Invented in 1933 and still made in Italy, the Moka Express brews rich strong coffee on any gas or electric stove with no pods, no filters and no fuss.
8.5
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The Bialetti Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker and it still earns its fame. It brews a small pot of rich intense coffee in about five minutes using only ground coffee and heat. It is not true espresso since it cannot build pump pressure, but at this price nothing else gets as close. Buy the size that matches your household because the pot brews best when full.
Loves
- Brews rich intense coffee that beats most drip machines
- No pods, filters or electricity needed
- Legendary durability, many last decades
- Cheap to buy and nearly free to run
- Iconic octagonal design looks great on the stove
Not For
- Not true espresso, no crema and less pressure
- Hand wash only, aluminum hates the dishwasher
- Will not work on induction without an adapter
- Easy to scorch the coffee if the heat is too high
The Details
Full Review
Quality
The Moka Express is cast from food grade aluminum in the classic eight sided shape that spreads heat evenly. The patented safety valve and sturdy handle have barely changed in decades. Gaskets and filter plates wear out eventually but replacements are cheap and easy to find, which is why these pots survive for generations.
Value
At about 60 dollars the Moka Express pays for itself in weeks if it replaces coffee shop visits. There is nothing to subscribe to and no pods to buy, just ground coffee. Replacement gaskets cost a few dollars, so the lifetime cost of ownership is about as low as coffee gear gets.
You’ll Love It If
Stovetop coffee lovers and anyone who wants rich strong coffee without a machine or pods.
Skip It If
Induction cooktop owners and anyone who needs real espresso with crema should look at pump machines instead.
FINAL VERDICT
The Moka Express has survived nine decades of coffee trends because it nails the basics: strong coffee, simple operation and a price anyone can justify. It will not replace an espresso machine, but for stovetop brewing it remains the one to beat.
8.5 / 10
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