We Tested 8 Moka Pots to Find the 3 Best Ones for Your Morning Coffee
Our top pick is the MiiR New Standard 6-Cup Moka Pot.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
A moka pot is a stovetop espresso maker that's most popular in Europe and Latin America. This type of coffee maker features three main parts: a bottom chamber for water, a filter for coffee grounds and a top chamber for brewed coffee. Using steam pressure, it creates a small, concentrated pot of coffee with a rich, espresso-like consistency.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we tested eight 6-cup moka pots side by side to find the best. (This capacity is most common and works well for daily use for up to three people, but if you prefer a 3-cup or 10-cup pot, most brands offer those, as well.) We brewed dozens of cups, assessing each pot for speed, coffee yield, brew quality and ease of cleaning. Read on for our top picks.
Pros
- Speedy brewer
- Durable, stainless steel material
- Delicious, balanced brew
Cons
- Handle is made from plastic
The MiiR New Standard 6-Cup Moka Pot excelled in testing with its speed, craftsmanship and flavorful brew. It brewed six small espresso cups in just four minutes and 45 seconds, making it one of the fastest models we tested (some took up to six minutes and 45 seconds). Each brew showcased the pot’s design, producing a balanced, rich flavor with minimal bitterness.
Crafted from stainless steel, the MiiR moka pot proved versatile, working seamlessly on any stovetop, including induction ranges
and camping stoves. Unlike competitors with flimsy aluminum filters, its funnel filter is also durable stainless steel. The design ensures easy cleanup, and MiiR states that its plastic handle and knob are made from 90% recycled, BPA-free materials, with the body made from 18/8 stainless steel.
Note that, like other moka pots, this model is not dishwasher-safe and is currently available in only one size. Additionally, since the handle is plastic, we recommend keeping it away from high flames to prevent melting.
| Materials | 18/8 stainless steel and recycled plastic (handle and knob) |
| Weight | 1.0 lbs |
| Dimensions | 5.5" x 3.9" x 7.1" |
| Capacity | 10 oz |
| Induction safe? | Yes |
Bialetti Express 6-Cup Moka Pot
Pros
- Highly rated
- Produced a rich, full-bodied coffee
- Comes in a variety of sizes and designs
Cons
- Slower than some competitors
- Cannot be used on induction stovetops
Not only is the Bialetti Express Moka Pot beloved by multiple Good Housekeeping staffers, it also has 61,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon.
It comes in a variety of sizes from a petite 1/2 cup model to 12-cup versions and custom designs like the MacKenzie-Childs Bialetti in Courtly Flower Market. While this moka pot cannot be used on an induction stove because of its aluminum construction, Bialetti also makes a stainless steel moka pot (or you can use a stainless steel adapter plate underneath this model).
This model is an affordable option, with smaller sizes available to fit your budget or storage needs. In our tests, it produced a dark, full-bodied coffee with a hint of bitterness. We can see why it’s so popular: although it’s slower than stainless steel models (taking six minutes and 30 seconds to brew) and isn’t compatible with all stovetops, it delivers a rich coffee to kickstart your morning. Note that this model is not dishwasher-safe.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Bialetti Express Moka Pot
| Materials | Cast aluminum and plastic (handle and knob) |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 6.5" x 4.5" |
| Capacity | 12 oz |
| Induction safe? | No |
Grosche Milano Steel 6-Cup Moka Pot
Pros
- Speedy performance
- Produced a well-balanced brew
- Can be used on all types of stovetops
Cons
- Heavier than other picks we tested
- Taller construction, might be an issue for storage
Among the stainless steel moka pots we tested, the Grosche model stood out for its speed (brewing in five minutes) and excellent coffee quality. It produced a smooth, rich and full-bodied brew with minimal bitterness, comparable to our other top picks.
Made entirely of stainless steel, this pot is compatible with all stovetops and features a metal handle instead of plastic, so there’s no risk of melting if left on the stovetop too long or off-center on a burner. However, it’s slightly heavier and taller than other options, which may impact storage or ease of transport. Like the others on this list, it is not dishwasher-safe.
| Materials | 18/8 stainless steel |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs |
| Dimensions | 5.5" x 5.9" x 9.4" |
| Capacity | 10 oz |
| Induction safe? | Yes |
Other models tested
- Bialetti Venus: While this model was faster than its aluminum counterpart, we found the brew less rich and more watery.
