bialetti moka express safety valve replacement made in china

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Bialetti is a company that invented moka pots. However, today many other brands offer Italian stove top coffee makers for 2 or even 3 times lower price. Is there any real difference between them except the famous ‘little man with the mustache’ logo, which Bialetti proudly put on its models? (Spoiler: yes)

I decided to compare stainless steel versions, since my new kitchen is equipped with a induction stove (classic aluminium moka pots like Moka Express or Brikka can’t work with it). I choose a Bialetti Venus by Bialetti (‘Made in India according to Bialetti’s quality standarts’ was written on the box) and a similar moka pot by some unknown brand from China (almost 3 times cheaper). Both are for 4 cups, which equals to 160ml. Here they are:

In the States you may find it in stock as a Stovetop Espresso by Túasia, AMFOCUS Stovetop Espresso Maker or VonShef Stovetop Espresso Coffee Maker. Similar Inox moka pots are sold also by Primula, BEMINH, Mixpresso Coffee, WeHome, MAYMII, MODIN and Maggift brands.

Exactly the same model could be found in the UK. Here it is known as 6-Cup Espresso Coffee Maker by Kurtzy (ATWFS, Linaatales, Tooltime, KING HOFF and Yosoo sell identical stainless steel pot as well). On the German market and in other European countries it is known as Generic Moka Espressokocher, Cuigu Edelstahl Moka Pot, HuntGold or UniqueHeart. In Asia (Indonesia as an example) they don’t bother to invent brand names and sell it just as namless stainless steel moka.

If you will search for stainless steel moka pot on your local Amazon, then likely you will find more clones. They all look the same and, based on reviews anaysis, they all have similiar drawbacks, which I found in my specimen as well.

So let’s investigate the differences between cheap Chinese moka pot made of steel vs original Bialetti Venus.I will not describe the unboxing process (though Bialetti packaging was better) and focus on the materials, construction, coffee taste and temperature:

Both coffee makers are made of stainless steel. However the thickness of the metal is different, Chinese one definetly has more slim edges (hereinafter on photos the Bialetti is on left while the Chinese one is on right):

The fact that Bialetti uses a lot more metal while producing their stove top espresso makers is also proven by the weight. According to my kitchen scale it’s 544 grams (19.2 ounces) in the case of Bialetti vs 330 grams (11.6 ounces) in the case of its counterpart. Both measurements are made without boxes:

❕ The main thing, that dissapointed me was the weirdly coated bottom section in Chinese moka pot. While the Bialetti has a equaly shiny polished steel both outside and inside, the bottom chamber of the second coffee maker has a layer of some strange material:

Anyway, the reason why Chinese-made moka pot has this covering is not so important. What important is that there is some strange smelly thing inside, not just the shiny polished steel.

My Chinese moka pot (as well as Primula, ATWFS, Kurtzy and most of other clones, which apparently are made using the same technical process) has unfinished welding seam on the upper part that is visible from inside. The same defect was reported by other users, for example, you can notice this defect even on relatively well-rated model by VonShef (check on amazon):

My last observation is about emergency valve that is located one the side of the bottom chamber and that is used to lower the pressure if the funnel would be clogged. They are different:

The Bialetti inspection valve is a patented valve, which has been designed to guarantee the use of the coffee maker in complete safety. Using the coffee maker with drinking water entails the risk of formation of lime scale in the hole of the safety valve, causing the clogging of the valve itself and the malfunctioning of the product.

With the Bialetti inspection valve, it is very simple to avoid clogging arising from lime scale: just move the small piston coming out of the valve along its axis when washing the coffee maker.

As I mentioned above the fact that Chinese has thinner metal body affects the brewing proccess. Bialetti’s upper chamber stays cools longer, while all parts of Chinese coffee maker becomes hot very soon. That means that temperature of extraction is higher on Chinese one. It’s generally condidered to be bad for the coffee taste (because it may become bitter), however it’s better for lovers of hot coffee.

Here are photos of coffee temperature measurement in Bialetti Venus and in ATWFS moka pot just after brewing on gas cooker (photos kindly provided by my reader kroleg-m):

The devil is in the details. It is often the smallest things, the particularities, that make all the difference. This is also the case in regards to the preparation of a good coffee, a ritual in which all the steps and every single component play a fundamental role. Among all, one of the most important elements is the Moka valve. Often ignored, it is vital not only for the quality of the coffee, but also for the safety of those who prepare it.

