Stove Top Espresso Coffee Maker

Instructions and Tips

A stovetop espresso maker can make seriously good coffee. Not quite espresso, but very nice and rich brew. You can also make Cuban coffee in it. Here I will first give you instructions for using your Moka pot and then I will share some tips about making sure that the coffee is as good as it can get. There will be also a few tips about taking care of your espresso pot so that it lasts you a long time to come. Happy brewing!

How to use your stove top espresso coffee maker

• Pour cold water into the bottom part. Fill it up to the level of the valve.
• Insert the filter into the bottom part.
• Fill the filter with finely ground coffee. Make the filter as full as you can but do not press it down.
• Screw the top and bottom parts together. Screw it tightly so the steam does not escape.
• Put it on the stovetop and turn on the heat. Use low to medium heat.
• After a while check that the coffee is coming into the top part.
• When all the coffee is in the upper part (the pot makes a characteristic gurgling sound), remove the pot from the heat.
• Enjoy your coffee!

Tips for getting the best out of your stove top espresso pot

• When you buy a new Moka pot, don't use the first batch of coffee made in it. Run it once or twice with some cheap coffee or with used grounds.
• Use finely ground coffee. Fine but not powdery - a bit more fine than for a drip coffee maker. Do not tamp the coffee - it will tamp itself when the water makes it wet.
• Use high quality freshly roasted coffee beans. Dark roasts work the best for most people. Try French or Italian roast.
• Use low or medium heat. The brewing should take between 5 to 10 minutes. If it takes less or more time then you should increase or lower the heat next time.
• Always remove the pot from the heat as soon it starts gurgling. You don't want to heat the base up when it's dry.
• Use good quality water.
• Smaller Moka pot is likely to produce better brew than a large one.
• Wash your espresso maker in hand with plain water. Never put it in a dishwasher.