How to brew coffee with a Moka Pot / Stovetop / Percolator

The Moka pot, or stovetop percolator, is a classic Italian method that produces a rich, concentrated coffee similar to espresso.

Often found in households around the world, the Moka pot is compact, durable, and doesn’t require an electrical outlet, making it a practical choice for intense coffee lovers.

  • Equipment You'll Need to Brew With a Stove top / Percolator

    • Moka pot
    • Freshly roasted coffee beans (medium-fine grind)
    • Cold water

  • Brewing Steps for a Stove top / Percolator

    1. Fill the Water Chamber
      Unscrew the Moka pot, fill the bottom chamber with water up to the safety valve (avoid overfilling).
    2. Add Coffee Grounds
      Place the coffee basket on top, fill it with medium-fine ground coffee (similar to table salt) without compressing. Level off the grounds gently.
    3. Assemble and Heat
      Screw the top of the pot securely. Place it on the stove over medium heat. As the water heats, it creates pressure that pushes the water up through the coffee grounds.
    4. Wait for the Coffee to Brew
      Listen for a hissing or bubbling sound as the coffee brews and fills the upper chamber. Once you hear it, take the pot off the heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
    5. Serve
      Pour the coffee right away and enjoy.
      Moka pot coffee is bold and intense, similar to espresso, so you could top up your cup with hot water or milk depending on your preference.

Brewing Tips for a Stove top / Percolator

Getting the right extraction time is the key with a Moka pot.

  • Starting with warm water reduces bitterness, as the extraction is quicker, but you will lose some of the depth of the flavour in your coffee
  • Starting with cold water extends the brew time, but can sometimes lead to over-extraction if it doesn't heat quickly enough.
  • Experiment to find your ideal taste combining the start temp of your water, and how quickly you heat the water by controlling your stove/fire level.

PROS & CONS

Some advantages & disadvantages of using a Stove top / Percolator

Intense, espresso-like flavour

Makes a bold and full-bodied coffee with a similar strength to espresso.

Affordable and durable

Usually made of aluminium or stainless steel, these trusty brewers are built to last.

Compact and portable

Great for taking on a trip with you - and because it doesn't need electricity it's even good for camping trips.

Trickier to master

Requires some experience to prevent over-extraction.

Limited capacity

Typically makes smaller quantities, so it’s less ideal for groups.

Can be bitter if overheated

Needs close attention on the stove to avoid burning.

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