When it comes to brewing coffee with a moka pot, there are a few key factors that can make all the difference in the taste of your shot. At the top of that list are the coffee beans themselves.
You can tinker with the brew time, heat, and water temperature all you want, but if your coffee beans aren't up to par, all the tweaking in the world won't save your brew. To put it simply, if you want to make good coffee for a moka pot, getting quality beans is an absolute must.
Now that that’s established, what kind of coffee do you use in a moka pot?
Go for beans that are medium to dark roast, similarly, a medium to medium-fine blend will give you the best chance at achieving a smooth and rich flavor profile that's both balanced and enjoyable.
As you navigate the countless options of coffee beans for your Moka pot, don't forget the importance of the brewing equipment itself. LuxHaus's stainless steel Moka pots are designed to provide you with a rich, flavorful coffee experience right at home. Our Moka pots are not only reliable and budget-friendly, but they're also incredibly easy to use. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or a beginner, you'll love the smooth, balanced flavor profile that our Moka pots can help you achieve.
While the general guidelines for selecting the best coffee beans for a moka pot are helpful, we know that navigating the countless options at the store can be overwhelming. Have a look at our top picks to help make your decision.
Tl; DR— Best Coffee for Moka Pot
- Best Italian Coffee – Pellini No. 82 Vivace: Authentic Italian coffee for moka pot, 90% Arabica and 10% Robusta, full-bodied, rich crema, low acidity.
- Best Lavazza Coffee – Lavazza Qualita Rossa: Medium roast, pre-ground, Arabica, and Robusta blend, bittersweet flavor.
- Best Pre-Ground Coffee – Supreme by Bustelo: Dark roast, best ground coffee for moka pot, 100% Arabica, full-bodied, not too bitter, reasonable price.
- Best Starbucks Coffee – Starbucks Caffè Verona: Whole bean, dark roast, robust, flavorful, requires grinding, perfect for strong coffee lovers.
- Best Decaf Coffee – Kicking Horse Coffee's decaf blend: 100% organic, fair trade, Arabica beans, robust flavor with hints of dark chocolate and undertones of citrus.
- Best Illy Coffee – Illy Classico Espresso Ground Coffee: Finely ground beans, smooth and rich coffee, hints of chocolate and caramel, and subtle acidity.
- Best Coffee Beans – Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean: Arabica and Robusta blend, medium roast, the perfect balance between bitterness and acidity, rich and creamy taste, you can get the best coffee grind for moka pot since they’re whole beans and you’re free to experiment.
- Best Low-Priced Coffee – Café Bustelo Espresso Dark Roast: Budget-friendly, bold, and intensely bitter cup, widely available, a great choice for coffee lovers on a budget.
Best Moka Pot Coffee Recipe
Here’s a moka pot recipe that works and provides the best results:
- Fill the bottom chamber with water until it reaches just below the safety valve.
- Use about 15-20 grams (or 2 tablespoons) of coffee for a 3-cup Moka pot, or 20-25 grams (or 3 tablespoons) for a 6-cup Moka pot.
- Add coffee to the coffee basket and distribute it using a WDT tool (use a toothpick or fork if you don't have one).
- Assemble the moka pot and place it on your stove at medium heat.
- Turn off the heat when you hear a gurgling sound (usually takes 3-4 minutes).
- Pour the coffee into a cup and enjoy!
8 Best Coffees for Moka Pot Reviewed
When it comes to finding the best coffee for a moka pot, we left no stone unturned. We scoured various brands, coffee types (pre-ground, whole beans, decaf), and even turned to the best coffee for moka pot Reddit threads to see what the coffee community had to say about the matter.
We wanted to know: Which coffee grind is best for a moka pot? Which roast level? Which brand? These are just a few of the questions that we asked ourselves during our extensive research process.
After many cups of coffee and plenty of taste tests, we've come up with a list of the top 8 best coffees for moka pots. From bold and robust to smooth and flavorful, we've got you covered.
When it comes to finding the best coffee for a moka pot, the brewing equipment plays a significant role. LuxHaus's moka pots are designed to bring out the best in your coffee, whether you prefer a bold and robust flavor or a smooth and flavorful cup. Our moka pots work perfectly with a variety of coffee types, from pre-ground to whole beans, and even decaf.
1. Best Italian Coffee for Moka Pot
Pellini No. 82 Vivace coffee beans are a great choice for those looking for an authentic Italian coffee experience in their moka pot.
