Bialetti Moka Express – stove top espresso (restyle)

A Bialetti Moka Express is more than just a stove-top espresso maker, it is a connection to a culture.

Bialetti

The original stove-top espresso was invented by Luigi De Ponti,, or alongside Alfonso Bialetti. Either way, Bialetti acquired the patent of the Moka Express coffeemaker. Designed in 1933, the coffee pot has been a style icon since the 1950s.  Now this pot is the source of nostalgia and affection for many coffee lovers the world over and is an essential and fashionable part of almost every coffee lover’s kitchen. While many variations of the Moka have been developed, the Moka Express is a time-honoured classic.

Bialetti Moka Express

A simple coffee maker that requires a heat source, so great coffee and a little bit of setup. Still a great way to make coffee today. The Moka Express comes in various sizes. Each is rated per cup, which is typically around 40g of coffee. So a 1 cup makes 40g of coffee, 2 cup 80g etc.

While there is a full range available. Our favourite is the 4 cup.

Size guide

The Moka Express is designed to have its filter basket fill and the water up to the gasket so when selecting a size use this as a reference:

• 1 & 2 cups is ideal for a single espresso cup serving
• 4 & 6 cups for 2 espressos, or a single strong mug of coffee
• 6 & 9 cups suitable for 3 espressos or 6-9 ristrettos
• 12+ part of espressos

How to use

Our recommended method to use the Moka Express is:

• Unscrew the pot and remove the coffee filter.
• Add a little warm water (about 60°C) into the base of the pot, until the water level is just below the gasket.
• Make sure you grind your coffee fresh. The grind level, to start with, is like course sand.
• Add the coffee grinds to the coffee filter, scraping off the top, making it level.
• Insert the coffee filter into the pot and then screw the top on.
• Place the pot on the stove and set the stove to medium-low flame.
• After 2-3 minutes, you will hear a bubbling noise, turn off the stove.
• Once the coffee has settled, pour slowly into your espresso cup.
• Things you can play with:
  • Grind size, remember more course is more flavour, finer more body.
  • Temperature of the starting water.
  • Adding hot water to your cup before you pour the coffee