-metal design is very striking and will add to the decor in your kitchen.

All of the pieces are dishwasher safe, so your clean up process after brewing will be very simple and straightforward.

#5. LuxHaus Stovetop Espresso Maker

LuxHaus 6 Cup Moka Pot Coffee Maker
  • 🙌 UPGRADED METAL HINGE - We swapped the plastic out with metal so it will no longer break.
  • 🎁 PERFECT FOR GIFTS - Elegantly packaged with stylish magnetic gift box.
  • ☕ 6 ESPRESSO SIZE CUPS - Espresso cups are 2oz each. Total capacity is 12oz.
  • 🧑‍🍳 GAS, ELECTRIC or INDUCTION - Works on all stove types at home or for camping.

This moka espresso pot is a stainless steel espresso maker, so it’s entirely machine washable, making your clean up process effortless. The thick metal does lead to a relatively long brewing time, but we were pleased with the complexity and taste of the espresso it made.

It brews up to 12 ounces at a time, making it perfect for serving many people at once. It includes a heat-resistant handle and lever on the side and top, respectively, so you won’t need to worry about burning yourself as you pour or empty your grounds.

We found that the inside of the boiling chamber got a bit discolored after regular use, and although it didn’t seem to affect the taste of our espresso, it may make you uncomfortable continuing to use it. The materials feel very durable, and the moka pot will add to your kitchen’s decor, so you won’t mind leaving it out on display when not in use.

#6. Delonghi Italian Moka Pot

DELONGHI 6 Cup Espresso Moka Pot
  • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of...
  • The Italian way to make authentic coffee with the Moka process. It involves just a few steps. Fill the aluminum boiler with water and filter with ground coffee. After only a few minutes, the machine...
  • Your coffee will never burn or overflow with the safety automatic shut-off. And the keep warm function keeps coffee hot for 30 minutes.
  • Easily monitor the entire brewing process with the transparent container. It's durable and easy-to-clean.

This electric moka pot from Delonghi includes a base that gets plugged in and delivers heat for brewing, so you won’t need to use your stove with this espresso maker. The bottom portion is made of stainless steel, so it will take a reasonably long time to brew. The top part where your brewed espresso will collect is made of plastic, and we found that it doesn’t seal well to the steel boiling chamber, resulting in some leakage out of the side during operation.

This electric moka espresso pot makes up to 9 ounces of espresso, so it’s great for serving multiple shots at a time, and it includes a second filter that’s made specifically for smaller batches – between one and three shots. We did enjoy the automatic shut-off feature, as this makes your brewing process as simple as possible and ensures your coffee never burns.

What Is a Moka Pot?

A moka pot is a brewing apparatus designed to make a beverage similar to espresso on your stovetop. It includes a boiling chamber where your water is heated, a stem that guides boiling water up to your grounds, a basket to hold your espresso grounds, and a collection chamber where your brewed espresso will be held.

Moka pots create a few bars of pressure, far less than proper espresso machines, which produce around 15 bars. As such, you’ll find that moka pot espresso vs. true espresso isn’t quite as strong. However, moka pot espresso vs. French press coffee, for example, will be far more robust. Classic moka pot espresso is flavorful and strong enough to make mixed coffee drinks for some of the best coffee around.

Why Use a Moka Pot?

Moka pots are great for a variety of reasons, including their ease of use. You won’t need to time how long it takes to pull an espresso shot or practice pouring techniques to get delicious moka pot coffee like you would with another coffee pot or espresso maker. You simply measure and add the grounds, add your water, and turn on the stove. Your grounds and water should be measured, but it’s difficult to mess up the recipe too much, given how flavorful the coffee is.

If you love espresso, you’ve probably looked into at-home espresso makers and seen how expensive they are. While moka pots don’t make the exact same coffee, they offer a very similar espresso experience at a much more affordable price.

Lastly, moka pots take up very little space, so they can be stored easily or used for travel. They just require a heat source, so many people even use them for camping or coffee-shop-quality coffee in their hotel room.

4 Considerations Before Buying a Moka Pot

As you can see from our comparisons above, buying a moka pot is a bit more involved than choosing the most affordable one you can find. There are a few factors you should consider carefully before making your purchase.

Size

To many coffee drinkers, quantity is essential! A moka pot that makes 1-3 shots at a time may be perfect for single-serve coffee drinkers, but you should choose a much larger moka pot if you’re a heavy coffee drinker or plan on serving multiple people at a time, like when you have friends or family over. Generally, moka pots yield between 3 and 8 cups of coffee.

Ease of Use

Since you’ll likely be using your moka pot every morning, you should make sure that it’s easy to use. Features like heat-resistant handles and a proper seal between the boiling and collection chambers may seem inconsequential, but they make your brewing process more straightforward and enjoyable. Ultimately, you want a moka pot that makes your morning manageable, not more frustrating.

Material

You should also carefully consider which material is right for you. Moka pots are either made of aluminum or stainless steel which affects the brewing time and price point. Aluminum makes your brewing time shorter, but it isn’t machine washable, so you’ll have to hand wash all aluminum pieces. Stainless steel espresso makers are heavier and more expensive, but they tend to be more durable and is machine washable. Stainless steel is also far less likely to rust or corrode, potentially making it a safer material to choose.

You need to consider what kind of stove you’ll be using as well, as stainless steel can be used with any stove, including induction and glass top stoves, but aluminum can’t be heated via induction.

Electric or Stovetop?

Lastly, you need to decide if you’d prefer a standalone electric moka pot or a stovetop moka pot. Electric options include a heating element and can be used anywhere you have electricity. Most countertop electric moka pots have auto shut-offs, so you’ll never have to worry about your coffee burning. However, stovetop espresso makers are typically more affordable and durable, as they have fewer pieces that can be damaged.

Be sure to also check out our article on the 4 different types of coffee beans!

Features to Look for in the Best Moka Pot

There is a moka pot out there for everyone, so you need to choose the best espresso machine that suits you and your needs the best. An electric moka pot is likely the most convenient option and might be best for you if you don’t mind spending a bit more for convenience.

If you’re planning on serving multiple people, make sure you choose one with a large capacity of at least 9 ounces.

Lastly, choose a material that makes you most comfortable. If you’re worried about the metal rusting or want your espresso maker to be dishwasher safe, stainless steel is a better option. If you want the fastest brewing time or a lighter apparatus that is easy to handle, aluminum will suit you better.

How to Use a Stovetop Espresso Maker

Using a stovetop espresso maker couldn’t be simpler! To brew stovetop coffee with ease, begin by filling your filter basket with ground coffee – drip maker grind size works well. Fill the boiling chamber to the fill line with fresh water, and screw on the top portion of your moka pot to create a pressure seal. Turn on your stove.

If you’re using an electric moka pot, you can safely leave the room, but manual espresso makers should be monitored. Once you hear the last of the water boil up and stop making noise, remove the moka pot from heat and serve immediately.

Which Stovetop Espresso Maker Is Best for You?

By now, you should have a good idea of what to look for in moka pot. If you’re in the market for a home espresso machine, you’ll want to choose a material that suits your needs – stainless steel for ease of cleaning and durability, aluminum for affordability, and speedy brewing. You’ll want to make sure it’s easy to use and won’t cause burns or morning frustration.

Finally, you should choose one that can prepare enough coffee for you and any others you may be brewing for. Making espresso doesn’t get much easier than this. Find the right moka pot for you, and you’ll be in for an effortless brewing process and some delicious, full-flavor espresso!

Check Out These Posts