The Moka Pot

The Italian Coffee Maker

The Moka Pot: What it is and Why We Love it

 In this day and age, there is absolutely no shortage of ways to make coffee. From the French press to the pour over, the techniques for making the world famous beverage are endless and ever-growing. There are, however, some approaches that are a little less common than most. For instance, have you ever heard of a Moka Pot? We didn’t think so. Allow us to introduce you to one of the coolest devices out there: The Moka Pot.

What even is a Moka Pot?

Hailing from Italy, the Moka Pot is a small electric or stove-top coffee maker that brews the beverage using pressurized steam and boiling water. Similar to the idea of a tea kettle, the boiling water passes through the ground coffee to create the perfect espresso-like-batch every time. The Moka Pot was invented in 1933 by Italian engineer, Alfonso Bialetti, and swiftly became a fundamental pillar in Italian culture. To this day, this little contraption is the favored way to prepare coffee in both Italy and Australia.

What are the Benefits of a Moka Pot?

●       It is Inexpensive!

○       A Moka Pot is a wonderful addition to the kitchens of college students, young families and coffee lovers on a budget. For about the same amount of money you spend weekly on drive-through coffee, you can own your own top-of-the-line Moka Pot. Sounds good, if you ask us!

●       It Comes in Many Sizes!

○       The size of a Moka Pot is measured in cups, but not the standard 8oz cups we are familiar with. Instead, it is measured in demitasse cups, totaling about 2oz per 1 cup. This is important to note when choosing a pot of your own, as it is recommended you allow 3 demitasse cups per person that you are preparing for!

●       It is Durable

○       Moka Pots are typically made of either stainless steel or aluminum, creating a durable and easy to clean contraption that can last for decades.

What Does a Moka Pot Make?

In short, a Moka Pot makes something exceedingly similar to espresso. At the time of its creation, commercial-grade espresso wasn’t nearly as strong as it is today, making the espresso-like-drink from the Moka Pot a good substitution. The Moka Pot brews strong, rich coffee that can be bitter, just like from a regular espresso maker. Adding cream, water or your favorite milk substitution is a great way to dilute the mixture to create a perfectly crafted cup of joe.

How Do You Make Your Own Coffee Using a Moka Pot?

Thinking of trying out some Moka Pot espresso yourself? It’s surprisingly easy to do! Here are the six steps that will have you enjoying a drink from this specialty machine in no time!

1. Gather Your Materials. You’ll Need:

   1. Coffee beans or grounds of your choosing

   2. Coffee grinder (If using whole beans)

   3. Your Moka Pot!

   4. A Kettle

   5. A Scale

   6. A Timer

   7. Excitement!

2. Grind Your Coffee Beans

   1. Use your grinder to create about 22 grams of fine coffee grounds. If you are using already ground coffee, you’re all set!

3. Boil Water

   1. Use your kettle to boil water. Add the freshly boiled water to the bottom half of your Moka Pot.

4. Add The Coffee Grounds

   1. Add your ground coffee to the Moka Pot’s filter basket and place the basket into the bottom compartment of the machine.

5. Put the Top On

   1. Add the spouted top of the pot and screw on tightly. Be careful to avoid burning yourself, as the pot will be extremely hot!

6. Wait for a Boil

   1. Place the Moka Pot on the stove at low or medium heat and wait for a boil. If you are using an electric pot, simply turn it on! Once the mixture has come to a boil and you hear the signature hissing sound, you’re ready to pour and serve!

Here at Town Coffee we believe that the love of coffee is universal. Spending countless paychecks on drive-through coffee is all fine and well, but you shouldn’t have to. Let us help you enjoy the process of making and serving specialty beverages without breaking the bank. We offer medium and dark Arabica roasts that will help you create an ideal flavor and experience without ever leaving your home! Have another coffee drink you’d like to make, or a machine you’d like to try? Let us know! We’d love to show you how.