Moka pots have been around for decades, helping homebrewers around the world quickly create strong, flavorful coffee. These stovetop brewers create one to two bars of pressure, which isn’t enough for true espresso, but do produce concentrated, tasty coffee.
If you’re looking for the best Moka pot, you may be surprised to discover the wide range of choices beyond the original Bialetti. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites with reviews of each Moka pot, as well as a buying guide, so you can find the best product for you. Read on for our list of 10 best Moka pots.
A Quick Glance at our Favorites of 2024
The 10 Best Stovetop Espresso Makers
1. Bialetti Italian Stovetop Espresso Maker — Best Overall
Bialetti is the original manufacturer of the Moka pot, so they are one of the best Italian stovetop espresso makers in the industry. Unsurprisingly, this makes it our top pick. It’s available in multiple sizes, which can work for a variety of coffee drinkers. It takes less than five minutes to brew on the stovetop, which is comparable to a drip coffee maker. This model comes in durable aluminum in that classic Bialetti octagonal shape. It’s designed and made in Italy, so you can be sure that it’s an authentic Moka pot. We appreciated the patented safety valve, which is important due to the pressure. It’s also easy to clean.
The only problem is that the handle is made of plastic, so it can melt on the stovetop easily if left unattended.
But overall, this is the original and best stovetop espresso maker (Moka pot) available right now.
- Original manufacturer of the Moka pot
- Available in multiple sizes
- Takes less than five minutes to brew on the stovetop
- Made of aluminum
- Designed and made in Italy
- Patented safety valve
- Easy to clean
- Handle may melt if you leave it unattended for too long
2. Coffee Gator Espresso Moka Pot
The Coffee Gator Espresso Moka Pot is our runner-up because it includes two stainless steel vacuum-insulated mugs. It’s modeled in the style of the original Bialetti Moka pot, but with an industrial, brushed-metal look. It’s made from premium-cast aluminum and includes a safety valve to remove excess steam. The handle stays cool to the touch, as it’s made of plastic. You can use it on a gas, electric, or even a camping stove. It brews up fast in five minutes.
There are a few things keeping the Coffee Gator’s Espresso Moka Pot from our top spot, however. You can’t use this pot on an induction stovetop, and it’s not dishwasher safe. However, clean-up is fairly simple in that you just rinse it out when you’re finished. The biggest problem, though, is that the pot doesn’t actually have a 12-ounce capacity as stated. It’s more like 10 ounces.
- Crafted from premium cast aluminum
- Includes two stainless steel vacuum-insulated mugs
- Safety valve to remove excess steam
- Cool-touch handle
- Suitable for gas, electric, or even a camping stove
- Five-minute brew time
- Not for use on induction stovetops
- Doesn’t actually have a 12-ounce capacity
3. Vremi Stovetop Espresso Maker – Best Value
For an inexpensive option, we recommend the Vremi Stovetop Espresso Maker. Unlike the previous two Moka pots, you can use this one on induction cooktops, as long as it has a small-diameter coil. This Moka pot comes with a handle that has a rubberized grip, which makes it less likely to melt. It can make six cups of espresso-size shots and is made of durable aluminum.
On the negative side, if you’re looking for a Moka pot for more than one person to use at once, this isn’t the best choice. The capacity is small. It also has problems with leaks, which could be because it doesn’t have as good of a safety valve as the two models mentioned above. It also drips when pouring, which can be annoying to clean up every morning.
- Inexpensive
- Use on gas, electric, or small-diameter induction cooktops
- Rubberized handle
- Makes six cups of espresso-size shots
- Made of durable aluminum
- Leaks
- Drips when pouring
- Small capacity
4. bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker — Premium Choice
The bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker is our high-end pick because it’s one of the best stainless steel Moka pots on the market. It’s made of stainless steel instead of aluminum and has an elegant copper-chrome finish. This is one that can be used on all stovetops: gas, electric, ceramic, and induction. It’s also dishwasher-safe, which is rare for Moka pots. You can get it in two sizes: 3.4 oz. and 11.8 oz.
Unfortunately, the beauty of the copper-chrome finish doesn’t last. It’s actually a copper coating — not real metal at all — and flakes off over time. This makes the quality of the overall product questionable. Because the handle is coated in metal, it gets really hot, so try to avoid grabbing it with your bare hands.
