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What are the Pros and Cons of Steam Coffee Pot? Correct Usage Methods and Precautions for Steam Coffee Pot.

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, What are the pros and cons of steam coffee pot coffee? The steam coffee pot, commonly known as the Moka pot, is a national-level coffee brewing device in Italy. It is said that 8 out of every 10 Italian households regularly have a Moka pot. However, it has relatively few users in domestic markets. Its main advantage is its portability - it only needs a heat source, so you can use it anywhere.

What are the pros and cons of steam coffee pot?

The steam coffee pot, commonly known as the Moka pot, is a national-level coffee brewing device in Italy. It is said that 8 out of every 10 Italian households keep a Moka pot. However, it has relatively few users in China. Its advantage lies in its portability - it only needs a heat source and can be used anywhere. So what are its disadvantages? Because of its simple structure and convenient operation, its coffee output is relatively primitive, and the coffee flavor might be quite weak. Due to the high temperature and longer brewing time, its bitterness is also higher.

What are the correct usage methods and precautions for steam coffee pot?

First; The water amount issue in Moka pot.

How much water to add is a concern for many users. You can observe the lower chamber and notice a protruding hole, which is called the pressure relief valve. This valve is designed to prevent explosion accidents caused by excessive pressure due to certain factors (such as coffee grounds being too fine). If the water covers this valve, it may lose the pressure relief effect and increase the risk of explosion. Therefore, the safest water level is generally about 0.5 centimeters below the pressure relief valve. For those who need a formula, you can also weigh the water and record it. FrontStreet Coffee uses a Bialetti three-cup single-valve Moka pot, and the measured water amount is 130ml.

Second; The grind size for Moka pot coffee.

First, it's important to note that the grind size for Moka pots is different from that for espresso machines. Espresso machines have greater pressure (9bar) and can break through the resistance of the coffee puck. Moka pots don't have as much pressure, and if the grind is too fine, it's highly likely that the coffee liquid won't come up, and it will also increase the pressure in the lower chamber, which could lead to explosion risks if the pressure relief is ineffective. Therefore, if you find the water is boiling but the coffee liquid hasn't come up for a long time, you should turn off the heat source immediately. Too coarse is also not good, because due to too little resistance, the coffee liquid will gush out, creating a risk of splattering and burns. FrontStreet Coffee recommends a grind size of EK-43s #3-3.5 setting.

Third; What coffee beans are suitable for Moka pot.

FrontStreet Coffee recommends using medium-dark roast coffee beans, espresso beans, or coffee grounds specially designed for Moka pots. If we were to recommend from FrontStreet Coffee's bean selection, Brazil Queen Estate Yellow Bourbon Coffee and Sunflower Warm Blend Coffee are good choices.