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Stovetop Espresso & Moka Pot Reviews

15 Best Moka Pots 2022 (The Best Stovetop Coffee Makers)

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Kieran

October 10, 2023

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Ah, the Moka pot.

The far superior sibling of the percolator and the far cheaper cousin of the espresso machine.

Coming to you from Italy Moka pots are growing in popularity and more and more of them are hitting the shelves.

Which can leave it hard to choose between them, that’s where I come in.

I’ve done the deep dive and reviewed all of the best Moka pots and stovetop espresso makers available today and boiled down the choices into easy categories so you can find the perfect one for you.

They’re all linked through to Amazon so you can click through the links and order yours today.

5 Best Moka Pot & Stovetop Espesso Makers

• Top Choice – GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot
• Best for induction hobs – Bialetti Venus Induction Stovetop Coffee Maker 4-cup
• Best stainless steel – bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Make
• Best for camping – Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Coffee Maker, 3-Cup, Aluminium
• Best Electric Moka Pot – DELONGHI EMK6 for Authentic Italian Espresso, 6 Cups

1. Top Choice – GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot

It was a toss-up between this Grocsche and the Bialetti for the top spot here, both make superb coffee but in the end, I decided the Grosche was better than the Bialetti because the wooden handle is more appealing to look at.

It’s also a little bit cheaper which is a plus and it’s currently available as a 3,6 or 9 cup Moka pot which is suitable for 1, 2, or 3 people I’ve found.

It’s aluminum so is not suitable for the dishwasher but I own an aluminum Moka pot and can confirm they aren’t difficult to wash.

Makes superb espresso-like coffee and is easily the best Moka pot you can buy.

2. Best for induction hobs – Bialetti Venus Induction Stovetop Coffee Maker 4-cup

We’re in Italy, the year is 1933, 45-year-old Alfonso Bialetti is a metal worker and engineer tinkering with a new design that will allow you to make espresso on your stovetop.

The Moka Pot is born.

And over the next 90 years, Bialetti has remained the go-to brand in Moka pots making superb quality products that are built to last.

The Venus is no exception allowing you to easily make espresso-like coffee, I chose this one over others because of its very reasonable price tag, much cheaper than a lot of other stainless steel models.

It comes in three sizes, 6 cup is the size I use for my wife and I in the morning when I’m making cappuccinos, the4 cup would do a large coffee for one or two smaller coffees and the 10 cup would reasonably make 4 or 5 cups of coffee

High-quality build, good looking for a stainless steel model and it goes in the dishwasher at the end.

3. Best stainless steel – bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker

I miss the shape of the aluminum Moka pots whenever I look at a Stainless steel one, it’s why I tend to recommend aluminum unless you’ve got an induction hob. But this isn’t about me and people like stainless steel so here it is!

The BoonVIVO is a beautiful product, feels good to hold and while I prefer a more angular shape I love the copper color of the upper chamber. Plus it makes great coffee!

It can be put in the dishwasher but I think I’d stick to handwashing it to ensure the nice finish, easy that way

It works on all stovetops including glass and electric stovetops not just induction, although it works there too.

My only problem with this is there isn’t any insulation on the handle, it’s just metal so does heat up, not to extreme temperatures by any means but it does get hotter so care should be taken.

4. Best for camping – Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Coffee Maker, 3-Cup, Aluminium

This is the original and perhaps the best, as I said it was a strong contender for the top spot making some of the best coffee but in the end, the stylish wooden handle won out.

But this is superb, if you’d rather go for this one for everyday use then I am right behind you on that decision.

And where this really tops is for camping, the aluminum is stronger and lightweight compared to the likes of the bonVIVO above which weighs a little more because of the stainless steel.

Its 3 espresso size is perfect for 1 or 2 for a little morning pick me up, and you won’t have to bring many coffee grounds with you, you could even store them inside and keep it screwed together.

Italian coffee on the go from the creators themselves.

5. Best Electric Moka Pot – DELONGHI EMK6 for Authentic Italian Espresso, 6 Cups

Before I began my deep dive researching for this article I didn’t realize a plugin Moka pot existed!

