Last Updated on September 24, 2021 by John Moretti
Many coffee enthusiasts swear by the stovetop technique and will have their morning or evening cup of coffee no other way. I, too, enjoy the occasional stovetop brew but have come to learn that the type of Moka pot we use impacts the taste of the coffee.
Yes, just the same way it is essential to get the right coffee beans, correct portions, and timing proper for the perfect bloom, it is also vital to choose the right type of pot to ensure great aroma and taste.
Moka Pots comprise either aluminum or stainless steel, and we’ll give you an in-depth look at both and which is better for your coffee, so you’ll never miss the perfect taste and fragrance again.
The Two Types of Moka Pots: Aluminum and Stainless Steel
The Moka pot originated in Italy, which makes sense given how much Italians are passionate about coffee in every aspect. It’s nothing more than a percolating mechanism that allows the heat to perform all of the work in extracting the essence from our coffee grounds.
There are three chambers in the Moka pot coffee maker. The first one, which fills with water, is at the bottom. The second chamber, which resembles a funnel, is where you’ll place your coffee grinds. The second or middle chamber keeps the coffee particles from falling into the first compartment.
When we place the Moka pot on the stove, the water inside heats until it reaches the boiling point, the water is then pushed up through the coffee grinds and into the top chamber, where it is ready. In the third chamber, the coffee gathers.
Aluminum Moka Pots: A Closer Look
The Pros:
- Aluminum transmits heat incredibly well, which is why Moka pots are so popular. It means that less heat energy is required to make your coffee.
- It’s also less expensive than stainless steel; thus, it’s common in kitchen appliances like Moka pots.
- Aluminum is strong, yet it is also light.
- Because aluminum is weaker than stainless steel, Moka pots come in a variety of forms and sizes.
The Cons:
There are a few drawbacks to using aluminum Moka pots that you should consider.
- Aluminum reacts with food and is prone to staining. After a lengthy period of use, it can even impact the taste and color of coffee.
- Because it is less robust and lighter than stainless steel, it is more prone to bending.
- Aluminum is quickly corroded and scratched.
In-depth Look at Stainless Steel Moka Pots
The Pros:
Stainless steel Moka pots have become more popular as a result of these factors.
- Because stainless steel is such a hefty metal, it is unlikely to bend.
- It’s scratch and corrosion-resistant, so even after years of use, your pot will appear brand new.
- Stainless steel is less reactive to food than other metals so that it won’t alter the color or flavor of your coffee.
The Cons:
Stainless steel Moka pots have various limits that you should consider when purchasing a Moka pot.
- It has a higher price tag than aluminum.
- Because it’s heavier, your Moka pot won’t be as portable.
- Because it does not carry heat and metal, it will take longer to brew your coffee.
Because both stainless steel and aluminum Moka pots are on offer, it’s advisable to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each before making your decision.
Which Type is More Durable?
Your Moka pot, regardless of its material, will last for many years with appropriate cleaning and maintenance. Stainless steel and aluminum are both strong metals that will endure for years if you keep your Moka pot clean and don’t drop or bend it.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more durable and will last longer due to its corrosion and scratch resistance. Even if you’ve had your Moka pot for a long time, it won’t give any indication of wear. Because the metal does not react with the acids in coffee, the pot will always appear new and will not impact the taste of your coffee.
Is A Moka Pot Made Of Aluminum Less Expensive?
Aluminum Moka pots come in a variety of sizes and are all constructed in the same way. These amazing espresso makers will make your coffee flawlessly, generating a rich and delicious drink thanks to the steam, which allows for better extraction of the coffee grinds.
In the near term, an aluminum Moka pot is less expensive than one made of stainless steel. It is, nevertheless, prone to rust, corrosion, and scratches. Since the metal mixes with the acid in the beverage, it might alter the flavor and aroma of your coffee. As a result, if you prefer to brew your coffee in a Moka pot, you’ll wind up buying more of them.
Is It True That Stainless Steel Coffee Is Better?
Since the steam heat provides a higher absorption from the coffee grounds, Moka pots provide rich coffee. These stovetop coffeemaker makers have the same design and will work in the same way, regardless of the material used to construct the Moka pot.
When it pertains to the flavor of the coffee, the metal used to manufacture the pot can have a slight effect on the taste. When you use an aluminum Moka pot to brew stovetop espresso, the water temperature will be higher since aluminum conducts heat better and faster. It enables improved extraction, allowing the oils and rich aroma of the coffee grinds to be released, resulting in a delicious cup of coffee.
These acids in the coffee, on the other hand, interact with the metal used to construct the Moka pot over time. They discolor the metal of the stovetop espresso machine and eventually cause corrosion. Aluminum will react with the acids in coffee and, in the long term, change the taste of your coffee.
Stainless steel will not interact with the acids in our coffee but will maintain its appearance for as long as you use it. It is free of rust and will allow you to enjoy the clean, rich flavor of your coffee.
Is Brewing Espresso in Aluminum Moka Pots a Good Option?
Aluminum Moka pots are extensively used and come in various sizes, allowing you to pick the ideal one for your needs. However, since the metal interacts with the acids in the coffee, your aluminum Moka pot may impair the taste of your coffee after a few years.
The acids in the coffee gradually combine with the metal, so this doesn’t happen after a few usages. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is a superior alternative if you want the most exquisite coffee. It doesn’t react with coffee and ensures that you get fresh, high-quality espresso every time.
Is It Safe To Use Aluminum Moka Pots?
The metal atoms of the aluminum stovetop coffee maker are affected by the high heat, and they react with the acids in the coffee. As a result, your coffee’s flavor might change drastically.
As a result, it’s safe to conclude that cooking with an aluminum Moka pot is risk-free. Using aluminum stovetop espresso makers to prepare coffee will not harm your or your family’s health. However, if you want to have a better-tasting coffee, you should use a stainless steel pot to make it.
Most Popular Moka Pots
- Pylano Duna Aluminium Moka Pot
- Bialetti Moka Express
- Bialetti New Moka Induction Red
- Bialetti Moka Induction in Anthracite
- Home Stone Design Moka Pot Aluminium With Induction Base
- Bialetti Moka Mini Express
What you’ll notice in the list above is that the most popular Moka pots are the aluminum ones; even the number one choice on the list, Pylani Duna, comprises aluminum. The most popular overall is the Bialetti brand.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a Moka pot, you’ll probably come across the name Bialetti more than any other as their Moka pots are readily accessible, allowing you to select the size that best suits your needs.
The study adds that “Coffee brewed from Aluminum pods contained no considerably higher Aluminum concentrations in comparison to other brewing techniques.”
Aluminum Bialetti Moka pots and others are unquestionably safe to use. They’re inexpensive and will help you to achieve a great cup of coffee even if you’ve never brewed coffee before. If you’re concerned about aluminum decomposition, we can use a stainless steel Moka pot instead.
Bottom Line
Get yourself a Moka pot if you’re seeking a portable coffee machine that helps in providing a rich brew. These coffee machines are made for home usage and come in various sizes, allowing you to find one that meets your requirements easily.
Moka pots are made of aluminum or stainless steel and come in a variety of forms. Aluminum coffee machines are lighter and inexpensive, but they aren’t very sturdy, and they will rust and corrode after a few years of use.
Stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion and will not corrode. It is, however, heavier and more costly. When purchasing a Moka pot, you can select between aluminum and stainless steel, both of which can provide you with excellent coffee.
Aluminum, on the other hand, can somewhat alter the flavor of your coffee by imparting a metallic taste. If this detracts from your experience, you should use a stainless steel Moka pot to make your ideal cup of Joe.
