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Have you used a stovetop coffee maker for coffee or espresso brewing? Are you looking for the best choice for a home barista? We got you covered. We’ll take you through the best options to select from and buy. 

If you do not have a budget for an automatic coffee maker, consider buying a stovetop coffee maker. 

There are different sizes to select from, and budget-friendly. However, there’s a slight learning curve. We will take you through how to use the coffee maker. 

SaleBestseller No. 1
Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot for Italian and Cuban Café Brewing, Greca Coffee Maker, Cafeteras, 6 Espresso Cups, Silver
  • CRAFT COFFEE AT HOME: Produces six demitasse/espresso servings of rich, smooth espresso coffee in minutes. Craft your own espresso, Americano, Cuban coffee, Italian-style coffee, Moka, lattes, cappuccinos and more from the convenience of your home.
  • DURABLE DESIGN: Carefully crafted with cast aluminum for long-lasting durability. Provides thorough and even heat distribution for enhanced flavor, aroma and consistency. Features a flip-top lid with a heat-resistant knob and handle for safe, easy pouring.
  • EASY TO USE: Simply fill the lower chamber with water, add ground coffee or espresso to the filter and place on stovetop. Within minutes, delicious espresso will fill the top chamber of your moka. Remove from heat and enjoy!
  • EASY TO CLEAN: Simply rinse with warm water and allow all components to dry before reassembling.
  • COFFEE ON-THE-GO: This coffee maker is portable and works on all electric, ceramic and gas stovetops (including propane) making it the perfect camping accessory. Available in 5 different sizes.
Bestseller No. 2
IMUSA USA B120-42V Aluminum Espresso Stovetop Coffeemaker 3-Cup, Silver
13,798 Reviews
IMUSA USA B120-42V Aluminum Espresso Stovetop Coffeemaker 3-Cup, Silver
  • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
  • Made with Durable Aluminum that Keeps Coffee Warm, Hand Wash Only
  • 3-Cup Capacity with Cool Touch Handle and Knob for easy handling
  • It's Small and Portable Design Makes it Easy for Sharing
  • Designed with a Flip up Top and Side Pour Spout for Easy Serving
Bestseller No. 3
Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup, 1 EA, silver, 6800
  • Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
  • English (Publication Language)

Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Let’s get started. 

What Is a Stovetop Coffee Maker

stovetop coffee maker
Source: Pexels

A stovetop is designed for use on a stove or burner. It’s also referred to as a Moka pot. It is best for espresso and coffee brewing. 

Stovetop coffee makers have three main parts – a water chamber, a filter basket, and a collection chamber. When cleaning the coffee maker, make sure you clean the rubber seal.  

Which Are The Best Stovetop Coffee Makers To Buy?

If you’re considering getting a coffee maker, it’s essential to have a buying guide. Here’s one you could use when buying the coffee maker.

We have a list of different stovetops, and we’ll look at the main features that make them the best choice for coffee lovers. So are you ready? 

Primula Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker

Sale Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot for Italian and Cuban Café Brewing, Greca Coffee Maker, Cafeteras, 6 Espresso Cups, Silver

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Primula Moka pot has different sizes. You can select 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 cup sizes. The stovetop espresso maker 6 cup is compatible with all stovetops, making it portable for outdoor activities like camping.  

It features a heat-resistant handle that protects your hands from burning. However, avoid placing the Moka pot handle on a direct heat source. 

The flip-top lid has a temperature-resistant knob. The Primula stovetop is made of cast aluminum that allows even heat distribution. You can pick a red, silver, or black Moka pot. 

Pros
  • It has a silicone gasket that does not collect odor or rip easily.
  • It is affordable.
  • Suitable for a family as you can make upto 6 cups of coffee.
  • Easy to use. It is a fast brewer and makes coffee within minutes.
  • Easy to rinse with warm water when cleaning. Reassemble the parts after drying.
  • It features a stainless steel valve.
Cons
  • It does not have a dense crema like an automatic coffee maker.

Bialetti Moka Express

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

One of the buying considerations to have in mind is size. If you’re making coffee for multiple people, you will need a coffee with a bigger capacity.

The Moka express has a capacity of upto 6 cups. The stovetop coffee maker Italian was invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. It works with all hobs except the induction ones. 

It is made of high-quality aluminum and features an ergonomic handle. You can select from a 1 cup size, 3, 6, 9, or 12 cups. You will notice the Bialetti logo of a man with a mustache on the coffee maker. 