The valve was born with the invention of the Moka Express in 1933. It is a safety valve positioned on the bottom chamber. To better understand the importance of the valve and its use, we need to take a step back and illustrate step by step

This is where the valve of the Moka comes into play. It must open when the pressure is too high. By doing so, it allows the steam to escape regularly, without causing any damage. In short, the Moka’s safety valve provides security. Hence, it should only intervene when the coffee maker is used under abnormal operating conditions.

A long-standing and debated question: how far can you fill the bottom chamber for a state-of-the-art coffee? The Moka valve can come in handy to answer this dilemma. Another important role of the valve is that it acts as a "measuring cup". Its position on the bottom chamber is not accidental. Rather, it indicates to those who prepare the coffee the correct amount of water to use. The only exception is for some special coffee pots that are already equipped with a measuring cup. Ideally the water should reach just below the safety valve.

The Moka valve, therefore, is not a decoration or a mere design element. Rather, it is a very important component for the correct functioning of the coffee maker. It guarantees safety and plays a part in the making of an excellent coffee.

Consequently, it is necessary to keep it clean and maintain it regularly. For example, using tap water to make coffee brings with it the risk of limescale deposits obstructing the hole in the valve. The resulting danger is that it could get clogged.

We have seen that one can simply use hot water to clean the Moka valve. To avoid limescale obstructions, simply move the piston that comes out of the valve along its axis when washing it. To ensure the Moka functions correctly, it is recommended to repeat this checkup periodically.

Bialetti Moka Express: this is the original coffee maker, a symbol of Made in Italy quality, which offers the experience of the true Italian ritual of preparing a delicious cup of coffee. Its unique shape dates back to 1933, when it was invented by Alfonso Bialetti. What makes it even more unique is the iconic Man with the moustache.

Bialetti quality: Made in Italy high-quality product. Unique patented safety valve which is easy to inspect and to clean. It also offers an ergonomic handle to facilitate grip of the product. Available in many sizes, this product is suitable for use on gas, electric and induction hobs (exclusively with the Bialetti induction plate adapter).

This moka pot—which, of the four models we tested, comes closest to Alfonso Bialetti’s original design—has a classic look, is dead simple to use, and brews coffee as rich and flavorful as that of any model we tested.

Like most of the moka pots we tested, the Moka Express is simple yet effective, lightweight yet sturdy, affordable yet stylish. It’s uncomplicated to use, unlike traditional espresso machines (which require some practice and know-how and cost hundreds of dollars or more). It’s also forgiving; other than leaving it on the stove too long and burning your coffee, there are very few ways to mess up. The flavor of the beverage it produces is richer than the results from most of the other moka pots we tested, and much more so than coffee from a French press or a drip coffee maker. And with the sleepy-lidded eyes of l’Omino con i baffi staring at you from the side of the pot, you’re always keenly aware that you’re using a time-tested piece of Italian gadgetry.

Although some of the people who might have once used a Moka Express to brew their morning coffee are eschewing it for newer innovations—such as the plastic-tube AeroPress, which can make a similarly concentrated cup of coffee with more clarity—Blue Bottle’s Jessie Washburn says it offers a ritualistic simplicity and nostalgia that are unmatched by other coffee makers.

“Early on in my coffee life, it was my first regular brewing device. I felt downright cosmopolitan leaving the plug-in coffee maker of my youth behind,” Washburn says, recalling how her grandparents would use a Moka Express to make post-lunch pots of coffee in their tiny New York City kitchen. “The coffee would gurgle and hiss as my grandmother warmed a little milk for herself. My grandfather would take his black, with a splash of boiling water to open up the flavors and stretch the coffee.”

Outside of Europe, moka pots are especially popular in Cuban communities for making café cubano—a hot, sweet drink made by whisking sugar into the first few drops of coffee before adding the rest of the pot. Lourdes Castro, a Cuban-American nutritionist and director of New York University’s Food Lab, says everyone in Cuba has a moka pot at home—though they call it a cafetera—and it’s most commonly the classic Moka Express.

