Stovetop Espresso Maker (Moka Pot)

The stovetop espresso maker is very popular in Italy - you are likely to find at least one of these in every household over there. These espresso makers are also commonly called Moka pots. The first model - Moka Express - was introduced in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti.

The Moka pots don't produce real espresso in the modern sense of the word. But they do make nice, rich, espresso style coffee. Most of the Moka pots do not produce any crema which for a lot of people is the hallmark of espresso. The exception to this is the Brikka.

This site has a number of pages about stovetop espresso makers. You can read them all or jump directly to the topic that is the most interesting for you. Here is the list:

Types of Stovetop Espresso Makers
There are many different types of stovetop espresso pots including a stovetop cappuccino maker and Bialetti Brikka.

How Do Moka Pots Work
Here I explain how a Moka pot works - in pictures and in words.

Aluminum or Stainless Steel?
Pros and cons of aluminum versus stainless steel stove top espresso maker. You will also find some tips for maintaining aluminum Moka pots.

Instructions and Tips
This is about about how to get the best out of your Moka pot.

Bialetti Espresso Makers
Here I talk about Moka Express, Brikka, Mukka Express and the electric Bialetti espresso makers.

Electric Moka Pots
The most popular electric Moka pots by Bialetti, Delonghi and La Pavoni.

Cuban Coffee
Learn how to make authentic Cuban coffee in your stovetop espresso maker.