But I’m so glad it does because now it’s simple to make stovetop espresso at your office where you likely don’t have a stovetop.

The heat source is powered by electricity and it’s got an auto-shutoff to stop the coffee boiling over keeping the consistency across brews.

That means you don’t get as much control compared to the Bialetti or the Grosche above, you can’t make it on a low and slow for instance, but it does a pretty damn good job.

And you can still adjust the grind size if you use a coffee grinder and how the amount of coffee used in the filter basket.

Plus it’s got an adapter so you can use it as a 3 or 6 cup coffee machine. Just don’t get known as the office barista or you’re going to run out of time to do any work in a day!

It’s not pictured but it does have the safety valve in the bottom chamber, plus it’s got the octagonal look I seem to obsess with.

Nice strong coffee made easy anywhere you have access to power.

Moka Pot vs French Press

I’ve written a much more detailed article about the differences between Moka pot coffee and French Press coffee so I’ll keep it somewhat brief here.

Generally Moka pot coffee is easier to make because you have much less control over the brewing process.

You can adjust it somewhat by changing the grind size, whether or not you put in hot water, what temperature you set the hob to.

But these differences are small compared to a French press where you can change by the second how long you brew for, how far you push down, grind size, water temperature, when and how much you stir, coffee bloom, the list is almost endless.

But that means with some work you’ll get a better quality coffee from a French press compared to a Moka pot.

That said I like them both for different reasons, the Moka pot makes espresso-like coffee that’s ideal for making latte’s and such, while a French press is used to make delicious black coffee.

Both can make excellent coffee, but the Moka pot will get you to an excellent coffee faster than a French Press will.

Moka Pot Vs Espresso Machine

Espresso coffee is made at high pressure using a fine grind, Moka pot is made at much lower pressure using a medium-fine grind (talked more about this here). The difference is then that you don’t get a Crema on top and to the versed coffee drinkers you get two entirely different cups of coffee.

A study was done into how much people enjoyed espresso without Crema and found

“Espresso coffee without crema is expected to be low in liking, quality, and taste intensity”

This is why it’s important to distinguish that Moka pot coffee isn’t bad espresso, it’s just espresso-like coffee.

But to most people, they are pretty similar, and you can get a truly great Moka pot for $40 but an average espresso machine for $400…

And that’s basically what it comes down to, is espresso better? Yes, is it easier or cheaper? No and no.

Moka Pot Vs Percolator

For the longest time I actually thought these were one and the same thing, it wasn’t until the co-founder of this Scott wrote the article on just this that I learned what the difference is.

A Moka pot has two separate chambers, a bottom chamber that you fill with water that heats up. This water is then pushed up through the coffee grounds into the top chamber where it stays until you pour it out.

In a percolator, the coffee moves to the top and then comes back to the bottom to be passed through the coffee grounds again. Which yes if you leave it unattended it will just keep getting stronger and more bitter.

How To Use A Moka Pot

Moka pot use couldn’t be easier, it just comes down to these three steps if you don’t already know.

Step 1. Fill the bottom chamber with hot or boiling water

This is my top tip for Moka pots, don’t put cold water into the bottom, put in boiling water or hot water, this stops your coffee grounds from getting extra roasted in the basket while the water heats up and should give you a much less bitter brew.

Fill up to just under the safety valve so that air can still escape, which is the little metal circle on the bottom chamber, it’s there to let excess air escape if it can’t go up through the coffee grounds.

Step 2. Place grounds to fill the basket

You don’t want to tamp down the coffee because that could stop the water from being able to pass through, you want to fill it up so that when you tap the side the grounds fall and create a nice level top with the basket.

If you are a coffee lover who grinds their own coffee beans you’ll want to grind to a medium-fine grind, otherwise, ask your coffee roaster to grind for a Moka pot.

And if that doesn’t work I’d go for a drip coffee grind rather than an espresso grind so that it doesn’t get super bitter when you’re drinking it.

Step 3. Heat on the stove and remove it at the first gurgle

No matter the different sizes of Moka pot you can buy they all follow the same format when you’re making on them.