In my own kitchen in St. Louis, I conducted a taste test with four 6-cup moka pots: my Bialetti Moka Express, the Alessi Moka, the Grosche Milano Red, and the stainless steel Ilsa Turbo Express. Dozens of variations are available—from IKEA’s Scandinavian spin on the classic moka pot to the MoMA Design Store’s cute and colorful Cocca Moka to innumerable knockoffs on Amazon—but we concluded that the four models we chose represented the range of options well.

Over about a week, I made 16 pots of coffee for my taste test. I made café con leche with each moka pot using Café Bustelo, piloncillo (a compact cone of brown sugar), and whole milk. I also made black coffee with Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso beans, Intelligentsia House Blend coffee beans, and Starbucks House Blend coffee beans in each one—using the Baratza Encore to grind the beans, the Escali Primo digital scale to weigh them, and the Bonavita BV382510V 1-liter gooseneck electric kettle to heat up the water (you don’t have to pre-boil the water, but I think doing so produces better results, as I explain below). I also timed how long each pot took to brew 20 grams of grounds from start to finish. For each round of testing, I had my boyfriend pour about an ounce of coffee from each moka pot into teacups so that I could compare them blind.

I am by no means a coffee expert (as I said, I just started drinking it regularly in the past year), but I did find some obvious differences between the pots’ brews. The Bialetti Moka Express performed the best overall, producing a smooth, full-bodied flavor profile—chocolatey, smoky, and just a bit acidic—compared with the rest of the bunch. The Alessi Moka’s brews were a little more acidic and slightly less rich, but they were otherwise almost indistinguishable from the Bialetti’s. Results from the stainless steel Ilsa Turbo Express were drinkable, if somewhat hollow and flat, and brews from the Grosche Milano Red were the worst—watery and flavorless.

The Bialetti pot that I’ve had for years—which my boyfriend and now I have put through some serious wear and tear—seems mostly infallible. Other than a hairline crack on the hinge (which is a stress point if you try to screw the top on one-handed, as I have), it hasn’t sustained any major damage. The cast-aluminum pieces fit together smoothly and are fairly easy to clean. When the pot is not in use, it fits into my mid-century modern decor as a piece of functional art.

I bought a Bialetti Brikka (new-ish version with black bottom but still with the gravity valve) in 2020 for my Covid-Coffee and it was an okay quality. Still lots of aluminium chaff flying around everywhere, definitely needed more cleaning than Bialetti says is “permissible” because dish soap supposedly harms the metal (not true).

The valve is simply a rubber membrane that is not sold as a replacement part, have fun with that I guess. So much aluminium dust and shavings everywhere, even in the valve, where the consumer should never look I guess. The paint on the bottom is even worse than on my old brikka.

And to top it all off, I am not even sure if that valve rubber is silicone or not (confusion with old Bialetti descriptions since the gravity valve Brikkas all had a clear silicone nozzle to constrict flow against the valve). The new valve rubber is white like the main gasket (which is natural rubber IIRC), so have fun when that gets icky and there are no replacements (it’s a rather complex moulding with a tapered inside ending in a slit which gets compressed by the top part of the valve).

I will get my 45€ back and invest that in a cheap espresso machine (I didn’t want to make 4 cups with my old Bialetti all the time, so this should be worth it).

For fans of a rich, bold cup of coffee, it’s hard to go past the Moka pot. These humble coffee makers have been a staple of the Italian kitchen for decades, brewing espresso style coffee without the expense and hassle of a large machine.

Whether you want a designer model or something you can take on the road, there’s a Moka pot for you. Here’s what you need to know before you buy, and some of the best stovetop espresso makers around.

This stovetop coffee maker garnered plenty of good remarks from happy customers, and it’s no wonder why. Designed in Italy, this high-quality ‘moka express’ comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose according to preference. It also makes coffee fast without sacrificing quality or style.

You should already know that Moka pots won’t brew espresso like an espresso machine will. But they still make a damn fine, strong cup of Joe (1). If you want to get it right the first time, consider the following points when choosing a stovetop espresso maker:

While some claim that the highest quality percolators are made in Italy – which is no wonder, they are often simply called Italian espresso pots or ‘Bialetti’s’ – we don’t find this necessarily to be the case. On average, it’s fair to say that whenever it says ‘Made in Italy’ you can be rest assured the quality will be great, while China is more of a mixed bag. To boot, having an authentic Italian stovetop espresso maker does add to the charm a bit, doesn’t it?

