How to Use a Moka Pot: The Complete Stove Top Brew Guide

What You'll Need

Stovetop (Moka pot)
Kettle
Scales
Fresh coffee beans
Adjustable burr grinder (or pre-ground coffee)
Filtered water
Appropriate heat source

Ratio & Moka Pot Grind Size

Ratio: 10g of coffee / 100mL water

(Approx. 15g coffee for a 2 cup Moka; 30g for a 4 cup Moka; 40g for a 6 cup Moka)

Moka pot grind size: Use a medium-coarse grind - coarser than espresso but finer than a French press. Getting your grind right is one of the biggest factors in how your stovetop coffee turns out, so it's worth dialling in before anything else.

How to Make Stovetop Coffee - Step-by-Step Moka Pot Instructions

1.) Unscrew the top of the Moka pot. Have your medium-coarse ground coffee measured and ready before you begin - this small step makes the whole process much smoother.

2.) Fill bottom chamber with hot water. Some pots have a line indicating the maximum water level; if not, be sure to keep the water just under the pressure valve. Always fill the chamber with very hot water. (We like to use boiling water and pre-boil our water in a kettle first). This not only speeds up the process by taking less time to boil, but will ensure a less bitter taste.

3.) Fill the basket with coffee and level it out - but don't press it down. Avoid a grind that is too fine, as this will make your moka coffee taste bitter and over-extracted. You can experiment with the amount used, but a general rule of thumb is a tablespoon of coffee for each cup of water.

4.) Place the metal filter into the water chamber. Make sure it fits snugly and there isn’t anything blocking it. (The pressure needs to build up to start the brewing process).

5.) Screw the top to base. You can use a cloth to assist if the water chamber is too hot. Ensure the two halves are tightened securely or else pressure will release and compromise your brew.

6.) Place on stove on a low heat. Note that all Moka pots work on most electric and all gas heaters, and even on an open fire. Only select models, however, will work on induction stovetops - if you're using an induction heater, please double-check that your Moka pot is compatible before use.

7.) After a minute, coffee will emerge from the spout. Once you hear a gurgling sound it means that all the water has evaporated from the bottom chamber. Avoid overheating the Moka pot.

Moka Pot Tips and Tricks for a Better Brew

Run the base under cold water if sputtering begins - the sooner the pot cools, the better your stovetop coffee will taste, helping you avoid a burnt, bitter result.

Note: The moka pot naturally produces a stovetop espresso with quite a good level of suspended particles - a.k.a. grit! Many moka pot lovers enjoy this thicker, heavier mouthfeel. However, if you prefer a cleaner cup, try adding an AeroPress filter on top of the coffee prior to assembling the Moka pot. This will filter out many of the larger-sized particles and leave you with a noticeably smoother result (if that is your preference!)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use a moka pot for the first time?

Fill the bottom chamber with hot water to just below the pressure valve, add medium-coarse ground coffee to the basket without pressing it down, then screw the top on firmly. Place on a low heat and wait - once you hear a gurgling sound from the spout, your brew is done. Remove from the heat immediately and pour.

What is the correct moka pot grind size?

The ideal moka pot grind size is medium-coarse - roughly the texture of coarse table salt. Grinding too fine produces a bitter, over-extracted result, while too coarse gives a weak, watery brew. If you're buying pre-ground coffee, look for one labelled specifically for stovetop or moka pot use.

How do I make moka coffee taste less bitter?

The two most common causes of bitterness are using cold water in the chamber and brewing on too high a heat. Always pre-heat your water in a kettle first and keep the flame on low throughout. Getting the grind right - not too fine - also has a significant impact on the final flavour.

How do I make stovetop coffee without burning it?

Keep your heat source on low for the entire brew. The moment you hear gurgling from the spout, remove the moka pot from the heat straight away. Leaving it any longer causes the remaining water to over-extract the coffee, resulting in a harsh, burnt flavour.

Can I use a moka pot on an electric or induction stove?

Most moka pots are compatible with both gas and electric stoves. For induction stovetops, compatibility is not guaranteed - check the base of your pot for an induction-compatible symbol before use. If you're unsure, consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact the retailer before purchasing.