We can all agree; coffee has become a staple in our modern society. For coffee lovers like me, that hot cuppa is all I need to kickstart my day.
One of the things that makes this beverage so popular is its versatility. From cappuccinos to espresso to Mocha, there’s no shortage of variety.
Our focus today is on Moka coffee. In this post, we provide a detailed answer to the question: what is Moka coffee?
What Does Moka Mean?
Moka is simply coffee that is prepared using a Moka pot. A Moka pot has a fairly simple working mechanism. This involves passing pressurized boiling water through ground coffee beans – Can you make coffee twice with the same grounds?
This kitchen appliance gets its name from Mocha, a port city located on the Red Sea coast of Yemen. The individual credited with its innovation is Alfonso Bialetti, who was an Italian engineer.
Following its invention in 1933, the Moka pot quickly became a hit in the Italian culture. However, it did not take long for its popularity to spread from Italy to Europe, Latin America, and ultimately, to other parts of the world.
Which Roasts Are Best for Moka Coffee?
One benefit of using a Moka pot is that it doesn’t restrict you from using a certain coffee roast.
Light roast has a really sweet, fruity flavor with a strong scent. Dark roasts produce a richer, bolder flavor that errs towards chocolatey darkness. Medium roasts have a well-balanced flavor profile and aroma.
If it’s your first time making coffee using this appliance, try all three types of roasts. Then, determine which flavor you like best.
Is Moka Coffee as Strong as Espresso?
Unfortunately, Moka coffee is not as strong as espresso. It also lacks the characteristic aerated cream texture that you find in most espressos.
The reason why espresso is stronger than Moka coffee can be attributed to the pressure levels used during brewing. An espresso is passed through coffee grounds at extremely high pressure while Moka coffee isn’t.
For this reason, Moka pots are technically not used to prepare espressos. With espressos, the type of coffee grind used is ultra-fine. More importantly, espressos are brewed at a pressure that goes up to 9 bar.
This does not necessarily mean that you should write off a Moka pot. Sure, the resulting brew is not as intense as espresso. But, you’ll still get a strong, satisfying cup of coffee that’s better than what you’d get from a plunger or filter pot.
Do You Need a Special Machine to Make Moka Coffee?
Yes, you do. Moka coffee can only be prepared using a Moka pot, as that is where it gets its name from. However, the appliance itself can be used to make other types of coffee.
Can You Make Moka Coffee on a Stovetop?
Yes, you can. Moka pots are highly-versatile appliances. However, not all models are compatible with every type of stovetop; induction, gas, and electricity. As such, you should confirm whether the Moka pot you’re purchasing can work with the kind of stovetop you have at home.
Are Moka Pots Expensive?
No, they are not. If you want to be able to brew some Moka at home without breaking the bank, Moka pots are the way to go! You can get a Moka pot for under $10, with the majority averaging between $10 and $30.
Even if you’re looking for a more advanced model that has a couple of extra features, you can get a quality Moka pot for under $200. For instance, some Moka pots have stay-cool handles and lid knobs to enhance safety when handling it. Interestingly, the extra features don’t cause the price to soar.
Keep in mind that the material used in the appliance’s construction also impacts pricing. As we’ll explain later, Moka pots made of stainless steel are more costly than those designed using aluminum.
Overall though, Moka pots are cheaper than other coffee machines. For comparison, Expert Market estimates the price of an espresso machine (for basic residential use) to be anywhere from $55 to $650.
How Does a Moka Pot Work?
Before we get to how it works, it’s crucial to understand the design of a Moka pot. It consists of three main chambers:
- A bottom chamber
- A filter funnel/middle chamber
- Top chamber/collector
The bottom chamber is where you place water to use for the brewing process. The middle compartment is used to hold coffee granules while the top chamber contains the final blend.
Once you place the Moka pot on an open heating element, water in the bottom chamber heats up. Since the water is getting heated in an enclosed space, this process creates powerful steam pressure (up to 2 atmospheres). This is what pushes water into the middle chamber and finally to the top chamber where it’s ready to be poured.
What Grind is Best for Moka Coffee?
When it comes to preparing Moka coffee, finding the perfect grind is the trickiest part. Coffee experts recommend choosing a grind that is moderately fine, but not overly fine. Ideally, the texture should be somewhere in between what’s used in a drip coffee maker and espresso machine.
If that doesn’t work, use a trial-and-error method. Start with a slightly coarse grind, then go finer till you arrive at the right texture and flavor that works for you.
If your brew ends up being too weak or watery, it means the grind is too coarse. On the other hand, if the coffee is too bitter, it means the grind is overly fine.
Can You Make Cold Brew Coffee with a Moka Pot?
By design, a Moka pot is not meant to brew cold coffee. As explained earlier, it operates by bringing water in the lowermost chamber to a boil. The pre-boiled water is then pushed through the grounds to create a delicious cup of Moka coffee.
When it comes to brewing cold coffee, you need to alter one essential parameter of the process, namely, the extraction period. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to do this with a Moka pot, making it unsuitable for cold brews.
Making cold brew usually entails mixing grounds with water, and leaving the mixture to steep for about 12 hours. Giving it ample time to steep is essential as it allows the coffee flavor to infuse into the water slowly – Are cone coffee filters better than flat or basket filters?
How Long Does a Moka Pot Last?
Moka pots last for years. But based on the material used in their construction, some are more durable than others. The two most common materials used are aluminum and stainless steel.
Originally, aluminum was the go-to choice because of its malleability and cost-effectiveness. But due to a few limitations, some manufacturers now prefer to use stainless steel.
One of the greatest weaknesses of aluminum is that it’s susceptible to rusting. This can gravely affect the flavor of your brew. It also doesn’t last as long as its stainless steel counterpart.