For the solo coffee connoisseurs among us, the brew-a-cup-at-a-time Moka pots are the perfect fit. But, if you plan to share a cup with your partner or friend, choose one that can make more than 1 brew per use – there is nothing more annoying than having to repeat the process multiple times for multiple coffees.

Stovetop coffee makers or Moka pots come in various sizes. Here’s a useful size chart to follow when deciding on the amount of liquid you need from your Moka pot:

Remember that not all Moka pots will work with an electric stove. Be sure to check whether the one you’re considering is electric or induction stovetop friendly. We’ve found that glass-topped electric stoves typically work beautifully, and very quickly, with Moka pots.

The traditional moka pot is made from aluminum – the material is light, cheap and great at conducting heat or, to keep it real for us caffeine fiends, brewing coffee. But, you’ll find that many manufacturers now include percolators made from stainless steel. And for good reason. A stainless steel moka pot looks much sexier in your kitchen plus the material racks up some major advantages when compared to aluminum (2).

Until recently, Moka pots were the only way to get an ‘almost espresso’ without a machine. Today, there are plenty of other options for making an espresso-like coffee or an actual espresso without a machine. For instance, various portable espresso makers are available for everyone’s pocket. So why do people still use stovetop coffee makers?

Moka pot is hipsterish, retro, and, honestly, very convenient to use. Like the Aeropress, the Moka pot doesn’t produce an actual espresso. But moka coffee is still rich, thick, and creamy. Basically, it’s an affordable way to enjoy beautiful coffee and feel like part of Italy’s long tradition of coffee drinking.

Based on customer reviews in the US and our own experience with the cowboy method, Home Grounds searched for the best Moka pot on the market. The table summarizes features, and below you’ll find more detailed reviews of the best ones we’ve found in the market:

Bialetti is the number one player in the stovetop espresso maker market, which is not a surprise once you see the thousands of happy customer reviews on their Moka pots. Due to its features, the Bialetti Moka Express has long been dubbed as one of the best coffee makers. The octagonal shape of the coffee maker allows the heat to distribute perfectly while your coffee brews, resulting in a strong Moka pot coffeein under 5 minutes (4).

Once you’re done, clean-up is easy thanks to the compartment design; just unscrew it, wash it, and get on with your day. The Italian-made ‘Moka express’ range is so popular that they made it available in 1, 3, 6, and 9 cup options – so choose the right size for your preference and you’ll start your day with the perfect amount of coffee.

I personally only use this Moka pot nowadays – I’ve been through other models and the consistency you get is unbeatable. Read my Bialetti Moka Express review if you wish to learn more. The Bialetti Brikka, a modern alternative to the Moka Express is also worth checking out.

The Bialetti Venus features soft lines and a harmonious design that gives it just as the name suggests an elegant look. It’s a beauty to the eye. It also produces great tasting coffee. Its stainless steel construction means it’s suited for induction cooktops. The handle is insulated to resist high temperatures, hence you can use the unit without having to worry about burning yourself when pouring.

This moka pot is available in the biggest range of sizes, with 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 cup versions available – in a choice of black, chrome, white, red and blue.

As with the French press, percolator coffee tends to have a few grounds, especially as you near the bottom of the pot. But again, fans of percolators like the way it doesn’t filter out the oils as it brews coffee. If the grounds bother you (they’re not everyone’s cup of tea – pardon the expression), 3.5″ disc filters help solve that problem. Just slide one down into the brew basket before adding your coffee.

The bulbous design, which is supposed to represent a baby bird, helps to stop filtration at precisely the right moment. Even if the moka pot is left on the heat, the coffee won’t develop the burnt taste that is often problematic with stovetop coffee makers. The unique v-shaped spout (the chick’s beak) provides more accurate pouring and fewer drips.

Moka pot users tend to time their brew by ear. When you hear a rumbling or gurgling noise, this is a signal that the last of the coffee is making its way up through the tube and it’s time to turn off the heat.

