How do I use a Moka pot?
Read more, learn more, and gain more.
Is Stovetop Espresso Maker an Espresso Maker?
A Moka pot makes a stronger pot of aromatic coffee and is therefore known as a stovetop espresso maker. However, there has been controversy about whether a Moka pot can make espresso.
The pressure of the extracted coffee liquid is different. An espresso machine can generate 9 bar of pressure during extraction, while a Moka pot only generates about 2 bar of pressure during extraction.
In addition, the ratio of coffee powder to water is different. The powder-to-water ratio for espresso is 1:2, while the Moka pot is brewed at a ratio of 1:5.
As you can imagine, the ratio of the espresso machine must be more concentrated than that of the Moka pot. But in any case, a small Moka Pot can produce such a high concentration of coffee and is a great espresso substitute, and of course, has its unique coffee flavor.
Read more: Is Moka Pot As Strong As Espresso
How to Make Coffee in a Stovetop Espresso Maker?
Using the steam pressure of boiling water to extract coffee close to the espresso flavor, the process is not difficult to operate, what needs attention is to control the flame out, and the time to move away from the stove top. This has a lot to do with whether the coffee is good and strong.
The use of a drip filter coffee pot does not have the unique rich flavor, drink directly of course is not coarse Oh, but also enjoy the fun of making a latte or Afgado change.
We will make it in five steps.
Step 1: Grind the coffee beans into a powder (full powder chute). Separate the top pot of the Moka pot from the bottom pot and fill the bottom pot with water (below the pressure relief valve).
Step 2: Put the coffee powder in the metal filter (powder slot) and pat the powder flat with a light tap.
Step 3: Set the powder chute on the lower pot and screw the upper pot tightly. (Be sure to screw it tightly to make sure the upper and lower pots are connected.)
Step 4: With the lid open, heat the pot over direct heat, keeping the flame to a level that does not extend beyond the bottom of the pot. (Because of the possibility of boiling overflow, it is recommended to do this with the lid open until you can get the hang of it.)
Step 5: Turn off the heat when the hot water boils and starts to extract the coffee. When the extraction is complete, pour the coffee into the cup as soon as possible to avoid over-steaming.
Moka Pot Brewing Tips
Many people choose a Moka pot originally to find a more relaxing way to brew coffee compared to hand brewing, but often produce bitter coffee, and can only finish it by adding milk to cover it up. In fact, in addition to adjusting the coarseness of the coffee powder, the ratio of water to the powder, and whether to do some filling pressure, there are also some tips to avoid those less pleasant bitter tastes in the Moka pot.
Tips 1. Select fresh, good-quality coffee is a must, and grind it before boiling to retain the full flavor, no need to fill the pressure, and grind it with a coarseness comparable to that of hand coffee (with high-temperature extraction, so there is no need for too fine a grind).
Tips 2. Add warm water to the lower pot for extraction to shorten the heating time of the Moka pot and make the burnt bitterness less because the coffee powder will not be heated on the stove top all the time.
Tips 3. When you hear the water in the lower pot of the Moka pot has evaporated to the sound of bubbles, you must quickly move to a place without a heating source and cool the lower pot with a wet rag to avoid continuous heating and pressure to affect the water left in the powder tank to be extracted out, causing more bitterness in the coffee.
Tips 4. As long as you minimize the exposure of the coffee powder to air and shorten the heating time of the Moka pot, you will find that the moment the coffee liquid flows out, you can feel a different burst of aroma and bright acidity and sweetness in the drink.
However, no one can get used to any coffee appliance in a short time, not to mention that each coffee has different characteristics, and each brew has to be adjusted and corrected again to get closer to the perfect cup of coffee in your mind.
Ways to Use Stovetop Espresso Maker
When having a Moka pot, what other coffees can we make besides espresso? Share a few Moka pot versions of how to make coffee, make coffee with friends and enjoy your weekend.
[Oat Latte] Put ice cubes in the cup, pour 300ml of coffee mate oat milk and pour in the coffee liquid
[Cinnamon Latte] Put the right amount of cinnamon syrup in the cup, pour in the coffee liquid, heat the milk and froth it, then pour in the coffee liquid, sprinkle with dried cinnamon
[Coconut Green Americano] put ice cubes in the cup, pour 300ml coconut water, and pour in the coffee liquid
[Snow top American] put ice in a cup, add 200ml of pure water, pour in the coffee liquid, add two pieces of ice cream
[Cappuccino] heat milk to make thick milk froth and pour into the cup, pour in the coffee liquid, then continue to pour in the thick milk froth
[Raw Coconut Latte] put warm milk in a cup, pour in a packet of coconut powder, stir and dissolve and pour into the coffee liquid
How to Clean the Stovetop Espresso Maker
It needs to be cleaned after each use so that no more coffee stains are left on the Moka pot.
How do we clean it?
1. Disassemble the Moka pot. A freshly used Moka pot is very hot and difficult to open because of the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. Use brute force to make the threads wear out, so leave it to cool down before opening.
2. Pour out the coffee grounds into the powder chute. Please do not hit the slot with hard objects, otherwise, it will easily cause the slot to deform and cause the upper and lower pots to fail to close completely. Then rinse with water.
3. Rinse. Rinse every part of the pot body. It is not recommended to use smelly cleaners, which will make the smell remain in the pot. Do not use abrasive rags to clean, it will damage the surface of the Moka pot. After cleaning, wipe it clean with a dry towel.
4. If the bottom starts to discolor, it is possible that it is due to hard water, you can clean it with water and vinegar.
5. Aluminum Moka pots should not be put into the dishwasher for cleaning.
