Bialetti Moka Express Review: Why you need a Bialetti Moka Pot Today

If you're tired of weak coffee in the mornings, or want something with more of a kick, a Moka pot is the quintessential Italian way to brew espresso without buying a large, expensive machine that you might find in a coffee shop. 

Looking for the best Moka pot? Well, the Bialetti Moka Express quickly boils coffee on the stovetop and can be ready in about 5 minutes, depending on the size. The best part is that it's simple and easy for anyone to use. 

There are several types of Moka pots on the market, but the Bialetti Moka Express is our favorite coffee maker. Its sleek and attractive shape, sturdy Italian construction, and high-quality stovetop espresso are just some of the reasons why we love it. Read on to learn more about this fantastic product. 

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Bialetti Moka Pot Overview

Before we get into our review, it's important to recognize if a Moka pot is right for you by learning how they work and the type of coffee they brew. 

A Moka pot doesn't brew pure espresso the way an espresso machine does. It creates a beverage somewhere between an espresso and drip coffee. Unlike an espresso machine that uses physical pressure to extract the liquid, a Moka pot uses steam. 

These are the specs of the 6-cup Moka Pot Express: 

• Width: 4 inches
• Depth: 4 inches
• Height: 9 inches
• Weight: 1.54 pounds

How It Works

To brew great coffee, a Moka pot requires ground coffee and enough water, depending on how many you want to make. When the Moka pot heats on the stove, it creates steam inside the bottom chamber, creating low pressure. 

This pressure goes through the ground coffee in the center of the Moka pot, making coffee boil into the top chamber, which you can then pour directly into a cup. This old-school style of brewing requires no technology, making it very easy to pick up. 

Most Moka pots work best under an open flame or gas stove, so they may take longer if you have an electric stovetop. 

Coffee Grind

Grind size is crucial to brewing great coffee. You can brew the best coffee using a Moka pot with medium-fine grounds. Often, since Moka pots make coffee similar to espresso, people tend to think ultra-fine grind size is the way to go. 

However, if the grind is too fine, they can clog the Moka pot and can become difficult to get out. They can also produce coffee that is too bitter. Grinding your coffee beans at home can be a great way to experiment with different sizes using either an electric or manual burr grinder. 

A good blade can create more even grounds for prime extraction, and you can experiment with the grind size to discover the flavor you like. A high-quality grinder may be worth the investment if you want to achieve great-tasting coffee.

Bialetti Brand

Bialetti is originally an Italian brand that began years ago in 1919 when Alfonso Bialetti opened a workshop in Crusinallo, Verbania to produce semi-finished aluminum products. 

In 1933, Bialetti created the original Art Deco design for the Moka Express and it became a huge hit, changing the way coffee was made at home. Bialetti's company quickly became one of the leading Italian manufacturers of stovetop espresso makers with thousands of positive reviews. 

Since its foundation, Bialetti has maintained its place as a leading brand in stovetop coffee maker manufacturing. Their headquarters is in Coccaglio, which is in the province of Brescia. 

They have several products and industries covering all types of cookware, but the Bialetti brand specifically creates top-notch coffee-making products, like electric and manual coffee makers, espresso machines, and coffee capsules. 

When you purchase a Bialetti product, you can be sure it will be durable and reliable. They commit to the environment by creating zero waste with their Moka Express. The only waste created is compostable and biodegradable, supporting the eco-sustainable way of making coffee. 

Bialetti Moka Express Review

In the Moka pot industry, the Bialetti Moka Express is a classic and renowned option because of its ease of use, efficiency, and price value. 

Design/Build Quality: 4.5/5 ⭐

The classic model of the Bialetti Moka Express is both simple and attractive. It uses an Art Deco-influenced style 

It is constructed of durable polished aluminum and has the classic Balletto octagon shape. It includes a heat-resistant, ergonomic handle so you can safely take it off the stove and pour it after the espresso is ready. 

It comes in a compact size and can be stored away easily if you don't want to keep it out on the counter. The original aluminum model of the Moka Express is not suitable for use on an induction stovetop. However, there are stainless steel models from Bialetti that are compatible with induction. 