And you want them on the stove at a medium to medium-high heat, not the highest or it will brew too fast, then keep it there until you hear the first gurgle and splutter. Once you hear that gurgle remove it from the heat and pour one the gurgling stops.

You’ll be left with some water in the bottom but that’s totally normal.

F.A.Q

Who makes the best Moka pot?

It’s a toss-up between Grosche and Bialetti. In the Grosche vs Bialetti debate, I think the Bialetti wins on pure quality, they’ve been doing the longest and arguably do it best. But Grosche does it for a lower price and does a superbly stylish job.

So I think it’s a joint winner and they’re both actually the best!

Is Moka coffee as strong as espresso?

Not quite, espresso is a stronger concentrate of coffee, but it’s much easier to make more Moka pot coffee, you can buy a 6 cup Moka pot and make a mug of espresso-like coffee easier than you can make 6 espressos.

Why we love the Bialetti Moka pot?

It’s the oldest, the original, it’s high quality, it’s made in Italy and it just works. If you want to make great Moka pot coffee every day then you can do that happily in a Bialetti. It’s why they were an easy top pick.

Should I buy a Moka pot?

If you’re interested in making espresso-like coffee and want to get a milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes then definitely yes.

But if you like black coffee and want more control over your coffee then you might consider going for a French press or a pour-over device.

Is aluminum Moka Pot bad?

Not at all, some people don’t like them because they tarnish easily, if it goes in the dishwasher it will be horribly discolored so some people take that as dirt getting stuck in them.

But it isn’t, all Moka pots need cleaned the same, even under the rubber/silicone gasket, if you’re going brew coffee you enjoy you need to take care of the equipment and it’s just as easy to take care of an aluminum pot as it is a Stainless steel one, in my head anyway.

Other Moka Pots Reviewed

More Stainless Steel Moka Pots

Primula Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Coffee Maker, 4-Cup

First off I can confirm that the current Amazon listing is wrong, the capacity is more than 6 milliliters!

I liked this one because it’s got a big heatproof handle that’s comfortable to use and won’t burn you!

It’s also got a non-drip spout which is a godsend, I was forever pouring coffee all over the counter and the floor out of my old Moka pot.

Safe, easy, comfortable, everything a coffee lover could want.

LuxHaus Stovetop Espresso Maker – 6 Cup

I actually prefer the design of this one over the designer one further down the list, slightly hourglass-shaped and looks great.

Plus thought has gone into the making of it, the basket at the bottom is spring-loaded so you can easily get it out, a feature I’d never come across before I found this one. Very useful if like me you end up banging the side of the bottom and spilling grounds all over the sink.

Plus to add some great customer service to this product you get a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee, don’t like it? you just email the makers of it and they’ll refund you what you paid for it.

Can’t argue with that by any means, a superb Moka pot and easily one of the best stovetop espresso makers.

Début Stainless Steel Italian Espresso Coffee Maker

I’m not sure how I feel about the bulbous bottom on this Moka pot, but it sells well so who am I to judge?

Well functioning stainless steel stovetop espresso maker, the safety valve functions perfectly and the coffee out the top is smooth and tasty.

What I don’t love is the metal handle, it’s far enough from the heat that it doesn’t get excessively hot, but if you left it longer accidentally it would certainly get hot, and it’s not the most comfortable.

But some people like form over function, and if you’re looking for a Moka pot to add to your collection this one looks pretty different and could look great sitting on a shelf as part of a coffee collection.

elabo Stovetop Espresso Machine and Moka Pot for Gas or Electric Ceramic Stovetop

I’m not sure if any other coffee device comes in so many shapes and sizes, it’s endless!

First off I like that the elabo has a heat-resistant handle and lid compared to the Debut above which doesn’t. It’s also a little thicker handle so it’s more comfortable to hold and pour with.

This comfort combined with the spout design makes for easy pouring that shouldn’t spill.

It will start to discolor over time as it’s exposed to a gas flame but that’s completely normal and does nothing to affect the flavor of the coffee it makes which is the most important part.

Leesuo Italian Design Stovetop Espresso Maker

This is magical looking, it looks like what someone in the 50s would think a futuristic coffee maker might look like, but I’m digging it.

