Moka Pot

Italian coffee maker: the real Italian coffee 

Also known as the "Moka coffee maker", the Italian coffee maker is a coffee machine that is renowned for its quality coffee . The extraction method allows to keep a maximum of aromas and thus to prepare a coffee that combines power and flavours.

What is an Italian coffee maker?

Italian coffee makers have been used for over a century. They are still very much in vogue and are part of the coffee ritual in many homes. It is used on a hotplate (except for electric Italian coffee makers) and allows you to make a coffee with a flavour and strength that are somewhere between a filter coffee and an espresso: the perfect compromise between strength and lightness!

The Italian Coffee Maker Hulled

One of the main advantages of this type of coffee maker is its simplicity of use . Indeed, its operating mode is within everyone's reach. The Italian coffee maker is made up of 3 main distinct parts, each of which has a key function for making coffee. 

The bottom compartment , where the water (ideally already hot and filtered) is poured and then placed on a heat source (electric, gas or induction hob etc).

The middle compartment , where the ground coffee should be placed (this corresponds to the filter in other coffee machines and will be placed in the bottom compartment).

The top compartment , where the coffee will flow out during the heating process, and which must therefore remain empty before preparation.

The lid , which remains open during preparation and closes once the coffee is finished and the Italian coffee maker is removed from the heat source. 

How to prepare coffee with an Italian coffee maker?

The steps are as follows:

Unscrew the 3 parts that make up your coffee maker.

First of all, you have to pour water into the lower compartment . The quality of the water can considerably change the taste of your coffee. As coffee is 99% water, it is important to filter your water to ensure a perfect cup. Be careful not to exceed the level of the safety valve. Our little tip for a better result? Simply pour in water that has already been heated. This will not alter the aromas and will not "burn" the coffee.

Then place the ground coffee in the central compartment (funnel) up to the rim, leveling it without packing it. If you use a grinder to grind your coffee beforehand, we recommend that you adjust the settings on the grinder to obtain a fairly fine grind, halfway between the filter grind and the espresso grind. As the brewing time is relatively short with this type of method, you will have the ideal grind for preparing coffee with an Italian coffee maker.

Place the funnel on the lower compartment and screw on the upper compartment . You can then place your coffee maker on the hob. It is important to leave the lid open during the entire heating process. Let the coffee flow and when the coffee maker starts to sputter, you can remove the coffee maker from the fire and close the lid.

How does an Italian coffee maker work? 

The heat source will allow the water to evaporate. The expansion of the steam will then increase the pressure , which will allow the water to rise and moisten the ground coffee in the compartment above. The water that has passed through the coffee continues to rise and is discharged into the upper compartment.

What are the advantages of a Moka coffee maker? 

As you can see, choosing this type of coffeemaker allows you to have a quality coffee while being very easy to use . 

Its compact size means it doesn't take up too much space, so it's ideal for small spaces or to take to the office. It is also a very practical option for travellers who can take it anywhere.

It's also an economical choice both to buy and to use. Indeed, an Italian coffee maker costs on average 30€, the first prices being 15€, it is an option that can suit all budgets. All you need to use it is water and ground coffee, which is much cheaper per kilo than pods for example.

Simple and elegant at the same time, the Italian coffee maker will even be an asset that will bring style and character to your kitchen decoration.

What are the different types of Italian coffee maker? 

The first Italian coffee maker appeared in 1933 thanks to Alfonso Bialetti, who created the famous brand. Since then, the models have diversified.

Firstly, in terms of materials, there are several choices. The aluminium ones are light and less expensive and are perfect for electric cooking . Stainless steel is a more expensive material, which is healthier and has advantages in terms of resistance. It is therefore ideal for those who prefer gas cooking . Stainless steel is ideal for those who wish to use an induction hob. Note that there are induction adapters to put between the hob and the coffee maker.

There are also several capacities . You will find capacities ranging from 1 to 12 cups, knowing that one cup corresponds to 5 cl. You should therefore choose according to your preferences and the size of your home.

More and more modern, you can also turn to an electric Italian coffee maker if you do not prefer to use a hotplate.

How do I maintain an Italian coffee maker? 

These machines have the advantage of having very simple spare parts to change . You can extend the life of the machine with very inexpensive accessories.

First of all with the seal . This is essential to seal the part where the pressure rises and makes the coffee rise. Once the coffee is ready, be sure to unscrew it slightly while the coffee maker is still hot so that the gasket is not compressed and worn out unnecessarily. If the seal is too worn, simply replace it with a new one. 

You will also find other useful accessories such as filters, funnels and handles .

For cleaning, simply rinse with hot or boiling water . However, it is not advisable to use soap. This is because a residue of coffee oil forms in the stems of the coffee maker during the preparation of the coffee. This thin film formed is useful, as it creates a separation from the walls of the coffee maker which can give a metallic taste to your drink.