The 8 Best Moka Pots for Making Strong Stovetop Coffee

What to Look for in a Moka Pot

Capacity

Moka pots are generally designed to make less coffee than other brewing devices like drip coffee makers, French presses, and some pour overs. This is partially because moka pots brew more concentrated, espresso-like coffee. If a small serving size doesn't bother you, any moka pot is on the table. If you prefer getting multiple servings out of each brew, look for a larger-capacity moka pot.

Electric or Stovetop

Moka pots began as non-electric coffee makers that were meant to be placed on top of a heating source. While stovetop models remain the most common option today, there are also electric moka pots that make brewing quicker and easier—albeit usually for a higher price. Figuring out which style you prefer could make the buying process easier.

Stovetop Compatibility

If you choose to go with a non-electric moka pot, you'll want to double check that it's compatible with your stovetop or the heating source you plan to use. While most moka pots today are designed for a variety of cooktops, some brands recommend avoiding certain types, usually gas ones.

Portability

As far as coffee makers go, moka pot make solid travel companions. They tend to be small and sturdy. Camping trips are perhaps the most common reason to travel with a moka pot because the majority of models don't require electricity. You can place it over a fire or on a propane burner and enjoy strong, tasty coffee without electricity.

Ease of Cleaning

Moka pots are fairly routine to clean. At the worst, you'll have to scrub fine coffee grounds out of some nooks and crannies. Otherwise, a standard combo of water and dish soap will do. If you particularly dislike the cleaning process, however, you might want to consider a dishwasher-safe moka pot.

FAQs

How do you use a moka pot?

A moka pot has two chambers and a middle basket. The bottom chamber is for water, the middle basket is for coffee grounds, and the top section is where your coffee ends.

To use a moka pot, take apart the two chambers and basket, and then fill the bottom chamber with your desired amount of cold water and the middle basket with coffee grounds. Attach the three chambers, and then put the moka pot on your stovetop on low heat.

"You know that the coffee is brewed when the moka pot starts steaming and whistling vigorously," says Oli Baise, a barista and the founder of the coffee blog Drinky Coffee. "It will be shaking slightly due to all the steam being produced."

How do you clean a moka pot?

To clean the moka pot, take apart the three chambers. The top chamber is cleaned by pouring away any coffee residue and then washing it with a sponge and water. The middle basket is dishwasher-safe, but you should remove the grounds first. The bottom part of the chamber needs to be rinsed, as it only holds water. Occasionally, you may wish to descale your moka pot.

"It's very easy to do so," says Heather Calatrello, head roaster and owner of Shedlight Coffee in San Diego. "Simply add water to the chamber until it hits the bottom of the filter basket. Then, add one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of vinegar to the water. Let it sit for about three to four hours to let the acids work their magic. Afterward, pour a bit of the water out, and run a brew cycle with the acidic water. Once complete, discard the acidic water, and allow the moka pot to cool. Then, follow with another thorough rinse, and dry. Voila."

What type of coffee can you put in a moka pot?

You should use medium-fine-ground coffee in a moka pot.

"Using too finely ground coffee can make it hard for the water to pull through the coffee and go into the top chamber," says Baise. "Too coarsely ground coffee can make a very sour final drink."

The amount of coffee you need depends on the size of your moka pot. They work best when you fill the middle basket to the brim.

"As a general rule of thumb, you want six grams of coffee per person," says Baise. "A standard-size moka pot holds up to 18 grams of coffee and is designed for three people."

Can you put milk in a moka pot?

No. Putting milk in the moka pot will scorch it.

"If you want milk with moka pot coffee, just add it at the end," says Baise.

How do you season a moka pot?

Simply put, you don't. You should clean your moka pot after each use to avoid the buildup of oils from the coffee beans.

"This residue can go rancid and ruin any chance of brewing delicious coffee with your moka pot," says Calatrello. "It can also cause a blockage in the moka pot, which can be dangerous. Your best bet is to thoroughly rinse your moka pot after each use, and wipe it clean every time."

Can you use a moka pot on all cooktops?

Typically, moka pots are made out of aluminum, and because aluminum is not magnetic, it won't work on induction cooktops. However, you will find some moka pots made out of materials that will work with them.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Bridget Shirvell has been writing about food and wine, parenting, and climate solutions for more than a decade. Her work has appeared on Foodprint, Martha Stewart Living, Food52, and more. Obsessively organized, Bridget always looks for items that will reduce her household carbon footprint while making baking with her toddler easier.

This piece was updated by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. Derek received an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and a BA in Communications from Marist College. He joined The Spruce Eats in 2019. Derek also reviewed the Bialetti Moka Express, which is included on the list above.

Sources

Heather Calatrello, the head roaster and owner of Shedlight Coffee in San Diego, was interviewed for this piece. Shedlight sells organic, fair trade coffee beans, and the roasting is all done via solar power.

Oli Baise is a barista and the founder of the coffee blog Drinky Coffee, which publishes product reviews and a wide range of coffee-related information.