5 Best Electric Moka Pots For A Quick Cup Of Joe

The best electric Moka pots are one of the ways to brew fresh coffee in a flash. Let’s learn more about this coffee maker and the models you can choose from.

Best electric moka pots
Electric Moka pots are much easier to use and deliver superior results

For a long time, I thought that I knew all the different ways to brew coffee. I used to use a regular drip coffee maker, but then a friend of mine showed me how to use a French press, which was a game changer. I had always thought about getting an espresso machine, but then I heard about the Moka pot; once I tried making coffee in one of these pots, I decided it was going to be my go-to option.

If you’re looking for a reliable way to make a fantastic cup of coffee, I highly recommend trying a Moka pot for yourself. While you can find stovetop models, I find that electric Moka pots are much easier to use and deliver superior results. Plus, you don’t have to monitor the pot to ensure it’s overheating or out of water.

Let’s discover the best electric Moka pots. You might also find our explainer on the best Moka pot grind size helpful.

Our Top 3 Best Electric Moka Pots For You

Below is a comparison table of the top three items from this article to help you choose which is best for you.

03/07/2024 01:05 pm GMT

What To Look For In An Electric Moka Pot

Since we’re only talking about electric Moka pots, you don’t have to worry about comparing stovetop and electric models. That said, there are some features to pay attention to when comparing different products, such as:

  • Safety Features: Whenever using an electric coffee maker, you want to make sure it comes with overheating protection and an automatic shut-off. This way, you don’t have to worry about burning the inside of your container or starting an electrical fire.
  • Automatic Sensors: One problem with making espresso for a homebrewed latte or cappuccino in a stovetop coffee maker is that you have to pay attention to the heat and water levels. Electric pots can sense when the coffee is ready, so you don’t over-extract or burn it. Moka coffee is already more bitter than regular java, so you need to be careful.
  • Cleaning: Moka pots are a bit harder to clean than a regular drip coffee maker because of the small percolator in the center. Plus, you have to worry about the gasket wearing down over time. That said, some models make cleaning a breeze, ensuring that you can spend more time drinking your coffee than scrubbing the machine.

How To Choose An Electric Moka Pot 

Now that you know the basic elements to pay attention to when buying the best Moka pot, let’s break down the various features that can change from one product to the next. These features will ensure you get the right model for your needs – whether you drink coffee multiple times a day or just on occasion.

Size

Whenever you’re choosing any kind of coffee machine, size matters; for example, if you’re just brewing for yourself, you only need a compact device that makes two or three cups. However, if you want to share your coffee with the office (or roommates), you should get something larger that makes six cups or more.

The size of your Moka pot also matters because of how much space it will take up on your counter. Are you going to put it away when you’re finished with it, or will it live on the countertop? If the latter, is it going to take up too much space?

Materials

A little worn Italian coffee pot on a gas stove in a kitchen.
Stainless steel moka pots can withstand heat better in stove

Most stovetop Moka pots are made of stainless steel from top to bottom since the metal can withstand heat better. However, with an electric model, you may get aluminum, plastic, or glass components.

The reason you can get away with less durable materials is that the machine doesn’t necessarily bring the water to a boil. In fact, boiling water can ruin the coffee, so it’s not as hot as it is in a regular drip machine.

One advantage of having a glass or plastic container is that you can see the brewing process in action and tell when the coffee is ready.

Price

The price fluctuation from one electric Moka espresso maker to another can be pretty substantial, depending on the brand. Some cheaper models may cost around $30 to $50, while higher-end devices can run upwards of $80 to $100.

Although most stainless steel Moka pots are going to be more expensive, they’re usually worth the price because they last longer. Also, you may not want poor-quality plastic leaching into your coffee, so buying a cheaper version isn’t a good idea. You might be interested in these Moka pot recipes

1. Delonghi EMK6

Although Delonghi is an Italian brand, it’s much different than Bialetti, which has been making Moka pots since the early 1930s. That said, if you’re shopping on Amazon and want something reliable and easy to use, the EMK6 is an excellent choice.

This coffee maker comes with a “keep warm” function that lasts for up to 30 minutes, ensuring that your cup stays fresh and delicious until you’re ready to drink it. Since this machine makes up to six cups at once, this feature is necessary because, chances are, you won’t be serving all the coffee at once.

If you want to only make three cups of coffee, you can use the adapter provided. Also, the pot comes with a clear brewing window, so you can see the process in action. Finally, this machine comes with standard safety features like an auto shut-off setting and a cool handle.

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03/07/2024 01:05 pm GMT

Pros

  • Auto shut-off safety valve
  • Keep warm for 30 min
  • Filter adapter to make three or six cups of coffee
  • Built-in indicator light
  • Clear brewing window
  • Automatic brewing sensors

Cons

  • The clear section can stain over time
  • Sensor is relatively sensitive to changes in coffee beans and ground level

2. Imusa Espresso Maker 

One of the great things about electric Moka pots is that they don’t cost much more than a traditional drip coffee maker. One example is the Imusa Espresso Coffee Maker, which is one of the most affordable models on this list. Plus, if something breaks or stops working, it’s much cheaper to buy replacement parts or a brand-new machine.

Although Imusa calls this device an espresso maker, it doesn’t reach the required pressure to deliver barista-approved espresso shots. That said, this is one of the fastest brewing units I’ve seen, and the materials are durable enough for the price you pay. The container is made of plastic, though, so you have to watch for stains as they’ll set in and never disappear.

