Brewing Basics – Moka Pot

Stove-top Moka Pot

Most homes have a moka pot in use or at least buried in a cupboard. It tends to produce very strong, very bitter coffee but it is sufficiently palatable to espresso drinkers.

The patent for moka pot belongs to Alfonso Bialetti who invented it in 1933. The Bialetti company continues to produce very popular brewers today. Moka pots are often still made from aluminium, although it is possible, and more desirable, to buy a stainless-steel model.

The bottom part of this screw-together coffee maker holds the water. Coffee is placed in a container (the basket) which sits inside the bottom pot, and then the upper section is screwed on. When heated, water rises up through a central spout and infuses through the coffee. The brewed coffee continues upwards through a column at the centre of the upper pot and is collected here.

Relish Coffee Top Tips

• Filling with hot water makes the process quicker and avoids baking the coffee while the pot heats up.
• Make sure the brewer has cooled down to a safe temperature before taking it apart.
• It must be completely dry before you put it away.
• Avoid storing it locked fully into position, as this will cause the rubber seal to age more quickly.