Would you want to wake up to the rich aroma of a cup of coffee? If yes, then this guide for the best stovetop espresso maker is for you. Also referred to as the Moka pot, or the Italian coffee maker, it has a design that fits well on your stove and brews you some of the tastiest coffee.
So, what is a stove top espresso maker? Sometimes the Moka pot is referred to as the stovetop espresso maker. The two are similar because they rely on inside pressure to deliver and brew a rich strong coffee without the ultra-fine crema. But the Moka is different because it uses the fire at the stove top to heat water whereas the espresso machine uses electric heating elements.
Editor’s Choice: Which is the Best Stovetop Espresso Maker?
Benefits: Are Stove Top Coffee Makers Any Good?
Although Moka pots are not as professional-grade as the connoisseurs, they offer a convenient alternative for home brewing. The port will make you a thick, delicious and strong mug of coffee with just your grounds and water heated on the stovetop.
Other benefits of using stove top coffee makers include:
- Easy to clean
- Keeps coffee warm for long
- More affordable than other types of coffee pots
- No need for advanced skills or equipment
- Gives you the freedom for customizations
Best Stovetop Espresso Maker Reviews
Which is the best Moka pot for you? We understand that scouring the internet and doing the research all by yourself can be a daunting task. Finding the perfect coffee maker for your kitchen is not as easy as it sounds. So, we spent 72 hours surfing over 30 websites and interviewed dozens of baristas. After all the hard work we are lining up the best stove top coffee maker for you. And, because not every unit out there can fit your requirements, we explain the occasions in which it is necessary.
Best stovetop espresso maker stainless steel
Although the aluminum stovetop makers have been in the market for so long, the stainless steel pots are stealing the show. If you are health-conscious and you want a cleaner way to make your favorite drink, then stainless steel is a no-brainer.
The stainless steel moka pots are not only stronger but also durable and eco-friendly. What you will miss, however, is the classic design of the aluminum models.
With your stainless steel pot, you never have to keep seasoning the device to remove metallic taste. Remember, stainless steel is an alloy and therefore does not react with the acidity in your coffee.
Other pots with the stainless steel construction include the Bialetti Kitty which has a jug-design.
Best induction stovetop espresso maker
Electric coffee makers are taking over the ranks from the traditional brewers. However, most people still feel there is an inseparable nostalgia for the traditional brewing system. So, if you want to strike a balance between the old and the new ways of making coffee, what you need is a stovetop induction espresso maker. Think about it; your source of power is electricity, but you make it the old way.
Making your favorite beverage with this device is easy as all you need to do is fill it with clean water and pour your grounds into the funnel. And, after assembling the two pieces, place it over your induction stove top at medium heat.
Godmorn Espresso Moka Pot 
London Sip Espresso Moka Pot is yet another cheap alternative that makes you 6 cups and weighs less than 600g for less than $50.
Best stovetop espresso maker for electric stove
Technology and electricity goes hand-in-hand and that’s why electric Moka pots tend to be the most advanced. First, your electric stove could be the source of heat for your Moka pot. Electric stove top espresso makers normally work the same way an electric kettle does. But, in this case, the brew time and temperature are controlled by an automated feature. The stovetop burns the coffee and the kettle brews it.
The greatest disadvantage of electric parts is that you cannot use them when you’re camping because they are coded. Unless you are really into heavy backpacking, and you want to take a heavy-duty generator with you, then this is off the limits.Fortunately we have a few espresso makers in our list that you can place directly over your camp bonfire.
The top espresso makers for electric stove tops normally have three main chambers that include the filter, the upper chamber which collects brewed coffee, and the coffee basket. Of course, every thought has a unique system of making coffee.
However, the basic concept is the same. First, you feel water in the chamber to the safety valves level line. Then, you put your coffee in the filter. Afterwards, place it over the electric stove and set a medium temperature.
