Brewing coffee in the Bialetti Moka is a fan favorite of this half Italian’s household and attracts a fair amount of interest and questions from my friends. As a result, I wanted write up a quick blog post sharing the steps and an instructional video of yours truly making coffee with it.
Why Bialetti Moka?
Here’s why I like mine:
- Time-Tested: It was designed by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933 and has remained virtually unchanged for decades, ensuring consistent coffee quality.
- Simplicity and Versatility: It’s easy to use, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts.
- Cost-Effective: It’s an affordable alternative to more complex espresso machines, offering a rich coffee experience without breaking the bank.
How to Make Coffee in a Bialetti Moka: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Assemble Your Tools and Ingredients
Before we dive into the brewing process, gather everything you’ll need:
- Bialetti Moka pot
- Fresh coffee beans or grounds – I like Illy Classico
- Filtered water
- A grinder (if using whole beans)
- A heat source (stovetop)
- A coffee mug – my Wimbledon one, London one, and Anthropologie mugs are my favorites
- Things to go in your coffee – milk, sugar, flavorings (optional)
Step 2: Fill the Bottom Chamber
Start by unscrewing the Moka pot into its three components: the bottom chamber (filled with water), the filter basket (where coffee grounds go), and the top chamber (where brewed coffee collects). Fill the bottom chamber with freshly boiled water up to the safety valve level, ensuring not to exceed it. Hot water helps speed up the brewing process.
Step 3: Add Coffee Grounds
Fill the filter basket with finely ground coffee, using approximately one heaping tablespoon per ounce of water in the bottom chamber. Level the grounds without pressing them down.
Step 4: Assemble and Place on Heat Source
Carefully reassemble the Moka pot, ensuring all parts are screwed on tightly but not over-tightened. Place the Moka pot on a medium heat source.
Step 5: Wait and Listen
As the water heats and begins to boil, you’ll hear a distinctive bubbling and gurgling sound. This is your cue that the brewing process is in full swing. Keep an eye on the top chamber; coffee will soon start to fill it.
Step 6: Remove from Heat
Once you hear a hissing sound and see the top chamber is full (but not overflowing), remove the Moka pot from the heat source. Be cautious; the handle may be hot and the Moka itself will burn you if you touch it. I always use oven mitts to be extra careful!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the brewed coffee into your favorite cup or mug. You can enjoy it as an espresso shot or dilute it with hot water to your desired strength. Add sugar or milk as desired, and savor the rich, aromatic flavor of your Bialetti Moka-brewed coffee.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed learning another way to brew coffee at home! Let me know in a comment below if you have tried coffee in the Bialetti Moka and any tips you have, favorite coffee beans, etc!