The 8 Best Stovetop Espresso Makers (Unbiased Review & Guide)

Last Updated on September 15, 2021 by John Moretti

Talk about tried and proven or standing the test of time, and you must be talking about the Moka pot. This 20th-century creation continues to brew up a cup of Joe like no other that even French press lovers like myself have to acknowledge humbly.

When used appropriately, the Moka pot, also regarded as a stovetop espresso machine(I don’t know why,) can create a very robust cup, which is why it has endured even with the proliferation of many other brewing techniques. 

They’re a little fussier than current brewers, but their unique extraction, which leads to a strong flavor, is challenging to duplicate.

So, what exactly is the Moka pot’s purpose? Most importantly, which brands are known for producing excellent coffee? Which works on all stovetops and which doesn’t?

I have all the answers for you about all there is to know when it comes to the authentic way to make coffee from beginning to end, so let’s get started by figuring out why this simple device is so extraordinary.

Quick Answers

  • What’s the Big Deal About Moka Pot Coffee? It’s a bold flavor
  • Do Moka Pots Make Espresso? No!
  • Difference Between Stovetop and Electric Moka Pot? Convenience and portability

The 8 Best Stovetop Espresso Makers

What To Look For When Buying a Moka Pot?

  • What is the maximum number of cups it can make?
  • Material 
  • With which stove does it work?
  • Color and Design
  • Shape
  • Handles
  • Cost

Bottom Line On Using A Stovetop Espresso Maker

No mess, old-school bold cup of coffee that no other machine or barista can replicate(that I know of.)

The 8 Best Stovetop Espresso Makers

There is an increasing number of stovetop Moka pots that can make a decent cup of coffee. The eight we’ll look at below, though, stood out from the rest.

Bialetti Elegance Venus 

Bialetti Elegance Venus Induction 10 Cup Stainless Steel Espresso Maker
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The Bialetti Elegance Venus, created by the same people that made the Moka Pot, has a gorgeous steel body, which is not only beautiful but also safe and good at conducting heat.

When the brewer is hot, the insulated handle comes in useful, and it’s removable so that you can take it with you on an extended vacation. However, the most prominent feature of Bialetti’s Elegance Venus is that it can work with any sort of heating system, including induction hobs.

It comes in four different sizes, each of which serves four “cups,” a measurement system that is employed extremely loosely. In this example, “cups” refer to servings, and each Moka Pot portion weighs around 2 ounces.

Pros

  • Stylish and beautiful design
  • Insulated handle that will not get scorched by the heat of the stove
  • Easily detachable, making it portable and easy to maintain
  • It is long-lasting

Cons:

  • Cups are servings, small servings, so the 4 and 6 cup variants may be too small for some

Imusa Stovetop Espresso Maker

IMUSA USA B120-42V Aluminum Espresso Stovetop Coffeemaker 3-Cup, Silver
$5.89
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Imusa’s Stovetop Coffee Maker, composed of aluminum, is all you need for upper edge Moka pot coffee. It has a design comprising the same materials and essentially the same design as versions four times its price.

This pot comes in sizes ranging from one to nine cups. Since the original one was released about a century ago, the Moka-pot design hasn’t changed much. 

As a result, they’re relatively simple to duplicate and build, and Imusa has done an excellent job of encapsulating the original concept in incredibly economical packaging.

Few, if any, coffee-brewing systems are as inexpensive. Imusa’s Moka pot is made of thin aluminum and warms up quickly, doing everything that high-end aluminum Moka pots accomplish.

It features a silicone gasket with less memory and seals better than the rubber gasket found in some more expensive alternatives. The sole disadvantage of this Moka pot is that it is (little) more fragile.

You’ll want to be extra careful while using the lid and handle, as they’re both brittle; it just might not survive a camping trip, that’s all. It is the key if you want espresso-like coffee for as little money as possible from something that won’t break apart quickly.

Pros

  • The design makes it as good as the best on the marketplace
  • Lower price 
  • Brews coffee just as well

Cons

  • It’s a little more delicate than many other options
  • It’s corrosive(follow manufacturer’s cleaning instructions)
  • Not dishwasher-safe

Bialetti’s Original Moka Express

Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 6 Cups (9 Oz - 270 Ml) , Aluminium, Silver
$11.00 ($1.25 / Ounce)
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It is yet another fantastic Moka pot from the Bialetti family, and it offers a slew of outstanding features. 

