This category covers moka pots and manual coffee brewers for home, office and travel. Our range includes over 80 products, mostly from Bialetti, along with AeroPress, Camry, Taurus and Ariete. They suit anyone who wants to brew strong coffee without an espresso machine.
How to choose a moka pot or manual coffee maker
Type. A moka pot sits on the hob and produces strong, concentrated coffee similar to espresso, though the pressure is lower than in an espresso machine. An AeroPress presses coffee through a paper filter by hand, which gives a cleaner taste and lets you vary the grind and brewing time.
Size. Moka pot sizes are given in cups, but these are usually small espresso cups. A small model suits one person, while a medium one is better for two or for guests. The pot works best when filled to the full, so a very large one is a poor fit for a single serving.
Material and hob. Aluminium moka pots heat quickly, but most of them do not work on an induction hob. If you cook on induction, look for a stainless steel model or one with an induction-compatible base, and check this in the product description.
Maintenance. A moka pot should be washed by hand without strong detergent, especially if it is aluminium. The rubber gasket and filter plate need replacing from time to time. An AeroPress cleans in seconds: push out the used coffee puck and rinse the parts.
Brands we carry
- Bialetti: Italian maker known for the Moka Express, an octagonal aluminium pot whose shape has barely changed since 1933.
- AeroPress: known for its cylindrical plastic coffee press of the same name, which is easy to take on trips.
Also in our range: Camry, Taurus, Ariete, DeLonghi, Maestro, Krups, WMF and Bristot.
Frequently asked questions
Can a moka pot be used on an induction hob?
Only if it is made of induction-compatible steel or has a suitable base. Ordinary aluminium moka pots usually do not heat on induction. Always check compatibility in the product description.
How does a moka pot differ from an espresso machine?
A moka pot pushes water through the coffee with steam pressure, while an espresso machine uses a pump and higher pressure. As a result, moka coffee is strong and concentrated but has no true espresso crema. It is also cheaper to run and needs no electricity.
What coffee should I use in a moka pot?
Medium-fine ground coffee works best, slightly coarser than for an espresso machine. Very fine grounds clog the filter and can make the coffee bitter. There is no need to tamp it down, just level it evenly.
Moka pot or AeroPress: which should I choose?
Choose a moka pot if you like strong, full-bodied coffee, and an AeroPress if you prefer a cleaner, lighter cup. An AeroPress needs no hob, only hot water, so it is easy to travel with. A moka pot is more convenient when several people want coffee at once.