Best Moka Pots
Moka pots are an exceptionally versatile coffee making gadget thanks to their ability to make coffee akin to espresso. Espresso as you know, forms the basis of any coffee beverage you might get from your favourite cafe making the moka pot a kitchen essential.
What is a Moka Pot?
A moka pot typically has 3 parts: the base chamber, where the water for your coffee is placed; the filter basket, where your favourite coffee grounds are packed; and the upper chamber that will contain your coffee at the end of the incredibly easy brewing process.
Moka pots work by heating water until enough pressure builds that it's forced through the filter basket containing your chosen grounds until it accumulates in the upper chamber for consumption.
What Kind of Moka Pot is Right For Me?
Moka pots come in all shapes and sizes from those that brew single servings of coffee to some that can brew a whopping 10 cups of coffee; determining what kind of size you're looking for based on your coffee consumption will go a long way in identifying which moka pot is best for you.
Moka pots are usually aluminium or stainless steel, both of which conduct heat well and will produce an excellent cup of coffee although if you’d like a more long term option then its best to stick to stainless steel. Aluminium could still corrode and oxidise shortening the life of your hopefully cherished moka pot whereas stainless steel is completely non-corrosive and non-porous ensuring it’ll stand the test of time.
Some moka pots are designed for use on an open flame whereas others are best utilised on an induction stove so naturally it’s best to opt for a version that’ll work best with your at home stovetop.
The Best Moka Pots
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
This classic moka pot offers the quintessential italian style along with excellent coffee straight from the company that invented it. The original moka pot is one of the most famous at-home coffee makers in Italy, a country known for its excellent coffee so why not bring it right to your very kitchen counter.
The original Bialetti moka pot comes in a variety of sizes from 9 cups all the way to 3 ensuring that no matter the size of your household you can brew the perfect amount of espresso.
Not only does the bialetti come in a range of sizes but also finishes and colours ensuring that whatever your aesthetic you can have a coffee maker to match.
Unfortunately this bialetti espresso maker only comes in an aluminium variety and isn’t best suited to an induction stove so if you’re looking for something that’ll last you more than a lifetime and can be used on more modern cookers it’s best to look elsewhere.
Bialetti Elegance Venus Induction
From the same company that brought you the original moka press we have a sleeker, induction friendly coffee maker that produces coffee as incredible as the original.
This moka pot is constructed from stainless steel and has no problem with induction stoves making it a great option for the modern home.
Fortunately you aren’t limited to induction stoves either as this stainless steel moka pot is diverse enough to use with all manners of stove tops but beware that the handle isn’t fireproof so we’d caution against using this in a fire pit when camping.
Zulay Classic Stovetop Espresso Maker
Not a named brand that you might have heard of in the coffee making blogosphere, but even still Zulay offers an excellent espresso maker not unlike the bialetti classic. With the quintessential moka shape, modern wooden handle and aluminum body you can’t go wrong with the coffee it produces let alone its sleek aesthetic.
Be wary of its use on induction stoves as the aluminium body is best suited to a classic fire top stove but at this very affordable price point whose to complain.
Godmorn’s Stovetop Espresso Maker
Another induction friendly espresso maker comes from Godmorn, a lesser known moka pot manufacturer that doesn’t skimp when it comes to quality.
This moka pot offers the classic induction friendly shape and stainless steel body for a more versatile stovetop coffee maker. You’ll be hard pressed to find a coffee maker at such a low price point balanced with impeccable quality.
Thankfully there are plenty of options in sizing allowing you options spanning from the 4 cup to the 9 cup ensuring that you can brew some fabulous espresso for the whole family.
Delonghi Authentic Italian Espresso Maker
If you’re looking for a contained coffee making unit there aren’t so many moka pot type options besides this excellent Delonghi coffee maker.
You won’t have to pay any mind to an immersion or flame compatible moka pot as this machine offers you espresso at the push of a button. Although this machine comes in one standard size it’s possible to brew both 3 and 6 cup batches making this Delonghi a surprisingly versatile machine.
This moka pot gadget features a clear upper chamber so that you can witness the percolation of your morning brew and what's more the machine is cordless so you can brew fresh coffee in any corner of your home, both inside and out.
The only complaint cited by its users is its plastic finish which can feel relatively cheap in comparison to the excellent espresso it produces. So if you’re less concerned about the aesthetic of your new coffee gadget then the Delonghi Authentic Italian Espresso Maker is still for you.
Conclusion
Moka pots offer a surprising amount of versatility in the coffee you produce thanks to its espresso-like brew which can form the basis of all manners of beverages from affogato to flat white.
Whether you’re looking for a personal use espresso maker for your immersion stovetop or one fit for the whole family over a fire you are sure to find a moka pot best suited to your needs in this list.
Happy brewing!