The Moka Pot has hardly changed since it was first invented in the 1930s – and for good reason! A vintage method that will instil an Italian vibe to your day, the stovetop Moka pot is an easy way to make a small cup that packs a punch. Moka Pot brewing requires close attention and more time to prepare than more modern approaches, but this might just be the method you fire up for slow Sunday mornings.
Keep it clean, always use fresh ground coffee beans, use filtered or distilled water, and you’ll have a classic brew that will make any Nonna proud. With a hardy construction and no disposable filter necessary, this is also an eco-friendly option that we love to toss in our packs to take camping. A staple in European kitchens, they’re still made to last and make for an excellent and authentic espresso.
How long does a moka pot take?
On average, it should be no more than 5 to 8 minutes from the moment it hits the stove to when the coffee starts bubbling into the upper chamber. That said, the exact time can vary slightly depending on your stove, the size of your pot, and the grind of your beans. Too fast, and the water hasn’t had time to extract the full flavour. Too slow, and you’ll burn it – bitter city.
If you’re wondering how long to boil coffee on the stove with a Moka Pot, the trick is that you’re not actually boiling the coffee. You’re heating water in the lower chamber until pressure pushes it through the coffee grounds. Once the brewing starts, it only takes about 30 seconds to a minute for all the coffee to rise up.
Don’t walk away – the Moka Pot is one of those brew methods where timing is everything.
And if you're just learning how to make Moka Pot coffee, the most important things are grind size (go for fine, like table salt), water level (never above the valve), and knowing when to take it off the heat (right when it starts sputtering). A few goes in and you'll be able to smell when it's done. Literally.
Stove Top Moka Pot Method
Flavour: Very rich and similar to espresso when brewed at the optimal interval.
What you’ll need:
- Moka pot,
- whole coffee beans (grind finely), and
- a grinder.
Difficulty: Simple in theory, intermediate to master.
- Preheat your coffee mug. Be sure to discard this water around step 6
- Using coffee ground for stovetop espresso, fill the filter basket so it is level at the top
- Fill the water reservoir to just below the safety valve.
- Place the filter basket into the water reservoir and screw in the top brew chamber.
- Place on your stove to suit the size of the moka pot base – usually the smallest one
- Allow to brew at medium heat setting.
- Once you hear a hissing/gurgling sound remove from heat and pour right away.
You can dilute with hot water to make a long black or adding frothed milk to the coffee creates results similar to what you can achieve from espresso machines. Need more coffee? Stock up on our delicious range of beans here.