This family-run Italian company was founded with the aim of spreading Italian espresso culture around the world, and this coffee is a testament to its success in that regard.
The blend is made up of 90% Arabica and 10% Robusta beans, giving it a full-bodied mouthfeel and a rich crema atop your espresso. The dark roast brings out bold and powerful flavors, with a perfect balance between sweetness and earthiness and very low acidity.
When we brewed this coffee in the moka pot, the taste was rich and flavorful. The texture was smooth and creamy, with a hint of bitterness that lingered on the tongue. Overall, it's definitely worth your money if you want the authentic Italian experience of brewing coffee.
2. Best Lavazza Coffee for Moka Pot
The Lavazza Qualita Rossa is a medium roast, pre-ground coffee that comes in a smaller 8.8-oz. bag, which is perfect for keeping it fresh.
It is a medium roast and made up of a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans—which is always a plus. However, as with most pre-ground coffee options, the coffee may not be as fresh as if you ground it yourself. That being said, if you’re looking for convenience and don’t have a coffee grinder, pre-ground is the way to go.
In terms of taste, the Lavazza Qualita Rossa shines, it has a bittersweet flavor that is complimented by a caramel tone. Overall it's a great option for those who prefer medium roast.
3. Best Pre-Ground Coffee for Moka Pot
The Supreme by Bustelo is an excellent choice for coffee lovers who prefer a dark roast with a bold flavor. Although you might be hesitant to try a 100 percent Arabica blend, the results were impressive when used in a Moka pot.
It’s a dark roast but surprisingly not very bitter. The taste is also not too acidic, which is a plus for those who prefer a less tangy coffee.
While the price is reasonable, it's not the cheapest option out there. But overall, if you're looking for a classic, full-bodied coffee with 100% Arabica beans, the Supreme by Bustelo is definitely worth a shot.
4. Best Starbucks Coffee for Moka Pot
Starbucks Caffè Verona Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a robust and flavorful cup of coffee.
One thing to note is that it's not preground, which means that you'll need to have a grinder at home to get the most out of this coffee. That being said, the dark roast provides a rich and bold taste that's perfect for those who prefer a stronger cup of joe.
5. Best Decaf Coffee for Moka Pot
If you can't start your morning without coffee but need to cut back on caffeine, Kicking Horse Coffee's decaf blend may be worth trying.
The decaf blend from Kicking Horse Coffee is made from 100% organic, fair-trade, Arabica beans, and it shows in the flavor that the taste is robust, with hints of dark chocolate and undertones of citrus.
We had no problem making a great-tasting shot with our moka pot. Although it might not have caffeine, the multitude of flavors and aromas are enough to energize anyone.
6. Best Illy Coffee for Moka Pot
Illy Classico Espresso Ground Coffee is a great option for those who want a delicious and authentic espresso experience. Its finely ground beans are perfect for use in moka pots, producing a smooth and rich coffee with a thick crema.
The flavor is well-balanced, with hints of chocolate and caramel and subtle acidity. The medium roast works well with stovetop espresso makers and the packaging is also convenient, with a tin that keeps the coffee fresh for a longer time.
Although it is important to note that the grind size isn't ideal. The beans are ground too fine, this might work well with drip coffee makers or espresso machines, but not so much with moka pots.
7. Best Coffee Beans for Moka Pot
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean is a top-notch coffee that boasts a rich and creamy taste. This blend is made from a combination of Arabica and Robusta beans, which are roasted to perfection to create a medium roast profile.
The beans' medium roast level makes it a perfect choice for a moka pot, as it brings out the perfect balance between bitterness and acidity. We were impressed with how well it extracted and how smooth the flavor was.
Although when compared with Lavazza's other coffee, such as the Qualita Rossa, the Super Crema falls short.
8. Best Low-Priced Coffee for Moka Pot
Café Bustelo Espresso Dark Roast is an excellent choice for coffee lovers on a budget who want to brew coffee in their moka pot. The brand is widely available at most grocery stores, local markets, or pharmacies.
While the "Supreme" line is 100% Arabica and has a different flavor, many Bustelo fans recommend sticking with the Original to save extra cash. However, the Original is quite different in flavor, with a bold and intensely bitter cup that may not be to everyone's liking.
Compared to the Bustelo Supremo, the Original falls a bit short in terms of quality. Despite this, it still makes a great cup of coffee and is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.
