Moka Pot is a stovetop espresso maker that has been gaining in popularity in recent years. It’s simple to use and can brew a great cup of coffee if you use the right ingredients.
One of the most important components for making Moka Pot brews is the quality of the coffee bean.
There are many different types of roasted beans available, but not all of them are suited for this type of brewing. In this article, we will discuss the best options for Moka Pot and why they work well in this brewing method.
Our team created a table with the most essential information about the finest bean varieties available in the market. We’ve also included a brief explanation of each product to help you understand their qualities better.
We hope this guide will assist you in selecting the perfect beans for your Moka Pot and achieving the ideal cup of coffee brew!
Our Recommended List
What’s great about the Moka Pot is that it doesn’t require an expensive machine or electricity, yet it produces an exceptional cup of coffee. However, to craft the perfect drink, you need to start with the right beans. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of top picks for Moka Pot brewing.
If you’re seeking the ideal beans for your stovetop espresso maker, our table has you covered! We’ve highlighted the most popular choices on the market today, along with a breakdown of key features for each product.
Additionally, we’ve included notes on how to use each bean selection with your Moka Pot and where to find them online. So why wait? Dive into our curated list of Moka Pot bean options now!
#1. Illy Classico Ground – Classico Medium Roast
Illy Classico Ground Moka Blend is the perfect choice for Moka Pot brewing. Its rich aroma and well-defined body make this medium roast a signature Italian option. Featuring delicate notes of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine, this 100% Arabica selection promises an espresso experience like no other.
Illy has named this flavor profile “Classico” as it represents their classic roast. It is a medium roast with subtle, elegant notes of caramel and orange blossom, perfect for the Moka Pot. Additionally, it is pressurized fresh and packaged to meet United States standards.
#2. San Francisco Bay Coffee
Looking for the perfect beans for your Moka Pot? San Francisco Bay’s Moka Java is an excellent choice. This medium-light roast offers a naturally sweet and balanced finish, making it ideal for stovetop brewing.
Hand-picked and cultivated at high altitudes, these premium coffee beans ensure a top-notch brewing experience. They come in a variety of forms, from whole to ground, and are sustainably sourced and packaged.
The flavor profile is perfectly suited to the Moka Pot, delivering exceptional taste with every brew. San Francisco Bay Coffee is a family-owned American company with a rich tradition of excellence.
#3. Lavazza Super Crema
Do you love the rich, creamy flavor of espresso? Do you find that other beans just don’t quite cut it? Well, look no further than Lavazza Super Crema. This Italian whole bean selection is perfect for making espresso with your Moka Pot.
It has a mild and creamy medium roast, with notes of hazelnut and brown sugar. And it’s produced in a nut-free facility, so everyone can enjoy it! So why wait? Pick up a bag of Lavazza Super Crema today!
#4. Lavazza Espresso Italiano
If you’re looking for the best beans to use in your Moka Pot, Lavazza Espresso Italiano has you covered. This medium roast is highly aromatic, with a fragrant flavor and rich body. It’s Italy’s favorite brew, ideal for espresso but also suitable for all types of brewing methods.
Lavazza Espresso Italiano comes in an 8oz package, with an intensity rating of 5 out of 10. Whether you’re craving a strong shot or a milder option like an americano or cappuccino, this blend is versatile enough for your needs.
What sets Lavazza Espresso Italiano apart is the quality of the beans. Crafted from a blend of Arabica and Robusta varieties, roasted in Italy, it achieves a perfect balance of flavor and body. The result is a rich, full-flavored espresso with a strong aroma and smooth taste.
#5. Lavazza Crema E Gusto Ground
For a bold option to use with your Moka Pot, Lavazza Crema E Gusto Ground is an excellent choice. This Italian dark roast blend offers richness, creaminess, and a flavorful profile with a chocolatey aftertaste. It’s also non-GMO and moderately intense, making it suitable for various brewing styles.
Roasted and blended in Italy, this selection shines when used for espresso but performs well in other brewing methods too. Enjoy a full-bodied cup with every brew.
#6. Bialetti – Classico
Searching for the ideal cup? Bialetti has been perfecting its craft for over 80 years. Using traditional artisanal methods, Bialetti roasts beans longer than average to extract the full spectrum of aromas and flavors.
Their unique grind level is designed to yield a creamy and intense experience with every brew. Only the finest selections are used, ensuring the perfect pairing with your Stovetop Moka Pot. Indulge in floral notes and dried fruit flavors with this 100% Colombian Excelso blend today!
#7. illy Intenso Dark Roast
If you want an exceptional blend for your Moka Pot, illy Intenso Dark Roast is the answer. This mix features nine premium Arabica sources from around the globe, resulting in a bold, robust profile with deep cocoa notes.
Illy caffè, celebrated for its integrity, has been recognized on Ethisphere’s list for seven consecutive years. Their dedication to sustainable practices spans over 30 years, focusing on socially, economically, and environmentally responsible bean cultivation.
