A strong cup of coffee is something that ties together millions of people across the world, but everyone has a particular preference when it comes to their morning cup of joe.
While espresso machines and drip coffee makers are making an appearance in many homes across the country, there is a particular kind of equipment that still has a loyal fan base — the moka pot or stovetop espresso maker.
If you are a part of this group of people who like their coffee to be strong, smooth and flavorful, you may want to consider some of the best stovetop espresso makers that are going to be discussed in further detail as we move forward!
Moka Pots Reviews
1- Bialetti 06800 Moka Stove Top Coffee Maker — Best for Coffee Lovers
Often touted as the best-loved stovetop espresso maker of all times, the Bialetti Moka pot is one of those products that a coffee lover can purchase even with his or her eyes closed.
Bialetti is a market leader in this realm and this particular model — the Moka Express — is the company’s best selling product. If you are looking for something that will give you consistency along with a smooth and strong cup of espresso each day, this is the definite winner of the category. The moka pot is made of aluminum, which means it will help in putting out your coffee faster, without compromising on the quality.
However, you must not try to put on an induction cooktop or a dishwasher, which is a big drawback.
Pros
- This is one of the most simple, yet elegantly designed options when it comes to stovetop espresso makers.
- As the body of this pot is made of aluminum, it is very fast when it comes to brewing coffee.
- The quality of coffee that is collected in the process is very impressive, winning over some of the harshest critics.
- The company has employed high-quality craftsmanship in the development of this espresso maker, which also makes it long lasting and durable.
Cons
- If you have an induction stove at home, this particular moka pot will not be compatible with it, so you must look at another option.
- This is not a dishwasher-safe option because of the aluminum body, so you will have to wash it by hand every time.
2- Cuisinox Roma 6-cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Espresso Maker — Best Quality Product
If budgetary restrictions are not something that you need to worry about, the Cuisinox Roma stainless steel stovetop espresso maker — available in many different sizes — is the undisputed winner in terms of construction and quality.
While this costs significantly more than all the other options on this list, you will find that this hand-crafted moka pot gives you a high-quality espresso each and every time.
Convenience is a major factor, as this espresso maker is designed in a way that it is compatible with all major cooktops and can be washed in a dishwasher. This moka pot also comes with one of the longest warranties that are available for such stovetop espresso makers — up to 25 years — which showcases the company’s confidence in its own product.
Pros
- If you are looking for excellent espresso that will take your day to the next level, this is the moka pot that will help you achieve it.
- The product is made with stainless steel, which increases its longevity and durability.
- If you are looking for an option that is compatible with induction cooktops, this can be your go-to moka pot.
- The company’s 25 year warranty period with this espresso maker isn’t just impressive but also goes to show their trust in the product.
Cons
- This is one of the most expensive stovetop espresso makers on this list, which may make it unsuitable for many people on a budget.
- The handle of this moka pot conducts heat, which can be a major inconvenience when you are trying to move it off the stove with your hands.
3- GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot — Great Budget Option
Not everyone is too comfortable with spending tons of money on a stovetop espresso maker, and if you are looking for a great budget option, the Milano Moka pot by Grosche is something you must keep in mind.
Available in a bunch of different colors and different finishes, this product will give you a good quality cup of espresso without any extra frills or additional features.
The overall construction of the product is very simple and works well with most conventional stovetops. However, the process of making coffee on an induction cooktop may be quite slow, as it isn’t magnetic.
Pros
- This moka pot is available in four different color variants, each of which has its own detailing to make this a fun espresso maker.
- This is one of the most affordable options when it comes to stovetop espresso makers, which means even those of you on a budget can benefit from it.
- The soft touch handle keeps you from burning your hand, while the built-in safety valve ensures that you don’t have to worry about too much pressure build up.
- As the compartments are made out of aluminum, the heat conduction is relatively faster.
Cons
- This isn’t the most durable option out there, which means you may have to switch it out sometimes within months.
- The aluminum build of the product takes away from some of the obvious benefits that stainless steel products tend to give you.
4- bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker — Most Stylish Option
If you are looking for an eye-catching stovetop espresso maker, the bonVIVO Intenca is definitely worth a try. Overall, the moka pot is made with stainless steel and has a copper chrome finish to top it off.
Suitable for use with many different types of stovetops — gas, ceramic, electric and induction — this is a great option for people who have had compatibility issues with their moka pots in the past. The handle has been designed to resist heat, which can sometimes be a big issue with stovetop espresso makers. In addition to this, the drip-free pouring and the presence of a safety valve make for a great, well-rounded product.
Pros
- This is one of the best-looking stovetop espresso makers because of the copper finish that has been employed to add that touch of elegance.
- The spout of the espresso maker has been designed to allow for drip-free pouring that is extremely convenient.
- This moka pot can be used with your induction cooktops as well, which is a definite advantage.
- If you don’t like the copper finish, there is also the option to opt for the chrome finish.
Cons
- The price of the product is slightly on the higher side, especially when compared to the amount of coffee being brewed.
- As this is made of stainless steel, it can take longer to brew the coffee.
5- Delonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker — Best Electric Option
While this may seem odd to those of you who have stoves at home, there are still many people, including students, who do not have regular stoves in places where they are living.
If you identify with this category of people, you need to give DeLonghi’s Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker a shot.
