Moka pots, also known as stovetop espresso makers, were invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti. Since then, they have gained great popularity among coffee lovers.
Stovetop espresso makers are now one of the most iconic elements of Italian cuisine. Moka pots are also widely used around the world.
If you’re a coffee lover who enjoys the bold, rich flavor of espresso-style coffee, a moka pot can be a great investment because it is an affordable way to make it at home compared to espresso machines.
In addition to being affordable, moka pots are one of the easy-to-use coffee makers. You don’t need to be a coffee expert to brew with a Moka pot.
On the other hand, the designs of moka pots have remained almost the same since the day they were invented. However, especially in the last few years, new stovetop moka pot espresso makers with different designs and features have been launched.
In this article from Best Coffee at Home, we will look at what you need to know before buying a Moka pot and the best Moka pots for 2024.
Quick Overview of Best Moka Pots of 2024
Bialetti Iconic Stovetop Moka Pot Espresso Maker
4.8
- Aluminum
- Different color and size options
- Iconic design
- Made in Italy
- Compatible with all stoves except induction
De'Longhi Stainless Steel Electric Moka Pot
4.7
- Aluminum boiler
- Allows brewing different amounts (3-6 cup)
- Automatic shut-off
- Warm function
Bialetti Moka Pot Venus 4 Cups
4.7
- Stainless-steel
- Different color and size options
- Compatible with induction cookers (except for the 2 cup model)
Grosche Milano Stovetop Moka Pot Espresso Maker
4.8
- Aluminum
- Different color and size options
- Traditional design
Bialetti New Brikka Moka Pot 4 Cup
4.8
- Aluminum
- Options for 2 and 4 cup sizes
- Brews a creamier coffee
- Thermoplastic handle
SIXAQUAE Glass-Top & Stovetop Moka Pot Espresso Maker
4.7
- Stainless steel bottom chamber
- Glass top chamber
- Induction friendly
- BPA-free plastic handle
- Options for 4 and 6 cup sizes
Bialetti Mini Express Kandinsky Moka Pot Set
4.6
- Aluminum
- Innovative design
- 2 espresso cups gift
How to Choose a Moka Pot?
If you’re still unsure which Moka pot to buy, this section will help you decide.
Selecting the Perfect Moka Pot: Starting with the Right Cup Size
Moka pots can only make the amount of coffee they are designed for. For instance, you can’t make 3 cups of coffee in a 6-cup moka pot. So, you should consider the size you need before buying one.
Also, Moka pots ‘cup’ sizes don’t mean a standard cup. A 3-cup Moka pot, for example, will only fill about half of an 8 oz (240 ml) cup.
The sizes of moka pots in ml or fl oz aren’t clearly stated and can differ across brands. To give you an idea, below is a table showing the amount of coffee each cup size of the Bialetti Moka Express can make.
Cup Size | Coffee Liquid in oz | Coffee Liquid in ml |
1 Cup | 2 oz | 60 ml |
2 Cup | 3 oz | 90 ml |
3 Cup | 4,4 oz | 130 ml |
4 Cup | 6,4 oz | 190 ml |
6 Cup | 9,1 oz | 270 ml |
9 Cup | 14,2 oz | 420 ml |
12 Cup | 20,3 oz | 600 ml |
18 Cup | 27 oz | 800 ml |
Aluminum or Stainless Steel?
The first moka pots were made of aluminum. You often see these classic 8-sided moka pots in cafes and Italian kitchens, usually aluminum.
But, aluminum moka pots are more sensitive to harsh cleaning products than stainless steel ones. So, you need to be extra careful when cleaning them.
It’s also important to dry aluminum moka pots well after using them. If they stay wet, they can rust.
Stainless steel moka pots, as the name suggests, are more resistant to rust and wear. They are usually more expensive than aluminum moka pots.
Compatibility with Different Stove Types
When choosing a moka pot, the material it’s made from matters, especially where you’ll heat it. If you have a moka pot made of aluminum, you can’t use it on induction stoves. Induction stoves need magnetic metals to work, and aluminum isn’t magnetic.
You can still use an aluminum Moka pot on an induction stove if you get an induction adapter, but that means an extra cost. It’s good to remember this when you’re choosing your moka pot.
Also, some stainless steel moka pots might not work on induction stoves. This is usually not a problem with larger sizes, but 1-2 cup models can be too small to activate induction stoves.
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Top 7 Moka Pot and Stovetop Espresso Makers
Best Overall: Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker
Bialetti’s eight-sided model is often the first one people think of when it comes to Moka pots. This iconic eight-sided model is likely the world’s most popular Moka pot model.
While it is mostly seen in grey, it comes in various colors and sizes. They are made in Italy, the birthplace of the Moka pot.
