7 Best Stovetop Espresso Makers of 2021

The stovetop espresso makers or Moka pots as they are also fondly referred to as have been in use since the 1930s, and they are hence one of the oldest methods of brewing espressos.

With the best stovetop espresso makers, you get strong and flavorful shots of espresso fast and without having to spend a small fortune on an espresso machine.

These coffee maker will consist of at least three different chambers. And it will work by boiling the water in the low chamber to turn it into pressurized steam that is then forced through coffee grounds on an upper chamber to extract coffee that is then collected on the top chamber.

Moka pots are both functional and stylish, they have a small footprint and also easier to use than most other types of coffee makers.

However, like with all other kitchen appliances, you still need to pick a model that will work best for you. In this piece, we help make the choice easier for you by reviewing 7 top-rated stovetop espresso makers and by showing you the factors to watch out for when shopping.

7 Best Stovetop Espresso Makers – Review

• Capacity: 9-cup
• Material: Aluminum

The high-quality polished aluminum is what gives this Bialetti stovetop espresso maker its impressive classic and elegant look. But, besides the look, there are still many other good elements about it.

These amazing features include the distinctive 8-sided shape that will allow it to diffuse the heat perfectly for an enhanced coffee aroma. And the coffee maker will make up to 9 cups of strong and rich coffee in under 5 minutes.

There is also a patented safety valve on the espresso maker, and it comes with a stay-cool plastic handle to make it easy to handle even when hot. For even more user convenience, the design will include a flip-up top with an easy-grip knob.

Disassembling this coffee maker is also straightforward to make clean up quick and easy. And although deep cleaning can be time-consuming you will hardly ever need to do it because a simple rinse or two is often enough.

• Capacity: 1-cup
• Material: Aluminum

For the aficionados on the hunt for the best Italian stovetop espresso maker and do not want or are not willing to spend a lot of cash, this highly affordable one by Top Moka is perfect.

Despite its affordable price tag, this is still a well-built and highly durable stovetop coffee maker that features polished aluminum construction.

But, what many coffee lovers will love most about it is that it has a unique boiler design and double-thick bottom that will enhance the heat spread for richer and more intense coffee.

This coffee maker will be best suited for use by an individual as it has the smallest capacity in our stovetop espresso maker reviews.

Also, it is designed to work on most stovetops from gas to electric but it will not be ideal for brewing on induction stovetops. But this should not be a deal breaker because you will hardly find any home that only uses induction stovetops.

• Capacity: 10-cup
• Material: Stainless Steel

For the heavy coffee drinkers or those that live in a house with several coffee drinkers, the 10-cup capacity of the Cuisinox Roma will be a great buy.

Besides its large capacity, this premium grade coffee maker is also made to last longer and with an attention-grabbing finish. It is a hand-crafted coffee maker that features an 18/10 stainless steel construction with a mirror finish.

With this Moka pot, you can make your coffee from any stovetop as it has an induction base that will allow you to use it on all cooking surfaces.

When you buy the coffee maker you will also get one extra gasket and reducer that will be very useful as you will not need to spend cash buying them in the future. And this is also a straightforward coffee maker to clean.

The handle on this pot is heat conductive because it is also stainless steel, but you can help to minimize the likelihood of accidental burns by preheating the water.

​4. Alessi MDL02/6 B – Practical and Functional

• Capacity: 6-cup
• Material: Aluminum

The Pulcina stovetop espresso maker strikes a perfect balance between practicality and functionality, and it is also designed to last a lifetime thanks to the high-quality aluminum construction.

It is a 6-cup espresso maker that will be ideal for a heavy drinker or small family and it is also built to be straightforward to use. Also, this is an easy coffee maker to clean because a simple rinse is often all it needs.

When it comes to its functionality, the manufacturer uses a specially designed boiler that will stop filtering at the perfect time to ensure that you never end up with a burnt after taste.

