The 18 Best Moka Pot Coffee Makers

Last Updated on December 8, 2023

Whether you’re new to the wide world of coffee or have been a cappuccino connoisseur for some time, a moka pot can be a great way to enjoy quality coffee for less. 

Moka pots have been used for nearly a century, going back to 1930s Italy when they were the go-to coffee brewer for families from Florence to Bologna. The Bialetti brand has been a force in the moka pot world for nearly a century. These pots have the pedigree, and their Moka Express remains the best moka pot on the market today:

Bialetti Moka Express, 6 Cup

We’ll go over the Moka Express, as well as some of its strong competitors, in a moment. First, a little more about the moka pot…

How does a moka pot work?

A moka pot is a two-chambered coffee brewing device in which hot water from a lower chamber rises as steam through a bed of ground coffee before spilling into an upper chamber as liquid. The slightly pressurized brewing method produces a dense, strong cup of coffee somewhere between drip coffee and espresso.

You’ll often hear a moka pot referred to as a “stovetop espresso maker” because the coffee it produces tends to be quite a bit more concentrated than regular coffee. It isn’t exactly espresso, but that’s where the name comes from.

Benefits of a moka pot

The moka pot is one of the easiest and fastest ways to brew strong coffee without having to go through the rigamarole that comes with a more complex espresso machine. A traditional moka pot does its job right on your stove.

These stovetop coffee makers are not only simple, they’re affordable. Moka pots are less expensive than bean-to-cup units and other barista-quality coffee makers. Those other espresso makers can cost several hundreds or even thousands of dollars. By contrast, you can get a good moka pot for less than $100.

Moka pots produce zero waste. They require no filters or pods, and you can compost your coffee grounds immediately after brewing. A quick rinse with water and the device is good to go again.

And they’re very analog! If you have a gas stove and pre-ground coffee (or a manual grinder), you don’t need any electricity to brew with a moka pot. If the power goes out, you can wait it out with a cup of strong coffee.

Moka pots are also great for making special types of coffee, such as colada coffee. We even have a great recipe for brewing iced coffee with a moka pot.

Drawbacks of a moka pot

You’re going to need some practice. The most common complaint about this style of coffee is that it comes out too bitter, but this is the result of over-extraction and it can be overcome using the tips we describe in our instructions below.

Another drawback is that moka pots—even the big ones—don’t make a lot of coffee. The coffee is strong, though, so you can gain volume by diluting it with hot water. These pots also don’t give you much flexibility in terms of how much you make. You have to brew the full amount the pot is designed for, every time.

Moka pots can also sometimes experience sputtering. If you run into this problem, see our post on how to fix a sputtering moka pot.

Finally, a consistent grind is quite important for this brewing method. If all you have is a blade grinder, you’ll likely get particles of varying size and they won’t produce ideal coffee. A quality burr grinder produces much better results.

Can you make espresso in a moka pot?

A moka pot does not make espresso. It’s sometimes called a “stovetop espresso maker,” but that’s misleading because espresso is brewed at a minimum nine bars of pressure and moka pots can’t match the pressure of an espresso machine. However, moka pot coffee is so dense that many North Americans weaned on drip coffee consider it espresso-like.

Step-by-step guide to brewing with a moka pot

Here’s a quick summary of how to brew using a moka pot. We also have a full post at the link with more detailed instructions and pictures.

1. Preheat water: Use a regular stovetop kettle to get your water near boiling. Preheating water shortens the brew time and helps with the over-extraction/bitterness problems discussed earlier.
2. Grind coffee: If you aren’t grinding your own, coffee that’s pre-ground for a drip machine should work.
3. Fill basket: The basket must be filled and then leveled at the top. Don’t be tempted to tamp or compress your grounds, as this will create more brewing pressure and possibly lead to over-extraction.
4. Fill bottom chamber with water: Fill the bottom of your brewer with the preheated water, up to the level of the safety valve on the side.
5. Insert basket: The basket should nestle into the top of the lower chamber with its tube pointing down into the water.
6. Screw chambers together: Use a towel to protect your hand because the preheated bottom chamber will be hot.
7. Heat water: Use medium-low heat and keep the lid open.
8. Monitor: Pay attention as the pressure from the heated water eventually forces coffee to bubble out of the chimney and drip into the upper chamber. The chamber will fill and then the chimney will begin to spurt. Go no further.
9. Remove and cool: Set the pot on a cool damp towel to settle everything down. Pour and enjoy.