The Moka Express stovetop espresso maker has an aluminum body and a plastic handle. But don’t be concerned about the plastic; it is high quality and feels premium.
Check Bialetti Iconic Stovetop Moka Pot Espresso Maker Price
Best Electric: De’Longhi EMK6 Authentic Stainless Steel Moka Pot
If you find a stovetop moka pot is not right for you, you might consider buying an electric moka pot. The De’Longhi Alicia electric moka pot doesn’t need you to watch over it while it brews, unlike stovetop moka pots. It turns off automatically when the brewing is done and keeps your coffee warm for 30 minutes if you don’t move it.
Also, getting a De’Longhi Alicia is like getting two Moka pots. Normally, you can’t brew 3 cups in a 6-cup moka pot since they are made for specific amounts. But the De’Longhi Alicia can make both 3 cups and 6 cups because of a special part it has. So, you don’t need to buy different sizes of moka pots for brewing different amounts.
An added attraction of the De’Longhi Alicia is its transparent top chamber. This is a big plus for those who enjoy watching the coffee-making process. Seeing the coffee slowly come out and spray towards the end is quite enjoyable.
Check De’Longhi Stainless Steel Electric Moka Pot Price
Best for Induction Stove: Bialetti Venus Stainless-Steel Moka Pot
If you’re using an induction stove and want aluminum moka pots, you’ll need a moka pot adapter plate. But, if you prefer not to buy an adapter, stainless-steel moka pots like the Bialetti Venus would be a better option.
The Bialetti Venus stands out with its elegant and unique design. It’s crafted from stainless steel, making it more durable. This durability comes from the walls of its boiler, which are 20% thicker than usual, adding to the longevity of the Bialetti Venus.
Additionally, the Bialetti Venus is designed for portability. Its convenient design makes the Bialetti Venus an ideal travel companion.
The Bialetti Venus is available in various colors and sizes. The Bialetti Venus is found in 2, 4, 6, and 10 cup models. However, it’s important to note that the 2-cup Bialetti Venus, made of stainless steel, is incompatible with induction stoves. (The bottom chamber of the 2-cup Bialetti Venus model is not wide enough for induction stoves.) But, if the 2-cup Bialetti Venus is what you need, you can still use it on an induction stove by purchasing an induction adapter.
Check Bialetti Moka Pot Venus 4 Cups Price
Budget Pick: Grosche Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker
If you’re on a tight budget but still want quality, the Grosche Milano moka pot is a great choice. Made of aluminum, it looks very similar to the original 8-sided design of Bialetti.
You can find the Grosche Milano in different colors and sizes, so there’s one for every need. It’s available in 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 cups.
The Grosche Milano also has a bigger handle than many other moka pots. This bigger handle makes you less likely to burn your hand when pouring.
Even though the Grosche Milano is affordable, it has a high-quality Italian safety valve.
Check Grosche Milano Moka Pot Price
Best for More Espresso Crema: Bialetti Brikka Moka Pot
Even if you put much effort into using moka pots, they cannot produce crema like espresso machines. But, Bialetti Brikka, with its new silicone membrane technology, lets you make coffee that’s full-bodied, intense and has crema, just like espresso.
The crema from the Bialetti Brikka won’t be as much as from an espresso machine, but it will be quite similar. You can improve the results by grinding your coffee beans finer.
The Bialetti Brikka is available in 2 and 4-cup sizes. Its design is very similar to the classic Bialetti, made of aluminum. You can’t use it on an induction stove without an adapter plate.
Lastly, the Bialetti Brikka’s lid has a special feature. The lid’s design stops coffee from splashing out and has a gap that lets you see what’s happening inside during brewing.
Check Bialetti New Brikka Moka Pot 4 Cup Price
Best Glass Moka Pot: SIXAQUAE Glass-top & Stovetop Espresso Maker
Using a glass moka pot has benefits like improving the enjoyment of watching your coffee brew and allowing you to monitor the brewing process. However, because it’s made of glass, it’s more fragile and can break easily.
The Sixaquae moka pot has a stainless steel bottom chamber and a borosilicate glass top chamber. The handle is crafted from BPA-free plastic.
The stainless steel bottom chamber means using it on gas, electric, and even induction stoves.
Cute Design: Bialetti Mini Express Kandinsky Moka Pot Set
If you want a Moka pot with a special and innovative design, the Bialetti Mini Express is a great choice. This model has a sleek design, and instead of a top chamber, it comes with 2 cups.
The stand for the cups also helps to keep them warm. It’s worth noting that the product includes stylish cups.
The Bialetti Mini Express is only available in a 2-cup size, but you can choose from different colors.
It’s made of aluminum, so it’s unsuitable for induction stoves. However, Bialetti also offers stainless steel versions for induction stoves.
Check Bialetti Kandinsky Moka Pot Price
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