The glass does mean it’s not going to withstand a drop to the floor, but apart from that, the Geesta functions as any other moka pot would. The filter basket, base and lid are made from stainless steel, so it’s both dishwasher safe and suitable for induction stove tops.

One of the appealing things about buying a Moka pot is that there is a model to suit almost any need or budget. For Home Grounds, the Cuisinox Roma stands out for its build quality, elegant design, and the fact it works with a wide range of stove tops. It’s not cheap, but with a 25-year guarantee, you might never need to buy another.

You can use your favorite kind of coffee blend (beans) in a stovetop espresso maker. It’s recommended that you grind your coffee fresh at home and use a grind size slightly finer than you would for drip coffee and a little more coarse than that for an espresso machine. Don’t use extracts, instant coffee, or infusions in your stovetop maker. Here’s a guide on the best coffee for moka pots.

Stovetop espresso is good but not as good as a connoisseurs-like espresso. Though the results don’t quite live up to the real deal, Moka pots are a convenient home-brewing alternative producing a thick, strong, and delicious cup of coffee. It’s easy to over or under extract your grounds using a stovetop maker but, you should know, practice makes close-to-perfect (espresso).

You can clean a stainless steel Moka pot using one part white vinegar and two parts cold water. Pour the water and vinegar into the basin of the pot and turn it on. Brew a full pot and let the solution sit for 15 minutes. Then, empty the pot and rinse with cold water. Or, use a combination of baking soda and cold water for a simple clean (no brewing here!).

How to Brew in a Moka Pot: Stumptown Coffee Roasters Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/blogs/news/how-to-brew-in-a-moka-pot

The original Moka coffee pot: Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker, it provides the experience of the real Italian way of preparing a tasteful coffee, its unique shape and the inimitable gentleman with mustache date back to 1933, when Alfonso Bialetti invented it.

Made in Italy with an ergonomic handle and a patented safety valve which makes it easy to clean. Available in many sizes and suitable for gas, electric and induction (with the Bialetti induction adapter plate)

How to prepare the coffee: fill the boiler up to the safety valve, fill it up with ground coffee without pressing, close the Moka pot and place it on the stovetop, as soon as Moka Express starts to gurgle, turn the fire off and coffee will be ready

Cleaning instructions: The Bialetti Moka Express must only be rinsed with clean water after use, with no detergents, the product is not to be washed with a dishwasher as it will be irremediably damaged and the taste of coffee altered

Other considerations you"ll want to take into account are the handle (plastic or heat-resistant metal or silicone) and the gasket (rubber or silicone). If you"re the type of person who tends to neglect things on the stove for even a minute or two, a plastic handle might not last long in your kitchen. And if you use your Moka pot regularly, consider models with a silicone gasket as opposed to a rubber one, which is going to give way far quicker.

One thing you"ll need to make the Moka pot shine, as with any brewing method, is a good burr grinder or a nearby barista willing to freshly grind your beans for you.

While both coffee-brewing methods rely on pressure, espresso occurs somewhere between five and 10 bars of pressure (depending on whom you ask) and the pressure a Moka pot achieves is, optimally, somewhere between one and one-and-a-half bars of pressure.

Because of this, the grind size for Moka pots is typically a little coarser, and, according to Matteo D"Ottavio, the 2020 UK Brewers Cup Champion, should be between espresso (very fine) and drip coffee (medium-fine) grounds. He wouldn"t give us a particular size, but we find somewhere around 500 microns will do the trick with a medium-roast coffee. Along with D"Ottavio, we also recommend you go up in size for dark roast and down in size for light roast.

The imperative thing is to get it dry and keep it dry after use. According to D"Ottavio, the best way to clean a Moka pot is to take it apart, including the screen and gasket, and soak it or wash it with water and a little white vinegar. If it gets really bad (as in, if you find you"ve left grounds or water in it for days on end), fill a large bowl with some mild dish detergent, disassemble the whole thing, and soak it until things loosen up. Once it"s clean, keep everything apart and store the parts loosely piled atop each other to prevent mold and allow for airflow.