Stainless steel is the most preferred material for a couple of reasons. It’s non-porous, meaning it does not allow any unwanted grounds to pass through. It’s also non-corrosive and highly durable. While these perks are welcome, they also make stainless steel Moka pots more expensive than their aluminum counterparts.
Can You Make Moka Coffee in a Microwave?
Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer to this. The distinguishing characteristic of Moka coffee is that it’s prepared in a Moka pot. Moka pots are designed to brew coffee on their own, by placing them on a heat source.
But in recent times, we’ve seen manufacturers invent microwaveable Moka pots. The Piamo Espresso Maker is a good case in point. Shaped like a tiny cup, this gadget brews coffee with the help of a microwave.
You fill water in the reservoir, add your preferred coffee grounds in the middle and place the cup in your microwave. Next, set your microwave for 30 seconds. Once steam pressure accumulates in the reservoir, it pushes water through the grounds to make coffee – How many beans in a cup of coffee?
In summary, you should only use a Moka pot in a microwave if it’s advertised as microwaveable. Otherwise, brew coffee using the Moka pot only.
Can You Make Moka Coffee on the Road?
Yes, you can easily prepare coffee with a Moka pot while on the go. Unlike other coffee makers, this kitchen gadget is highly portable.
Plus, Moka pots come in stovetop and electric models. This gives you the freedom to choose whichever one is convenient for you.
How To Make Coffee With A Stovetop Moka Pot
If you want to make coffee using the stovetop model, first fill the bottom chamber with water until it reaches the relief valve. Next, put ground coffee in the basket/middle chamber. Screw your Moka pot back together and place it on a heat source; this could be a direct campfire or a camping stove.
Bring the water to boil. In the end, you should see the coffee that percolates into the top chamber. If the Moka pot has a metallic handle, be careful not to touch it with your bare hands.
How To Make Coffee With An Electric Moka Pot
If you have a source of electricity in your RV, then you can opt for an electric Moka pot. This model has a fairly similar design to a stovetop, except it’s all-electric. The pot comes with a base that supports it. The pot itself is equipped with a heating element on the bottom.
The way this works is by filling the bottom chamber with water. Next, fill the middle chamber with ground coffee and put the top chamber back. Now, all that’s left to do is to press a switch on the pot, and it will automatically start the brewing process.
How Do You Clean a Moka Pot?
When it comes to cleaning a Moka pot, it’s always better to hand wash, rather than tossing it in a dishwasher. This way, you’re guaranteed that none of its components will get damaged. This also ensures that no soapy residue is left inside the pot.
Giving it a Quick Rinse
If you use your Moka pot every other day, you only need to give it a quick rinse using hot water. Here’s how to go about this process:
Step 1
Before you start cleaning, ensure the Moka pot has cooled completely. Next, disassemble the pot by unscrewing the top chamber from the base. This will enable you to access the funnel as well. Take it out and empty any coffee granules present.
Step 2
The next step is to rinse each chamber under hot water. Be sure to rinse both the interior and exterior sections of these compartments. If there are any stubborn granules that fail to wash away, use a soapless sponge to scrub them off.
Step 3
Finally, rinse each part one more time before wiping off excess water with a clean dish towel. Remember to detach the rubber gasket from the base so that you can wipe each part individually.
Step 4
The only thing left now is to air-dry thoroughly on a dish rack. To prevent moisture from accumulating on any of the components, store them as individual parts once they’re dry. This step is crucial as it prevents the components from corroding; hence, extending the life of your Moka pot.
Giving it a Thorough Cleaning
If you rinse your Moka pot on a daily basis, then you only need to wash it thoroughly once a week. Follow these steps:
Step 1
The first thing you should do is to disassemble your Moka pot completely. This entails unscrewing the top chamber from the base, removing the funnel and emptying any coffee granules left.
You’ll also need to remove the funnel and rubber gasket. If you’re finding it hard to remove the gasket, you can use a fork or butter knife.
Step 2
Once you’ve disassembled your pot, it’s time to scrub each part thoroughly. Look for mild dish detergent, and sponge to clean the pieces. Also, use warm as opposed to hot water.
Now, in as much as you’re doing a thorough cleaning, you should avoid any abrasive materials. This means staying away from the likes of bristled brushes and baking soda.
Furthermore, be particularly keen when cleaning the overpressure valve. There should not be coffee grounds or other particles obstructing it.
Once the pieces are clean, rinse off all the detergent. Verify that there’s no soap residue left as this can ruin the flavor of your coffee.
Step 3
The next step involves checking the status of the filter and funnel. Chances are, one of them could be clogged with coffee grounds. If the holes are clogged, look for a pin to poke them. Next, wash and rinse them again.
Step 4
Finally, use a clean dish towel to wipe off excess water. Then, air-dry the parts and store them separately to reduce the risk of rusting and corrosion.
Can You Use Instant Coffee in a Moka Pot?
Although you can use instant coffee in a Moka pot, it’s not advisable to do so.
Instant coffee refers to coffee beans that have already been ground, brewed, frozen, and dried. Thus, all you need to do to make coffee is to add hot water and your cuppa will be ready! They’re perfect for when you’re in a rush and want to prepare your cup of Joe quickly.
That said, the flavor that you get from instant coffee is not as rich as that from freshly ground coffee. As such, Moka pots are best used with freshly ground coffee beans as they’re designed to extract the full flavor.
Final Thoughts
Moka coffee is coffee prepared using a Moka pot. Invented in the 1930s in Italy, the Moka pot was named after a city called Mocha in Yemen. Sporting an unmistakable 3-chamber design, the Moka pot is incredibly easy to use.
Want to join the 79% of Americans who prepare coffee from the comfort of their homes? Look no further than the ingeniously-designed and affordable Moka pot.
