10 Best Moka Pots 2019

Bialetti is the biggest name in the world of stovetop Moka pots, with their founder being the original inventor of the appliances, so they know what they are doing.

Every one of the seven models in this range is the traditional octagonal design first formulated by Bialetti and is made from aluminium for efficient heat transfer. The ergonomic handle is easy to grip and hold, but you need to use a low heat/flame to ensure it doesn’t get too hot to grasp and possibly melt.

It is suitable for all cooktops bar induction hobs. The beauty of stovetop moka pots is that you can change the water volumes and amount of coffee easily to suit your own tastes, and we found altering the quantities for just one cup of strong coffee was simple enough.

The coffee made tastes great, so if you’re only thinking of getting a moka pot for using when going camping or on holiday, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear it is great enough to use every day at home too. In fact, the taste of the coffee definitely rivalled that of machines worth hundreds of pounds.

However (and it isn’t just this brand which this applies to), the coffee in the smaller-sized pots generally tasted better than that from the larger pots. This does make sense in a way, as smaller pots probably give the coffee more chance to infuse, but is something to bear in mind if the 18 cup design appeals to you the most.

Just remember to read the instructions fully before you start with this machine – the coffee produced is easy to burn, and it is quite strong as well so you may need less powder than you’d think.

With what feels like one of the sturdiest, long lasting Moka pots we have reviewed, this Alessi model has a few standout components.

First of all the handle material, made from thermoplastic resin. Even though it is shorter than some other models, it was by far the one which got the least hot out of the entire selection – even more so than the ones that listed this as a selling point.

The knob on the lid is also made from this material, and unlike a lot of the other designs, it is flat rather than prominently rounded, so feels easier to grip. However, what is rounded is the overall shape of the Moka pot, which we loved as it just gives it a different feel and makes it stand out from the majority of others on the market.

As well, the pouring spout seems to be ever so slightly larger on the Alessi. This could mean it is more unreliable when pouring when in effect the opposite appears to be the case, and liquid dripped down the side a lot less than most other models.

It can be used on all heat sources, bar induction hobs, so whether it is for the home, as a spare or for the caravan, it is one of the best choices you can purchase.

The first thing which strikes you about this moka pot is that it has a very different shape to anything else you will have ever really seen. But this shape isn’t just to make it stand out in the looks department.

Designed by Michele de Lucchi, it is the product of years of research into how the shape of a coffee making vessel can impact the taste. The Pulcina stops filtering the coffee at the precise moment because of the curve, meaning a much better taste as the eruption is stopped. It is this final stage which usually makes the coffee taste a bit bitter and burnt.

Even the spout has been made to be quite prominent, so the coffee pours well when the time comes. For the finishing touches, the handle and knob are both in a striking red colour which perfectly contrasts with the stainless silver body.

As the name suggests, this little pot is the perfect camping companion – even right down to the quirky, unique design.

Made from varnished metal to ensure it is extra sturdy and hard-wearing, the top is shaped like an Alpini’s hat, and there is even a characteristic little feather.

But how it looks is probably low on your list of priorities, so we will get down to its usability. First of all, it isn’t just for use when camping, and can be placed over an electric or gas stove too. It makes three decent-sized shots of espresso, perfect for a small team of explorers (or glampers, if more your style).

The coffee it produces tastes great, absolutely no different to any other stovetop coffee makers we reviewed despite the style and its suggested design as a camping ‘backup’ rather than a home go-to.

The handle is nylon, for safety when using over heat. It didn’t get hot, even when over a flame, nor did it seem to become warped in any way when cooling.

Every part is detachable from the main portion for easy cleaning, even the feather which we thought was a real novelty aspect. If you’re after a traditional Italian Moka pot, then the patriotic design will surely be a winner in your eyes.

As the name suggests, this little pot is the perfect camping companion – even right down to the quirky, unique design.

Made from varnished metal to ensure it is extra sturdy and hard-wearing, the top is shaped like an Alpini’s hat, and there is even a characteristic little feather.

But how it looks is probably low on your list of priorities, so we will get down to its usability. First of all, it isn’t just for use when camping, and can be placed over an electric or gas stove too. It makes three decent-sized shots of espresso, perfect for a small team of explorers (or glampers, if more your style).

The coffee it produces tastes great, absolutely no different to any other stovetop coffee makers we reviewed despite the style and its suggested design as a camping ‘backup’ rather than a home go-to.

The handle is nylon, for safety when using over heat. It didn’t get hot, even when over a flame, nor did it seem to become warped in any way when cooling.