- Stainless steel with copper-chrome finish
- Suitable for all stovetops: gas, electric, ceramic, and induction
- Available in two sizes
- Dishwasher safe
- Copper-coating flakes off
- Handle gets really hot
- Questionable quality
5. Bellemain 6-Cup Moka Pot
The Bellemain 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot comes with a handle and lid knob that both stay cool so you won’t burn your fingers when you remove it from the stovetop. A safety valve prevents overheating by letting steam escape. We also appreciate that it comes with a two-year warranty.
However, the quality of this product is questionable. You might have to take advantage of the warranty due to leaking or the aluminum flaking off.
- Safety valve prevents overheating
- Stay-cool handle and lid knob
- Two-year warranty
- 12-oz. capacity
- Poor quality
- Aluminum flakes off
- Leaks
6. CHANMOL Stovetop Espresso Maker
CHANMOL offers another option if you’re looking for a stainless steel Moka pot instead of aluminum. This model has a heat-resistant handle to keep your fingers cool and a permanent coffee filter so you don’t have to worry about paper filters. It can be used on electric, gas, or ceramic stovetops.
Unfortunately, we aren’t sure this product is made of solid stainless steel. The inside appears to be a different metal, as it turns grayish-black. It also has a problem with leaking, so the quality is questionable.
- Made of stainless steel
- Heat-resistant handle
- Permanent coffee filter
- Can be used on electric, gas, or ceramic stovetops
- Questionable quality
- Leaks
- Possibly not made entirely of stainless steel
7. GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker
If you’re looking for a Moka pot with more options, then you’ll appreciate the GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker. It’s available in multiple sizes — three cups, six cups, and nine cups — as well as multiple colors: red, white, silver, or black. The heat-resistant handle and lid stay cool to the touch when used properly, and the safety valve is designed in Italy.
We noticed quite a few problems with this one, however. The rubber on the heat-resistant handle can burn, especially if you’re using it on a large stovetop burner. It also leaks while brewing, which makes the safety valve’s effectiveness questionable. Lastly, it discolors easily, both inside and outside the pot.
- Available in multiple sizes
- Four color choices
- Heat-resistant handle and lid
- Safety valve included
- The rubber handle can burn
- Leaks while brewing
- Discolors easily
8. Mr. Rudolf Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso-Coffee Maker
If you’re set on stainless steel instead of aluminum for your Moka pot, then the Mr. Rudolf 18/10 Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Coffee Maker is a great option. It’s made of food-grade 18/10 stainless steel, which is extremely durable. It includes a safety valve and a permanent filter. The handle is heat resistant to prevent your fingers from being burned. This model can also be used on most stovetops, using small or medium burners.
We encountered a few issues with this Moka pot, however. The lid breaks easily, and the handle can burn if left unattended. You also need to make sure the burner you use isn’t much larger than the Moka pot, or it can heat the handle and cause it to melt. It also doesn’t come with clear instructions for its use, which may be confusing for new users.
- Made of food-grade 18/10 stainless steel
- Safety valve
- Heat-resistant handle
- Suitable for most cooktops, using small or medium burners
- Lid breaks easily
- The handle can burn if left unattended
- No clear instructions on how to use
9. AICOOK Moka Pot
AICOOK has an inexpensive Moka pot if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly choice. This is another stovetop espresso maker that has a heat-resistant handle. It also has a two-year warranty, which is a good amount of time for a Moka pot.
Unfortunately, this product has quite a few problems. The inside has a nonstick coating, which flakes off easily. It tends to leak, both while brewing and when pouring. This makes the overall quality questionable. It also has numerous components, which can be annoying to clean.
- Inexpensive
- Two-year warranty
- Heat-resistant handle
- Leaks
- Inside has a nonstick coating
- Metal inside flakes
- Numerous components
10. LeeSuo Stovetop Espresso Maker
The LeeSuo Stovetop Espresso Maker has an elegant design that will look good in any kitchen. It’s also made of food-quality stainless steel and has an ergonomic handle for easy pouring and comfort.
Despite its beauty, this one is at the bottom of our list for a reason. It’s pricey, especially for the dubious quality. The inner seals allow it to leak, which makes us think they aren’t made of quality materials. The handle, though beautiful, heats up quickly. It also isn’t stainless steel on the bottom, so it can stain easily.
