There's something special about stovetop coffee. No buttons, no fuss. Just heat, water, coffee and that familiar little gurgle that means something good is brewing.
The stovetop coffee maker, or moka pot, has been a kitchen staple since 1933. And for good reason. It delivers rich, full-bodied coffee in minutes, with a bold flavour that sits somewhere between espresso and filter.
What is stovetop coffee?
A moka pot uses steam pressure to push hot water through ground coffee, creating a strong, concentrated brew. It's not quite espresso, but it's close, with plenty of depth, intensity and character.
Perfect for a quick morning hit, or as the base for your favourite milk coffee.
Meet the Bialetti Moka Express
Invented by Alfonso Bialetti, the iconic Moka Express hasn't changed much in nearly a century. Its distinctive octagonal aluminium design is instantly recognisable, and even has a place in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
We stock the Moka Express in three sizes:
- 3 cup / 130ml — for one or two short coffees
- 6 cup / 270ml — the most popular size for households
- 9 cup / 420ml — for entertaining and bigger coffee mornings
A quick note: the classic Moka Express is aluminium, which means it's designed for gas, electric and ceramic cooktops, but not induction. If you're cooking on induction, you'll need a stainless steel model.
How to brew the perfect stovetop coffee
What you'll need
- A moka pot
- Fresh coffee (espresso roast works beautifully)
- Filtered water
- A heat source
Step 1: Add water. Fill the base with water to just below the safety valve. Filtered water is best. You can use pre-boiled water to reduce bitterness and speed things up.
Step 2: Add coffee. Use freshly ground coffee where you can, ground fine like espresso. Fill the basket loosely. Don't tamp it down. As a guide:
- 3 cup pot: roughly 18g
- 6 cup pot: roughly 30g
- 9 cup pot: roughly 50g
Brush away any stray grounds and screw the top on firmly.
Step 3: Brew. Place on low to medium heat. As it heats, coffee will begin to flow into the top chamber. When the stream turns from dark brown to a lighter honey colour, remove it from the heat.
Step 4: Finish. Let it finish gently. When it slows to a drip and starts to sputter, it's ready. Total brew time: around two and a half to three minutes.
Getting it just right
- Too bitter? Brew ran too long. Try a slightly coarser grind.
- Too weak or sour? Brew ran too fast. Try a finer grind.
- Want it stronger? Add a little more coffee.
Small tweaks make all the difference. Don't be afraid to experiment for a week or two until you find the dose and grind that suit your taste.
Looking after your moka pot
A clean moka pot makes better coffee. Simple as that.
After each use:
- Let it cool, then take it apart
- Rinse all parts with hot water (no soap or detergent)
- Dry thoroughly before reassembling
Skip the dishwasher. It can damage the finish.
Over time, your moka pot will develop a natural patina, adding to its charm while still delivering great coffee. Like a wrought iron pan, the more you use it, the better it gets.
A simple ritual worth mastering
Simple, reliable and full of character, stovetop coffee is a ritual worth mastering. Once you get the hang of it, you might just find it becomes your favourite way to start the day.
A Moka Express looks beautiful on the stovetop, and even better in the hands of someone who's been making the same coffee, the same way, for years.
A coffee lover's gift, sorted
A Bialetti Moka Express paired with a set of stoneware espresso cups makes a thoughtful gift for a housewarming, a birthday, a coffee-mad parent, or anyone who appreciates the slow, satisfying ritual of a good cup. We can wrap it for you in store, or it can ship as a complete set ready to give.