Specially designed with a patented and break-through Brikka System technology, Bialetti"s Brikka Espresso Maker is the only stovetop coffee maker on the market that produces the perfect "crema". This crema traps the fine aromatics and flavors that register on the palate adding a thick, richer texture to each cup of coffee

Body material: aluminium#Handle material: thermoplastic#Knob material: thermoplastic#Easy-clean safety valve#Not suitable for use on induction plates#Not dishwasher safe#Boiler base diameter: 62 mm#Height: 130 mm#Capacity: 60 ml – approximate figure: it can vary according to the quantity of water inserted and the quantity, blend and grind of the coffee.

The Bialetti two-part cast aluminum espresso pot has long set the standard for stovetop espresso makers. With the invention of the Bialetti in the 1930s, espresso—long a staple of Italian cafés and bars—became available for home consumption. Today, this classic of twentieth-century industrial design can be found in 90 percent of Italian homes. Now Italy’s favorite pot can go to work in your kitchen, making delicious espresso on gas or electric stovetops.

Need something a bit stronger? Well, the moka pot may be your answer! It is a portable coffee maker that recreates the flavor and caffeine punch of espresso without the bulky machinery. All you need is a heat source which is why we consider it to be one of the best. Curious as to what is the best coffee maker?

The moka pot is sometimes called a Bialetti. That is because the original moka pot was created by Italian aluminum engineer, Alfonso Bialetti, in 1933. Coffee making at home was a much slower process before Bialetti"s moka pot. Bialetti"s design allowed people from all walks of life to enjoy a good cup of espresso coffee without needing a fancy machine.

The moka pot is essentially a stovetop espresso maker. Over the years, Bialetti’s moka pot design has been recreated by many different companies. While the materials, size, and look may vary now, the moka pot’s simple design stayed the same.

The moka pot is made from three separate pieces that create three chambers for your water, ground coffee, and the brewed coffee espresso. The bottom chamber holds the boiling water and comes in direct contact with the stovetop or heat source.

Place the water chamber over the heat source. You need to make sure that the moka pot you purchase is compatible with the stovetop or heat source available to you.

Now that you know how easy the moka pot is to use, you are ready to make your own stovetop espresso at home. Do not be intimidated by the variety of moka pots that you find online. We reviewed the top moka pots on the market today to make it easier to select the best one for you.

The Bialetti Express Moka Pot is based on the original eight-sided Bialetti moka design. Like its predecessors, this express moka pot is still made in Italy from high-quality aluminum. It is safe for use on both a gas stove and an electric stovetops. It can also be used on top of camp stoves if you would like to enjoy a high-quality coffee in the great outdoors.

The Bialetti Express Moka Pot comes in a variety of different sizes. You can pick from a 1-cup design all the way up to an 18-cup design, depending on whether you plan to make coffee for one or your entire crew. The 6-cup design is the standard and most commonly used one.

The Bialetti Express weighs about 3 pounds, depending on the size. It features an ergonomic anti-scald handle, though be careful that it does not go directly over a flame, as it may melt. The lid also has a anti-scald knob

All you need to clean this moka pot is water, so no need for detergent if you don’t have any on hand. For the environmentally-conscious coffee drinker, Bialetti partners with an ocean conservancy organization to promote eco-sustainable practices.

Bialetti moka pots tend to be in the mid range price-wise. The tried and true Italian quality and beautiful design are so worth a little extra cash over some cheaper options on the market.

The bonVIVO Intenca weighs about 2 pounds depending on the size. It comes in two size options, 4 cups and 6 cups, so you can treat a friend. The bonVIVO Intenca is comparable in price to the Bialetti Express Moka Pot.

The Grosche Milano Steel Matte Black moka pot is another great moka pot with a clean and simple design. It is made from stainless steel and is safe to use on all stove types, including gas, electric, coil, induction, and camp stoves.

While most of the unit is manufactured in China, the steam safety valve on the bottom chamber is actually made in Italy. We feel as though GROSCHE put a lot of care into this product to ensure that the safety valve was well tested and the quality was assured.

The Grosche Milano Steel Matte Black is the perfect moka pot for the socially conscious coffee maker. Grosche enables its users to make a difference while making coffee, due to its socially conscious mission: to provide safe drinking water for everyone on the planet. The company also promotes other ideals, such as food security, eco-sustainability, and a living wage.