Now that you have an idea how to brew with it, let’s take a look at our top choice in each category and discuss what makes a good moka pot.

Our top moka pot in each category, at a glance

Moka pots on the market today fall into one of three categories: traditional aluminum, stainless steel or electric. We will touch on all three kinds in this post, but here are our favorites for each category:

What to look for in a moka pot

Moka pot sizes

One of your first considerations when buying any brewing device should be size. While size isn’t everything, it’s a big factor. Are you looking to brew for a whole family? For yourself? If you’re brewing coffee for family gatherings, you don’t want to wind up with just enough coffee for a few drops each.

When assessing for size, think about how many cups you want to make. Because moka pots make strong coffee and it’s often paired with milk or cream, small cups of 2-4 ounces are OK. You might get three of those out of a 10-ounce moka pot, or 8-10 out of a 25-ounce moka pot. Know how much you need and buy accordingly.

Compatibility with your stove

While most moka pots are meant to be used with your stovetop, that doesn’t mean every model is compatible with every stovetop. A small moka pot on a large gas burner can easily end up with a melted handle. Make sure that the moka pot’s size and shape fits with the top of your stove.

Aluminum vs. stainless steel

Another important thing to consider is the classic debate between build materials for moka pots.

Induction stoves rely on magnetism to heat, and because aluminum isn’t magnetic, a traditional aluminum moka pot won’t work on that type of stove. You’ll need stainless steel for that.

The following table shows the contrasting qualities of moka pots made from the top two materials:

Electric vs. stovetop

Most moka pots are designed for stovetops, but just as there are electric kettles there are now electric moka pots. These are great for travel—just toss it in your suitcase and plug it into an outlet when you reach the hotel. No stove required. We include a couple of options on our list.

Best Aluminum Moka Pots

OK, our list of the 18 best moka pots has been percolating for a while now. Let’s get into it, starting with the aluminum models…

1. Bialetti Moka Express

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Get used to seeing Bialetti on this list. As one of the most established moka pot manufacturers around, they make many of the best commercially-available moka pots.

Remember when we said moka pots first perked up into coffee notoriety in the 1930s? It was thanks to companies like Bialetti, and the ancestors of models like the Bialetti Moka Express.

If you’re looking for a moka pot that’s equal parts effective and retro chic, this is a great way to have your cup and drink it, too.

What do you actually get with this model? Quite a lot, starting with the classic aluminum design. This model gives you the upsides we discussed with aluminum pots above. It is lightweight and highly portable if you like to make coffee while camping. It’s highly affordable (as in less than $50), and conducts heat very well. Bialetti ticks all those boxes and then some.

While not all moka pots work with all stoves, this model is compatible with both electric and gas stoves. It comes in a wide range of sizes (between three and 12 cups), so if your stove has large burners, don’t pick one that’s too small.

The Moka Express brews fairly quickly—the 6-cup version turns your coffee grounds into a rich brew within five minutes.

And if classic aluminum isn’t the look you want, a number of colorful options are also available.

The Moka Express, like many aluminum models, can’t go in the dishwasher. And to be honest, as well-made as it is, an aluminum model will never match stainless steel in terms of durability. 

But at this price point, Bialetti’s signature moka pot is an excellent gateway to the world of moka pots, and a great portable unit.

Pros:

• Classic design
• Lightweight and highly portable
• Quick brew time
• Compatible with electric and gas stoves

Cons:

• Not machine washable
• Somewhat less durable than steel models

2. Bialetti Brikka

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The Bialetti Brikka differs from its cousins through the use of a dual pressure valve system that is intended to produce a richer crema floating atop your coffee.

The valve is kind of a strange-looking cap that sits on top of the chimney in the upper chamber.

It does what it’s supposed to do. The crema it produces isn’t the real deal like you’ll find on a cafe espresso. It’s more like the faux-crema you get from a double-walled portafilter or a Nespresso Vertuo machine.

Still, it’s a nice layer of foam that changes the mouthfeel of your coffee for the better.