A great option for people who do not want to bother themselves with how regular moka pots work, this comes with an aluminum boiler, combined with a cordless base for portability and a plastic upper compartment. There are a couple of things you need to keep in mind though.
For example, the taste will not be as good as the fully aluminum or stainless steel options because of the introduction of plastic. Regardless, this is a good option for those willing to give electric a shot.
Pros
- This is a great option for people living in dorms or enclosed spaces with no stoves, as the machine does all the work for you.
- The product is priced pretty well for something that is going to give you access to a great cup of coffee each day.
- There is a “Keep Warm” function that ensures that the espresso stays hot for a while after it is made.
- The cordless design makes it very easy to use and allows it to be highly portable.
Cons
- Durability is an issue, as the espresso maker comes with a plastic top, which will not last you as long as one of the stainless steel or aluminum variants.
- The flavor profile is also going to be slightly lower than the other options because of the plastic components.
- The rubber components used to seal the upper and lower compartment can sometimes allow for leakages.
Things to Keep in Mind
After looking at five of the best options when it comes to moka pots or stovetop espresso makers, you may still find yourself confused about which of these would be most in line with your requirements. There are many different things that you need to keep in mind when you are zeroing in on a particular product. Some of these things are mentioned below to make the process of choosing one easier for you.
What Materials Are the Best for Moka Pots?
In most cases, the main body of your moka pot will probably be made of either aluminum or stainless steel, depending on which option you choose to go with. There are many different pros and cons associated with each of these materials. A lot of people opt for stainless steel as it is less likely to corrode with use over time. Ensure that it is pure stainless steel, as mixtures could lead to quicker erosion. If you are looking for something that works faster than most stainless steel options, aluminum pots can be a good option, as they aren’t just quicker at doing the job, but are also more efficient in comparison. Not only are these pots cheaper in most cases, but they also conduct more heat than the average stainless steel variant, cutting down the brewing time in half. Your personal priorities will dictate which of these works better for you.
What Kind of Stovetop Compatibility Should I Be Looking For?
If you look around yourself, you will notice that there are more and more types of stovetops that can be found in different homes and settings. These range from a regular gas stovetop, to a radiant or halogen one, to the newer electric or induction-based cooktops. These are just some of the options on a list that reads quite long. When it comes to choosing a moka pot or stovetop espresso maker, you need to check whether or not the product is compatible with the stovetop that you have at home. This is especially important if you have induction tops at home, as while such espresso makers usually work with most conventional stovetops, there is a limitation on the number that works with induction tops. It is recommended to check ahead of time to avoid any incompatible purchases.
What Is the Capacity of a Moka Pot?
The capacity of a moka pot is basically just the number of cups of coffee that you can make at one go. While it does sound simple enough, a lot of buyers tend to go wrong in the process of choosing the right capacity for their needs. One major rule of thumb that you must stick to is not just looking at the number of cups that the manufacturer has advertised on the box of the espresso maker. The main reason for this is that there are many different companies that will not be following a standard cup measurement, as different countries may have different measurements. For example, most Italian moka cups hold two ounces as a full cup, while that may be considered just about a quarter of a cup in many other countries of the world. Go according to the number of ounces when you are making a decision!
What Are the Common Countries of Origin?
The culture around coffee can differ from one country to another to a great extent, and because of this factor, the moka pots manufactured by companies in different companies can also differ to some extent. While most people who use these espresso makers will tell you that the country of origin will not make much of a difference, different tastes prefer pots made in different countries. For example, a lot of people prefer Italian models when it comes to stovetop espresso makers and there are a couple of major reasons for this. First and foremost, everyone knows how coffee is a way of life in the country, and that translates into the quality of, as well as, the performance delivered by many of the Italian-made espresso makers that are available for purchase.
How Is the Cleaning Process?
With the process of cleaning including only a couple of rinses after each use, a lot of people opt for stainless steel models when it comes to moka pots or stovetop brewers because they are possibly the easiest to clean. There are three chambers in most moka pots. The bottom part is for water, followed by one for the grounds and finally the top chamber that is meant to collect the coffee that is brewing. Along with this, there are small gaskets that connect each chamber, all of which need to be taken out and cleaned separately. While many people are scared that this will amount to a lot of work, in reality, moka pots are one of the easier coffee makers to clean.
How Long Does the Warranty Last?
One major factor that goes a long way in showcasing the durability of a stovetop espresso maker is the warranty offered by the company, as it is almost a statement of how confident the manufacturer is in the abilities of the moka pot. On average, you can expect a warranty of about two years at the least from trustworthy companies. Additionally, as the price you pay goes up further, the warranty may also increase accordingly. For example, there are some Italian models that come with warranties that last as long as 25 years, which is pretty incredible. The warranty offered by the company is definitely one of the things you should consider before picking up a product.
As many people across the world may be heard saying, “You don’t mess with a person’s coffee.” This is almost considered a way of life for people who drink their cup — or multiple cups — of coffee each day and one of the most important factors that can give you an assurance of good quality is the equipment that you choose to invest in. Moka pots or stovetop espresso machines will not set you back by hundreds of dollars in most cases — as some of those modern espresso machines do — and still give you consistent goodness with each cup. As tons of people turn to this way of life, what are you waiting for?
