The Moka Pot and How to Use One...

Hello! Just so that you think I am just a little more crazy than you originally thought, I shall talk to you once more, about coffee...

(Well I do have an excuse, a dear fellow requested a post on this topic...)

Today I want to introduce you to the Moka Pot. It is a genius invention by the Italians from the year 1933. It was designed to easily and cheaply allow people to make espresso at home.



It is a simple piece of machinery made of aluminum, and has three parts to it. The bottom chamber initially contains water, the second is the filter and the third is the top chamber garnished with a handle, lid and spout, where the brew finally ends up and gets poured from.



I shall show you today how to use one of these little guys with these wonderful step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. Fill the bottom part with water until it has reached just below the brass valve.

Step 2. Place the filter on top and begin to fill it with fine grind espresso beans.



Step 3. Fill until the top but do not press down or tamp, just let it be flat level to the surface.

Step 4. Place the top chamber over and screw it tightly until it feels snug.

Step 5. Place the Moka Pot on the stove, lift up the lid, and turn the heat to medium.

Step 6. Stick around and watch, because soon, dark liquid will start pouring out of the inner tube. Once this happens, close the lid and listen carefully.

Step 7. Pay attention and wait for a boiling sound. Once you hear it, turn off the heat immediately, and let the pot sit.

Step 8. Once you no longer hear any boiling sounds, you may lift up the lid and look!

Step 9. It is recommended to mix the espresso around a bit. Not sure why, but it's part of the ritual....

Step 10. Now you are ready to pour! Find you favorite shot cup and pour. Do not expect your usual crema when making espresso this way, it is a rare occurance...

Step 11. Marvel at how cute your cup looks!

YAY, you made espresso!

This technique is highly recommended when you are not keen on spending hundreds of dollars on a full on espresso machine. This technique will yield a truly rich and satisfying espresso rivaling those at your local caffes, unless you live near some top notch caffes, but then, at least you can say it comes close.

The moka pot is fun to use, and very low maintenance. A note when washing the pot: Only rinse in water. Do not use soap or detergent, or put in the dishwasher. This allows the highest flavors to form. All Italians would vouch for this note. They never scrub their Moka Pots... Only rinse in water.

Umm, you can buy different size Moka Pots, depending on how much espresso you enjoy making, at most kitchen supply stores. The average cost of a 3 shot pot is around $20.

Let me know if you have any comments, or experience using one of these guys, or if my instructions need work.


This post is dedicated to my cousin David for being the one to show me the ways of the Moka Pot, one year ago... and for getting me hooked on espresso since that day...