To maximize it, you’ll probably need to experiment with your grind size (fine but not too fine) and coffee-to-water ratio. You really don’t want to overdo the water with this brewer, because too much will kill your crema.

We also recommend heating relatively slowly over low-medium heat to get the best results.

Otherwise, this is a moka pot like you’ve come to expect from Bialetti. It’s aluminum, but the base is black rather than silver and we kind of like the look.

It also has a hole in the center of the lid so you can monitor the brewing process without repeatedly having to flip it open. That’s a nice touch.

You won’t be able to use this one on an induction stove. It comes in a 2-cup or 4-cup version.

Pros:

• Crema adds some body
• Ability to monitor without opening lid
• Unique two-tone appearance

Cons:

• Reports of some aluminum flaking during shipping
• Doesn’t come larger than 4-cup

3. Alessi Pulcina

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Here’s one for the design lovers.

Nothing else looks like the Alessi Pulcina. That’s because it was designed by renowned Italian architect Michele de Lucchi. De Lucchi has designed not only buildings such as the Expo 2015 pavilions in Milan, but also furniture and lamps—he is responsible for the iconic Tolomeo desk lamp.

They called this one the Pulcina because pulcina is the Italian word for “chick.” If you look closely and imagine the pour spout as a small beak, you can see the resemblance.

The almunium casting on the exterior of this pinched-waist moka pot has the appearance of stacked tiers, like the Great Pyramids or some sort of Minecraft construction. It’s truly a unique look.

For all practical purposes, though, it’s a very traditional moka pot. There aren’t any fancy filters or special discs—you just put the coffee in the basket, screw the chambers together and heat it up. We kind of like it that way.

The handle is smartly positioned so that it doesn’t catch too much heat coming off your burner, but you still need to be careful when grasping it because your knuckles will come close to the hot pot.

The build is solid. You can feel it. And the lit fits very well and opens and closes smoothly.

This pot won’t work on an induction stovetop, and you’ll have to wash it by hand.

Although it comes in 1-cup, 3-cup and 6-cup versions, North Americans might be shocked at how small the 3-cup version is. Maybe get the 6-cup just to be safe.

Pros:

• Stylish conversation piece
• Solid build
• No-fuss operation

Cons:

• Fancy design doubles or triples the price
• Not dishwasher-safe
• Won’t work on induction stovetop

4. Bialetti Mukka Express

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The most charming moka pot on our list is made for those of you who like your milky drinks—cappuccinos and lattes.

If the dairy cow spots on the side of the pot haven’t already given it away, we’re here to tell you that the Bialetti Mukka Express can brew coffee and steam milk all at once. Then it mixes them together for you. Pretty neat stuff.

It does this with a special valve that caps the chimney in the upper chamber. You fill the bottom with water and the funnel with coffee like you would with any other moka pot, then you add milk to the upper chamber and begin heating.

When the coffee begins to rise through the chimney, it triggers the valve—you’ll hear a pop—to begin steaming the milk. The coffee flows out of the chimney and into the milk as it is steaming, and everything mixes together.

You need to follow the instructions carefully for this to work as it should. The volumes of water and milk are quite specific. It comes with a measuring cup to guide you, and separate instructions for gas and electric stoves.

Some users feel it helps to pre-warm the milk in your microwave, but that’s not essential.

You can replace the milk with almond milk or other non-dairy milks that froth, and it works just fine.

You can make one large drink or two small ones with this pot.

You’ll have to wash it by hand because it’s not dishwasher-safe, and you’ll want to do this with care. Any milk that is left under the valve cap is bound to form a crust that could become quite unpleasant over time.

This little moka pit is unique enough that we thought we’d drop a video here so you can see it in action:

Pros:

• Makes milk drinks!
• Cute design, if you’re into that sort of thing

Cons:

• Stray from the recipe at your peril
• Requires much care in cleaning
• Only one size and it’s not very big

5. Coffee Gator Moka Pot

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If you’re just looking for a no-fuss moka pot that gets the job done without any drama, the Coffee Gator moka pot is a good choice.

Designed with the classic Bialetti-style profile, the Coffee Gator is made from high-quality aluminum that’s colored matte black. If it discolors from the flame of your stove, you won’t even notice!

