The Moka Pot grind
The Moka Pot: a highly effective piece of kit to add to your brewing repertoire. Commonly known as a method for Italian style brewed coffee or Turkish coffee, it’s just as at home in your kitchen!
If you’re just getting started with a Moka Pot, we highly recommend starting off with our article which covers the brewing process from start to finish. All finished reading?
The TL;DR from our how to article is that you need to use a 1:7 water/ground coffee ratio, with a level tablespoon scoop of coffee going into your Moka Pot per cup desired, and that to use a Moka Pot, simply fill the bottom chamber of the pot with fresh hot water, adding your coffee grounds to the filter basket. Pop over your stove and heat until the top chamber is filled with coffee – done!
The pressure from the boiling water forces the water through the bottom chamber, up through the filter, then to the upper chamber of the pot, leaving you with espresso-like coffee with a lovely crema, without using one of those fancy espresso machines, coffee makers or an espresso maker.
A flame stove top is preferable here over an induction hob, as the direct flame better concentrates the heat into the water, thus getting you your brew more quickly. Top off with a small amount of high fat milk (think barista plant based drinks, or whole cow’s milk).
Time to start thinking about how to get the best grind for your coffee beans to complement your new method…
What grind is best for a Moka Pot?
Grind wise, if you were looking at a coffee grind chart, a grind on which is medium-fine just like for an AeroPress end of the spectrum is best for a Moka Pot.
This is due to the built in metal filter having larger holes than other popular brewing methods. Finer grinds and medium fine grinds are better suited to methods like the V60 which uses fine filter paper or french presses, which use a fine mesh filter.
Due to the slightly coarse texture required, either handheld blade grinders or automatic burr grinders will work for the coffee grinding process itself.
Finally, care wise, you’re going to want to hand wash your Moka Pot, as dishwashers are unlikely to get to the little crevices in your built-in filter, leading to a build up of grounds and water residue if you’re in a hard water area.
Hario Mini Mill and Coffee Grinder
£32.00
What’s the best type of Moka Pot to buy?
With all of this in mind, the best type of Moka Pot to buy is one that heats well, with a good quality filter that fits the size of the party you’re wanting to cater for.
Aluminium is the most common material you will see, largely due to its metal properties allowing heat to grow rapidly thus getting you a faster brew. Stainless steel is also used for Moka pots, and will last longer material wise and is regarded by some as safer (it heats less so you’re less likely to accidentally burn yourself) though takes longer to heat thus requiring more time to brew.
Bialetti is a pretty famous brand, and Moka Pots made in Italy are usually fairly safe bets, but you’ll find a huge variety of Moka Pot types.
Always look first about the amount of cups the Moka Pot claims to serve, its material based on your preference and a good quality metal filter basket.
That’s it – you’re all set! Happy brewing!
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Speciality coffee for Moka Pots
To make life that little bit easier, all of our single origins are available ground for Moka Pots. Old Mother Nightshade, Blind Byard, The Lincoln Imp and Nanny Rutt can all be delivered to your door, ready to be added to your new Moka Pot.
Like the thought of getting your grind size right, but not on the Moka Pot wagon yet? You can view our guides to getting that grind size with Espresso, V60 and AeroPress, too.