How to Choose the Best Coffee for Moka Pot?
Looking to brew the perfect cup of coffee in a moka pot? The type of coffee you choose can make all the difference. In this section, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting the best coffee for your Moka pot, from origin and bean type to grind size and roast level.
Brand
When it comes to choosing the best coffee for your moka pot, the brand you choose can make all the difference.
Italian brands like Illy and Lavazza are known for their expertise in crafting coffee that is perfect for moka pots. They have years of experience and have perfected the art of roasting coffee beans to create rich and flavorful blends that work perfectly with the moka pot brewing method.
Choosing a reputable brand also means you can trust that the coffee you're purchasing is of high quality and has been ethically sourced.
Origin
Different coffee-growing regions produce different flavors and aromas, so it's important to choose coffee beans that are grown in regions known for producing rich and bold flavors that are suitable for a moka pot.
For example, coffee beans from Brazil, Colombia, or Ethiopia are known to be particularly flavorful and aromatic, making them great options for brewing with a Moka pot.
Bean Type
When it comes to choosing the best coffee for your moka pot, the type of coffee beans used can make all the difference. Arabica beans are known for their smooth, sweet taste with flavor notes of chocolate and sugar.
They have a higher acidity level, which gives them a more complex flavor. On the other hand, Robusta beans are lower in quality and more affordable, but they have more caffeine and produce a better crema, which is the foam that forms on the surface of espresso when it is brewed properly.
The perfect cup of coffee for moka pots is usually a blend between Arabica and Robusta, which can produce a highly caffeinated cup with beautiful flavors and a creamy body.
Blending these two types of beans can bring out the best in both and provide a well-rounded, flavorful cup of coffee that's perfect for Moka pot brewing.
Grind
Getting the right moka pot grind size is crucial when brewing coffee. In fact, the wrong grind size can completely ruin your coffee experience. A grind that is too fine can result in a bitter, over-extracted brew, while a grind that is too coarse can lead to a weak and under-extracted cup.
So, what is Moka coffee grind? The ideal grind size for moka pots is finer than drip coffee but coarser than espresso. It should be somewhere between a medium and a fine grind, with a texture similar to that of sand.
This allows for the water to flow through the coffee grounds at a moderate rate, extracting the perfect balance of flavors and aromas.
It's also important to note that the grind size can also be adjusted based on personal preference and the specific moka pot being used. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect grind size for your taste.
Roast
Roasting is an essential step in coffee-making that brings out the unique flavors and aromas of coffee beans. Think of it like cooking a stew—the longer you cook it, the more intense the flavor becomes. Similarly, the darker the roast, the more intense the flavor of your coffee will be.
If you're a fan of bold and rich flavors, then a dark roast coffee is the way to go. Not only does it add depth to the flavor, but it also lowers the acidity level, which prevents the coffee from becoming too sour.
On the other hand, if you prefer a milder and smoother taste, then a medium roast coffee would be ideal. It's not as strong as a dark roast, but it still maintains the right level of richness and depth to produce a flavorful brew.
So, whether you like your coffee strong and intense or mild and smooth, the roast level of your coffee plays a significant role in achieving the perfect cup with your Moka pot.
Choosing the best coffee for your moka pot is just the first step. To truly enjoy a delicious stovetop coffee at home, you need the right equipment. Our moka pots are designed to provide you with a rich, flavorful coffee experience right at home. Reliable, budget-friendly, and easy to use, LuxHaus's moka pots are the perfect solution for your brewing needs.
Dos and Don’ts of Making Moka Pot Coffee
Making coffee using a moka pot can be difficult for first-timers. You're still getting to grips with how the device works, and it can be frustrating when your brew consistently turns out bitter with no notable flavor characteristics.
After hours spent experimenting with different variables, we've finally perfected a formula that consistently produces the best brew from a moka pot.
-
Pre-Heat the Water
Using cold water when making coffee with a moka pot is a definite no-no. Trust us, we've made that mistake a few times and the result was a disaster.
The coffee grounds are exposed to high temperatures for a longer time, which leads to over-extraction, giving the coffee a burnt taste and an unpleasant bitterness that just ruins your morning brew. Simply preheat the water in a kettle before adding it to your moka pot's water chamber.
-
Level Out the Coffee But Don’t Tamp
When preparing your coffee for the moka pot, it's important to level out the coffee grounds evenly in the filter basket to ensure a consistent extraction. However, don't make the mistake of tamping down the coffee grounds.
