Everybody can take coffee, but the same cannot be said when it comes to making the perfect brew. If you are interested in Moka pots then you have an above-average understanding of coffee. You understand that a quality cup of coffee is not just a derivative of the quality of the beans. It is also the method and the tools used in the brewing process.
Moka pots have been around since the late 1930’s when Italian grandmas used them to produce thick and strong coffee that had a solid crema. Currently, there is a plethora of brands in the market to choose from. But the truth is, not all those brands are worth your time. And if you want the very best coffee in your cup, you need to know the factors to consider when shopping for the best Moka pots. Read below for our comprehensive reviews and detailed buyer guide for Moka pots and stainless steel stovetop coffee makers.
How we came up with this list
To create this list of the best stovetop espresso makers, we spent several hours scouring the internet for blogs, forums, and articles where the products were discussed. We looked into detail their features, prices, qualities, and user experiences.
We also spent a considerable amount of time going through Amazon reviews. This was to ascertain the overall sentiments of the users so that we can come up with a solid list that will represent all the products in the proper light.
TOP PICK
Bellemain 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
a simple and stylish stainless steel construction, a capacity of six demitasse cups, a stay-cool handle, a safety valve to avoid instances of overheating, and a two-year guarantee.
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bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker
If you are dead serious about taking the quality of your brew to the next level, then you have every reason to consider the bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker. It doesn’t come cheap, but that is nothing compared to the quality of the brew that will ultimately trickle into your cup.
It comes with a sleek design that enthuses luxury and quality. The design features a sturdy stainless steel construction with every feature you would wish to have in the ultimate Moka pot. With the capacity to make up to six flavorful cups of espresso, it is also easy to use.
Additionally, its stylish design and stainless steel construction ensure that it is easy to care for. All you will need after using it is a few minutes to dismantle and clean all the components before storing it safely awaiting the next coffee making session.
Pros
- It comes in a simple and elegant design
- It is easy to clean and maintain
- Features stainless steel construction with copper chrome finish for longevity and great looks
- It is dishwasher friendly
- Has the capacity to make up to 6 cups of coffee
Cons
- The copper-coating may start coming off after some time
- The handle can sometimes become very hot, making it a challenge to handle effectively
Verdict: bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker is a great choice if you are looking for a quality electric Moka pots. It has a good capacity, it is easy to use and its looks will add a new aesthetic dimension into your kitchen. This Moka pot will be a good choice if you can look past the scrapping of the copper coating and if you also won’t mind the hot handle when in use. It comes with enviable features guaranteed to help you make quality brews.
2. Bialetti 06800 Espresso Moka Pot
If you truly love your coffee, then you will surely want to brew it like the real masters – the Italians. And, this bialetti espresso maker is what you need to help you achieve such an endeavor. You will be happy to learn that the manufacturer of this Moka pot is ranked among the very top Italian stovetop espresso manufacturers. As such, it is a solid choice to help you elevate your coffee-making experience to a whole new level.
This Moka pot is made of a 100% aluminum. It comes with an aesthetically appealing design with a well-insulated handle that will not heat up when the pot is in use. With its capacity, you can make up to 9.2 ounces of Moka Coffee. Using it is relatively easy, and it will take you less than five minutes to make a strong, rich and velvety brew.
Once you are done using it, cleaning it is a breeze since the assembly and disassembly process is so easy. Furthermore, this specific brand is available in a variety of sizes and at various affordable price points. This gives you the freedom to choose exactly what is right for your brewing needs.
Pros
- Designed and constructed by an original manufacturer of Moka pots – very good quality
- It is available in a variety of sizes
- It is easy to use
- Designed with a patented safety valve
- Easy to clean, disassemble and assemble
Cons
- Though the handle will not burn you, it may melt if you leave it unattended for a long time
- Not dishwasher-friendly
Verdict: Thousands of past buyers are well pleased with its quality, ease of the use and the high quality brews it gives. If you will be careful enough to not leave it unattended for long, then in it you will find an affordable and very high quality Moka pot. It will also suite your preferences if you don’t mind that it is not dishwasher-friendly.
3. Vremi Stovetop Espresso Maker
Vremi Stovetop Espresso Maker is an affordable option if you are looking for a reliable Moka pot for producing authentic, aromatic and high quality Italian espresso. That it is affordable may mislead some people to think that it is low quality. However, this is miles away from the truth. With the capacity to brew up to six cups of quality espresso, this is the best you will ever get if you are looking for budget Moka pots.
Its design is simple and elegant. The construction features compact an aluminum body with an 8-sided octagon shape that measures only 6 x 4 x 8 inches. This guarantees that it will also be occupying a very small space in your kitchen. Unlike most of the Moka pots at this price point, it comes with a stylish, durable, and easy-grip handle which won’t be getting hot when the pot is in use.
It is not only available in two colors, but also it comes with the versatility to let you choose from using either gas, electric or induction. As far as the capacity is concerned, this Moka pot can comfortably make up to six demitasse cups of rich and tasty espresso.
Pros
- It is affordable and of very good quality
- Versatile enough to allow the use of gas, electric or induction cooktops
- Comes with a rubberized handle that boasts an easy grip
Cons
- It is a small capacity Moka pot
- Some customers have complained of drips while pouring the brew
Verdict: It may not be the perfect Moka in the market today, but it is among the high quality and affordable options you will come across. Its small capacity implies that you can’t rely on it when you want to make coffee for a couple of friends.
4. Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker
This is a mid-priced stovetop coffee maker that is a great fit if you are looking for something affordable and reliable. It comes with all the features you need to help you each time you need to satiate your caffeine rush. The design of the stovetop is based on the traditional Italian designs. It can comfortably produce up to six demitasse cups of rich espresso.
Its design and construction feature premium cast aluminum with a cool-touch handle that will never get hot when the pot is in use. It is also versatile enough, in the sense that you have the freedom to use gas, electric or induction cooker tops. Additionally, using it is easy, and for most applications, your coffee will be ready in five or fewer minutes.
Pros
- It is constructed with premium cast aluminum, hence, great longevity.
- Fitted with a safety valve to help remove excess steam
- It is designed with a cool-touch handle
- Can be used with electric, induction or gas cooktops
- You need only five minutes to have your coffee ready
Cons
- Comes with a small capacity
- Doesn’t work with all the induction ranges
Verdict: This model doesn’t work with all the induction ranges, especially the 3.5” bases. However, this Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker boasts a great and stylish design. It also comes with an enviable set of features that makes it deserve a spot in any list of the best stovetop espresso maker.
Features such as the cool-touch handle, the safety valve for releasing excess steam and its versatility when it comes to the ranges make it a suitable option for anyone in need of the best stainless steel Moka pot available at an affordable price.
5. Bellemain 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
It is beautiful, attractive, and comes with just the right capacity that the majority of coffee enthusiasts need for their day to day brewing needs. It is not affordable, but also boasts features that make it deserves a mention in the list of the best stovetop espresso makers. Some of the notable features being a simple and stylish stainless steel construction, a capacity of six demitasse cups, a stay-cool handle, a safety valve to avoid instances of overheating, and a two-year guarantee.
You will also love the fact that it is easy to clean and use, and you won’t have to wait for more than five minutes for your brew to be ready.
Pros
- Comes in a simple, yet elegant design
- Safety valve to avoid overheating
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Some users have complained of leaks when using the pot
Verdict: It may not be the most stylish espresso maker on the list, but it has all that is required to get the job done. The inclusion of a safety valve as well as a cool-touch handle is a great addition that you will not find in most Moka pots within this price range. If you are looking for a versatile pot for your day to day coffee brewing, then this will be a highly recommended option for you.
Buying Guide – How to buy the best stovetop espresso Maker in 2020
Now that you have an idea of what the best stovetop espresso makers in 2020 are, you should also know how to choose the right ones. Knowing the factors to consider will give you the confidence you need to make the right choices all time. Read below for a brief guide that will help you shop successfully for the best Moka pots
The material
Most of the Moka pots you will find in the market today are made of either aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum is inexpensive, lightweight, and is a good conductor of heat. However, it is a porous material and it is not easy to clean, especially if you want to scrub it with abrasive cleaners. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is durable, non-corrosive and non-porous.
Unlike aluminum, it will not rust or flake in your coffee, though, you will have to spend more of you want to buy them. Therefore, weigh out the pros and cons of each of these materials against your budget and desire for pure coffee and then choose accordingly.
The capacity
When it comes to the capacity of the Moka pots, the general rule is that each cup is equivalent to about 100 milliliters. The capacity you go for should be primarily be determined by your need for coffee and the frequency of taking the drink. If you will be making coffee for yourself just once a day, there is no need to go for larger capacity Moka pots. This is unlike when you will be making coffee for many people or several times a day.
The design
Most of the Moka pots have the same traditional designs and shapes. However, you are always free to opt for some of the new and beautiful options hitting the markets in recent times. A classic Moka pot will be silver in color, but several manufacturers are producing colorful pots with very bright patterns. So long as the pots have the features you are looking for, you are free to choose the design that appeals the most to you.
Safety Valve
A safety valve is a vital design feature that every best stovetop espresso maker should have. Coffee is always brewed under pressure. Any accidental escape of this pressure can lead to serious burns. Therefore, only go for pots with high quality valves to not just to enhance the safety of the user, but also to improve the quality of your brew.
The type of stove
The type of stove is a vital consideration you have to make if you desire to choose the best stovetop espresso maker. Some can use electric, gas or induction tops only. On the other hand, are designed to use only two while others can use all the three types of top.
At the bare minimum, your espresso maker should be compatible with the stovetop you will use it with. However, if possible, you should go for the versatile models that can be used with electric, gas and induction tops.
The heat resistance of the handle
The heat resistance of the handle is a feature that most buyers often overlook when making their purchases. Consequently, they end up having very nasty experiences than what they had hoped for. Since the pots will be brewing your coffee on a hot stovetop, you shouldn’t worry about burns every time you take them off the fire.
This is why it needs to come with a heat-resistant handle that you can comfortably and easily carry off the fire. As a precaution, avoid leaving the pot on the fire for long because some will easily melt following long exposure to fire. This may lead to more risks in the kitchen and around the home.
From the above review of the best stovetop espresso makers, our top pick is the Bialetti 06800 Express Moka Pot. It is not only within the price range that the majority can afford, but also is the product of the original manufacturer of Moka pots. Hence, there are no questions about its quality and reliability.
Besides, it is safe, easy to use and clean, and you will need less than five minutes to have your aromatic brew ready. Most importantly, it has thousands of reviews from happy customers, and this is proof enough that you can trust it to help you satiate your craving for espresso.