The Original Bialetti exists in a range of sizes to meet all demands, including cups between sizes one and twelve. It has a distinctive octagonal form that aids in even heat dispersion, critical for efficient extraction.

The Original Bialetti has a well-insulated grip for lifting when it’s hot, and the anodized aluminum body adds a touch of class to the design. With the straightforward disassembly to top it off, this Moka Pot truly has it all.

Many campers love the single cup and keep in mind that hardcore coffee lovers want their coffee anywhere they go. It is easy to carry as it doesn’t take up much space.

Pros

  • Available in a variety of sizes and colors
  • The octagon form aids in practical coffee brewing
  • Because of the detachable body, it is easy to transport and maintain
  • It’s long-lasting
  • Offers a two-year warranty

Cons

  • On an electric stove, it does not operate well
  • Great for camping

Grosche Milano

Grosche’s Milano is built to last and priced to compete, featuring thick, sturdy aluminum, a heat-resistant handle, and a silicone gasket.

You can get cup sizes between one and twelve.

Your Moka pots must comprise materials for use over an open flame, and unless you’re using an electric stovetop, you’ll need something that can withstand the heat. The Milano from Grosche is the most robust and functional aluminum Moka pot we’ve tried so far.

Aside from being made of robust and food-grade metal, Grosche’s Milano has a silicone gasket that will last much longer than the rubber ones found in many rivals. Furthermore, even if we’re not generating actual espresso, when we brew in a Moka pot, we’re still dealing with pressure. Silicone has a low memory, which means it won’t crease as easily as natural rubber. It means it will seal better and last longer.

Another problem we discovered in other models is the use of low-cost plastic handles. While these pieces should be fine with reasonable care and attention, one misstep and you’ll be dealing with melted plastic or, at the very least, a handle to replace.

The Milano by Grosche has a silicone-coated handle, which means you won’t burn yourself reaching for it (as you could with plastic), and it won’t melt if you’re a little reckless.

The handle is the only part of Grosche’s Milano that we don’t like, as it is with every aluminum model. The first versions of the Moka pots occurred with durability in mind.  

You could throw them into a fire pit, which is what sometimes happens around a campfire. Grosche’s Milano, on the other hand, is the best, most readily available option we’ve discovered, and it’ll hold up to practically everything.

Pros

  • Great for gas, electric, and camp stoves 
  • Sturdy
  • High-quality parts

Cons

  • Not recommended for induction cooktops
  • Caustic
  • Not dishwasher safe.

LuxHaus Stovetop Espresso Maker

LuxHaus’ Stovetop Espresso Maker is composed of stainless steel and has a narrow chimney for brewing Moka-pot coffee on an induction burner while keeping the heat in check. It comes in three and six cup sizes.

Purely aluminum Moka pots will not work on induction stovetops since they require magnetic cookware to function. In general, a stainless steel Moka pot takes longer to heat up, which is why we don’t recommend it for gas or electric stovetops, but it will work on an induction cooktop.

With its unusual design and stainless-steel sheen, LuxHaus’ Moka Pot is not just gorgeous, but it also provides a more regulated experience.

That is to say, it is less likely to splatter coffee all over your stovetop and produce a mess, thanks to the continuous pressure buildup within its long and gradually shrinking middle column or chimney.

Although this is a user-error issue, LuxHaus has done an excellent job of correcting it. It’s the little details that make the LuxHaus so wonderful. Stainless steel, for starters, is far more durable, resists corrosion, and is dishwasher safe. 

We also enjoy the tall, narrow chimney that comes with it, which eliminates spatter and contributes to a slower, more equal drip of coffee in our experience. While most Moka pots make it challenging to remove the filter basket, this one has a spring that holds it up for simple removal and cleaning.

LuxHaus’ Stovetop Espresso Maker is a stainless steel Moka pot with a beautiful design ideally suited for induction stovetops.

Pros

  • High-quality components where they’re needed
  • Dishwasher safe (top rack) 
  • Non-corrosive

Cons

  • Plastic handle and lid tab 
  • Not recommended for use with gas or electric burners

Cuisinox Roma

Cuisinox Roma 6-cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Espresso Maker
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The Cuisinox comes in four different sizes: four, six, and ten cups. It is more expensive than most Moka Pots in the industry, but there are solid reasons.

It is composed of 18/10 food-grade stainless steel and has a stylish appearance. The Cuisinox features an induction plate to go with its mirrored shine, and it works well both on a stovetop and an electric range.

You’ll be savoring a nice cup of coffee with the whole crew in less than 5 minutes! Cups are defined by something far smaller than a “cup,” yet again. 