#8. Allegro Decaf – Organic Espresso Bel Canto
For those seeking a decaffeinated option, Allegro Decaf – Organic Espresso Bel Canto delivers. These organic, medium-roasted beans bring a delightful flavor to your morning coffee routine.
The deep, rich profile ensures your Moka Pot espressos are always on point. Explore more organic selections at Premium Organic Coffee Beans.
#9. Ethical Bean Sweet Espresso
Ethical Bean Sweet Espresso is a standout choice for Moka Pot enthusiasts. This 100% Arabica, medium-dark roast delivers exceptional flavor while supporting Fairtrade practices. The resealable packaging preserves freshness, and a QR code lets you trace the journey from crop to cup.
Certified by Fairtrade International, Ethical Bean adheres to standards promoting fairness, sustainability, and equitable trade practices.
#10. STARBUCKS® Espresso Roast
If you’re looking for a great cup of brew, you need to check out STARBUCKS® Espresso Roast. This dark roast whole bean blend is perfect for making espresso drinks and has a rich flavor that will satisfy your cravings. Plus, it’s ethically sourced from 100% sustainable farms, so you can feel good about what you’re drinking.
The new packaging look for STARBUCKS® Espresso Roast doesn’t change the fact that it’s still the same great-tasting blend you know and love. So why not try it for yourself today? You won’t be disappointed.
What is a Moka pot?
The Moka pot is a stovetop espresso maker that has been around for over 80 years. It is one of the most popular ways to make espresso at home and can produce an amazing cup of coffee. Moka pots come in a variety of sizes, but the most common is the 3-cup size.
Moka pots work by heating water in the bottom chamber and forcing it up through a small filter basket containing grounds. The resulting espresso then flows into the top chamber where it can be enjoyed. Moka pots are very easy to use and only require a few minutes to brew a great cup.
What is a stovetop espresso maker?
A stovetop espresso maker, often referred to as a coffee percolator, has been a staple in coffee brewing for over 80 years. This popular method allows you to create a rich, moka-style coffee at home with ease. These pots come in various sizes, with the 3-cup model being the most common.
These devices function by heating water in the bottom chamber and forcing it through a small filter basket containing coffee grounds. The resulting brew collects in the top chamber, ready to be savored. Stovetop espresso makers are simple to use, requiring only a few minutes to produce a delicious cup.
How to Choose?
Light roast blends yield the best results when using this brewing method. Grinding your beans fresh and maintaining a 7-gram coffee-to-water ratio per ounce will enhance flavor. The Bialetti coffee percolator is a renowned choice for home use. Below are some details on each aspect:
- Roasting: Light roast beans are ideal for this brewing style, offering more acidity and floral notes in the coffee. Medium and dark roasts are also options, though they produce a bolder, less intricate flavor profile.
- Grinding: Freshly ground beans ensure optimal flavor. For stovetop espresso makers, a fine grind—similar to what espresso machines use—is recommended. Coarse grinds can lead to under-extraction and weak flavor, while overly fine grinds may result in bitterness.
- Beans Ratio: Using 7 grams of grounds per 1 ounce of water achieves a balanced coffee brew. This proportion ensures the coffee isn’t overly strong or weak.
- Bialetti Coffee Percolator: This Italian-made stovetop brewer, trusted for generations, combines classic design with ease of use. It consistently produces high-quality moka coffee at home.
Why is it called a Stovetop Espresso Maker?
This brewing tool derives its name from the original Moka Express, designed by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. Many enthusiasts claim it produces a superior brew compared to traditional espresso machines.
Made from aluminum, stovetop brewers have three compartments: the bottom chamber (water reservoir), the middle chamber (grounds holder), and the top chamber (coffee collection area).
Common Issues
Users sometimes encounter corrosion or difficulty achieving the correct water pressure. Additionally, coffee made with this method may not match the strength of espresso from a machine. For the best results, use beans roasted specifically for stovetop brewers, and select a pot size that matches your serving needs.
Proper maintenance is crucial. Clean your stovetop brewer after each use and descale it periodically to prevent mineral buildup. With proper care, these moka coffee makers can last for many years.
Tips on Brewing
Mastering the stovetop espresso maker requires practice, but the effort pays off in bold, flavorful coffee. Here are some tips for success:
Remove the pot from heat as soon as brewing is complete to prevent burning.
Serve your brew black or with a splash of milk in small cups for a traditional experience.
Use freshly roasted, high-quality beans, as the coffee’s taste hinges on their quality.
Start with cold water and avoid exceeding the pot’s maximum capacity.
Don’t overfill the grounds chamber, as leaving some space prevents bitterness.
Match your stovetop burner size to the brewer’s base.
Avoid stirring the coffee while brewing, as this can lead to undesirable flavors.