Cuisinox Roma 
The Cuisinox Roma comes with a unique reducer filter that allows you to brew smaller amounts of coffee. Although it is primarily for electric stoves, the Roma supports all types of stove tops including the radiant, gas, induction, halogen, and ceramic. But, you will have to keep up with the high prices of this unit and it’s not dishwasher safe.
Gas stove top coffee maker
Not all units have the capability of surviving an open fire and remain unburnt. But, on so many occasions, you deserve a unit that will do. Imagine you are on a camping trailer, and you want to make your favorite espresso shot. So, you look around and the only chance you have is to literally boil water and add the grounds. Of course, this will never give you the perfect taste of coffee.
Fortunately for you, coffee makers made specifically for open fires can come in handy. Most of these units have stainless steel coated with teflon and therefore the fire and smoke does not affect the color or functioning of the coffee maker.
One of the ideal open flame coffee makers is the Stelton Collar 
The fixed filter on the upper chamber attaches to the filter disc on the bed. Then, there’s a smooth teflon coating on the stainless steel construction to put a signature of Scandinavian brands of coffee equipment. The unit’s minimalistic design makes it stand out especially when your kitchen has a rustic style.
Best moka pot for Cuban coffee
Cuban coffee is one of the strongest dark roast espresso. Also known as the cafecito, colada, cuban pull, and the Cuban espresso, this coffee originated in Cuba and has a bitter taste. Ideally, Cuban coffee is made and brewed in a Moka pot which forms an iconic symbol in the Caribbean and South America region. It’s simple yet very rich in taste.
In fact, the main reason why the Moka pot is so popular as a stovetop espresso maker is because of the Cuban cafe. The whole idea is to brew a strong beverage by running pressurized water through coffee grounds.
This video shows how to use a moka pot to make a strong Cuban pull.
GROSCHE Milano 
GROSCHE’s brewing method is simply utilization of the simple laws of physics that extract flavor from the ground coffee beans and mix it with the hot water. The unit serves up to 12 cups and supports both gas and electric stove tops. Also, comes with economic handles and designs that keep you safe during the brewing process.
Best Stovetop Espresso Maker Buying Guide
What’s the criteria of finding the best Moka pot? Design, material, size, and heat source play a great role in determining a good stove top coffee maker. Admittedly, the best appliance for one person may not be good enough for another. Before you buy a coffee maker, evaluate your style space and requirements to find what’s good for you. There are considerations you should make one looking for an espresso stovetop coffee maker that fits you well.
Quality Material: Aluminum Vs Stainless Steel Moka Pot
If you don’t want to do shopping every other year you must pick the right material for your Moka pot. Aluminum and stainless steel are the most popular design materials for kitchen appliances. stainless steel is non-corrosive, easy to clean, and non porous, but a little expensive. Anodized aluminum on the other hand is durable, heat, and corrosion resistant. Plus aluminum tends to be lighter than stainless steel.
Heat source: Will the moka pot work with your stovetop?
Espresso stove tops differ depending on the source of heat. Remember, before you buy any of these appliances, make sure to check whether it’s compatible with your kitchen stove. Are you running on electricity, gas, or firewood?
First, understand your kitchen and source of heat as well as the stove before you can buy a coffee maker. For instance, ensure that the Moka pot you buy can fit well on your heat source. The original Bialetti, for example, does not work on the regular induction hobs.
The gas hob may have open fires and your pot needs to be ready and capable of withstanding the heat. Most flat Moka pots work well with the electric hob. If you’re backpacking, only choose the hard-wearing pots that can withstand the camping stove.
Capacity: What size stovetop espresso maker should I buy?
How many cups can your coffee maker hold? Some appliances have a capacity of 1 cup 3 cups 7 cups and up to 15 cups. Of course, the volume that a cup can hold depends on the standard of measurement. The American cup for instance is far different from the Italian or of any other country. In case we measure the cup size of a pot by the 50 ml cup.
