BIALETTI BREWING

This Italian piece of equipment, designed in 1933, is popular due to its ability to create a thick and dense espresso without electricity or fancy equipment.

Not only is it effective at getting the job done, it has also become a style icon and adds a little nostalgia and charm to the trend setter’s kitchen.

Step 1

Boil water separately.

Fill the bottom chamber of your moka pot with hot (just off boil) water up to the safety valve.
Starting with hot water reduces harsh, metallic flavours.

Step 2

Grind your coffee medium-fine (slightly coarser than espresso, similar to fine sand).

Fill the basket fully, but do not tamp.
Level the grounds gently with your finger.

Step 3

Insert the basket into the base and screw on the top chamber securely.
Be careful the base will be hot.

Step 4

Place the moka pot on the stove over medium-low heat.

Leave the lid open so you can observe the flow.

Step 6

As the coffee begins to brew, you’ll see a steady stream flowing into the top chamber.
Aim for a gentle, even flow—not aggressive sputtering.

If it doesn’t seem to do much, turn up your flame.

When the stream turns lighter in colour (toward the end), remove the moka pot from heat.

Step 7

Pour out into your cup and enjoy!

Moka Pot Troubleshooting

My coffee tastes sour

This is usually under-extraction.

To fix it:

• Grind slightly finer
• Ensure the basket is fully filled
• Use a bit more heat (but avoid high heat)

My coffee tastes bitter or burnt

This is the most common moka pot problem—usually from over-extraction or overheating.

To fix it:

• Use lower heat
• Remove from heat earlier (before aggressive sputtering)
• Start with hot water in the base
• Grind slightly coarser

My coffee tastes metallic or harsh

Often caused by the pot overheating or coffee sitting too long on heat.

To fix it:

• Lower your brew temperature (medium-low heat)
• Remove from heat sooner
• Clean your moka pot thoroughly (no old coffee oils)

My coffee is weak or watery

This is usually a strength issue or incomplete brewing.

To fix it:

• Ensure the basket is full
• Grind slightly finer
• Check that the moka pot is sealing properly
• Allow the brew to complete (but stop before sputtering aggressively)

My coffee sputters or sprays everywhere

This usually means the brew is too aggressive.

To fix it:

• Lower the heat
• Use a slightly coarser grind
• Make sure all parts are assembled correctly and clean