I received the Bialetti Moka Express pot for Christmas, the 6 cup model, since my first moka pot was a mere 2 cup model, which some of you know, just isn’t enough. For those who haven’t used the moka pot, it is a great way to make concentrated, espresso-like coffee at home, without the fuss of a full espresso maker.
The moka pot uses steam, driving the water from the bottom chamber through the grounds and collecting the resultant delicious coffee in the upper chamber. Outside of the pot, you only need the ground coffee and water to brew at home, which is why it’s one of the most popular methods of making coffee worldwide.
Creating a delicious cup of espresso coffee is straightforward with a moka pot. Starting with the bottom chamber, fill it with filtered water (for a cleaner taste), but ensure that you do not fill it above the pressure release valve.
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Once the water is in place, insert the grounds basket and you can load the coffee. Don’t tamp the grounds like you would do for an espresso machine, fill the basket with loose grounds. If you pack the grinds too tightly, this can cause pressure issues with water flowing through the grounds. I use a coffee grind similar to a drip maker. If the grind is too fine it can prevent water from flowing through the filter, and too coarse won’t extract as much flavor. The water only passes through the grounds once, so a little experimentation may be required.
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Once the grinds are in place, the top chamber can be screwed on. Ensure you have a tight seal, inspect the gasket to ensure it’s in good shape, and will not allow water to leak, as it will be under pressure. The pot can be used on electric/gas stoves easily, but make sure you use a medium to low heat, the flames should not be wider than the bottom of the pot. Aside from possibly melting the handle, too high a heat can also heat the container too quickly, burning the grounds.
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Once the brew starts, water will start collecting in the upper chamber. It is finishing up when you start to hear a gurgling sound, as less water is being pushed through the grounds. You can remove the pot from the heat, and you should have a delicious cup of coffee waiting for you.