Overall, if you’re new to Moka pot coffee and want something quick and cheap to make cups at home, the Imusa Coffee Maker works well for most situations. However, if you’re trying to make the best Moka coffee and want something that won’t break down for a long time, I recommend upgrading to a higher-end brand.

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03/07/2024 01:10 pm GMT

Pros

  • Affordable model
  • Clear viewing window
  • Easy to brew
  • Makes coffee in 10 minutes or less
  • Make three or six cups with the adapter provided
  • Cool-touch handle

Cons

  • Not as high-tech as other models
  • Not as durable as stainless steel pots

3. Bene Casa Espresso Coffee Maker 

For an affordable but highly-rated Moka pot, the Bene Casa espresso maker is for you. Although it lacks the sleek design of other models, it does what it sets out to do, and that’s the most important thing.

This coffee maker can brew three cups, and the transparent pot allows you to watch the brewing process. Plus, you won’t have to worry about burning your hands anymore, thanks to the cool touch handle – but be warned that the base can get quite hot.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Transparent 
  • Brews quickly

Cons

  • Some customers are confused by the auto-shut-off feature
  • The base is very wide
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03/07/2024 06:15 pm GMT

4. Uniware Professional Electric Coffee Maker

If you’re looking for a simple way to make Moka pot coffee, the Uniware is about as easy as it gets. I also like that this model is made entirely of stainless steel, meaning it should last for several years with minimal issues.

To run this coffee machine, you just have to press the “on” button and let it do its thing. Since the Uniware Pro makes about three cups of coffee at once, the entire process takes about 10 minutes or less. I recommend using darker roasts with less acidity, but that also depends on your coffee preferences.

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03/06/2024 09:55 pm GMT

Pros

  • Durable stainless steel design
  • Compact machine fits anywhere
  • Fast and efficient brewing
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • In rare cases, the pot may add a metallic taste to your coffee
  • Over time, some of the smaller components may get stained

5. Brentwood Electric Moka Pot

Top part of Brentwood electric moka pot
Image source: Brentwood Electric Moka Pot

Our final product is the Brentwood Moka Pot, which also uses metal and clear plastic components, allowing you to see inside the container as it brews. This unit is a bit larger than some of the others I’ve seen since it can make up to six cups. It also doesn’t come with an insert adapter to make less coffee, so you’ll just have to measure less water and use fewer coffee grounds.

The handle on this pot is supposed to be ergonomic, but it can feel a bit awkward when pouring coffee into a mug. I’m used to something a bit more perpendicular to the pot, so it took me a little while to get used to this design. Otherwise, the pot itself heats up pretty quickly, and the results are similar to what you’d get with most other pots.

Brentwood is another affordable model, so you don’t have to break the bank to get a great cup of coffee. It’s also easy to take apart to clean, and most of the components are dishwasher safe (not the base, though). If you liked this article, read our guide comparing the Moka Pot to a French Press.

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03/07/2024 01:20 pm GMT

Pros

  • Fast and efficient brewing
  • Clear viewing container
  • Built-in indicator light
  • Easy to take apart for cleaning

Cons

  • The handle is a bit awkward at first
  • The design can lead to coffee grounds in the water

Testing Criteria

When looking at the best Moka pots, you need to know which features to pay attention to and which ones will be left to personal preference. Here’s what I looked at when testing these coffee makers:

  • Reliability: Can you use the pot multiple times per day, or will so much action cause it to break down and stop working? I favored machines that could handle lots of wear and tear with minimal issues.
  • Quality: A big reason I chose electric Moka pots is that the machine can brew coffee better than I could by eyeballing it. However, some devices have faulty sensors or uncalibrated elements, leading to bitter or acidic coffee.
  • Durability: As a rule, I’m not a huge fan of plastic coffee makers because they can stain and corrode more easily than stainless steel. However, because see-through containers are common for this type of pot, many of the models I chose allowed you to watch what was happening while brewing.

Why You Can Trust Me 

Although I’m relatively new to the world of Moka pot coffee, I’m a fast learner, and I’ve discovered all the best secrets through old-fashioned trial and error. My first Moka pot was a stovetop model, so it took a lot of practice to figure out how to get the best cup of coffee for my tastes. Once I went electric, I wondered why it took me so long to upgrade to a more convenient method.

FAQs About Electric Moka Pots

Who Invented The Moka Pot?

An Italian inventor named Alfonso Bialetti invented the Moka pot in 1933. He also founded the Bialetti company, which still makes these pots (both stovetop and electric) to this day.

What Are The Differences Between A Stove-Top Espresso Maker And An Electric Moka Pot?

A stove-top espresso maker is another name for a manual Moka pot, so both of these devices are simply Moka pots. A regular Moka pot is heated on the stove, while an electric one comes on a component similar to the base of an electric kettle and must be plugged into an outlet. An electric unit is usually more expensive.

Are Espresso And Moka Pot Coffee the Same?

Espresso and Moka pot coffee are not the exact same thing. Espresso is brewed at high pressure (i.e., eight to 10 bars), while Moka coffee is brewed at a much less intense pressure (one or two bars).

Should I Let The Water Boil In My Moka Coffee Maker?

No, the water should not boil in a Moka coffee maker because that will create a more bitter, acidic cup of coffee. Fortunately, electric models usually come with a heat sensor to prevent boiling, so you get a perfect cup every time.

If I Add More Water, Will I Get More Coffee?

Putting extra water above the fill line will not result in more coffee. The size of the machine limits how much you can make, no matter how much water you use initially. Also, the pressure balance between the top and bottom equalizes at a specific point, meaning you can’t extract more liquid from the bottom section.

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.