
The Italian born Moka Pot uses stove-top generated steam pressure to force near-boiling water through a loose bed of coffee. This brewing technique intended to bring the taste of espresso into the home without the labor and cost of complex espresso machines. Although the Moka Pot produces a think espresso-like coffee it is not technically espresso. True espresso must be extracted under very high pressure through tightly packed coffee.
How To Use
To brew with a Moka Pot, first unscrew the upper and lower parts at the “waist”. Fill the bottom with water (to the pressure-release valve) and set in the funnel. Place finely ground coffee in the funnel and level. The grounds do not need to be packed or tamped. Screw the two halves together tightly and place on a medium heated stove. Water vapor pressure will force near-boiling water up the funnel, through the grounds and into the upper chamber. The whole bubbling process should take 3-5 minutes but constant practice and taste will be your guide.
Pros
Inexpensive equipment.
Cons
The all metal Moka Pot will take a while to cool down.
Shopping Tips
Although many Moka Pots are available in aluminum, that material may disrupt the taste of the coffee. We recommend using stainless-steel models