- Stainless steel
- Elegant design
- Ergonomic handle
- Pricey
- Poor quality seals
- Handle heats up quickly
- Leaks
- Not stainless steel on the bottom of the pot
Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Stovetop Espresso Maker
When you’re shopping for the best Moka pot on the market, it can be helpful to know which features make for a superior product. We’ve put together a buying guide to help you know what to look for. Here’s our list of important features:
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel
The original manufacturer of the Moka pot, Bialetti, constructs their product out of aluminum. It’s lightweight, conducts heat well, and is inexpensive. However, because of aluminum’s porous qualities, you can’t scrub it with any kind of abrasive cleaners. If you do, you risk having bits of aluminum flake off in your coffee. You have to rinse the pot and dry it well. Even then, it will eventually succumb to rust.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is non-porous, non-corrosive, and durable. You don’t have to worry about it rusting over time or having flakes of metal in your coffee. However, stainless steel Moka pots are more expensive than aluminum. So, if you’re on a budget, aluminum is your best bet.
SEE ALSO: Which coffee beans are our #1 pick for Moka pots?
Country of Origin
The Moka pot is an Italian creation. Therefore, Italian brands are superior to those of other countries because they have a deep understanding of what makes a quality stovetop espresso maker. Their Italian customers wouldn’t have it any other way. You can buy a Moka pot brand from another country, but the quality might not be as high.
Type of Stovetop
It’s important to know what type of stovetop that each Moka pot brand can be used on. Some can only be used on gas or electric stovetops and not glass or induction. Be sure the Moka pot you plan to purchase is compatible with your stovetop. Burner size is important too. If you try and place a small Moka pot on a large burner, it can melt the handle or any other plastic pieces on the pot. Always use a small burner.
RELATED: Should you choose a Moka pot or an AeroPress?
Cup Size
Moka pot cup size is not the same as a typical American coffee mug size. When it says “cup,” it refers to 2-oz. espresso cups. You’d, therefore, need a “six-cup” size Moka pot to fill a standard American coffee mug. But do keep in mind that the coffee produced is extremely concentrated. So, you can brew a concentrated espresso-like coffee and then add hot water to fill several cups.
Heat-Resistant Handle
Because the Moka pot will be brewing on your hot stovetop, it’s best if the handles and even the lid knob are heat-resistant. This way, you won’t burn your fingers when you remove it from the stove. Care should always be taken to not leave the Moka pot on the burner for too long; otherwise, the handle will melt.
Safety Valve
All the Moka pots on our list come with safety valves, which is an important design feature since the coffee is under pressure. To avoid leaking or even a dangerous situation involving hot water under pressure, be sure that the safety valve is of high quality. Certain products on the list have safety valves designed and made in Italy even if the rest of the Moka pots is made in another country. Italian-made, like the original Bialetti Moka pot, is best when it comes to safety valves.
Conclusion
The Bialetti 06800 Italian Stovetop Espresso Maker is our pick for the best stovetop espresso maker because it’s the original manufacturer of the Moka pot. We feel confident in its design and ability to produce a fantastic espresso-like cup of coffee. Our budget-buy recommendation for the best stovetop espresso maker is the Vremi Stovetop Espresso Maker — Moka Pot Coffee Maker because it can be used on most stovetops, has a rubberized heat-resistant handle, and is made of quality materials for the price.
We hope our reviews and buying guide have been helpful in your search for the best stovetop espresso maker. Now all that’s left is to pick a Moka pot and start enjoying Italian-style coffee!
SEE ALSO:
Table of Contents
- A Quick Glance at our Favorites of 2024
- The 10 Best Stovetop Espresso Makers
- 1. Bialetti Italian Stovetop Espresso Maker — Best Overall
- 2. Coffee Gator Espresso Moka Pot
- 3. Vremi Stovetop Espresso Maker – Best Value
- 4. bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker — Premium Choice
- 5. Bellemain 6-Cup Moka Pot
- 6. CHANMOL Stovetop Espresso Maker
- 7. GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker
- 8. Mr. Rudolf Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso-Coffee Maker
- 9. AICOOK Moka Pot
- 10. LeeSuo Stovetop Espresso Maker
- Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Stovetop Espresso Maker
- Conclusion