Pouring the coffee after the brew is also made super easy by the V-shaped spout that will cut the drops for minimal dripping.

Although this coffee maker will not work on induction stoves it is ideal for use on most other cooking surfaces.

• Capacity: 6-cup
• Material: Stainless Steel

The tastefully designed Bialetti Venus combines a sleek look with a well-built and reliable design to ensure that you get everything you can wish for in a Moka pot.

It is one of the best stainless steel stovetop espresso makers that you can get for the money given its more affordable price tag and the fact that it is made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel.

With this Moka pot, you can make your coffee from any stovetop as it is designed to work with all cooking surfaces including the induction ones.

Also, handling it is also made easy by the ergonomic and heat-resistant handle, and you will also not have to wait long to get your cup of coffee as it brews in less than 5 minutes.

Even though this is not a dishwasher safe espresso maker, it does not take a lot of effort to hand wash. And the fact that it does no use up all the water in the boiler should not be a significant drawback as it will not affect the quality of coffee that you get.

​6. Bialetti 06661 – Great Little Coffee Maker

• Capacity: 6-cup
• Material: Stainless Steel

Kitty is another top-quality stovetop espresso maker by Bialetti that is designed to make brewing easier and more fun for you.

It is a great little coffee maker with a 6-cup capacity and comes in a modern upscale design, and with a durable 18/10 stainless steel construction.

This high-quality Moka pot also includes an ergonomically designed and heat-resistant handle with a wide reach for greater distance between the coffee maker and your hand.

You can use this coffee maker on most cooking surfaces, and it is designed to heat up faster and brews faster than most other stainless steel espresso makers.

Most of the removable parts are also designed to be dishwasher safe for super easy cleanup and disassembling the pot is also fast and easy.

Although the screen holes seem a little larger than what some users might like, they are still small enough to ensure you do not end up with a lot of grinds in your coffee.

​7. Alessi 9090/6 – Sleek Designer Mako Pot

• Capacity: 6-cup
• Material: Stainless Steel

Alessi's model 9090 is a classically designed espresso maker that is built to not only make great tasting coffee but also to look good in your kitchen or anywhere you place it.

Besides the durable stainless steel construction and appealing look, the simple to use design and super easy cleanup also help to make it one of the best stovetop espresso makers out there.

This coffee maker also comes with a large and ergonomic handle that will make it easy to handle when hot. And it also has a fantastic spout design that will ensure you can pour your coffee without worrying about spills.

You can use this coffee maker on most cooking surfaces from gas to electric ones and even on the induction stovetops which makes it more convenient.

When compared to other models in our list, this is the priciest Mako pot but given the quality of construction and the coffee that you get, it is worth every buck you pay for it.

​Stovetop Espresso Maker vs. Espresso Machine

For many traditionalists coffee enthusiasts, nothing makes better coffee than a Moka pot, but for professional baristas and many "modern" coffee drinkers, the convenience and speed of an espresso machine are hard to beat.

If you are stuck on the fence on which of the two will suit your needs and make great espressos for you, it is important to understand what each has to offer and also both its advantages and shortcomings.

Stovetop Espresso Maker

The stovetop or Moka pot espresso maker is a traditional coffee maker that makes coffee over an open heating element.

With these coffee makers, you place water in the bottom chamber and then have your finely ground coffee in a chamber between it and the serving vessel.

The coffee that you get from a Moka pot is thick and highly concentrated but you can easily over or under extract if you are not keen enough.

Also, most of these coffee makers are made from a durable aluminum material that not only makes them more long lasting but also helps with heat retention.

These coffee makers are more straightforward to use as there is nothing much to do and are also super easy to clean after use.

​Espresso Machine

Espresso machines are a more complex coffee making apparatus when compared to the traditional Moka pots.

Moka pots only rely on a stovetop to heat the water necessary for brewing but espresso machines will use several components like heating elements, motors, and different electronics.

