Stove Top Coffee Makers

Stove top coffee makers are also known as a macchinetta, a moka express, a moka pot, a campfire pot, and a stovetop espresso maker. When I was a kid my family had an old coffee pot they used when we went camping. I didn't realize until several years later this was a moka pot. I had always assumed it was a non-electric percolator. So it can be used in different ways.

This type of brewing system produces a rich cup of coffee. But to some it's more on the side of the macchinetta which is known to be an espresso maker. If you make it the right way it will taste like an espresso versus regular coffee.

However, the options can go both ways for this coffee machine and you won't be disappointed with the taste.

The Moka Express goes back to the 1930's. It was created in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti. It had bakelite handles and was made from aluminum and it is the typically in most homes in Italy.

How Stove Top Coffee Makers Work

If you look at the picture of the moka pot on this page, the top portion with the handle is the upper chamber. In the center is a central column that runs from the top chamber to the bottom of the unit which is called the bottom chamber.

The funnel filter is in the center of the two chambers and consists of a filter plate and rubber seal. On the right side under the handle of the bottom chamber near the top, you'll also find an overpressure plug or steam release valve.

The stovetop espresso maker creates pressure through heat and then forces water though the coffee grounds into the serving chamber.

The Basic Instructions

To make the coffee or espresso:

   - Using cold water, fill the bottom chamber up to the steam release valve.

   - Insert the filter and fill it with ground coffee. (Finer ground coffee for espresso)

   - Smooth the coffee but do not tamp it.

   - Check that the filter plate and rubber seal are in place, and then screw the top on.

   - Now you can place it on your stove top with the heat source just covering the bottom of the coffee pot.

   - Once you hear the gurgling noise - remove from heat and allow it to set up for thirty to fourty-five seconds.

   - Stir the coffee slightly with a spoon and serve.

Clean Up

Over time the moka pot may have some discoloring from the heat. You can use a diffuser to lower the heat and prevent less discoloration. You can also use silver polish to help removing some of the surface discoloration.

If you have mineral deposit build up, you can add white vinegar and water to the pot and heat it almost to a boil. This will help remove the deposit.

Otherwise, normal cleaning using warm sudsy water will keep it clean.

The rubber seal will wear out eventually, but this is very inexpensive to replace. You can order them from the manufacturer so you should keep the papers that come with your stove top coffee maker.

Typically espressos are measured as two ounces so your moka pot will be sized accordingly. They come in sizes from one cup up to eighteen cups.

The most common brand names for stove top coffee makers are Bialetti, Bodum, Frabosk, Laroma, and La Pavoni,

Video Demonstration Using a Moka Pot