Best coffee for moka pot, brewed at home with Harlo Coffee Roasters

MOKA POT

If you are searching for how to use a moka pot, best coffee for moka pot, or how to get espresso style coffee at home with a stovetop espresso maker, this guide is for you. We walk you through a simple moka pot brew guide so you can make rich, concentrated coffee that works great on its own or in lattes and cappuccinos.

You will learn how to choose the best grind size for moka pot coffee, how much water and coffee to use, how hot the water should be, and how to stop the brew at the right time so it does not turn bitter. This stovetop moka pot guide works with medium or medium dark roast coffee that is ground slightly finer than drip and a bit coarser than espresso.

Use this page any time you want moka pot espresso style coffee, want to use espresso beans for stovetop moka pot, or want a simple way to make a strong base for lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee without a full espresso machine.

Choose your coffee for moka pot, best coffee for moka pot espresso style

Step 1: Choose the right coffee for moka pot

Moka pots work best with coffee that is roasted for strong but not burnt flavor.

  • Look for medium to medium dark roast coffee that mentions espresso style, moka pot, or stovetop espresso in the description.

  • Medium roast will give a more balanced, sweet moka pot coffee that is easier to drink black.

  • Medium dark roast will give a heavier, richer moka pot shot that works well for lattes and cappuccinos.

  • You can use the same beans you like for espresso or drip, but the grind size and brew method will be different in the moka pot.

  • Freshly roasted beans and grinding just before brewing will always give better stovetop moka pot flavor.

Measure your coffee and water, simple moka pot ratio

Step 2: Fill the water chamber and prepare the base

A stable water level and gentle heat are key for moka pot brewing.

  • Unscrew the moka pot and remove the top chamber and filter basket.

  • Fill the bottom chamber with hot water up to just below the safety valve, do not cover the valve.

  • Using hot water here helps the coffee spend less time on the heat, which reduces bitterness.

  • If you prefer to measure, this is often around 200 to 250 g of water on a small moka pot.

  • Set the bottom chamber with hot water aside while you get the coffee ready.

Grind and fill your basket, best grind size for moka pot coffee

Step 3: Grind your coffee and load the filter

Grind size for moka pot sits between drip and espresso.


  • Set your burr grinder to a medium fine grind for moka pot coffee, finer than drip but not a tight espresso grind.

  • The grounds should feel like table salt or slightly finer, but not like powder.

  • Fill the filter basket with coffee until it is heaping, then level it gently with your finger or a flat edge.

  • Do not tamp the coffee like espresso. Just make it level and lightly settled so water can pass through.

  • Wipe any loose grounds off the rim of the filter basket so the seal will be clean.

Assemble the moka pot, set up for even extraction

Step 4: Put the moka pot together

Now you are ready to build the moka pot before brewing.

  • Place the filled filter basket into the bottom chamber that already has hot water.

  • Carefully screw the top chamber onto the base. Use a towel if it is hot, and tighten until it is snug but not overly forced.

  • Make sure the pot is straight and the handle is not directly over the burner where it could get too hot.

  • Place the moka pot on the stove over medium low heat so the water heats gradually, not on maximum flame.

  • Keep the lid open or slightly ajar if you want to watch the brew as it starts to flow.

Brew your moka pot coffee, watch the flow and control the heat

Step 5: Heat gently and stop at the right time

This is where the stovetop espresso maker does its work.

  • As the water heats, pressure will push it up through the coffee and into the top chamber.

  • You will first see a dark, rich stream of moka pot espresso style coffee begin to flow into the upper chamber.

  • Keep the heat at medium low so the flow is steady and gentle, not explosive or sputtering hard.

  • When the stream turns a lighter, honey color and the top chamber is nearly full, turn off the heat.

  • You can remove the moka pot from the burner and place the base on a cool, damp towel to quickly stop extraction and reduce bitterness.

Serve and adjust, how to use moka pot coffee for espresso style drinks

Step 6: Pour, taste, and tune your moka pot recipe

Now you can serve your moka pot coffee and fine tune the recipe for next time.

  • Give the moka pot a light swirl to mix the stronger early coffee with the lighter later coffee for an even cup.

  • Pour directly into small cups if you want a strong, espresso style coffee at home.

  • For lattes and cappuccinos, combine moka pot coffee with steamed or warmed milk to taste.

  • If the coffee is too bitter or harsh, next time try a slightly coarser grind, slightly lower heat, or remove the pot from heat a bit earlier.

  • If the coffee tastes weak or thin, try a slightly finer grind or a touch more coffee in the basket while keeping the same water level.