Unlike in espresso machines, tamping the coffee in a moka pot can hinder the progress of water from the water chamber to the uppermost espresso chamber.
-
Cool it Down When You Hear Gurgling
As soon as you hear gurgling, stop the brewing process by running cold water over the bottom chamber.
This is a crucial step that many moka pot novices overlook. When the coffee starts bubbling and gurgling, it means the brewing process is about to finish. But if you leave it on the heat for too long, you risk over-extracting the coffee and burning it.
FAQs—Best Coffee for Moka Pots
Here are answers to some of the most popular questions regarding the best coffee for moka pots.
Is Cafe Bustelo Good for Moka Pot?
Cafe Bustelo can make a rich, bold cup of coffee when used in a moka pot. However, it's worth noting that Cafe Bustelo is a pre-ground coffee, which means it may not be as fresh as the coffee you grind yourself.
For the best flavor and aroma, it's recommended to grind your coffee beans right before brewing in a moka pot. That being said, if you're looking for a convenient option that still produces a great cup of coffee, Cafe Bustelo can certainly do the job.
Can You Use Any Coffee in a Moka Pot?
Yes, you can use different types of coffee in a Moka pot, including different roasts and varieties such as Arabica and Robusta. However, it's important to keep in mind that the type of coffee you use will affect the taste and quality of your brew.
Different roasts will produce different flavors, with darker roasts typically resulting in a stronger, more robust flavor, while lighter roasts tend to have a milder taste.
In terms of varieties, Arabica beans are generally considered to produce a more complex and nuanced flavor, while Robusta beans are known for their strong and bitter taste.
Do You Use Fine or Coarse Coffee for Moka Pot?
You should use a grind that is coarser than what you would use for an espresso machine, but finer than what you would use for a drip coffee maker. A "fine" or "medium-fine" grind is generally recommended.
The key is to find a grind that allows for the right amount of extraction and a balanced flavor profile. It may take some experimentation to find the perfect grind size for your specific moka pot and coffee preference.
Can I Use Pre Ground Coffee in a Moka Pot?
Yes, you can use pre-ground coffee in a Moka pot as long as the grind size is appropriate. You just have to make sure you use a medium to medium-fine grind size to get the best brew.
While using pre-ground coffee may result in differences in taste compared to freshly ground coffee, the extent of the difference isn’t staggering and you might not even notice it. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Should I Use Espresso Grind for Moka Pot?
The grind size for a moka pot should be coarser than that used for espresso. The ideal grind size for moka pot coffee is somewhere between espresso and drip coffee. A fine or medium-fine grind is recommended, as a too-fine grind can cause the coffee to taste bitter and over-extracted, while a too-coarse grind can lead to weak and under-extracted coffee.
Is Moka Grind the Same as Espresso?
No, the moka grind is not the same as espresso. The moka grind is coarser than the espresso grind but finer than what you would use for drip coffee. The moka pot brewing method uses pressure to extract coffee, but it is not as high as the pressure used in espresso machines. As a result, the grind size should be adjusted accordingly to ensure the proper extraction of flavors and aromas.
Can You Use Folgers Coffee in a Moka Pot?
Yes, you can use Folgers coffee in a moka pot. However, since Folgers coffee is pre-ground, it may not be as fresh as coffee that you grind yourself. It's important to choose the right grind size for your moka pot to ensure the best possible taste.
Can You Make Cuban Coffee in a Moka Pot?
Yes, you can make Cuban coffee in a moka pot. Cuban coffee is traditionally made using a moka pot. The coffee is mixed with sugar before being served, which gives café Cubano its unique name.
To make Cuban coffee in a moka pot, simply add Cuban-style espresso roast coffee to the basket, fill the bottom chamber with water, and place it on a stove to brew. Once the coffee is brewed, mix it with sugar to taste and enjoy!
Conclusion
In conclusion, coffee lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best coffee beans for their morning brew. Whether you prefer a bold and rich taste, a smooth and mild flavor, or a unique blend, there's a coffee out there for everyone.
After researching and sampling various options, we've determined that the Pellini No. 82 Vivace coffee beans take the crown.
But what's the point of having the best coffee if you don't have the right equipment to make it? A reliable, budget-friendly, and easy-to-use moka pot is the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy a delicious stovetop coffee at home.
Have a look at the Lux Haux moka pot to get the best deals and value for money on stovetop espresso makers!