- Cuisinox Roma: We loved the stylish and sleek design of this moka pot, but noted the coffee produced was very light in body because of the coffee-to-water ratio.
- Grosche Milano: Unlike the steel version, we found the coffee to taste rather burnt and the pot's exterior scratched easily.
- Primula Luigi: While this model looks similar to the Bialetti pick at first glance, we found the brew unbalanced and had a lingering aftertaste.
How we test moka pots
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, our team rigorously tests all types of coffee makers, including French presses, espresso machines, cold brew makers and more. Our testing process involves comprehensive assessments of each model’s ease of use and performance, and in recent years, we've brewed over 1,000 cups of coffee.
For moka pots, we drew on our extensive coffee maker testing experience and conducted in-depth research to establish standardized testing protocols. Each moka pot was brewed following a consistent method, using techniques and best practices recommended by coffee and moka pot expert James Hoffman.
In each moka pot we brewed Illy ground coffee with hot filtered water and placed it on a gas stove on low heat. We kept the lid open to closely watch the brew; each moka pot was taken off the stove the moment it started to sputter.
We timed and measured each brew and then performed a taste test with one tester performing the taste test blind. We finished the assessment by cleaning each model with a sponge and warm water.
Throughout the entire testing process, each moka pot was also evaluated for ease of use: how easy it was to screw and unscrew the pieces, hold the handle and pour the coffee from its spout. We also considered each moka pot's compatibility with different types of stovetops.
What to look for when shopping for the best moka pot
✔️ Material: Moka pots come in two different materials: cast aluminum and stainless steel. We found in our testing that stainless steel options brew faster, can be used on all stovetops and are easier to clean because of their less porous construction. While cast aluminum options tend to be more affordable, we also found them easier to unscrew and screw in and that most had wider bases which were ideal for various sizes of gas burners, even the larger ones.
✔️ Capacity: We stuck to primarily 6-cup pots for this round of testing because it's a common and versatile size. Select a 3- or 4-cup model if you're short on space or live alone, while a 12-cup option is great if you throw dinner parties often and love ending the night with cups of espresso.
✔️ Funnel filter: We were surprised by how different funnel filters are among models. Some were durable stainless steel, while others were flimsy aluminum that stained easily. However the size of the funnel filters also varied, from wide to narrow. We recommend selecting a model with a more durable construction and that can fit just about an ounce of coffee grounds.
✔️ Ease of cleaning: All moka pot brands recommend that you handwash them. This is especially important for cast aluminum models. Cast aluminum models don't recommend using soap because the porous material will absorb the soap and in turn flavor your coffee. Overall we found stainless options much easier to clean and less prone to staining.
Various funnel filters from the moka pots we tested.
How do you use a moka pot?
While moka pots might appear to be easy-to-use basic coffee makers, they take a bit of finesse to brew a perfectly balanced brew. You should aim to have a 10:1 water-to-coffee ratio when using a moka pot and starting with boiling water is preferable, but you can use room temperature water as well.
- First, fill the bottom chamber with water right below the pressure gauge. While some manuals are unclear about water temperature, hot, boiling water works best for a less-bitter brew.
- Next fill the middle funnel filter with coffee grounds. Do not tamp like you would an espresso portafilter, but make sure it is completely full.
- Once full, place the middle funnel filter on top of the bottom chamber.
- Using oven mitts, gently screw the upper chamber on top of the bottom chamber and place the pot on top of a stovetop burner. You should put it on a burner that best matches the size of the moka pot's base.
- Lift the lid of your moka pot so that you can monitor the brew and turn your burner to a low flame for a gas stovetop and medium low for an electric cooktop.
- After about five minutes and once the coffee starts to hiss and sputter, immediately take the moka pot off the stovetop and pour the contents into glasses so the espresso doesn't over extract and get too bitter or burnt in taste. If you aren't going to serve the coffee immediately, you can run the bottom chamber under cold water to stop the extraction.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Since 2021, Eva Bleyer has tested a wide range of kitchen gear and appliances in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, including gas ranges, microwaves, kitchen scales and blenders. She holds a B.S. in Food Studies, Nutrition and Public Health from New York University and is a trained chef from the Natural Gourmet Institute. As the lead on coffee testing for the GH Coffee Awards and an avid coffee gear tester, Eva conducted the testing for this story.
Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
The Best Ice Cream Makers
The Best Automatic Espresso Machines
The Best Smart Refrigerators
The Best Countertop Dishwashers
