The stovetop espresso maker, often referred to as a Moka pot, is a popular choice for brewing rich and flavorful coffee at home. It's an excellent method for those who enjoy a strong, espresso-like coffee without the need for an expensive espresso machine. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make the perfect stovetop espresso.

TIME REQUIRED

Brewing with a stovetop espresso maker takes approximately 10 minutes, from heating the water to enjoying your coffee.

COST OF BREWING

Brewing with a stovetop espresso maker is cost-effective. The primary investment is the Moka pot itself, which typically ranges from $20 to $60. The cost of the coffee beans varies, but a 1kg coffee bean bag provides numerous servings, making it economical in the long run.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Stovetop espresso maker (Moka pot)
• Freshly roasted coffee beans (preferably specialty coffee beans or single origin coffee)
• Grinder (if using whole coffee beans)
• Kettle 
• Coffee Scale (optional for precise measurements)  

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERFECT STOVETOP ESPRESSO

1. Select Your Beans 
   Choose high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor. Light roast coffee beans or specialty coffee beans work well, but feel free to experiment with different types of coffee beans. We recommend our Kamori Bean. With sweet and heavy body yet with delicate flavours of vanilla, honeydew and buttery aftertaste
2. Grind the Beans
    Grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency, similar to table salt. For a standard Moka pot, you'll need about 20 grams of coffee.
3. Prepare the Water
   Fill the bottom chamber of the Moka pot with hot water up to the safety valve. Using hot water reduces the brewing time and prevents the coffee from tasting burnt.
4. Add the Coffee
   Fill the filter basket with the ground coffee, leveling it off but without pressing it down. Place the filter basket into the bottom chamber.
5. Assemble the Moka Pot: Screw the top chamber onto the bottom chamber securely. Be careful, as the bottom chamber will be hot if you use hot water.
6. Heat and Brew
   Place the Moka pot on the stove over medium heat. Keep the lid open to monitor the brewing process. The coffee will start to bubble and flow into the top chamber. Once you hear a hissing sound and see a steady stream of coffee, remove the pot from the heat to avoid over-extraction.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Pour your freshly brewed stovetop espresso into your favorite cup and enjoy immediately.

Bonus Tips:

• Experiment with Coffee Ratios: The standard ratio is 1:10 (1 part coffee to 10 parts water), but you can adjust it to your taste preferences.
• Use Fresh Beans: Always use freshly roasted coffee beans. This gives a better and consistent flavor. 
• Grind Just Before Brewing: For maximum freshness, grind your coffee beans just before brewing. A hand grinder, like the Rhino Hand Grinder,  would be ideal since it would grind just the right amount of coffee for your brew. 
• Clean Regularly: Keep your Moka pot clean to avoid any residual build-up that could affect the taste of your coffee.
• Enjoy Immediately: Stovetop espresso is best enjoyed right after brewing to savor its full flavor and aroma.

Brewing with a stovetop espresso maker is a fantastic way to enjoy robust and flavorful coffee at home. Whether you’re using a 1kg coffee bean bag or exploring different types of coffee beans, this method delivers a delightful coffee experience every time. Happy brewing!