The Cuisinox cup distinctions are related to the amount of coffee produced, which is 1.5 ounces. However, each version includes an additional gasket and reducer; that’s always a lovely addition.

Pros

  • Sleek design
  • Stainless steel of superior grade
  • It is long-lasting and comes with a guarantee
  • It includes an induction base, 
  • Has an extra gasket 
  • It comes with a reducer

Cons:

  • For a stovetop espresso maker, it’s on the pricey side
  • Because the handle is not insulated, it can become heated

Rapid Brew Percolator

Tops 55705 Rapid Brew Stovetop Coffee Percolator, Stainless Steel, 2-12 Cup
$36.99
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Don’t be fooled by the Rapid Brew Stovetop Coffee Percolator’s modest size. This Moka pot is available in three (big) sizes: 6, 9, and 12.

It has a hefty, stainless steel body that is not only robust but also attractive. The Permawood handle keeps the handle cool, and the glass cover handle gives this Moka Pot a unique look.

The Rapid Brew is a great coffee maker for campers because of its compact size and fixed cup labels.

Pros

  • Portable and robust design with a unique and attractive design
  • Simple to clean and maintain
  • It has lasting calibration markings and is of sufficient size.
  • The handle is made of wood and works as an insulator.

Cons:

  • On an electric stove, it does not operate.
  • When in use, the lid frequently jumps up.

Coletti’s Bozeman Percolator

The Coletti Bozeman Percolator is a good choice for anyone searching for a high-quality, long-lasting percolator.

The design was inspired by campfire coffee, making it a perfect coffee maker for traveling and other outdoor pursuits. It’s built of high-quality stainless steel and gives the coffee a full richness that its less-expensive competitors can’t relatively equal.

It’s dishwasher safe, has a glass knob, as well as a rosewood grip for a vintage aesthetic and burn-free grabbing.

Another significant benefit is that Coletti Coffee distributes 100% of its proceeds to charity. Now you can have your coffee and help to create a better world simultaneously.

Pros

  • It’s pretty robust, making it ideal for camping
  • There are 20 filters in all
  • Features a glass cover knob and a permawood handle
  • You can wash it in the dishwasher

Cons

  • If you want to heat your coffee using electricity, it’s not a coffee machine for you.
  • The Bozeman creation makes it equipped for percolating coffee in the traditional manner.

What’s the Big Deal About Moka Pot Coffee?

The secret to perfect coffee, as you’ve probably heard, boils down to three factors: extraction, pressure, and temperature. A stovetop espresso maker’s brewing method checks all three of these boxes.

The water chamber, the filtration basket, and the gathering chamber are the three primary sections of a Moka pot.

Pressure rises as the liquid in the water tank gets hot, forcing the fluid through the filter basket (where the grinds sit) and into the chamber. There’s no chance of smashing or scorching the grounds because it’s entirely done with steam, resulting in a highly aromatic roasting process.

Do Moka Pots Make Espresso?

They sure don’t. However, no one can blame someone for believing that. It’s perplexing because, while it’s technically known as a Moka pot, it’s frequently referred to as a “stovetop espresso machine,” which is entirely FALSE.

The Moka pot earned the nickname “stovetop espresso maker” because of its brewing technique, which is similar to that of an espresso machine in that both employ high temperature and pressure to produce rapid extraction—but they’re essentially very distinct.

A whole 9 bars of pressure(though experts differ in opinion between 5 and 9)—nine times the force of pressure at sea level—is required to make a perfect shot espresso. Thinking that way, we all know it’d be unlikely to attain that level of force without a little additional technology.

The Moka pot produces roughly one-and-a-half bars of pressure, which isn’t quite enough to make espresso, but it’s just ideal for a strong cup of coffee!

Differences Between Stovetop and Electric Moka Pots 

To percolate your coffee, you set a burner Moka pot straight on your stovetop. Stovetop Moka pots are simple to operate and typically less expensive than electric ones. 

Stovetop Moka pots are more prevalent on retail shelves than electrical Moka pots, according to the majority of individuals.

However, there are a few electric Moka pots available for purchase. These pots come with their heat source and may be plugged directly into a wall outlet. 

An electric Moka pot is a beautiful alternative if you’ll be spending time somewhere without the convenience of a stove like a college dorm, motel, or RV.

How to Make Espresso-like Coffee on a Stovetop

There’s something lovely about making coffee in a Moka Pot—no fancy gadgets, no power, just plain old fundamental physics. Brewing is also really straightforward, which is always a plus.