The Grosche Milano fall in the mid-range pricewise and is comparable to the Bialetti and the bonVIVO in that regard. If the past two choices haven"t convinced you, then this is your next best option!

The VeoHome Stovetop Espresso Coffee Maker resembles an electric tea kettle at first glance. Its subtle look will blend in seamlessly to any kitchen. VeoHome is a French based company, although this moka pot is manufactured in China.

The VeoHome moka pot does not come in a variety of colors, however, this may be a good thing as the exterior of the unit is less likely to wear down or chip away during use and cleaning.

Like many of the other moka pots on our list, the VeoHome stovetop espresso coffee maker is made from stainless steel. The unit’s handle is also made from stainless steel and lacks any heat resistant features, so it is likely to get hot during the brewing process.

While the VeoHome may lack some of the bells and whistles of other moka pots, such as a futuristic design or a flashy branding campaign, users praise for its reliability to get the job done and make a great cup of espresso. Pricewise, this moka pot is on par with other mid-range moka pots on our list.

The Début Stainless Steel Italian Espresso Coffee Maker probably has the most contemporary design of any of the moka pots on our list. It will not only make great coffee, but also will no doubt be a conversation starter for guests in your kitchen.

Début is a Taiwanese company and this moka pot is made in Taiwan. According to Début, this moka pot was designed by an Italian company. The Début is made from stainless steel and like the VeoHome, the Début’s handle lacks any insulation, so it will likely get hot to the touch while you are brewing your coffee.

The Début is a relative newcomer to the moka pot world but users are really happy with the results so far. The unit does trend towards the pricier end of similar models on our list.

The Grosche Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker is another great Grosche coffee maker that is worthy to make the top moka pot list. What differentiates the Grosche Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker from the Grosche Milano Steel Matte Black is that it replicates the original eight-sided Bialetti moka pot design.

This moka pot is safe to use on most stove tops but is not intended to be used on induction stoves. The Grosche Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker adds a modern twist to the Bialetti with a wooden handle and wooden knob on top of the lid. This material is heat proof and unlike the heat resistant features of some of the other moka pots on this list, does its job well!

Like the Bialetti it is made from aluminum but what makes it standout is the exterior enamel coat that allows for its attractive modern look. It comes in four color options: red, black, white, and silver. It also comes in four size options that range from 1 cup to 9 cups.

The price of the Grosche Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker is significantly lower than most of the moka pots on our list. It is about half the price of its muse, the Bialetti. As your already know from reading the Grosche Milano Steel Matte Black, Grosche is proud to be a socially conscious minded company and gives back a lot in the community.

If you look at the Primula Espresso Maker too quickly you might mistake it for the Bialetti Express Moka Pot. That is because it copies Bialetti’s eight-sided design and silver exterior. It is a well crafted device capable of brewing a strong cup of Joe.

Like the Bialetti, the Primula Espresso Maker is made from aluminum. It is safe to use on all electric, ceramic, gas, and propane stove tops. Also, like the Bialetti, the Primula features a heart resistant handle and lid knob, which users report can get overheated if placed directly over the heat source. Unlike the Bialetti, the Primula is made in China.

If you are on a budget, the Primula Espresso Maker is worth it at just a fraction of the cost of the Bialetti. However, if the original moka pot design is what you are after, it might be worth spending a few more dollars and investing in the better quality Bialetti.

Though this laser focus on one product could be interpreted as a bad or a good thing, in this case, it is most definitely is a positive. Because it specializes in just one thing, LuxHaus has perfected its moka pot. The user reviews speak for themselves.

A unique feature of this moka pot is the spring on the coffee chamber that pops it out and makes it easier to take out and clean. The LuxHaus Stovetop Espresso Maker is safe to use on all stove types. Unlike some of LuxHaus’s competitors, it has been proven to work on induction stoves.

The London Sip is a very attractive moka pot that features a modern design and comes in a unique copper color. A second option is a standard silver finish. It also comes in three sizes: 3 cups, 6 cups, and 10 cups.

This moka pot is safe on most stove types, include electric, gas, induction, and ceramic. Unfortunately, propane is not a compatible stove type for this unit and therefore you probably won’t be able to take it camping with you.

Like the LuxHaus brand, the London Sip specializes in only three products, its two moka pots and their replacement parts, including the rubber gasket and filter plate.

