With a moka pot, you don't need the skills of a latte art barista to make espresso. The Moka Coffee Maker allows you to easily make espresso, or even coffee, without drinking water.
However, not just any bean will do. You want to use a specific type of bean to get the most flavor out of your beer. Using the wrong beans, you can end up with a coffee that is too bitter or too watery. No one wants that!
To keep that from happening, I've rounded up the top 10 coffee beans for moka pots. Read on to discover my top recommendations, as well as helpful information on brewing with a moka pot.
BEST BEANS FOR A MOKA POTS: LAVAZZA ITALIAN ESPRESSO
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (1) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (1)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Lavazza-Espresso.jpg?resize=312%2C312&ssl=1)
Lavazza has been around for over 100 years. They offer an amazing range of coffees, it's hard to choose just one.
However, if you want the best Lavazza coffee for your mocha machine, go for their Espresso Italiano. This non-GMO 100% Arabica medium roast is the definition of supreme.
Blended and roasted in Italy, Espresso Italiano is rich and full-bodied without being overpowering or bold. This means you get a great tasting, smooth, well-balanced cup of coffee.
Not too bright and not too dark, the Lavazza Espresso Italiano has something for everyone. So if you want the best, bring a bag of these beans. Espresso is made for mocha machines.
Best Dark Roast: VOLCANIC ESPRESSO DARK ROAST
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (2) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (2)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Volcanica.jpg?resize=305%2C305&ssl=1)
The best way to enjoy dark roast coffee is with a moka pot and I have the perfect blend for you, Volcanica Espresso Dark Roast Coffee. Volcanica only produces high quality coffee. Then you know you're in for a real treat roasted with espresso.
The flavor, aroma and balance of Volcanica Espresso Dark Roast is perfect. There is a deep layer of caramel and spice and very low acidity. This makes it the perfect accompaniment to your moka pot. Prepare a cup and let your senses engage with the complexity of this coffee.
Volcanica is responsibly sourced, using only 100% Arabica coffee beans, and they are only roasted on demand. These two factors combined mean you'll only get the best espresso possible.
With over 130 blends, your moka pot journey doesn't have to stop at dark coffee roasts. However, the coffee is so good you won't want anything else.
Best Medium Roast: KICKING HORSE CLIFF HANGER ESPRESSO
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (3) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (3)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kicking-Horse-Coffee.jpg?resize=172%2C264&ssl=1)
Part-owned by Lavazza, Kicking Horse is a certified organic and fair trade coffee company that makes a good cup of coffee. Their Cliff Hanger Espresso is no exception.
This mix is the best medium roast to pair with a moka pot, no doubt about it. In addition to Arabica, the Cliff Hanger Espresso is packed with complex flavors including black currant, brown sugar and milk chocolate.
For a medium roast, it produces a bold cup. The more intense the flavor, the better the cup you'll get when using a moka pot. This makes it a great choice for coffee drinkers who prefer a medium roast but want the best flavor from a moka pot.
BEST LIGHT ROASTED: AROMISTICO ITALIANO VENEZIA BLEND
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (4) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (4)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Venezia.jpg?resize=223%2C223&ssl=1)
Aromatico Italian Venezia Blend is hand roasted in Italy and is a special light roast. While many light roasts can't quite match a moka pot, this is no ordinary light roast.
Venezia Italian Blend has a fragrant aroma and balanced sweetness. One sip and flavors of honey, berries and cream fill your palate.
The beans are handcrafted, roasted in small batches, and sealed in individual coffee bags to preserve freshness. Plus, for every 22 pounds of coffee purchased, Aromístico will plant a coffee tree.
For those who prefer a light roast, I recommend trying these beans. They pair surprisingly well with a moka pot.
BEST MEDIUM DARK ROAST: EQUATOR ESPRESSO JAGUAR COFFEE AND TEA
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (5) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (5)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Equator.jpg?resize=228%2C291&ssl=1)
Do you like your espresso between medium and dark roast? If so, you'll want to brew Equator Coffees & Teas Jaguar Espresso in your moka pot.
The beans are a blend of coffees from Sumatra, Ethiopia and Latin America. Yes, near the equator. They are organic, fair trade and produced to the highest standards. That's why Jaguar Espresso tastes so good.
Rich, bold flavors are fully revealed when brewed in a moka pot. You'll notice sweet and salty notes of hazelnuts, apricots, spices and bittersweet chocolate. All of these make for a fine espresso.
With or without milk, this medium roast is best for those who want an espresso that needs no garnish. But it can also be fixed from time to time.
