Moka pot: how to get the best coffee from it

The instructions are Bialetti’s, the company that invented the Moka Express: room-temperature water up to the safety valve (no more, or it will be watery), the funnel filled with moka-grind coffee without pressing it down, low heat, and turn it off when all the coffee has come up.

The 3-cup Moka Express has a 130 ml boiler, according to Bialetti. The “cups” are small espresso cups, not breakfast mugs.

Step by step

1. Fill the boiler with room-temperature water up to the safety valve, not above it.
2. Fit the funnel and fill it with moka-grind coffee, generously but without pressing.
3. Wipe the rim, screw the top on firmly and put the pot on the heat.
4. Low heat and patience: Bialetti insists it’s worth waiting a few more minutes.
5. When you hear the gurgling and all the coffee has come up, turn off the heat.
6. Stir the coffee in the top before serving and drink it straight away.

If it doesn't taste right

• Tastes burnt: lower the heat and turn it off as soon as all the coffee has come up.
• Watery: don’t fill the water above the valve.
• Cleaning: water only, no detergent or dishwasher, according to Bialetti.
• Induction: the aluminium Moka Express only works with Bialetti’s adapter plate. The steel Venus is induction-ready.