But you don’t have to use a flame stove. Even though the Coffee Gator is aluminum, they’ve engineered it to work on an induction stovetop. Not sure how they accomplished this, but reports are that it works well as long as you use the small element.

The Coffee Gator moka pot would be good value if all you got was the pot, but it actually comes with two nice little espresso mugs as well. They’re stainless steel and insulated to keep your coffee warm. Each one holds three ounces. The Gator is a six-ounce pot, so it all works out nicely.

Pros:

• Two cups are a nice bonus
• Works on any type of stove
• Affordable

Cons:

• Can’t go in the dishwasher
• Rubber gasket may wear down

6. Grosche Milano

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Grosche is a Canadian brand, but their moka pot known as the Grosche Milano borrows heavily from the original Italian design.

Their most significant innovation may be the “burn guard” on the handle. The handle is set back further from the pot than it is on a Bialetti, and it has a built-in buffer between your knuckles and the side wall of the pot, to reduce your chance of burning yourself accidentally. Of course, the extra distance makes it less likely—but not impossible!—for the handle to melt above your burner.

The handle is made of rubber-coated heat-resistant plastic. It’s usually black, but some of their more colorful models have a handle and knob with a wooden appearance. It’s not wood, but it looks kind of cool.

On the inside it’s food-safe aluminum, and on the outside you can get it in aluminum, black, white, blue or red. There are also five sizes.

The Grosche moka pot will work on a gas or electric stove, but not an induction stove.

Pros:

• Traditional design with some improvements
• Burn guard to protect fingers
• Variety of colors and finishes

Cons:

• Some reports of aluminum flaking on the inside
• Handle will melt if directly over heat
• Won’t work on induction stove

7. Primula Stovetop Espresso Maker

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We don’t have a lot to say about the Primula, except that it is probably the closest thing to a Bialetti you can buy without actually buying the Bialetti brand.

If the choice is Primula vs. Bialetti, the biggest difference is price. A Primula moka pot typically comes in at about half the price of its Bialetti counterpart. Otherwise, it’s almost exactly the same product.

We say “almost” because we don’t really know whether that 50-per-cent discount comes with a hidden cost. Cheap aluminum can be unhealthy and that makes us a bit nervous, but we have no evidence that Primula’s aluminum is any less safe than Bialetti’s. It might just be that Bialetti moka pots cost more because of the brand cachet.

Like the Bialetti, this moka pot will work on any stovetop except an induction stovetop. You can get it in silver, black or red.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Almost a Bialetti
• Straightforward to use

Cons:

• Perceived as a ‘knockoff’
• Quality somewhat unknown

8. Geesta Stovetop Moka Espresso Maker

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The Geesta Stovetop Moka Espresso Maker is a bit different in that it’s a transparent glass moka pot that is not electric. It’s as though they slapped a glass upper chamber on a traditional Bialetti.

In fact, the bottom is almost identical to a Bialetti or any knockoff. The top is what’s different. The glass pot is nestled in an aluminum base which screws onto the bottom chamber. You can watch the coffee as it bubbles up.

This is a fun feature, but all this glass make us nervous. It doesn’t feel super heavy-duty like Pyrex—particularly the glass chimney in the upper chamber—and this seems like an easy moka pot to break.

It also has a lot of little parts to stack together when you brew, like a rubber gasket and an extra filter atop the coffee grounds. Probably unnecessary.

The Geesta won’t work on an induction stove, but at least its glass handle stays quite cool and you don’t have to worry about it melting over the heat.

Pros:

• Transparency
• Affordable
• No melting risk for handle

Cons:

• Breakable
• More parts than necessary
• Budget aluminum base

Best Stainless Steel Moka Pots

1. Bialetti Venus

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Botticelli may have given the world The Birth of Venus, but Bialetti has given us The Moka of Venus.

There’s a lot to love about the Bialetti Venus, starting with its elegant curved shape and sleek minimalist design that lives up to its name.

Matching that style with substance, it produces a very clean, crisp brew. It’s made from stainless steel, making it a bit more durable than the Moka Express, and it works with many types of stoves.

The handle is heat-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally burning yourself when grabbing it. The model is dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning it very easy. In addition, the Venus does a good job of pouring smoothly and cleanly without dripping.

