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Cookware & bakeware · Coffee maker

Moka pot

A stovetop pot that forces hot water up through ground coffee using steam pressure, making strong coffee.

Specialist · Used on the stovetop · 3 recipes

What it is

An eight-sided, hourglass-shaped pot in three parts: a bottom chamber for water, a funnel-shaped basket for ground coffee and an upper chamber where the brewed coffee collects. Steam pressure pushes water up through the grounds. The coffee is strong and concentrated, but not true espresso, which needs much higher pressure.

What it’s for: Making small amounts of strong coffee on the hob without an electric machine.

How to use it

  1. Fill the bottom chamber with water up to just below the safety valve.
  2. Fill the basket with medium-fine ground coffee, level it, but do not pack it down.
  3. Screw the top on tightly and set it on medium-low heat with the lid open.
  4. When coffee starts to gurgle and sputter, remove it from the heat and serve.

Good to know

Tasks
brewing strong coffee, making coffee for milk drinks, brewing coffee for desserts like tiramisu
Cooking methods
Boiled
Materials
aluminium, stainless steel
Care and cleaning
Rinse with hot water and air-dry in pieces; avoid the dishwasher, especially for aluminium. Replace the rubber gasket and filter plate when worn.
Limitations
Easy to over-extract into bitter coffee; makes a fixed amount per size.

Safety

  • Never fill water above the safety valve.
  • Do not open while it is hot and under pressure.
  • Keep the handle off direct flame.

If you don’t have one

Equipment guide

How it works: Water in the bottom chamber is heated until steam pressure builds above it (around 1–1.5 bar) and pushes the hot water up through a funnel of ground coffee and into the top chamber. The result is stronger than drip coffee but well below espresso pressure (about 9 bar), so it has no true crema.

MaterialGoodWatch out
AluminiumTraditional, light and heats quickly.Not induction-compatible; should not go in the dishwasher; reacts with harsh detergents.
Stainless steelWorks on induction, dishwasher-tolerant, no taste concerns.Heats more slowly; heavier.
Classic octagonal moka pot
Sized in 'cups' of about 50 ml each.
Electric moka pot
Plug-in base with auto shut-off.

Buying guidance

Starting out: A 3- or 6-cup pot sized to how much you drink, because it works properly only when filled to the valve.

  • Cup size (always brew a full basket)
  • Stainless steel if you cook on induction
  • Replaceable gasket and filter plate
  • Safety valve in the lower chamber

No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.

Related tools

Recipes that use it