If you are a coffee lover, you probably know: when an espresso machine extracts coffee, the pressure can reach 9 bars, while a stove top espresso maker can only reach about 2-3 bars.
Because of the pressure difference, espresso machines can extract a stronger coffee liquid and can make more milky drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, etc.
So can a stove top espresso maker make milk coffee drinks? Is it still worth it for us to buy it? What are the advantages of a Moka pot? Let's learn about it.
What is a Stove Top Espresso Maker?
Although it has been marketed worldwide, many people still do not know much about the stove top espresso maker.
Stove top espresso maker also named "Moka pot". It is a tool for extracting espresso liquid. Named after the city of Moka in Yemen, it was invented in 1933 by Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti and quickly became one of the main elements of Italian culture.
The principle of the Moka pot is to extract the coffee liquid by heating the water in the lower pot into steam, using the pressure of the steam to push the water up into the powder tank through a tube, and then continuing to push it up through the tube to the upper pot to aggregate the liquid out. The original design of the Moka pot is mainly made of aluminum metal. The coffee made by the Moka pot is a concentrated extraction, restoring the concentration and flavor of the original Italian coffee Espresso.
What Makes the Moka Pot so Special?
Stove top espresso makers are special because they require only simple heating to create a cup of coffee that is similar in taste to the richness of espresso, with a delicate and smooth mouthfeel.
They are made of aluminum or stainless steel and come in single and double-valve options. Moka pots are not only simple to operate, but they are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a great choice for homemade coffee.
Another reason why Moka pots are so good is they are the only coffee makers (besides espresso machines) that use the pressure principle to extract coffee. The Moka pot is known as a stovetop espresso maker because it has a higher coffee extraction rate than other coffee makers. Of course, this does not mean that coffee from a Moka pot is equal to espresso. The extraction pressure of a Moka Pot is 2-3 bar, while the extraction pressure of an espresso machine is 9 bar.
Read: Is Moka Pot As Strong As Espresso
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Another feature of the Moka Pot is that it is perfect for parties and outdoor use. It can be heated directly on an open flame and also on an induction stove, which is a very convenient way to heat it.
The Moka Pot coffee does not need to be filtered and it takes less than ten minutes to make a good pot of espresso. The capacity of each serving is 1-18 ml of coffee concentrate. Not only can it be made into Americano, but also a variety of milk coffee drinks that can be enjoyed by multiple people at the same time.
We like the Moka Pot because it can make espresso liquid and allows us to invest less money and even less space to make a pot of espresso liquid. If your kitchen is not convenient to put an espresso machine, why not consider buying a compact Moka pot?
Do Stove top Coffee Makers Only Make Espresso?
Can you only make coffee with espresso on the stovetop? Of course not.
If you want to make Americano, try using medium roasted coffee beans, increase the amount of water, and you will get a cup of aromatic black coffee.
If you want to make milk coffee drinks, you can make espresso liquid with normal proportions and then pour in normal proportions of milk to make lattes, cappuccinos, and other white coffees.
In the process of making, we should note that every time you use the Moka pot, the powder trough must also be spread, no need to press the powder. To avoid extraction safety accidents.
Read: How to Use Italian Stovetop Espresso Maker (Moka Pot-Tips)
What is the Best Moka Pot?
The Bialetti Moka Express is an undeniable classic model, as it makes espresso-making easy.
Until now, there have been many new brands of Moka pots with new materials. Perhaps we can diversify our attention to other types of Moka pots.
Suit All Heating Methods
Traditional aluminum Moka pots have a disadvantage - they can only be placed over an open flame when heated. Because of the nature of the aluminum metal, it cannot conduct heat on an induction cooktop.
However, the stainless steel Moka Pot is the perfect solution to this problem.
With a stainless steel lower pot and a high-quality high-temperature-resistant glass upper pot, not only is it suitable for all heating tools, but you can also enjoy the process of coffee extraction.
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Visual enjoyment type
Coffee is a pure aesthetic.
If you enjoy making coffee, a brightly colorful Moka pot can satisfy your feeling.
Suitable for 3-6 people portions, brew a pot of coffee in the courtyard, and share with family and friends, the moment is so good!
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The double valve is more mellow
Before double-valve Moka pots were developed, we were using single-valve Moka pots.
They look the same in appearance. When you open the upper pot, you will find a hydraulic device added at the top, and the coffee comes out and then passes through the pressurized device, leading to a more mellow coffee.
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In terms of taste.
- Single valve: the taste is bitter and the mellow feeling is slightly thin
- Double valve: more pronounced coffee acidity, better smoothness, more pronounced flavor, and texture
Is a Moka pot still worth buying?
I think it is worth it.
Every coffee-making method has its unique flavor.
And the Moka pot is a low-cost, very easy-to-operate way to make espresso.
Small in size, strong in flavor, low in cost, and can be used outdoors, I can't find a reason why I don't like it.