This version of the Venus makes about six small cups of coffee in a single brew. That’s a decent size, but if you’re looking for something that can make 12 cups (or larger cups), you may want to look at some of the other options on our list.

In short, this moka pot is truly a Italian masterpiece.

Pros:

• Elegant design
• Sturdy stainless steel construction
• Anti-drip design
• Heat-resistant handle

Cons:

• Limited capacity
• Slightly more expensive than budget models

2. Cuisinox Roma

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We’ve left Italy now and we’re into a Québec brand with a model that’s made in China, but the Cuisinox Roma is still nicely crafted with a sleek, minimalist design.

The Cuisinox Roma has a lot of fans, and we’d expect nothing less from a heavy-gauge stainless steel moka pot that comes with a 25-year warranty!

What you get for that price is a model that’s built to last. This is real-deal stainless steel. You can see and feel the quality. The Roma has a brilliant, polished shine to it and feels very solid in your hand. It’s a good long-term investment. If you buy this espresso maker, you can expect it to still be brewing coffee years from now.

It departs from the traditional design, foregoing the pinched waist and octagonal sides of the Bialetti in favor of a smooth, sleek profile that tapers from bottom to top.

It works effectively on all types of stoves, although you’ll probably want to stick to the smallest element on an induction stovetop.

The coffee tastes great, of course—as good as any moka pot out there when you brew it right.

You’ll want to be careful with the handle, especially if you use it with a gas stovetop. It is also stainless steel, which conducts heat, and it doesn’t sit particularly far from the main pot. Try to keep it away from your burner by positioning the pot slightly off-center, and use a cloth or pot holder when handling.

If you want to maintain the silvery shine, you also need to make sure you remove it from the heat as soon as your coffee finishes brewing. This stainless steel will darken and tarnish if left dry over heat for too long.

Some users have accidentally melted their rubber gaskets this way, which may be why Cuisinox includes an extra gasket with the moka pot.

The Roma comes in 4-cup, 6-cup and 10-cup sizes. It’s a moka pot for life—as long as you take proper care.

Pros:

• Durable
• Minimalist design
• Easy to clean
• 25-year warranty
• Works on all stovetops

Cons:

• More expensive than other models on this list
• Less ‘authentically Italian’
• Handle can get hot
• Care required to maintain finish

3. bonVIVO Intenca

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The bonVIVO Intenca is a great-looking and well-rated moka pot. The designers have done a nice job of giving it a contemporary look that is firmly rooted in Italian tradition. 

It comes in chrome, copper or matte black, but we have to caution against the copper version. As great as it looks, the copper color is just a surface veneer that is prone to peeling and chipping in short order. Stick with the chrome or matte black.

Otherwise, it’s a well-built and perfectly functional combination of stainless steel and aluminum. We particularly liked the handle that stayed quite cool while heating.

The lid and hinge feel a bit flimsy, but to be honest, the heavy duty lid of a traditional moka pot sometimes interferes with the pouring. No such problem with the Intenca. It poured smoothly and evenly, so no complaints here.

This one comes in a 3-cup or 6-cup version.

Pros:

• Contemporary look with a nod to tradition
• Handle stays cool
• Smooth pouring
• Works on all stovetops

Cons:

• Copper version may peel or chip
• Durability is a question

4. Bialetti Moka Induction

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Here’s Bialetti’s answer for you folks with induction stoves.

The Bialetti Moka Induction has an aluminum top chamber like other Bialetti moka pots, but the bottom chamber is steel on the outside and aluminum on the inside. The steel absorbs heat from your induction hob and the aluminum distributes it evenly around the boiler.

Otherwise, this works pretty much like any traditional moka pot. It even seems to brew a little more quickly that the average Bialetti—perhaps that’s a result of the steel/aluminum combo.

You keep this one out of the dishwasher and clean it by simply rinsing with water.

It comes in a 2-cup, 4-cup or 6-cup version.

Pros:

• Specially designed for induction stoves (but will work on any)
• Straightforward operation
• Brews quickly

Cons:

• Can’t go in dishwasher

5. LuxHaus Moka Pot

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Let’s start with the good.

The LuxHaus moka pot has something we haven’t seen in other moka pots: a coil spring attached to the underside of the funnel.