Tools & Ingredients:

  • Water
  • Coffee
  • Moka pot
  1. You’ll need 25.5 grams of coffee, or roughly three and a half tablespoons, for a 6-cup Moka Pot. You’ll choose to ground them as finely as you might for an espresso shot.
  2. Fill the lower chamber of your Moka pot with filtered water (you can still use heated water to speed things up), but don’t go past the safety valve. Fill the basket and filter, the center section, with fine ground coffee, give it a gentle spin to ensure even distribution, then screw it on carefully because the lower chamber will be scalding.
  3. Connect the spouted top chamber to the entire setup and place it on a heat source, whether it’s an open flame or an electric stovetop. Your strong brew will gently rise to the top part due to pressure!
  4. Simple ways to ensure you’re using the correct heat—if the water appears to be shooting out the top, the heat is too high. You may wish to increase the heat a little if the Moka Pot is only slightly boiling.
  5. You’ll hear a hissing, bubbling sound when all of the water has made its way from the bottom chamber to the upper one; remove from the heat and serve right away!

What To Look For In A Moka Pot When Buying

Despite the conventional Moka pot’s straightforward form, there are several features to consider, like size, fabric, and abilities.

What is the Maximum Number of Cups it Can Make?

Cup sizes one to twelve are the most common sizes for stovetop espresso makers. However, the term cup is not typically what we know when cooking and measuring.

The Moka pot produces cups frequently tallied in the same way that espresso shots are—in ounces called cups. Because a 6-cup Moka pot only makes six ounces of coffee, nine and 12-cup Moka pots are generally a great option if you intend on large gatherings.

Size of Grind for Moka Pots

The grind size for Moka pots is usually a touch coarser, with coffee grounds ranging from fine to medium-fine.

Which Material is Best?

While the Moka pot’s initial design called for aluminum, times have changed. We prefer stainless steel over other materials in the kitchen for a variety of reasons. Stainless steel does not rust and is non-porous. Therefore, it’s easier to rinse than other materials. However, it is more expensive.

While aluminum isn’t our first choice for kitchenware due to its propensity for rusting, we can forgive it if it’s anodized. Anodized aluminum is more corrosive-resistant and robust, rendering it best suited to enduring heat.

Bialetti, yes, that Bialetti, is famous for its outstanding Moka pots, which comprise anodized aluminum.

Which Type of Stove it Works on

Not every stovetop espresso maker operates on electric stoves. Some work on all the stovetops, while others are induction only.

Therefore, it is essential to find that out before deciding which one to buy. So please do some research on the stovetop espresso maker you’re considering purchasing.

Color and Design

While style and color are less crucial than performance, you may still want to select a model that complements your kitchen’s design. Some Moka pots feature a conventional design that looks identical to the original ones from the 1930s. Others feature cleaner outlines and a more contemporary look. Most Moka pots are simple aluminum or stainless steel in appearance, while a few are tinted bronze or painted in vibrant colors.

Shape

Moka pots are traditionally octagonal; however, several of the most modern-looking variants have a rounder base. Traditionalists may argue that the eight-sided form ensures even heat dispersion, but we believe that the overall quality of a Moka pot is far more significant.

Handles

If you choose a metal-handled Moka pot, make sure it’s cool-touch metal, so you don’t get burned when pouring your coffee. Heat-resistant plastic handles are appropriate, as they will not disintegrate when subjected to high temperatures.

Costs

A bare aluminum Moka pot can cost anywhere from 8 to 150 dollars, depending on quality. Expect to spend between 30 and 60 dollars for a standard stainless steel version or a decent aluminum option. Most high-end stainless steel and designer models cost between 60 and 150 dollars.

Bottom Line

It wasn’t easy to choose the greatest one from the bunch, but if I had to choose just one, I’d go with the Bialetti Elegance Venus.

The Elegance Venus has excellent qualities, including the design, capacity, and safety handles. Above all, it has a smooth brewing process, and I can use it on any stove. 

Best that! It stands out from every other on the list, whether budget-friendly or high-end, and the material makes it something you’ll keep for a lifetime. It is sleek and functional. 

The Imusa is my budget pick because it functions just as efficiently as the others, and you can take it camping. I love camping. It is also a fantastic option, but the Bialetti won out mainly owing to its durability. 

Now you know what’s out there, what to look for, including one that is compatible with your stovetop; happy shopping.