All Bialetti Moka pot models include a patented safety valve that releases steam automatically, ensuring the coffee brews at the right pressure. 

Overall, we give it a 4.5 because of its durable construction and design, but it lacks versatility when it comes to different types of stovetops. 

Pros: 

• Sturdy construction
• Attractive Art Deco design
• Heat-resistant, ergonomic handle

Cons: 

• Cannot be used with induction stovetops

Performance: 5/5 ⭐

The Moka Express creates delicious, rich cups of coffee using the steam pressure method. This old-world process of brewing creates a velvety texture with bold flavors when extracted properly. 

The octagonal shape of the Moka Express distributes the heat within the body perfectly. This allows the coffee to brew quickly and consistently each time. Its superb performance is what keeps Bialetti as the number one Moka pot manufacturer. 

Pros: 

• Consistent coffee production
• Evenly distributes heat inside
• Makes hot coffee fast

Cons: 

• None!

Ease of Use: 5/5 ⭐

This Bialetti espresso maker uses an old-school process with no technology required. It creates velvety espressos in just a few minutes. To brew your coffee with the Moka Express, you simply need to follow these steps: 

1. The Bialetti instruction manual recommends adding warm water to the lowest boiler chamber. However, to speed up the process, you can add hot water in the bottom chamber and prevent the over-extraction of the coffee grounds. Make sure not to fill the water past the safety valve. 
2. Fill the filter basket with fresh coffee grounds. You don't need to tamp it as you would for an espresso machine, but do not leave any residue on the filter basket rim. 
3. Screw on the top piece, then place the Moka pot on the stove and set it at medium-high heat. The flame should be directly under the pot and not wrap over the edges of the bottom. The handle should also not be subjected to heat. 
4. Once you hear the Moka pot gurgling, take it off the stove immediately. Let it sit for a few seconds, then pour the hot coffee into a cup. 

You can easily disassemble the Moka Express simply by unscrewing the top chamber from the bottom, making it easy to clean. It also does not need to be cleaned with detergent but only requires a thorough rinsing with water. 

We give the Moka Express a 5/5 for its excellent ease of use and simple functioning. 

Pros: 

• No technology required
• Simple functionality
• Easy to clean

Cons: 

• None!

Features: 5/5 ⭐

As mentioned before, the octagonal shape not only produces coffee quickly but also enhances its aroma. Bialetti offers various sizes so you can make just the right amount of coffee for you and your household. You can purchase 1 cup, 3 cup, 6 cup, 9 cup, or 12 cup coffee makers.

Bialetti is also proud that this stovetop espresso maker produces zero waste except for the biodegradable coffee grounds. The Moka Express also features its patented safety valve for ultimate heat distribution. 

Pros: 

• Several brewing capacities offered
• Patented safety valve
• Octagonal shape

Cons: 

• None!

Value For Money: 5/5 ⭐

If you are looking for a cheaper option to brew strong coffee at home, the Moka pot is a fantastic economical option. 

Not only is it much less expensive than a fancy espresso machine, but you also don't have to worry about internal parts breaking down bit by bit. Bialetti states the Moka Pot Express will last for at least ten years, making it a cheaper and valuable investment. 

Additionally, the Moka pot can brew several cups of coffee at one time, unlike an espresso machine. That means you can brew more coffee at a faster rate, which would often cost much more if you were looking for those same capabilities in an electric espresso machine. 

Though you may not be able to make as many mixed drinks as you would with a traditional espresso, you can still make delicious coffee with the Moka pot. We give it a 5/5 for its great value for the money you pay. 

Pros: 

• Much cheaper than espresso machines
• Produces several cups at one time
• Made to last a long time

Cons: 

• Moka coffee is less versatile than espresso

Don't Buy A Moka Pot Express If…

Here are some reasons why you might not want to buy the Bialetti Moka Pot Express.