This is a great idea because one of the most annoying things about a classic moka pot like the Bialetti is how difficult it is to remove the funnel. If you’ve ever had to pry one out of the lower chamber with your fingernails, you know what we’re talking about.

With the LuxHaus, as soon as you unscrew the two chambers, the coiled spring pushes the funnel gently out of the chamber. Super easy to remove.

This one has some other nice design elements. Its spout is one of the best, pouring at a nice even flow rate without drips or spills. And it just has a generally charming shape and look with its shiny stainless steel exterior.

On the downside, we’re not so sure about the “100 per cent” stainless steel claim. The bottom chamber’s interior does not seem to be made of the same metal as the rest of the device. We have also heard stories of it rusting.

We also don’t care for the flimsiness of the lid’s attachment. It doesn’t seem like it would hold together for very long.

All of this may be moot, because LuxHaus does offer a lifetime satisfaction guarantee for this moka pot. They say they will refund all your money, anytime, if you just send them an email.

That’s some good peace of mind, at least—especially if just you can’t resist the cute profile of this little pot.

Pros:

• Lifetime guarantee
• Funnel removes easily
• Great spout

Cons:

• Questions about composition of bottom chamber
• Flimsy lid attachment

6. Bialetti Kitty

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Yes, we have one last Bialetti model to introduce you to, another sleek stainless steel model. At 1.5 pounds, the Bialetti Kitty  is quite light, making it a good portable option—lightweight yet sturdy.

If you’re looking for a travel espresso maker but don’t like aluminum, this may well be the perfect option for you. Sure, you have to pay a bit more, but this unit is still well under $100 so it isn’t that expensive. That stainless steel also makes it dishwasher-safe, meaning you can clean this model a lot easier than most aluminum options.

In contrast to the retro chic of the Bialetti Moka Express and the sleek, curved elegance of the Venus, this model is more workmanlike. It emphasizes function over form. While it isn’t as much of a “looker,” it’s a good “cooker” for brewing coffee. The handle juts out further away from the pot than the handle on the Venus, so you won’t ever have to move your hand into uncomfortably hot territory above the burner when you’re grabbing it.

Its lid hinges quite freely, so it may not always stay shut as you’re pouring. You also have to open it with your thumb while holding the handle, which takes some dexterity and a little practice.

The Kitty is compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic stoves, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a moka pot that combines portability and durability as well as this one.

Pros:

• Very lightweight and easily portable
• Handle position makes it easy to grab the unit safely
• Compatible with different types of stoves

Cons:

• Not as stylish as other Bialetti models
• Challenging lid

7. VeoHome Stovetop Espresso Maker

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The first thing you’ll notice about the VeoHome moka pot is its heft. The 10-cup version weighs in at almost four pounds and the 6-cup version at around 2.5 pounds. It is solidly built of mostly stainless steel.

Keep in mind that those cup sizes are espresso cups, not regular coffee cups!

This sturdy coffee maker produces a quality cup. It’s a little more complicated than many other moka pots, because it comes with an additional metal filter that is intended to go on top of the coffee grounds. We’re not sure if this is totally necessary. It gives you an extra piece to clean if you use it, and your coffee will probably be just as good if you don’t.

It’s not the prettiest moka pot, shape-wise, but if you like stainless steel than you’ll appreciate its shine. Plus, it is safe to put in the dishwasher and works well on an induction stove.

Be careful with the flame if using it on a gas stove, as it may discolor easily.

For some reason it is quite tricky to get the threads to line up when you screw the major pieces together. Be careful with this, or you could end up with an incorrect seal and potentially some drips when you pour.

Pros:

• Stainless steel
• Works on induction stoves
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

• Must hand-dry to avoid rust
• A little difficult to thread properly
• Extra pieces to clean

8. EasyWorkz Diego

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We took the Easyworkz Diego for a spin and it seemed like a pretty solid moka pot.

It had some real weight to it, and we were impressed with the construction.

The coffee was as good as you’d expect from this kind of moka pot, which works on an induction stove thanks to its steel construction.

It has a clearly marked safety line on the inside of the boiler so you never go over maximum capacity. Also, it has a great spout which poured smoothly without any fear of drips or spills.

The lid and handle are double-walled to provide some insulation, and this does a good job of keeping it cool enough to handle.

