Moka Pot Coffee Brewing Guide

A moka pot

The moka pot is a tiny, eight sided metal (usually steel) pot that brews coffee by passing steam-pressurized water through ground coffee. Most moka pots brew a single cup at a time, but larger versions, such as the Bialetti 6-cup, can be used to brew multiple cups at a time.

How to Brew Coffee Using a Moka Pot

Most Moka pots are designed for stove top usage, but you can also purchase an electric Moka pot. Either way, making coffee with a Moka pot is pretty simple:

1. Measure and Grind the Coffee

For Moka pot coffee it doesn't matter what type of grinder you use, but it is important to get the measurements right. You typically want to add around 20 grams, with a maximum of 22 grams, to the pot.

2. Boil and Add Water

Boil water in a kettle, then pour it into the bottom half of the Moka pot.

3. Add Coffee

Put your ground coffee in the filter attachment that comes with the Moka pot, shake it vigorously to make sure the grounds are spread evenly, and screw it into the bottom compartment of the pot.

4. Attach the Top

Grab the top half of your Moka pot and carefully screw it onto the bottom. It will be extremely hot, so "carefully" is the operative word here.

5. Heat

If you're using an electric Moka pot, there should be a single button or switch that will brew your coffee. If you're using a stovetop model, set a burner to medium and put your coffee on the stove.

6. Watch and Listen

Now all you have to do is wait. The heat should push steam and water up through the coffee filter at an even rate. If your burner's too hot the water can shoot upwards and displace the lid; if your burner's too low, there will be a lethargic burbling.

You'll know your coffee is finished when you hear a hissing, bubbling sound.

7. Serve

Your cuppa is now ready! Add some milk, sugar or whipped cream and enjoy!

Final Advice

A Moka coffee pot is a great way to ensure that you can always enjoy a good cup of coffee for an affordable price, no matter where you are. If you spend a lot of time on the road—especially if a significant amount of that time is spent in planes—you may also want to consider the Aeropress brewing system.

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