The main point with this one compared to the others is that it’s made with 304 stainless steel which is a compound of steel chromium and nickel, so it’s less stainless than some of the other models I’ve talked about above.

This means that it will work with an induction hob but shouldn’t be put in a dishwasher or it will get tarnished.

But if you’re happy to hand wash it you get a 1-year warranty which is a good deal.

Ilsa Stainless Steel 3 Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

Another Metal handle on the Ilsa, and all-around very similar to the Debut further up this list, seeing them both I actually wonder if they’re made in the same factory to slightly different specifications.

No matter, I’m sure you have a preference, this one is a little cheaper which I prefer over the extra money for the design on the debut but to each their own.

An all-around excellent Moka pot, a solid seal around the middle, a durable handle even if it gets a little hot a spout that pours properly. Plus it comes from the home of Moka Italy so you know it’s made to the right standards to make great coffee.

Best 1 Person Moka Pot

Bialetti New Brikka 2 cup with Crema

I was skeptical of this I have to say, I didn’t think you’d get much of any sort of Crema with a Moka pot, I didn’t think the pressure would be high enough.

But it works!

Trust Britta to figure it out, a way to have Moka pot coffee with a crema on top. It’s not as good as a full espresso machine’s crema but for less than 50 bucks it does a superb job.

Plus it’s a nice size for one person who wants a doppio for a stronger coffee in the morning.

It can also make cappuccinos and lattes but since you’ve gone to the effort of getting a special pot that can make Crema I think it’s best served black.

If you want the best Moka pot for crema then this is definitely it.

Best 2 Person Moka Pot

Zulay Classic Stovetop Espresso Maker

If researching across these many Moka pots has taught me anything, it’s that I’m a sucker for a wooden handle, they just look so much better!

The 5 cup size is ideal for 2 people, I’ve previously used a 6 cup for making 2 cappuccinos and if I used a regular mug I’d end up with coffee leftover in the pot.

5 cup is also a size that you can make it for one and it’s not excessively big, no more coffee than you get in a Venti Starbucks anyway.

Functions well, makes great coffee, good-sized Moka pot for 2 people, what more could you want?

Best Luxury Moka Pot

Alessi Espresso Maker 9090 by Richard Sapper

Richard Sapper was a prominent designer making many different products, but the one you’ll recognize is the ThinkPad, which he redesigned in 1980 and gave it the signature look which can still be seen.

I know that because I’m writing this article for you on a ThinkPad which is very fun.

And while his Moka pot design isn’t to my taste, I know some of you will love it so it’s on the list.

It’s also not just an aesthetic design, the larger base allows for faster water heating and the anti-drip spout allows you to pour freely.

Is the coffee any better? Arguably yes but only once you know the best way to make it and know a little about tasting coffee.

Worth the money? For you maybe but not for me.

Best Moka pot for electric & gas stoves

Stainless Steel Induction Stovetop Espresso Maker by The London Sip Company

It’s not a brand I’d heard of but they seem to have sold 1000s of Moka pots on Amazon so apparently, it’s a brand I should know about!

This has all the features I’ve liked across all these reviews, a heat-proof handle, good design (even if it isn’t rigid size shape I like) good pouring spout, and screws together easily.

I prefer the handle on this over the previous models I talked about that had an all-metal handle.

Plus it’s sturdy enough that you can use it on an electric stovetop, be it induction, glass, or ceramic, and you can use it with gas although it might get discolored if you do so.

All in a great Moka pot which is why it still made the list.

Final Thoughts

Wow almost a 4000-word journey to get here but here we are! I’ve spent a week researching Moka pots and this is my final verdict so I hope it helps.

There are a couple of honorable mentions that got missed, the Bialetti Kitty, the Delonghi Alicia, and the Cuisinox Roma, but I’m happy with all of my choices here and I hope you found one that suits you.

Related Reading

How to Make Espresso on the Stove (Mastering Your Moka Pot)

Can You Use A Moka Pot On An Induction Hob – Find Out How

Bialetti Moka Express Review (The Classic and King)