How to use a moka pot: strong coffee at home without the burnt taste

A moka pot is a stovetop brewer that uses steam pressure to push hot water through ground coffee, giving a strong, espresso-like brew. It's inexpensive, works on gas and electric stoves (some models on induction), and suits anyone who likes strong coffee or milk drinks at home.

The parts

• Bottom chamber: holds the water and has a safety valve on the side.
• Funnel basket: holds the coffee.
• Top chamber: collects the brewed coffee; a filter plate and gasket sit underneath.

Grind and dose

Use a fine grind, slightly coarser than espresso. Too fine and the water struggles to pass through, making the coffee bitter. Fill the basket to the top; it is sized to match the pot's water volume.

Step by step

• 1. Fill the bottom chamber with hot water to just below the safety valve. Hot water heats faster, so the coffee isn't cooked for long.
• 2. Fill the basket with coffee, tap gently and level it off. Don't tamp. Wipe grounds off the rim.
• 3. Screw the top and bottom together firmly, using a cloth since the base is hot.
• 4. Put it on medium-low heat with the lid open so you can watch the coffee come up.
• 5. When the flow nearly finishes and it starts to hiss or the coffee turns pale, take it off the heat and pour.

Avoiding a burnt, bitter cup

• Don't use high heat; the coffee rushes out and tastes burnt.
• Take it off at the first hiss; the last part is the most bitter.
• Still too bitter? Grind slightly coarser.
• Weak or too fast? Grind slightly finer.

What to make with it

Use moka pot coffee in place of espresso at home: an Americano (add hot water), a latte (add warm milk) or Thai iced coffee.

Cleaning and care

• Let the pot cool before taking it apart.
• Rinse with plain water; avoid dish soap and the dishwasher, especially for aluminium pots.
• Dry every part before reassembling to prevent stale smells and stains.
• Check the gasket and filter plate regularly. Replace them if the gasket hardens or coffee leaks at the join.

Which roast to use

Moka pots suit medium to dark roasts. Medium is balanced enough to drink black; dark is bold and great with milk. See how to choose a roast level.

PRODCHONG's Doi Chang coffee comes in medium and dark roast, in 250 g and 1 kg bags.

FAQ

Does a moka pot make espresso? It makes similarly strong coffee, but at much lower pressure than an espresso machine, so there's little crema and the taste is a bit different.

Does it work on induction? Only stainless steel models or ones labelled induction-compatible. Standard aluminium pots don't.

Can I brew half a pot? It's not recommended; the pot is designed for a full basket and its matching water volume. If you drink less, get a smaller pot.