If you’re an espresso lover, you’re probably wondering which side to take in the Moka Pot vs Brikkadebate. I did some homework to find out which coffee maker delivers the best espresso.
Today I’m going to focus on the Moka pot vs Brikka debate. Ever since Brikka espresso makers first made an appearance on the market, coffee lovers all over the world have been debating over whether they produce superior espresso-style brews compared to their older Moka pot counterparts.
To answer this question, I took a closer look at both pots and tasted the espresso they produce.
What Is a Brikka Pot?
When Italian industrialist Alfanso Bialetti designed the Moka pot, consumers were, for the first time, able to enjoy espresso-like brews in the comfort of their homes. Before then, they needed to visit a coffee bar or café to consume their favorite Italian-style coffee.
With the Brikka pot, Bialetti introduced an updated and improved version of the Moka pot. It produces a strong coffee with a rich foam that is the closest thing you’ll find to espresso brewed in an actual espresso machine. Like the Moka pot, Brikka pots are either made from aluminum or stainless steel and boast a stylish and simple design.
How Does It Work?
The Brikka pot features a dual-pressure valve system that regulates water pressure to produce a balanced and rich espresso-style coffee. The Brikka pot also has an open hole in the lid that allows for air to enter into the pot, which then swirls around the brewing coffee.
The result is a velvety cream, which is produced through the trapping of air in the coffee oils. In addition, the Brikka pot is equipped with an additional column with a silicone membrane, which also contributes to the production of rich creaminess.
As far as the basic design goes, however, the Brikka pot consists of the same three parts as a Moka Pot. These are:
- The bottom chamber, where you add the water at the start of the brewing process.
- The coffee basket, which holds the coffee grounds. There are tiny holes in the bottom of the basket to allow for steam to come through.
- The upper chamber, where the coffee eventually lands up after it rises via pressure through a funnel and out of a sprout.
What Are Other Similarities Between Moka and Brikka pots?
Both pots work best with coffee grounds with a medium grind. Although some people prefer to use finely ground coffee beans in these coffee makers, a slightly coarser grind works best.
Another similarity is that both Moka and Brikka pots are stove-top coffee makers that you can use on all hobs, except for induction hobs. They also both feature a safety pressure valve system, which prevents excessive pressure from building up.
Comparison Between a Moka and a Brikka Pot
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Moka Pot |
Brikka Pot |
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As far as espresso makers go, Moka pots are super affordable. |
Brikka pots come with a higher price tag. |
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Moka pots produce espressos without foam. |
Brikka pots provide a layer of foam on the espresso. |
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It takes around 10 minutes to brew an espresso in a classic Moka pot. The newer Moka Express pots are faster and produce espresso in about four minutes. |
With a Brikka pot, you can have your espresso in under three minutes. |
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Moka pots produce small, concentrated cups of coffee. |
Since Brikka espresso contains a layer of foam these brews have more volume. |
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Although Moka coffee has a kick, it’s not as strong as Brikka pot brews. |
With the Brikka pot, you’ll get coffee that contains a bit more caffeine than coffee brewed in a Moka pot. |
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The Moka pot is available in a range of sizes, including a four-, six- and even 12-cup version. |
The Brikka pot is only offered in two- and four-cup sizes. |
What’s Better About a Moka Pot?
Moka Pots boast an iconic retro design and are affordable and reliable. Their design is also simpler than that of the Brikka pot, which means that you’ll have fewer issues when it comes to defective parts.
Various problems have been reported regarding malfunctioning Brikka parts. A defective funnel, for instance, which causes low pressure, has been a widespread problem. Also, since Brikka pots are less commonly used, their parts can be more difficult to source.
What’s Better About a Brikka Pot?
Well, many would argue that since Bialetti invented the Brikka pot as an improved version of the Moka pot, it’s obviously the superior product. And if you’re an espresso lover like me, you’ll probably agree with this view.
In short, the espresso-style coffee you’ll get from your Brikka pot is much closer to real espresso than the brews produced by a Moka pot. Apart from the rich foam that the Brikka pot produces, the coffee is also less watery and richer in texture and taste.