BEST BLEND ROAST: CUVEE COFFEE KARMADILLO BOLD ESPRESSO BLEND
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (6) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (6)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cuvee.jpg?resize=241%2C241&ssl=1)
Love rich, complex roasts? Cuvee Coffee Karmadillo Bold EspressoBlend is for you.
This dark roast has a complex profile that sparkles when brewed in a moka pot. There are rich flavors of tobacco, molasses and baked chocolate. Rich and delicious, a cup of this espresso will wake up sleepy eyes and taste buds.
Cuvee Coffee is handcrafted in Texas by an established company using only Arabica beans and sustainable practices. They use a direct trade model as well as ethically sourced coffee to bring you a premium product.
While there are many bold roasts out there, Karmadillo Bold Espresso Blend is truly one of a kind. The complex range makes it an excellent choice for mocha makers and adventurous coffee lovers alike.
Best for Low Acidity: LIFEBOOST DARK ROAST
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (7) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (7)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lifeboost.jpg?resize=270%2C270&ssl=1)
Finding a good dark roast coffee with low acidity for a moka pot can be challenging. That's why I recommend Lifeboost Dark Roast.
Brewing dark roast coffee in a moka pot usually means a more tart coffee. Fortunately, Lifeboost Dark Roast is processed to reduce acidity for a cleaner tasting cup.
These single-origin beans are grown in the mountains of Nicaragua from bird-friendly farms. Plus, Lifeboost tests all of its coffee beans for toxins, so you're only drinking pure coffee.
Lifeboost not only produces premium coffee beans, but uses best business practices to do so. Buy a bag of Dark Roast and you'll be happy knowing you're getting Non-GMO sustainability, organic certification, and climate commitment.
For a well-crafted, low-acid coffee, choose Lifeboost Dark Roast. This will make good coffee with a moka pot.
Best Mocha Mocha: ILLY CLASSICO Medium Roast Mocha
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (8) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (8)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/illy.jpg?resize=308%2C308&ssl=1)
With the Illy Classico Medium RoastMoka, your coffee is ground specifically for the moka pot. This is a feature I really appreciate because it means less work trying to dial in the perfect grind. It also makes it easier to get the correct ratio of coffee out of a moka pot.
If freshness is your concern, rest assured, Illy has you covered. They press coffee grounds into airtight coffee containers to ensure they arrive fresh to your home. That way, all you need to do is add them to your moka pot and start brewing.
Classico Medium Roast Moka is sweet and balanced with caramel and chocolate aromas. It's a great option for those looking for a perfectly ground espresso in a moka pot after morning coffee or after dinner.
Best paired with chocolate: INTELLIGENTSIA BLACK CAT ESPRESSO
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (9) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (9)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/intelligenstia.jpg?resize=204%2C204&ssl=1)
Do you like chocolate flavored coffee? Then you must try Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso.
These sweet beans have a dark chocolate flavor that includes hints of brown sugar and stone fruit. Brew this mixture in a moka pot and you'll have an espresso perfect for dessert.
Intelligentsia is a direct trade company, which means they buy directly from the source to ensure the best quality. Take a sip of Black Cat Espresso and you'll see what I mean. Serve with light heavy cream and your favorite chocolate dessert for a special treat.
BEST LOW CARB COFFEE: TINY FOOTPRINT NICARAGUA SEGOVIA DARK ROASTED COFFEE
![10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (10) 10 Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pots [2022] - Wild Barista (10)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/wildbarista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/tiny-footprint.jpg?resize=275%2C275&ssl=1)
If you're concerned about the effects of your coffee consumption, consider Tiny Footprint Coffee Nicaragua Segovia Dark Roast. This dark roast is ideal for moka pots and is better for the environment.
Made with 100% Arabica beans, Segovia Nicaragua is extra bold with aromas of apricot, fig, chocolate and spice. Prepare it in a moka pot and you've got yourself a wonderful, strong morning coffee.
For every bag you buy, Tiny Footprint donates to reforestation efforts in Ecuador. Plus, they use compact packaging to reduce carbon emissions.
Whether you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint or brew a great cup of coffee, Tiny Footprint Coffee Nicaragua Segovia Dark Roast is a great choice.
What is a Moka Pot?
The Moka coffee machine is an Italian stovetop espresso machine invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti. This compact manual espresso machine allows coffee lovers to make espresso at home without a large, expensive machine.
How to make coffee with a moka pot?
The Moka coffee machine has three chambers for making espresso. There is a water chamber, a coffee grounds filter funnel, and an upper chamber from the bottom up.
While this might sound intimidating, it couldn't be easier. Here are six easy steps to using a moka pot:
step 1:Pour water into the water chamber until it is flush with the valve.