These coffee making machines will consist of three parts which are the boiler for heating the water and building up the pressure, group head for controlling pressure and water flow and the portafilter.

Some espresso machines also include a steam wand to allow you to froth or steam milk for milk-based brews like cappuccinos and lattes.

Generally, espresso machines will offer better quality espresso with a nice crema and do it more consistently than the Moka pots. And they are also relatively faster, and this is more so if you go for the automatic models.

However, these are more expensive coffee makers and some like the manual ones will require special skills and a lot of practice to master.

Buying Advice: Nothing beats the quality, consistency, and speed that you get with an espresso machine, and so if these are your key requirements in a coffee maker, it will be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer a more affordable and traditional method of making espressos, go for the stovetop espresso makers.

How to Buy the Best Stovetop Espresso Makers

Finding the best Moka pot for you should not be difficult as there are many models in the market to pick from. All you need to do is first identify your needs and then watch out for the following important things when shopping.

1. Capacity

The capacity of the stovetop espresso maker determines the amount of coffee you can make at ago. Like with all other types of coffee makers, Moka pots will come in different sizes and with different capacities.

Because there is no one size that will work for all users, you should consider the amount of coffee you take and also the number of coffee drinkers in the house to choose the right one.

Typically, Moka pots will have anywhere between 2 and 12-cup capacities but for most users, the 4 and 6-cup models will be perfect.

2. Origin

While it is true you can get a coffee maker from different parts of the world, it is no secret that Italians make the best Moka pots and most other types of coffee makers.

And so if you want to get a top quality stovetop espresso maker, you need to consider the origins as it is a significant determinant of the quality.

Going for something by Italian brands like Bialetti and Alessi increases your likelihood of getting a good appliance as, but there are also many American companies that make some high-quality ones.

3. Material

The material used to make the main body of the stovetop espresso matters a lot. Most are made from either stainless steel or aluminum and each of the material will have its merits and demerits.

Stainless steel is often preferred by many people because unlike aluminum it resists corrosion and hence making the Moka pot more durable. However, some models can still corrode if they are not made from pure stainless steel.

Aluminum, on the other hand, makes pots that heat up faster and are more efficient. Because aluminum is a better heat conductor, it brews at almost half the time it takes to brew with stainless steel. Also, aluminum stovetop espresso makers tend to be more affordable.

4. Stovetop Compatibility

Just because a Moka pot is meant for use over a stovetop, it does not mean that you can use it on just any stovetop.

These espresso makers are designed to work with gas, ceramic, electric, halogen or induction cooktops. Most models can be used on a majority of these cooktops, but some are meant for use on specific ones like the induction cooktops.

An espresso maker that is compatible with most kinds of stovetops is always the best, but to be on the safe side, you should always check the manufacturer cooktop recommendations.

5. Design

The look and feel of the Moka pot also matter a lot because you do not want something that will look awkward in your kitchen.

Something with a smooth and shiny finish and some nice accents should provide an attractive enough design that will look good in your kitchen.

Also, while still at the design, you should go for a stovetop espresso machine that is compact enough and will not take up a lot of space.

6. Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning your stovetop espresso makers is vital not only for hygiene but also to maintain great coffee taste. Luckily, the Moka pots are some of the simplest coffee makers to clean.

However, stainless steel pots are the easiest to clean because they will mostly only require a few rinses after use.

Also, note that there are gaskets between the different chambers, and you will need to take them apart to ensure a more thorough cleaning. But, this is a simple process that should not take a lot of time.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a coffee maker that will help you make great tasting espressos without breaking the bank, a stovetop or Moka pot espresso maker is the way to go.

Choosing the best stovetop espresso maker from the myriads of models out there should also not take a lot of time and effort. All you need to do is watch out for important things like capacity, origin, material and the ease of cleaning.

By doing a little research and with our top 7 stovetop espresso maker reviews above for recommendations, finding the perfect model for you should now be an effortless task.