It depends! The type of electric stove you have will determine the type of moka pot that can be used. For coil and infrared stoves, both aluminum and stainless steel varieties can be used. For those with an induction stove, only stainless steel moka pots will work, since aluminum pots are not magnetic.
Brewing coffee using Moka pot on an electric stove
There are two factors to think about when trying to use a moka pot on an electric stove. First, the type of electric stove needs to be taken into consideration. Secondly, the material the moka pot is made out of needs to be factored in.
Coil electric stove
While aluminum moka pots tend to be standard, stainless steel would also work on this type of stove. Since this kitchen range heats up rapidly and efficiently, adding warm water into the moka pot and preheating the burner on medium will help achieve the right taste by not burning the coffee.
Since it can be easy to over-heat the coffee on a coil electric stove, the heat should be turned down from medium to medium-low (even to low) once the water starts boiling. The moka pot should also be quickly removed from the burner once the brewing is complete.
Infrared stove
Similar to coil-top stoves, infrared stoves are also a great option when brewing coffee with a moka pot. The process is also the same: both the water and burner should be preheated and, once the water is boiling, the temperature should be reduced so that the coffee does not burn.
Just as with coil stoves, both stainless steel and aluminum moka pots will work on an infrared stove.
Induction stove
The heating up process with an induction stove is different than that of a coil and infrared stove. The material of the pot needs to be magnetic in order to create a magnetic field, which is what produces the heat needed for cooking.
Since aluminum is not magnetic, aluminum moka pots would not work on this type of stove. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is magnetic. It is the only type of moka pot that would brew coffee on this type of electric stove.
Using a Moka Pot
In just six steps, coffee can be brewed using a moka pot. To start, the boiler needs to be filled with cold water. The level should not exceed the height of the pressure valve. Then, fresh coffee needs to be ground fine, almost powdery. This is a similar consistency to when making espresso.
Once the coffee has been ground down to the right size, it is time to fill the funnel. The amount of coffee used should fill the funnel flush to the top. Unlike with espresso, the grounds should not be tamped down.
After filling the funnel, it needs to be placed into the boiler. Topping it off with the gasket and filter plate, the kettle can then be screwed on top. When putting the kettle on, it should not be tightened down too much.
To complete the brewing process, the filled moka pot should be placed on a stove, over medium heat, until the sounds of rapid boiling stops. Remove the moka pot from the heat and look inside. If the kettle is full of coffee, the brewing process is complete.
Moka Pot Basics
With seven different components all working together, a strong cup of coffee can be made in about six minutes. Starting at the bottom, there is the boiler which holds the water. This is what comes in contact with the stove when brewing coffee. A safety valve is located on the boiler to help ensure that too much pressure does not build up while brewing.
A funnel tank, which holds the ground coffee, is placed inside the boiler. A rubber gasket then sits on top of the funnel tank to keep water and steam from spilling out the sides of the moka pot. To secure the ground coffee in the funnel tank, a filter plate is put on top of the rubber gasket.
A kettle screws on top of the boiler and it is in this compartment that brewed coffee is collected. There is also a spout and handle on the kettle to easily and safely pour out the brewed coffee.
Moka Pot Materials
Created by a man named Alfonso Bialetti, moka pots (also referred to as a “Bialetti”) were originally made out of aluminum. While this style still remains popular, moka pots made out of stainless steel can also be purchased.
Maintenance
To ensure that the moka pot continues to produce the best tasting coffee, regular cleanings need to be performed. The safety valve needs to be checked for stray coffee grounds, as it should never be clogged. After every brew, once it has cooled, the moka pot should be taken apart.
Not only do the coffee grounds need to be disposed, but each piece of the moka pot needs to be rinsed and dried to ensure any residual oils and coffee grounds have been washed away. Since cleaning the moka pot with soap or using a dishwasher could cause damage and/or alter the taste of coffee in later brews, simply running the appliance under water is all that is necessary to keep it clean and in good shape.
Conclusion
Referred to by many as a stove-top espresso machine, this uniquely designed appliance is simple yet effective at brewing a bold “cup of joe.” Available in different sizes, this kitchen staple is often made out of aluminum and stainless steel. Its purpose is to brew coffee conveniently on a stove-top or open flame.
Moka pots brew strong, flavorful espresso-like beverages by pushing boiling water (which is pressurized by steam) through finely ground coffee. In under ten minutes, and with just a handful of steps, this stove-top appliance can produce an intense and rich-tasting coffee.
Brewing coffee with a moka pot provides an easy way to achieve a strong espresso-like beverage, just without the crema topping. The coffee that is brewed in this Italian invention is often described as rich, invigorating, and intensely concentrated.