Whenever you are weighing up the capacity of your pot, have in mind the volume of coffee that you want to yield. A stove top with a capacity of 3 capsules is about 150 ml and that’s equal to a flat white in the United Kingdom
Ergonomic design
You don’t want a fridge-sized coffee maker grabbing all the space in your kitchen. Instead, you want one that fits well on your countertop and stove. Plus, the unit needs to be ergonomic in such a way that it has enough handles.
A good convenient dashboard for electric features makes the unit easy to use. If it has a cordless design, you can even use it in your office without disturbing other colleagues with cables. And, with an automatic shutting off feature, the pot reduces the chances of electric mishaps.
Convenience: How Long Does it Take to Make an Espresso Pot Coffee?
Before you take a beverage maker home, understand how easy it will be to make your coffee. Each unit comes with its unique complexity or formula of making coffee. And, while it is very easy to use, it may pose a challenge during cleaning. Stainless steel models are tougher to clean and use than the aluminum units.
Origin: Is the Stovetop Coffee Maker from Italy?
Italian cuisine is one of the world’s most diverse. So, it’s not a wonder that they have some of the best percolators. Italian espresso pots, also known as bialetti, tend to be of higher quality than their Chinese or American equivalents. And, although this is not always true, there is a charming prestige of owning an authentic Italian stovetop espresso maker.
Types of the Best Stovetop Espresso Maker
Each pot has a base that accommodates specific stoves. So, before you purchase a stovetop coffee maker, ensure that you have the kind of stove that articulates with its base. Not all coffee pods are compatible with your stove. So you may want to have a stove that can support your pot.
Whether you use a gas or electric stove, there is a coffee pot for you. But, which are the different cooktops that you can use with this coffee pot? You can use the gas and electric cooktops, the induction, downdraft, burner or open fire stoves.
Induction Hob
An induction stovetop coffee maker relies on electromagnetism to heat up the cookware which in turns makes you coffee. So, the cookware becomes its own source of energy and the element does not become hot but instead transfers the heat directly to the pot or pan through electromagnetism.
Gas Hob
Some coffee pots can handle and withstand an open flame to make your beverage. Normally, gas cooktops heat up the unit which in turns brews the beverage. Fortunately, these units have a responsive control dashboard that helps you regulate heat. The open flame can reach all sides of the port and that makes sure the entire liquid is getting heated up.
Electric Hob
When you are warming or making your coffee you can place it on the electric cooktop. It has heating elements inside the flat glass, metal, or ceramic surface. If you want the liquids to boil quickly, use this pot because it has direct energy that heats the bottom of the pot. These cooktops tend to be cleaner than their counterparts because it’s easy to wipe debris away from the smooth ceramic or glass top.
How To Use A Stovetop Espresso Maker
Already, you know that an espresso stovetop coffee maker can get you rich tasty coffee if you do it right. But, you must understand how to make specific types of coffee. Whether you want an espresso, latte, or the crema, then you must ensure that you have the perfect recipe.
Fast off, use the appropriate cafe. Baristas recommend that you grind coffee fresh at your home to a slightly finer size than what you would use for drip machines. The coffee also needs to be a little more coarse than the ordinary espresso machine. And, if you have decided to use this machine, do away with instant coffee, infusions, or extracts.
How to Make Stovetop Espresso
Can a Moka Pot Make an Espresso? Yes, and we’ll show you how to do that. Basically, espresso is a concentrated coffee roasted at the source country and produced when the machine forces hot water at high pressure through fine grounds of coffee beans.
In most cases, baristas serve espresso in small strong shots. It’s strong and therefore has a higher amount of caffeine than ordinary coffee. So you are going to use dark roasted coffee to make an amplified coffee that’s creamier, richer, thicker and more acidic and addicting. Also, have a stovetop machine and coffee grinder.
- Grind 2 tablespoons of coffee beans measuring about 20 g as finely as possible.
- Poor 3.5 oz of pure distilled water into the potboiler.
- Now, add your fine coffee grounds into the built-in filter, and shake until they are settled.
- After closing the lid, place the pot on a medium source of heat.
- Wait for the coffee to start foaming and turn off the source of heat.