Pros
  • It has a safety valve.
  • The original Moka pot has the Bialetti logo.
  • Easy to clean. Rinse it with water without using detergents or other chemicals.
  • The stovetop espresso maker 6 cup is made of durable material.
  • Multiple sizes to select from when buying.
Cons
  • You cannot use it on induction stovetops.

IMUSA USA B120-42V Espresso Stovetop Coffee Maker

IMUSA USA B120-42V Aluminum Espresso Stovetop Coffeemaker 3-Cup, Silver

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A stovetop coffee maker is convenient and affordable for a home barista. If you love making your cup of joe at home, a Moka pot makes a creamy, full-bodied coffee. 

Unlike an espresso maker, the stovetop coffee maker uses mild pressure to make espresso. A single-serve coffee maker is best for making 1 or 2 cups of coffee. 

Imusa stovetop makes 3 cups of coffee. The available cup sizes from this brand are 1, 3, 6, and 9. The aluminum material used to make the coffee maker helps to keep your coffee warm. 

Are you worried about missing your espresso or coffee while camping? The espresso stovetop coffee maker is portable.  

Pros
  • Easy to clean.
  • You can use it for espresso brewing.
  • It is portable.
  • The stovetop espresso maker stainless steel exterior makes it attractive and appealing.
  • It has a small design.
Cons
  • The 3-cup espresso maker is smaller for multiple servings.

GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Grosche Milano stovetop is best for single-serve brewing. It makes 1 cup of classic Italian coffee, but the brand allows you to select 3, 6, 9, or 12 cup sizes. 

The soft-touch handle has a burn guard to protect you from burning. It is made of anodized aluminum. To make espresso, a coffee maker should have the right pressure. 

The Grosche Milano has an Italian safety valve that protects your coffee maker from high-pressure buildup. The low-pressure stovetop coffee maker brews coffee and espresso. 

You can use it with a propane camping stove, electric and gas stoves. The brand recommends changing the silicone gasket seal after 3-6 months for consistent pressure in the boiler. 

Pros
  • The Grosche Milano handle has a burn guard.
  • The silicone seal maintains the pressure of the stovetop espresso maker. It also helps to prevent leaks.
  • The stovetop coffee maker Italian valve prevents high-pressure buildup.
  • It is available in different sizes and colors.
  • The brand recommends using it on small stovetops.
Cons
  • The coffee maker makes a single cup of coffee.
  • It is not compatible with an induction stovetop.

Bialetti Venus Stainless Steel Espresso Maker

Sale Bialetti Venus 6-Cup Stainless Steel Induction-Capable Stovetop Espresso Maker, Silver

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bialetti stovetop espresso maker stainless steel brews 6 cups of coffee. It has a modern shape and triple-chamber design. 

It delivers velvety flavored espresso within minutes. The flip-up top makes it easy to pour and serve coffee. The stovetop espresso maker 6 cup design is ideal for multiple servings. 

It is made of 18/10 stainless steel and works with an induction stovetop. It features an anti-scalding handle with a non-slip finish. From the Bialetti Venus stovetop espresso maker, you can select the 4-cup size, 6-cup, or 10-cup.

Pros
  • The stainless steel material makes the stovetop coffee maker durable.
  • It makes espresso within 5 minutes.
  • It is easy to disassemble the coffee maker for cleaning.
  • The Bialetti coffee maker works with all stove types.
  • It has an appealing design.
Cons
  • Reviewers complained of rust after using the stovetop espresso maker.

Bialetti – New Brikka, Moka Pot

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for a stovetop espresso maker 2 cup, you may consider the new Brikka Moka pot by Bialetti. It helps you make a full-bodied and intense espresso with crema.

It is compatible with an induction stovetop and gas stovetop. To make coffee, add water into the bottom chamber, place the filter and add ground coffee. 

Close the top chamber, then place it on a stovetop. Like other Bialetti Moka pots, it has the logo of the little man with a mustache.

Pros
  • The stovetop coffee maker features a safety valve.
  • Espresso lovers enjoy full-bodied and intense espresso rich in crema.
  • It is easy to clean. After coffee brewing, you can rinse it with warm water.
  • It has an appealing design.
  • You can make espresso with the Moka pot if you do not have a pressurized espresso maker.
Cons
  • The 2-cup size or 4-cup size option can be smaller for multiple servings.

