"Whenever you think of Italy, chances are, you probably think of good food. And while I believe Italian food is the best, I’ll also say their beverages are unmatched. Case in point? Espresso. The caffeinated shot originated in Venice in the early 20th century, and since then, Italians have been the undisputed champions of espresso. This is probably why my grandmother—the daughter of two Italian immigrants—would use her Italian stovetop espresso maker (AKA moka pot) every Christmas Eve after the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
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That said, I can’t have caffeine late, so I forgot all about my grandma’s moka pot until I moved out on my own. I had been using a plain ol’ coffee machine and my morning cup just wasn’t hitting right. So in my search for something better, I decided to take some inspiration from my grandma.
Since then, I’ve been using a moka pot daily, and I haven’t looked back. Now, my morning coffee is rich, filled with flavor, and helps set me up for success for the day ahead. So if you’re looking to elevate your morning routine, I invite you to read on and learn exactly what a moka pot is, how to use one, and why it’s made my morning coffee so much better.
What is a Moka Pot?
Similar to espresso machines, moka pots brew coffee by using pressure to force water through the coffee grounds. The brewed coffee is then deposited into a separate serving chamber inside the moka pot. Although this type of coffee isn’t as strong as espresso, it is still two to three times more concentrated than your average drip coffee and has a bold, rich flavor to boot. Plus, moka pots are affordable, fast, and easy to use, which is a win in my book.
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Why Using a Moka Pot Makes My Morning Coffee Better
I’m an earth sign who loves taking my time and luxuriating, which is especially important in the morning. I truly believe morning time sets the tone for the day, and I notice a difference in my mood on the mornings I feel rushed versus the mornings I let myself ease into the day. Since using my moka pot, though, I’ve become way more zen.
Unlike regular coffee makers or Keurig machines, moka pots require attention, lest you risk overbrewing your coffee. My morning routine now consists of filling my moka pot with water, pouring in the coffee grounds, securing the lid before putting it on the stove, and waiting for it to boil. It’s a relaxing ritual that makes me feel calm AF and helps me stay grounded throughout the rest of the day.
What’s more, the flavor of moka coffee is truly unmatched. I’m a huge fan of heavy, bold flavors, and moka coffee is richer than any other coffee I’ve tried at home or from a shop. Plus, it brews just the right amount. I am extremely sensitive to caffeine and can’t finish a small cup of coffee without feeling jittery and anxious; I’d always feel guilty dumping out whatever I couldn’t finish. Thanks to my moka pot, though, I no longer have to worry about being wasteful. I can brew enough to fit into an espresso cup and move on with my day jitter-free and clearheaded.
Shop Moka Pots and Accessories
Ready to try out a moka pot for yourself? Here’s everything you need to get started:
Alfonso Bialetti was the Italian engineer who created the moka pot, and the Moka Express is the absolute OG. Made in Italy and safe to use on gas, electric, or induction stoves, this will bring the authentic Italian espresso experience right into your home.
If you’re looking for a moka pot that won’t break the bank, this is the move for you. Not only is it affordable, it also has 16 color options and various sizes to choose from.
If you’re going to make espresso, you might as well get the whole experience. This set comes with matching cups, spoons, and saucers so you can sip your coffee like you're sitting in an Italian cafe.
The key to brewing the perfect moka coffee lies in selecting the right coffee grounds. Bialetti has a wide variety of flavors and strengths to choose from so you can find your perfect blend.