- Now pour the concentrated coffee or espresso into your cup and enjoy.
How to Make a Latte Using a Stove Top Pot
A latte is an espresso with a steamed milk topping. So basically you need to make an espresso first, and then top it up with frothed or foamed cow milk. Latte comes from the Italian word Caffe Latte which means coffee made with milk. It’s creamier than traditional macchiato.
Make a strong espresso shot and froth 2/3 of milk. First, you will need espresso beans, a latte cup or glass, milk and an espresso machine. You’ll also require syrups or additional toppings depending on your flavor.
Now, you can use pre-ground coffee or grind the fresh coffee by yourself. Roast your espresso beans until they are dark.
Most latter baristas recommend whole milk because it gives the richest taste. However, you can get alternative types of milk. Skimmed, long-life, soya milk, and semi-skimmed types of milk will do the work but the whole milk is the best.
Then, you will use the latter glass of about 240 ml or 8 oz. With the help of the Latte Cup, you can measure the ideal amount of milk or cafe you need.
The stove top espresso machine will get you standard brew quality. but we have advanced espresso coffee makers that can brew a tastier drink.
To Make a Latte using a moka pot:
- Preheat the cup to prevent it from going cold.
- Make a double shot of espresso and pour into the latte cup.
- Now, froth and pour steamed milk into the latte glass. Take time and avoid any splashes.
How to get crema on stove top espresso
The majority of moka pots or stovetop percolators have a pressure of about 1.5 bars. Most coffees need a pressure of at least 6 bars to get a crema. But some stovetop espresso makers come with a special cremator valve that creates enough pressure to produce crema.
To get the best type of creamer from your percolator, use the BIALetti brikka. Ideally, Bialetti stovetop espresso makers are some of the best brands in the market today!
The unit comes with calibrations to show you exactly how much water you need.
- Pour out the water into the bottom chamber.
- Grind the coffee into fine grounds.
- Put the grounds into the chamber and screw the top back on.
- Place the brikka on the stove and turn it on.
- Wait for the coffee to percolate.
- The pressure valve can jam but you can use a spoon to solve the problem.
- After a few minutes, the crema will appear.
How to Clean a Moka Pot Coffee Maker
Stainless steel Moka pots are easy to clean. First, your main goal is to remove the occasional calcified stains that form on the inner surface of your pot. Hard water containing calcium tends to form stains all around the pot’s interior.
To remove or clean it away, use water and vinegar. Brew a full pot of the vinegar and water mixture and allow it to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. When you empty the pot and rinse it with cold water, the stains will go away.
Alternatively, you can mix cold water and baking soda for simple clean up without any brewing.
FAQs about the Best Stovetop Espresso Maker
What’s the Difference Between an Espresso Machine and a Moka Pot?
The two devices rely on pressure but the espresso machine has a higher pressure of about 5 to 10 bars while the moka has just up to three bars of pressure. So, the coffee ground size for espresso machines tends to be different from that of the moka pots. The stove top espresso maker is somewhere between very fine and medium fine ground like that in drip machines. So, you may want to use around 500 microns of grounded beans.
Can you use regular coffee in a stovetop espresso maker?
The best coffee beans for the stove top device are the dark brown finely grounded varieties. The dark roast yields the best quality of espresso especially when they are finally ground.
Why is there no crema on my espresso?
If you realize that your espresso has no crema, there is something wrong with your grounds, pressure or temperature of the water. Still, coffee grounds may reduce the crema on your coffee. Sometimes, you require some tamping skills.
Can you put milk in a stovetop espresso maker?
There is absolutely no problem with adding milk to your stovetop espresso maker. The moka pot is just one of several methods in which you can make espresso using a mixture of beans and milk. However, you have to appreciate that once you add the milk to an espresso it ceases to be an espresso and becomes a whole new drink.
Does a stovetop espresso maker use a lot of electricity?
Coffee machines energy guzzlers literally. The heating element consumes up to 1.32 kilowatt hour of power every hour. The average coffee maker can run on more power than most of your appliances.