Cuisinox Roma 6-cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With a Cuisinox espresso maker, you can make 4, 6, or 10 cups of coffee. You can select a cup size based on the coffee serving. 

The stovetop espresso maker stainless steel works on all stovetops. You can also make classic Italian espresso with it. 

Cuisinox stovetop espresso maker 6 cup comes with an extra gasket. The 18/10 stainless steel makes it compatible with an induction stovetop.  

Pros
  • It has an induction base and comes with an extra gasket.
  • The stovetop espresso maker is durable.
  • You can use it on all stovetops, including an induction stovetop.
  • There are multiple sizes to select from when buying.
Cons
  • It does not include a reducer.
  • The handle can get hot.

How to Use Stovetop Coffee Maker

stovetop coffee maker
Source: Pexels

For a beginner or if you’ve been using an automatic coffee maker, a Stovetop or Moka pot can be challenging to use. 

But, our comprehensive guide takes you through how to make an Italian espresso or coffee. Here’s how to go about it. 

You will need:

  1. Coffee (pre-ground coffee or whole beans)
  2. A stovetop coffee maker
  3. Filtered water (hot or cold)
  4. Coffee grinder, if you’re using coffee beans
  5. Stove 

Brewing Process

Grind coffee 

Use the coffee grinder to grind the coffee beans. The recommended grind size is coarse, but you can also use medium grounds. Avoid using a fine grind, as it could pass through the filter into the water chamber. 

Prepare the Stovetop

Open the different parts of the Moka pot. You will have the top chamber, lower chamber, and a filter. Place the rubber or silicone gasket but not too tight. 

Add the ground coffee into the stovetop filter but do not tamp it like in an automatic coffee maker. Next, add water into the water chamber. 

You will notice that the lower chamber has a safety valve. Add water below the valve. Make sure it is not on the valve. 

Some coffee connoisseurs argue that using cold water makes coffee bitter. You can use either hot or cold water. 

Place the filter with your ground coffee in the water chamber. Close the stovetop with the top chamber. 

Place the stovetop on the heat source and wait for it to brew. Avoid placing the handle on direct heat to avoid burning it. 

Turn off the stove when the coffee starts gurgling and run cold water on the coffee maker. The goal of running cold water is to stop the brewing, which could lead to bitter coffee. That is how you make coffee or espresso with a stovetop coffee maker. 

How to Select a Stovetop Coffee Maker

Coffee lovers have different choices when buying a stovetop coffee maker. So, here’s how to select the best Moka pot for espresso or coffee brewing. 

Check the size

Moka pots have different sizes. You can select a 1 cup for single-serve brewing or 12-cup for multiple servings. If you’re buying for a family, you should buy a stovetop with a bigger capacity. 

Stainless steel or aluminum 

Stainless steel Moka pots are more durable than aluminum ones. For example, the Bialetti Moka pot is made of cast aluminum, while Cuisinox is made of Stainless steel. 

Does it work on all stovetops?

Not all Moka pots use induction stovetops. If you do not have an alternative, consider buying one that works with your stovetop. For instance, if you’re buying one for camping, it should be compatible with a propane stove. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a stovetop coffee maker work?

With a Moka pot, it is fast and easy to make espresso and coffee. However, the espresso does not have as much crema as an espresso maker. As pressure starts to build, the water in the lower chamber rises. 

It rises through the ground coffee into the top chamber. Turn off the heat after the gurgling sound. 

Is there a drawback to using a stovetop coffee maker?

Yes. The main drawback is that you can easily over-extract the ground coffee, which could lead to bitter coffee. Turn off the stovetop after the gurgling sound. 

What is the purpose of a safety valve?

Stovetop coffee makers should have a safety valve. It prevents you from accidents from the pressure buildup when brewing coffee. 

Is a Stovetop Coffee Maker Worth Buying?

A Moka pot, also known as a stovetop, is worth the purchase. It helps to brew a dense cup of coffee and crema-rich espresso. However, it is not for espresso connoisseurs. 

It is affordable, has a pressure valve, available in different sizes, and is made of durable material. Before buying one, check whether it works with your stovetop, as some do not use induction stoves. 

Making coffee with a stovetop coffee maker is fast and saves you money. It is easy to clean and reassemble for coffee brewing. It’s best for camping as it is portable and works with a propane stovetop.

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