Step 2:Fill the filter funnel with coffee grounds and level the ground without compacting it. The ratio of ground coffee to water should be 1:7.
Step 3:Screw on the upper chamber with a cap with a spout.
Phase 4:Place the moka pot on the stove over medium-low heat.
Step 5:As the water boils, the pressure pushes it through the filter funnel and pushes the espresso into the upper chamber. When the coffee gurgles, remove it from the stove.
Step 6:Once the coffee stops bubbling, it's ready.
How to choose coffee beans for moka pot?
When finding the right coffee beans for your moka pot, there are two factors to consider: the grind and the roast. Here's what you need to know about both so you can brew the best coffee possible.
grinding
Choosing the correct moka pot grind size is the most important consideration. Too thin and it will clog the pan, too thick and it will thin out.
So what's the solution? Medium to medium fine grind. This will allow the flavors to be fully extracted and allow water to flow through each chamber without too much pressure.
I would also recommend grinding your coffee beans if you can, so you have more control over making sure you use your moka pot correctly. If you don't have a grinder, look for beans labeled Mocha Grinder.
ASAR
Generally, coffee lovers choose moka pots because they want a strong, full-bodied coffee. This is why dark to medium roasts are recommended, and this includes espresso roasts.
Darker roasts tend to be better suited to the pressure level of a moka pot. However, that doesn't mean you can't use a lighter roast. Anyway, I say experiment!
Keep in mind that lighter roasts may not be as flavorful as other coffee makers.
Are all moka pot coffees bitter?
Moka pots often get a bad rap for producing bitter coffee. Truth be told, any coffee machine can make bitter coffee.
So while this can happen with moka pots, it's not always the case. And, even then, it's not always the Moka Pot's fault.
Bitter coffee is a common condition that occurs when too much coffee is extracted. what do i want to say Well, I mean, you overcooked the beans. This can happen when you brew for too long or expose your coffee beans to too much hot water.
Another common cause of coffee being too bitter is that the beans themselves are bitter. This is common in darker roasts. Since moka pots recommend using darker beans, it's not hard to see why this is entirely to blame.
If you find that your mochi is too bitter for your taste, try shortening the brewing time. You can also adjust the coarseness of your ground coffee or brew at a lower heat.
If you're still drinking bitter coffee, it may be time to switch to a different brand.
in conclusion
A moka pot means you can make strong espresso without a fancy automatic coffee machine. When looking for compatible beans, dark and medium roasts reign supreme. However, which you choose is a matter of preference.
If you like complex layers, choose Cuvee Coffee Karmadillo Bold Espresso Blend. If you like low acidity, Lifeboost Dark Roast is a good choice. However, for best overall results, you can't beat the balance of Lavazza Espresso Italiano.
With the right beans and a little practice, you can use the moka pot technique to create the perfect cup of coffee every time.
FAQs
What is the best coffee grind for Bialetti Moka Express? ›
For your Bialetti stovetop, we recommend a medium-fine grind. Medium-fine will feel gritty when rubbed between your fingers, not powdery. (Note that a espresso grind purchased from a store for electric espresso machine's is typically too fine and may block your Bialetti).
What coffee to use in stovetop espresso maker? ›GRIND IT RIGHT
While you typically want a fine grind for espresso, the optimum grind for a stovetop espresso maker is actually more of a medium grind. Our Dark Roast Espresso Blend would be the perfect choice. It's a blend of Central and South American coffees that we hand select to create this coffee.
For stovetop espresso makers, use a fine coffee grind. A fine grind will be similar in size and feel to that of sugar. It should also be slightly coarser than a grind used for a regular espresso maker. Fine grinds are required because of the short brew time that the coffee grind comes in contact with water.
What grind size is best for Moka? ›Use a consistent fine to medium-fine grind size. You shouldn't go all out and use espresso-fine grinds. Those could clog the filter screen and generate a dangerous amount of pressure. Go for coffee that's just a little finer than your average drip coffee grounds.
What is the best coffee to use in a Bialetti? ›Use a medium-fine grind of your favourite coffee blend. A medium-fine will feel gritty when rubbed between your fingers, not powdery. (Note that a espresso grind purchased from a store for electric espresso machine's is typically too fine and may block your Bialetti).
What coffee can I use in a Moka? ›Unlike the blend used for capsule machines, ground coffee for Moka must have a medium to coarse grain. While preparing the Moka pot, in order to allow water to pass through the powder, it is recommended to fill the filter with ground coffee, but avoid pressing it down.
Is Moka coffee as strong as espresso? ›Yes, the coffee that moka pots brew is strong and about as close as you can get to espresso without owning an actual espresso machine, but, by definition, it's not true espresso.