Every part is detachable from the main portion for easy cleaning, even the feather which we thought was a real novelty aspect. If you’re after a traditional Italian Moka pot, then the patriotic design will surely be a winner in your eyes.

Electric Moka pots are becoming an ever-popular choice, but not all feature an auto-switch off like this one from G3Ferrari.

When the pot is removed, the base automatically turns off for a safety element. The insulated bottom means it can be placed on any surface even when it has just boiled, so it perfectly portable if you want to have breakfast in bed.

Another great feature is that you can keep the coffee warm for up to 30 minutes after it has been brewed, which is seen as a bit of a luxury even amongst the filter coffee machines at the high-end of the market.

The pot can also be programmed to prepare the coffee for when you rise in the morning, and indicator lights will tell you when these factors are all in use. With an adjustable filter, it is easy to make either one, two or three cups at the same time, cutting out the guesswork needed with a lot of other models.

The only flaw is that the upper, made of plastic, feels a lot flimsier than the other electric Moka pot we have reviewed. While we don’t think this would be much of an issue short-term, it may become one with frequent use.

However, it is transparent so you can see how the coffee brewing process is getting on, and splash guard technology means it won’t become overly boiled and start to burn.

Available in pistachio and red as well as polished silver and black, this classic espresso Moka pot is the one for anyone who loves their appliances to feature a pop of colour.

The ergonomic handle is easy to grip, conforming to your natural hand placement. Design-wise, it has been based off the traditional octagonal shape of the original Bialetti models, and it is hard-wearing, so isn’t only an economical option but also environmentally sound with no unnecessary heat escaping. It can’t be used on an induction hob.

Washing it after use has to be done by hand, but with the rounded lower compartment and softly angled upper, it is easy enough to get into all the corners and allow it to dry it naturally.

It seems to not be very ‘precise’ with the measurements, in the fact that the three cup model makes the perfect amount for more like two cups and the six model for around four cups etc. For this reason, we would say to try and get the upper size of the one you’d need – the larger 9 cup model is perfect for a full mugful of coffee, but this all depends on how strong you like your coffee, of course. Also, bear in mind it is only meant to be an espresso maker.

With a metallic lower section and clear plastic upper, the design of this coffee maker is very different from traditional Moka pots, which we love.

Operated by plugging it into the mains and using the on/off switch, this is one of the easiest ways to make coffee, and perfect for smaller households or those who simply don’t have room for large electric coffee makers in their kitchen. The striking red colour also makes it a standout.

A benefit of using an electric coffee maker is that it keeps the coffee warm for longer, as it doesn’t have to be taken away from the heat source as such. Only the base needs to be plugged in, and the maker needs to be sat on this plate only to boil or keep warm, so in effect is wireless at other times.

It can turn 360 degrees on its platform like most kettles, so it easy to access for safety. The handle keeps cool, and despite the fact the upper is plastic, it doesn’t get too warm to comfortably use.

We also liked the fact that the handle stuck out further away from the base like a tilt, unlike a lot of other Moka pots whose handles are perfectly vertical, which means your knuckles are less likely to feel the heat. Great for anyone with large hands who finds ordinary jugs difficult.

Like the traditional Bialetti model and design, the eight-sided shape of this Pezzetti model allows the heat to diffuse completely through the Moka pot and enhance the aroma of the coffee.

Simply fill the base with water, the middle with coffee grounds and place on your gas flame, stove or electric hob. Then it is just a case of letting the maker do its job, which is signalled by a faint whistling sound. To wash, just use hot soapy water by hand.

The reason we say this is best for ceramic hobs is that the base is completely flat. With other models, as they are designed to be used on gas rings or over flames, they sometimes have a slight curve at the edge which means they can seem slightly unsteady on ceramic plates.

This also makes it slightly quicker to heat up, which is great if you feel that a Moka espresso pot may be too time-consuming, but you still want the traditional Italian methodology.

It won’t work on an induction hob due to being aluminium but is substantial over every other source. It feels strong, but generally provides fewer cups than it suggests, so if you’re after making 3 espressos at any one time we would recommend you go for the 6 model.

Able to work on gas, electric, induction and ceramic, up to 6 cups of coffee can be made with this one moka pot so it is perfect for both those entertaining and who love to have a cup of coffee after their previous one.

An espresso can be made in just six simple steps. Just fill the base with water, insert the filter and fill with coffee powder then place on the heat once it is all screwed together. Remove when the first signs of coffee start to appear, and you are ready to pour once it is all extracted from the residual heat.

You can wash it all up in the dishwasher, although by hand is recommended as it is a bit more gentle. Everything is steel, so there is no aluminium if this is a concern. It is well built and feels strong, and essentially produces a great cup of coffee.