What puzzles us are the inconsistent reviews. Most people rave about this pot, but there is a smattering of folks who have found the bottom to chamber to be rusting or corroding within months.

Whether this is a quality problem or a care problem, we’re not sure. We do recommend drying moka pots thoroughly after cleaning to minimize the chance of rust.

You can get this pot in a 4-cup or 6-cup version. It does come with a reducer disc, so you can get the larger version and still make less coffee if you want.

Pros:

• Works well on inductions stoves
• Handle and lid stay relatively cool
• Pours very well

Cons:

• Inconsistent reviews
• Reports of rusting/corrosion

Best Electric Moka Pots

1. De’Longhi Alicia EMK6 Electric Moka Pot

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Let’s return to the realm of made-in-Italy moka pots with another titan of the industry. De’Longhi has been making moka pots for decades, too, although the Alicia EMK6 eschews the stovetop element in favor of its own heating element. Simply plug it in and enjoy. This makes it a great choice for use at the office or other places where you might want strong coffee but don’t have a stove handy.

This moka pot incorporates a glass viewing component, so you can sit back and watch while it makes between three and six cups in a few minutes.

The Alicia EMK6 also has an indicator light and automatic shutoff, which prevents the unit from burning when the hot water is gone. That is a useful and welcome safety feature, and a huge plus for this model. On the other hand, some users have received units with rubber seals that weren’t as leak-proof as they had hoped.

Although this unit is a bit pricier, it is a worthy rival to Bialetti and an excellent entry here.

Pros:

• Nice blend of classic and modern design features
• Safety features such as indicator light and automatic shutoff
• Durable

Cons:

• Relatively high price
• Rubber components inconsistent

2. Imusa Electric Moka Maker

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The IMUSA Electric Moka Maker seems to be carving out a niche underneath the De’Longhi Alicia EMK6 for those who want an electric moka pot but don’t want to splurge for the De’Longhi.

It’s a reasonable alternative, but keep in mind that you tend to get what you pay for. De’Longhi is an enduring brand in espresso, and while the IMUSA does get the job done, you may not be able to rely on it quite as much.

It could make a great travel moka pot. It’s quite portable. You could just plug it in at the hotel, fill it with coffee and enjoy a nice strong cup within minutes. It sure beats the hotel room drip coffee maker.

Our main concern is the plastic upper chamber. While we love the transparency and being able to see our coffee as it brews, this plastic doesn’t feel that strong.

It’s also quite tricky to thread properly on the metal lower chamber. You want to get this right, because a slightly misthreaded moka pot could produce leaks from the middle as you boil.

While ours worked fine, online reviews indicate some people could never get theirs to thread properly, and had to put up with the drips. Others tried to seal it as tightly as possible, but felt like they were on the verge of breaking the plastic top so they had to hold back.

What we’re saying is this one may be a bit hit-or-miss. The good news is it comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Pros:

• One-touch convenience
• Handle will always stay cool
• Detaches from base

Cons:

• Must be washed by hand
• Plastic top does not feel strong
• Can be challenging to seal properly

Our choice for best moka pot, and runner up

We are suckers for heritage brands that still maintain high standards, so the Bialetti Moka Express and Venus moka pots are the winners for us in the aluminum and stainless steel categories, respectively. Both exemplify marvelous moka pot design, are durable and easy to clean, and make fine coffee. 

If you forced us to pick an overall winner, we’d probably go with the Moka Express because it’s a bit cheaper and lighter, and we love its retro design. That said, it is aluminum, so if you absolutely must have stainless steel, the Venus is the supreme stovetop brewer.

The De’Longhi is a clear frontrunner in the electric category. If you want to just plug in and brew away, it’s a great way to experience authentic Italian coffee without a stove.

The Moka Express by Bialetti comes out on top, but under the right conditions, any of these stovetop coffee makers can provide the richest coffee experience this side of an espresso machine.

FAQ

What Are The Best Coffees For Moka Pot?

The best coffee for moka pot that we’ve found is Illy Classico Ground Moka Coffee. Its rich aroma and smooth taste make it perfect for stovetop moka pot preparations. We list several other options, including some high-end specialty coffees, in our post about the best coffees for moka pot.