While the name may suggest that the London Sip is made in the UK, the majority of the unit is actually manufactured in China. The London Sip is another lower priced model that makes it an affordable, entry level moka pot.

At first glance, you may think that the Coffee Gator Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker is another Bialetti Express Moka Potwannabe.And it’s true, this moka pot features the quintessential Bialetti eight-sided design, as well as the heat-resistant handle and lid knob.

However, don’t write the Coffee Gator moka pot as another Bialetti knock-off. There are some things than make it stand out a cut above the rest. For starters, Coffee Gator was founded in the United States by a guy who used to drink instant coffee before he was converted to real coffee while traveling through Colombia.

The Coffee Gator is made from aluminum like the Bialetti, It comes only in one size, a 6 cup option, and only in a gray color option. The Coffee Gator is safe on all stove types, including induction and propane, so you can take it camping if you want.

Espresso purists will argue that stovetop espresso is not real espresso. While moka pot coffee may not be exactly as strong as espresso made with an industrial machine, it is very close.

Moka pots are capable of making a very strong cup of coffee, much stronger than drip coffee. In fact, there are some techniques that you can use to reduce the boldness of your moka coffee, such as increasing the coarseness of your coffee grounds and using a lower heat setting on your stovetop to increase the brew time.

If you find your moka top coffee to be too strong for your tastes, you can always dilute it with water to make it closer to drip quality. Like espresso, you can also use moka pot coffee as a base for other espresso-like drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos. All you have to do is add milk.

Moka pot coffee is as good as the quality of the coffee you use. Moka pot coffee is great if you use good quality beans. Some people complain that moka pot coffee is bitter. There are a few easy solutions to this, including:

Keep the moka pot clean.  There is a myth that some old buildup in the pot adds flavor to the coffee. That old residue actually contributes to the bitterness.

Fill the moka pot with hot water from the start. If you heat up cold water with the coffee on top, you are also heating up the coffee grinds, which can add to the bitter taste.

A shot of espresso delivers caffeine to your system quicker and more effectively than its milder filtered coffee counterpart. While the Bialetti moka pot cannot attain the nine bars of pressure of an espresso machine, it comes pretty close.

Keep in mind that the size drip coffee size is much bigger than the moka pot cup which is bigger than a shot of espresso. As you go down in size, the caffeine becomes much more concentrated, which is why people look for a caffeine kick opt for the quick-release of an espresso.

Cleaning your moka pot is an important practice that many java lovers do not perform. Doing a routine cleaning will help with the coffee oils and particles that tend to form on the surfaces of your beloved brewing apparatuses. The moka pot is no exception which is why we have laid down these simple tips to follow!

Descale your moka pot. After many uses, the minerals in your water will begin to calcify and you"ll need stronger acids to break them down. We recommend a tablespoon of vinegar and lemon juice!

Rinse and repeat as necessary. If you have routinely cleaned your moka pot, then one descale should suffice. However, if you have neglected the cleanup process then yo may need to do this one or two additional times.

The moka pot is a very simple, three-piece machine, so even with all of the varieties narrowed down to the top 10, it might still be very difficult to pick one out. As we have just discussed, there are a few features that you should be on the lookout for when shopping for a moka pot.

Whether you opt for an aluminum or a stainless steel option, look for a moka pot that is compatible with all stove types, especially the one you plan to use it on the most. Look for a moka pot with heat resistant handles and knobs that truly work. And while a colored coating on the exterior may be more attractive, make sure that it will not fade or peel when exposed to heat or your dishwasher.

One thing to note when it comes to moka pot sizes, cups equates to espresso cups not regular coffee cups. One espresso cup is equal to about 2 ounces vs the standard 8-ounce cup. Some users have felt mislead when their moka pot was much smaller than expected.

Remember, espresso is usually consumed in shots due to the concentration of caffeine versus regular coffee cups. Finally, if you are socially conscious or care where your moka pot is manufactured make sure you pay attention to the little details.

There you have it, ten great moka pots to choose from if you would like to make espresso from the comfort of your own home (or tent). These days, coffee maker companies come in all shapes and sizes, so you are bound to find a moka pot that not only fits your budget and style specifications, but also one that meets more special requirements.