Bialetti Moka Pot
A time-tested way to make espresso-style coffee
A compact Italian-made eight-sided wonder, the moka pot makes espresso-style coffee without the need for a large, expensive, high-maintenance machine. Invented in 1933 by Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti, the elegant three-chambered pot relies on pressure generated by simple stovetop steam, which builds up in the lowest chamber and pushes up through the coffee grounds.
If this is your first time using the moka pot, we also suggest brewing a couple of coffees to season the pot before brewing one to drink.
- WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Coffee
Grinder
Moka pot (pictured: "Bialetti Jr.")
Kettle
Scale
Timer
Step Two
Fill the bottom chamber of the moka pot with water until it is level with the valve, about 345g.
Place the funnel—the coffee grounds receptacle—into the pot. If any water enters the funnel, pour out the excess and replace the funnel.
Step Three
Fill the funnel with the ground coffee, leveling the grounds and wiping the funnel’s rim clean.
Do not tamp the grounds.
Step Four
Screw the moka pot’s spouted top on tightly.
Step Five
Place the moka pot on a stove over medium heat.
If using a gas stove, make sure the flame is not larger than the base of the pot so as not to expose the handle to heat.
Step Six
As the water approaches a boil, the pressure will push the coffee into the upper chamber.
You know it’s done when you hear a hissing, gurgling sound. Immediately remove the moka pot from the heat. Let the coffee finish flowing into the upper chamber, and then use caution (and a potholder) to pour your coffee.
Care Instructions
To clean your moka pot for its next use, once the pot is cool enough to handle, unscrew the spouted top and remove the rubber gasket and filter plate that sit above the funnel. Use warm water without soap to clean all of the parts thoroughly. If you’re unable to remove any residual coffee oils, use a coffee-specific cleaner such as Cafiza, which will remove residue without imparting a soapy taste.
