MokaPot
A moka pot is a nifty device that brews coffee using the pressure of steam. The moka pot is also called stovetop espresso coffee maker. This coffee brewing method is very popular because it brews a strong concentrated coffee that uses pressure during extraction. The moka pot is the choice of many coffee lovers because it’s inexpensive, easy to use, and very reliable.
People call moka pot coffee espresso. Technically, we can call it espresso, because the brewing method involves pushing hot water through a puck of coffee. Taste-wise it’s not really an espresso, because it tastes differently. The reason is the water temperature, which is hotter than the pump espresso, and the lower pressure during brewing.
Moka pot espresso is a rich coffee with a full body, with full notes of chocolate and caramel. There are also more bitter accents in a stovetop espresso. Probably more than in most of the coffee brewing methods.
If you love strong coffee, and you aren’t afraid of some bitter notes, this is definitely for you. If you add sugar to your coffee, you will fall in love with this brewing method. Italians use sugar with their coffee prepared in a macchinetta. You can use sugar in two ways, more about that in the preparation technique section.
If you need an espresso-like coffee for your milk-based beverages, the stovetop espresso is a great option. The milk will mellow down the bite, and you will get a flavorful cup similar to the drinks at Starbucks. You can prepare a great cappuccino, or latte using the espresso brewed in a moka pot.
For those who want to obtain a great, unique cup of coffee, here are the instructions.
- Make sure your stovetop coffee maker is clean.
- Fill the base of your moka pot with hot water up to the line, or slightly below.
- Grind coffee beans. The grind size is slightly coarser than espresso but definitely finer than drip. The range is between espresso and hand drip.
- Fill the filter-funnel loosely, without packing the grounds.
- Some people like their coffee clearer, if that’s you, place a round paper filter on top of the grounds.
- Make sure rim is clean or it will lose pressure during brewing.
- Screw on the three parts and put it on the low, or medium heat. A gas stove is the best, but if you have an electric stove, you can use a heat diffuser to control the high temperature.
- Wait a couple of minutes if the water was hot. If you poured cold water, you probably have to wait up to 6-8 minutes until coffee starts flowing in the top reservoir.
- Once coffee starts to flow in the top carafe, immediately take it off the heat. The residual heat will be enough to finish the brewing. Depending on the stove, (gas vs electric), you might need to keep the pot on the stove longer.
- Stir in the upper chamber with a spoon to mix the different coffee layers for uniform flavor.
Pour it in cups right away.