What is the best grind size for espresso coffee? ›As a general guidepost, coffee ground for espresso should be very finely ground, less coarse than sand, but not so fine that the machine can't even push water through the portafilter.
What is the best grind time for espresso? ›Ideally, we're looking for a shot time between 25-30 seconds. If your shot falls outside of this window, you'll have to adjust your grind setting. If the shots take less than 25 seconds, the espresso will likely taste sour or thin.
What is cowboy coffee? ›Cowboy coffee is essentially French press coffee without a filter. Typically, this drink is made over an open flame, out on the trail, or at a campsite, where a coffee maker (or electricity for that matter) isn't readily available.
How many shots of espresso does a Moka make? ›
The Moka is a simple device that uses steam pressure to force water through a strainer to make espresso. The moka pot is also called stovetop espresso coffee maker. It comes in three pieces and makes about four shots of espresso.
What level should a Moka roast be? ›Moka pot. Ideal roast level: Medium - Dark. The Moka pot is sort of a less potent espresso. Because of the material of the device, dark roasts are a risky bet, the same way that medium roasts tend to be underwhelming.
How do you make Moka stronger? ›- finer grind is best to get closer to espresso, rather than more like American drip coffee if you use a larger grind.
- slightly overfilling the basket is good but only slightly and NO tamping down. ...
- you might consider a darker roast espresso for a stronger flavor.
Bialetti Brikka is the only stovetop coffeemaker capable of delivering an intense and crema-rich espresso like coffee with an unmistakable intense flavor.
Why is my Bialetti coffee bitter? ›If your coffee tastes a bit bitter, don't worry: it's an easy fix! You can either try a slightly coarser grind, pre-heat the water, brew it on lower heat, or remove your moka pot from the stovetop a few seconds earlier.
Should you tamp coffee in a Bialetti? ›Even with a release valve, too much pressure could cause the pot to explode, which can lead to injuries from hot water or flying pieces. And the 1-2 bars of pressure moka pots create isn't enough pressure to force water through the finely ground coffee if it's packed tight. Don't tamp or pack the grounds!
How many scoops of coffee for Moka? ›You need enough coffee to fill the filter basket, which is about 15 to 17 grams (or about 2.5 Tablespoons) for a 4-cup Bialetti moka pot.
Do Italians use moka pots? ›Patented in Italy 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti, the moka (also known as stove-top percolator) is an indispensable part of any Italian household. It's also by far the most popular Italian home-brewing systems.
How much coffee do you put in a 3 cup Bialetti? ›The Step-by-Step Guide
This shold require, for the 3-cup Moka Pot model, about 150g of water. Grind about 20g of coffee about as fine as table salt. The grounds for the moka pot should be coarser than the espresso grounds but finer than those for filter. They should look only slighter coarser than table salt.
Reusing coffee grounds can result in a weaker, less flavorful brew. The grounds will have already extracted much of their flavor during the first brewing process, so using them a second time will result in a less intense, less aromatic coffee.
How much coffee do you grind for Bialetti? ›
Grind your coffee on a drip coffee setting, about as fine as table salt. You need enough coffee to fill the filter basket, which is about 15 to 17 grams (or about 2.5 Tablespoons) for a 4-cup Bialetti moka pot.
What grind setting for stovetop espresso? ›For stovetop espresso makers, use a fine coffee grind. A fine grind will be similar in size and feel to that of sugar. It should also be slightly coarser than a grind used for a regular espresso maker. Fine grind is required because of the short time the coffee grind comes in contact with water.
How much ground coffee for moka? ›Grind about 20 grams of coffee per cup that you want to brew. Unscrew and separate the bottom of the Moka pot from the top and remove the basket. Fill the bottom of the Moka pot with water, ensuring the water level stays below the steam release valve.
How many shots of espresso are in a Bialetti? ›It comes in three pieces and makes about four shots of espresso. This coffee brewing method is very popular because it brews a strong concentrated coffee that uses pressure during extraction.
How do you know if espresso grind is too fine? ›The coffee ought to clump in the center of the pinch, where the pressure is hardest, but not too much. If it does not clump at all, it is too coarse and will make a weak shot. If it clumps excessively, it is too fine and will produce over-extraction.
Should you tamp a stovetop espresso? ›The coffee should be level with the top of the filter. You can gently pat it with the back of a spoon or your fingers to make the surface level, but do not tamp it down tightly (that would create too much pressure and could cause hot coffee to spray everywhere).
Can I use espresso ground coffee in a Moka? ›You can use standard espresso grind in your Moka pot, but a grind that is just slightly coarser than this will produce the perfect coffee.