1. You want a lighter coffee flavor. 

If you're looking for a lighter taste without the bold espresso flavor, a Moka pot is not the way to go. The Moka Pot Express creates a coffee with bold and deep flavors that may be stronger than some people prefer. It produces coffee that is 2-3 times more concentrated than typical drip coffee. 

You may want a traditional drip coffee maker or a French press for a thinner and sweeter taste. 

2. You don't want to invest in a high-quality burr grinder. 

While using bags of pre-ground beans will still produce coffee, you can achieve the best taste by grinding your beans. A burr grinder can give you some flexibility to experiment with slightly coarser or finer ground coffee to match what you prefer. 

The consistency and size of ground coffee make a noticeable difference in the brewing process. Fresh beans can also change the flavor of the espresso and create a richer look and taste. 

3. You want an espresso with crema. 

Unfortunately, the Bialetti Moka Express does not contain enough pressure to create authentic espresso shots complete with the thin layer of crema on top. Espresso machines create pressure of about nine bars using an electric pump, while a Moka pot will only reach about 1.5 bars. 

Investing in a more expensive espresso maker might be better if you are looking for that creamy consistency that you would find served in a cafe. 

Final Verdict

The Bialetti Moka Pot Express produces excellent coffee for a bargain. Though it does not brew traditional espressos, the taste is similar and comes at a cheaper price. Its attractive octagonal design and simple functionality make it easy to use and clean. 

For those wanting a strong pick-me-up in the mornings, this can save you the hassle of visiting coffee shops and allow you to quickly brew a delicious beverage right in the comfort of your home. It can pretty much give you the same great taste for a fraction of the price. We hope you enjoyed our Bialetti coffee maker review!

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Moka Pot Express. 

Is Moka coffee as strong as espresso? 

Moka coffee and espresso are both much stronger than standard drip coffee or French press brews. A Moka coffee is 2-3 times as concentrated as a drip while espresso is 5-8 times as concentrated. 

Espressos are bolder, complex, and more intense than Moka coffees. However, caffeine-wise, Moka coffee contains more caffeine than one espresso shot. The reason for this is that Moka pots often over-extract the coffee grind, which produces more of the kick you may be wanting. 

Are aluminum Moka pots safe? 

Some risks have been found with cooking or brewing drinks in aluminum. It's important to consider those risks, however minor, when purchasing an aluminum Moka pot. 

Though it is not yet completely proven, there are some concerns with its consumption being linked to Alzheimer's, dementia, and anemia. 

However, using aluminum products with quality coating greatly lessens the chance of aluminum lingering in coffee or food. Generally, using aluminum Moka pots is safe. However, if this is a vital concern for you, you may feel better using the Bialetti stainless steel alternative. 

How many will the 6-cup Bialetti serve? 

This Bialetti coffee maker creates about 9.2 ounces of coffee at its maximum capacity. If you want a traditional 8-ounce cup of coffee that you would get using a drip coffee maker, this would be a little over one cup. 

However, each espresso cup size, according to Bialetti, is about 2 ounces. In this case, you can easily create 4-5 mixed drinks like cappuccinos or lattes using the full capacity of this espresso maker. 

Should you tamp a Moka pot? 

The short answer is no. The Moka pot does not create enough pressure to force water between the grounds if it is tamped in the filter. Water will make it through eventually but will be slowed down by the firmly pressed grounds. 

An espresso machine requires tamping because its pressure is much stronger. This tension creates a much bolder flavor but only allows espresso machines to produce one or two shots at a time. 

How long does a Moka pot take? 

The brewing time varies depending on a few factors. Some of those factors include the size of your coffee maker and the starting temperature of the water in the boiler. If you begin with hot water, it may come to a boil faster than starting with cold water. 

You will know when the brew is ready when you hear a gurgling sound from the pot. Make sure you don't miss the sound because you want to avoid burning it on the stove. 

How much coffee does a Moka pot make? 

You can pretty much brew up to 12 small cups of coffee using a Moka pot. Bialetti offers several size options between 1 to 12 cups, allowing you to choose how much coffee you want to make at home.

If you prefer to dilute the more concentrated brew, you may be able to create a full mug by adding hot water or ice. 

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