The stovetop espresso maker is a fixture in many kitchens, often for years. It is simple, robust, and makes a strong coffee. Nevertheless, the result quickly tastes bitter or burnt. This is usually not due to the pot, but rather too much heat, coffee that is ground too finely or tamped down, and the pot staying on the stove for too long.
In short: Fill the water tank to just below the safety valve, add the coffee loosely to the funnel without tamping it, and place the pot on low to medium heat. As soon as the coffee has reached the upper chamber and starts to bubble, remove it from the stove. For less bitterness, you can start with hot water and choose a slightly coarser grind than for espresso.
How the stovetop espresso maker works
The stovetop espresso maker, also known as a moka pot, consists of three parts: the water tank at the bottom, the coffee funnel, and the top pot. When the water is heated, steam and the air above the water expand. The pressure rises and pushes the hot water up through the coffee.
The most famous stovetop coffee maker is the Moka Express by Bialetti. Alfonso Bialetti developed it in 1933 (Bialetti).
Coffee from a stovetop maker is strong and dense, but not an espresso in the strict sense. An espresso machine works with significantly more pressure. Therefore, a crema like that from a portafilter machine does not develop.
What you need
- Stovetop coffee maker of the appropriate size
- Coffee with the appropriate grind, freshly ground or pre-ground for a stovetop maker
- Kettle if you are starting with hot water
- Kitchen towel to hold the hot water tank when screwing the top on
Not every stovetop maker fits every stove. According to Bialetti, the classic aluminum Moka Express is suitable for gas, electric, and ceramic hobs, but cannot be used directly on induction, only with a suitable Bialetti adapter plate (Bialetti).
Stovetop coffee maker: Step-by-step instructions
These steps follow the Bialetti manual.
- Fill the water tank to just below the safety valve. Do not go over, as the air space above the water is needed for the pressure.
- Insert the funnel and fill it loosely with coffee. Smooth out the coffee, but do not tamp it down.
- Screw the pot on tightly. Make sure there are no coffee grounds on the rim, otherwise it will not seal properly.
- Place on low to medium heat. On a gas stove, the flame should not lick up the sides of the pot.
- Wait until the coffee rises to the top. Depending on size and heat, this takes about 3 to 6 minutes according to Bialetti.
- Remove from the stove as soon as the upper pot is filled. Do not let the coffee boil and do not heat on the highest setting, otherwise it may taste burnt.
- Stir briefly and serve.
Tip against bitter coffee: the James Hoffmann method
In his video "The Ultimate Moka Pot Technique", British World Barista Champion James Hoffmann shows a few adjustments that usually result in less bitter coffee. The most important points (Espresso Insiders):
- Use hot water. When hot water is added to the tank, the pot stays on the stove for less time, and the coffee in the funnel is heated for a shorter duration before the water rises.
- Grind size slightly coarser than for espresso, but finer than for a pour-over filter.
- Low to medium heat. When the pot starts to gurgle, turn off the heat or reduce it significantly.
- Remove from the stove in good time, before the coffee splutters and comes out in spurts.
Caution: The water tank becomes hot immediately with hot water. Hold it with a kitchen towel while screwing it on.
Which grind size fits the stovetop maker?
Use coffee with a grind size intended for stovetop makers. According to the Bialetti user manual, coffee ground for espresso machines is not meant for this (Bialetti manual). A slightly coarser setting than for a portafilter machine is a good starting point. You can find an overview of all preparation methods in our grind size table.
If you don't have a grinder, we can grind it for you: in our shop, you can select "Bialetti" or "Herdkanne" as the grind level for our coffees, depending on the variety.
Which beans suit the stovetop maker?
The stovetop maker makes a strong, dense coffee. That's why roasts with chocolate, nut, and caramel notes work particularly well, and also perform well with milk:
- MATCH DAY with milk chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel: rounded and sweet
- KICK OFF with dark chocolate, nutty, and caramel: strong and classic
- CALCIO with dark chocolate, nougat, and nutty: full-bodied, especially with milk
You can also try light, fruity filter roasts. However, their subtle notes usually come through more clearly in a pour-over filter or the AeroPress.
Typical mistakes with the stovetop maker and what you can change
The coffee tastes bitter or burnt
Often the heat is too high or the pot is left on the stove for too long. Reduce the heat, take the pot off earlier, and start with hot water.
The coffee tastes thin or watery
The funnel is likely not full enough or the grind is too coarse. Fill the funnel to the brim and grind a little finer.
Hardly any coffee is coming up
Remove the pot from the stove and let it cool completely before opening it or checking parts. The coffee might be ground too finely or tamped down. Grind coarser and fill the funnel only loosely. Also check if the filter and gasket are clean.
Coffee or steam is leaking from the side
Remove the pot from the stove and let it cool completely before opening it or checking parts. Usually, the pot is not screwed on tightly enough, there are coffee residues on the rim, or the gasket is worn out. Clean the rim, screw it on tightly, and replace the gasket if necessary.
The coffee tastes metallic or musty
This is often due to residues in the pot. After each use, take the cooled pot apart, rinse all parts with warm water, and let them dry thoroughly.
Frequently asked questions about the stovetop maker
Do I need to tamp the coffee in the stovetop maker?
No. Bialetti recommends filling the funnel loosely and not tamping the coffee down.
How much water goes into the stovetop maker?
Up to just below the safety valve in the water tank. You should not fill it with more water.
Can I use the stovetop maker on induction?
Not the classic aluminum Moka Express directly. It works with a suitable Bialetti induction adapter plate. Alternatively, there are models with an induction-compatible base.
Should I fill it with cold or hot water?
Both work. With hot water, the pot stays on the stove for less time, and the coffee often tastes less bitter. Hold the hot tank with a cloth while doing so.
Can I put the stovetop maker in the dishwasher?
No, the classic Moka Express does not belong in the dishwasher. Let it cool down, take it apart, and rinse it by hand with warm water.
Is coffee from the stovetop maker an espresso?
Not in the strict sense. It is strong and dense, but is produced with significantly less pressure than in an espresso machine.
Conclusion
The stovetop maker needs little, but the right things: water up to below the valve, loosely filled coffee, and not too much heat. Take it off the stove in time, and if the coffee still tastes bitter, try hot water and a slightly coarser grind.
About the author: Jovana is a roaster, coffeeologist, and founder of Nine Fine Roastery in Munich. She roasts the coffee for Nine Fine herself. She is also a professional footballer.
Sources: Bialetti – Moka Express Instruction Manual (PDF) · Bialetti – Moka Express · Bialetti – How to use the Moka Express · Bialetti – Our History · James Hoffmann – The Ultimate Moka Pot Technique (YouTube) · Espresso Insiders – James Hoffmann’s Moka Pot Recipe Explained
