What is the Moka Pot brewing method?

Brewing with a Moka pot uses a stovetop coffee maker that brews through steam pressure. As the water in the bottom chamber heats, pressure forces hot water up through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber.

A Moka pot has three parts:

Bottom chamber (boiler) — holds the water.
Filter basket — holds the ground coffee.
Top chamber (collector) — where the brewed coffee ends up.

These components produce a rich, concentrated coffee—stronger than filter coffee and a little milder than espresso. Fill the boiler with water, the basket with coffee, and heat on the stove—the full method’s below.

What is the Moka pot method good for?

Moka pots make strong, rich coffee without the cost or complexity of an espresso machine. They’re affordable, durable, and hands-on—great for bold morning cups or as a base for milk drinks.

What else can you make with a Moka pot?

Milk-based drinks: Use as a base for lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos—just add steamed or frothed milk.
Iced coffee: Brew over ice or pour over iced milk for a quick iced latte.
Americanos: Add hot water to mellow the strength.
Affogatos: Pour the rich brew over ice cream for a simple dessert.

What you’ll need

Moka pot
A stovetop coffee maker (aluminium or stainless steel). Choose a size that matches your servings.
Fresh coffee beans (whole bean)
Grind medium-fine—finer than filter, coarser than espresso.
Coffee grinder (if grinding yourself)
A burr grinder gives consistent size and helps avoid bitterness or clogging.
Filtered water
Better water = better coffee. Avoid chlorine or mineral-heavy flavours.
Heat source
Gas or electric. For induction, use a compatible pot or an adapter plate.
Scales (optional but helpful)
For consistency, aim around 1:7 (e.g., 15 g coffee to 100 ml water).
Towel or mitt (optional)
The metal body gets very hot—use a cloth or oven mitt after brewing.

What is the brew ratio?

Unlike other methods, a Moka pot doesn’t use a fixed ratio. Its design sets the amounts: fill the boiler with water to just below the safety valve and fill the basket level with grounds each time.

Best York Emporium coffees for Moka pot

1. House Espresso
Chocolate • Cherry • Fudge • Dates
Shop House Espresso
Crafted for classic espresso flavour—full-bodied and smooth with low acidity. Perfect for the bold, syrupy brew a Moka pot delivers.

How to brew with a Moka pot

Preheat water — Boil filtered water in a kettle to speed brewing and prevent burnt flavours.
Fill the bottom chamber — Pour hot water to just below the safety valve.
Add coffee — Grind medium-fine, fill and level the basket; don’t tamp.
Assemble the pot — Insert the basket and screw on the top chamber firmly.
Heat gently — Place on low–medium heat; keep the flame no larger than the base.
Watch and listen — When you hear a gurgling/sputtering sound, the brew is nearly done.
Remove from heat — Take it off immediately to prevent bitterness.
Optional: cool the base — Briefly run cold water over the boiler or set it on a damp cloth to stop extraction.
Stir & serve — Swirl the top chamber to mix layers, then pour. Enjoy straight, as an Americano, or with milk.

Pro Coffee Tips!

Use low heat. Gentle heat improves extraction; once it sputters, remove from heat and optionally cool the base.
Clean, don’t “season”. Rinse new pots or boil once with water/baking-soda solution to remove residue. Don’t leave oils behind—they go stale and taste bitter.

What flavour profile to expect

The Moka pot is a stovetop alternative to espresso. Brewed well, it yields a rich, concentrated cup—closer to an Americano/Long Black than filter coffee.

Troubleshooting your Moka pot coffee

Does it taste bitter or burnt?

Cause: Water too hot or brewed too long.
Fix: Preheat water, brew on low heat, and remove as soon as it gurgles. Tip: cool the base under cold water to stop extraction.

Does it taste weak or watery?

Cause: Under-extraction (grind too coarse or heat too low).
Fix: Use a medium-fine grind, steady low–medium heat, and fill the basket fully (levelled), without tamping.

Coffee won’t rise to the top?

Cause: Insufficient pressure.
Fix: Fill water to just below the valve, check the gasket and filter are in place, tighten the pot. Replace worn rubber seals if needed.

Want to try a different method? Explore all our brew guides →
Need the right beans? Browse our speciality coffee range →

Moka Pot Brew Guide