Moka Pot vs Espresso Machine: Which one is the better?
If you ask any Italian grandma, she would tell you that the best Espresso is made in a stovetop Moka pot. If you ask a trained barista, he will assure you that the only way to produce proper Espresso is by using a sizable and relatively pricey espresso machine. Who, then, will you take seriously when choosing Moka pot vs espresso machine: which one is best?
In this post, we’ll compare the Moka Pot vs Espresso, breaking down their key differences and discussing the machines’ advantages and disadvantages.
To further assist you in selecting the model of coffee machine that is most suited to your needs, we will also discuss the aspects in which each model excels, as well as the areas in which it may be lacking.
Moka Pot vs Espresso Machine: Features and Characteristics
Moka Pot vs Espresso Structure:
Moka Pot: Coffee is brewed in the Moka pot, a fantastic appliance that sits on a heating pad and presses scalded water through ground beans in a steamy condition.
Moka Pot comes in traditional Italian design and complements your kitchen beautifully, while its straightforward procedure yields a rich, flavorful coffee in just 8 minutes.
Moka Pot comes in stainless steel and aluminum build materials. The stainless steel espresso pot is considered more durable than aluminum work.
Espresso Machine: Espresso is a type of Italian coffee made by forcing hot water at a pressure of 9-10 bars over finely ground coffee beans. Espresso is made with beans of varying roasting degrees and varieties.
In southern European countries, Espresso is the standard technique for preparing coffee.
There are a few distinct varieties of coffee makers, the most common of which are those that use capsules and ground coffee. Moka vs Espresso is considered a trending topic in coffee world.
The espresso maker is large and delicate, so it must be moved and set up with care. It’s had rough surfaces and not a lot of extras, save for maybe a frother.
Temperature of Moka Pot vs Espresso :
Moka Pot: Stainless Steel Moka Pot is durable when you are talking about temperature bearing by the machine. Still, when you talk about water temperature, the Moka Pot’s water will start heating up when your stovetop is hot. In this article “Moka Pot vs Espresso Machine”, comparison is based on various prporties.
As the water boils and the pressure builds, steam is releasing into the air. After the bubbling and buzzing of the Bialetti, you’ll need to reduce the heat to give the water a chance to settle down before serving.
Espresso Machine: Depending on how you like your coffee, you may either use cold water to brew it in your preferred espresso maker or warm water to preheat the machine.
Your espresso machine will heat water to 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees Fahrenheit) so that it may be pushed through your coffee grounds or capsules.
Moka Pot vs Espresso Grinder Size:
Moka Pot: You’ll want to aim for a grind about halfway between thick and thin at this machine. The ideal coffee grind for a Coffee maker pot is somewhere in the middle, between Espresso’s fineness and drip coffee’s coarseness.
If you want coffee that really hits the spot, try grinding the beans yourself. Most people prefer to buy coffee in whole bean form and grind it by themselves. the size selection can be made easily by reading our article on moka pot vs espresso machine.
Espresso Machine: You won’t get the most out of your Espresso machine if you don’t use finely ground beans. If you’re using a capsule, you’ll need to insert the round or square top into the machine, and if you’re using a lid, you’ll require to pour the coffee grounds to the bottom and press the lid down into the machine until it locks.
Which one is more durable?
When you look at the brewing method of two drinks, it is observed that a little change can give you big headache.
Moka pots tend to be more simple with little bit of materials being used. Its accessories are not costly and made up of simple wires and almost unbreakable material.
Alternatively, espresso machines consist of multiple parts. There is more tendency of its breakage due to complex electrical components. A technical mishap can cause you hundred dollars cost for fixing the machine.
Although, home espresso machines can last for year by keeping care of it. There is no doubt machines needs care either it is Moka pot or espresso.
Capacity of Moka Pot vs Espresso:
Moka Pot: The capacity of your Moka pot determines how much coffee it can brew. Mostly Moka Pots come in a wide range of sizes, and each one is categorized by how much water it can hold.
On a beautiful day, you and five other coffee connoisseurs will enjoy the Moka Pot’s 6-cup capacity and the ensuing scent all day long. Espresso machine vs moka pot is a hot topic for coffee lovers.
Espresso Machine: Despite the low yield per shot, you’ll still be able to quickly and conveniently serve many customers. Each time, it makes about 30–40 ml (1, 18 oz) and only requires a push of a button to join with hot water. The article moka pot vs espresso machine gives detailed view of both coffee machines.
The lid and pressing procedures can be tricky at first if you aren’t used to working with capsules, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly! You may need a little extra time at first, but in no time, you’ll be a pro at performing this task in less than 2 minutes!
Taste of Moka Coffee vs Espresso:
Moka Pot: The resulting taste is robust, flavorful, and delicious. It may be your very own “espresso” machine if you prefer a strong, buttery flavor and a lasting aroma. You can also see our list of best reviewed Moka Pot.
It has a look and feel of regular wet Espresso, and its pleasing sharpness perfectly matches the real thing. Consisting primarily of tart and gritty undertones, it has an assertive bitterness.
Espresso Machine: If you know how to use a coffee maker, you don’t need any special training to use the Espresso machine’s capsules. On the other hand, those with a lid are more complicated, but they produce coffee with the same crema and flavor as that served in cafes. whenever we write about moka pot vs espresso machine, it gives us detailed view in terms of taste.
The Espresso Machine makes a fantastic, strong cup of coffee that is bitter, full-bodied, and flavored with caramel, chocolate, and nutty, gritty undertones if done properly. Some lighter roasts have a strong and zesty flavor, while darker roasts tend to have a sweeter and more floral aroma.
Infusion of Caffeine Moka Pot vs Espresso Machine:
Moka Pot: It’s much more potent and substantial than a single espresso shot. The caffeine content of 106 mg per 2 ounces of Moka coffee is quite high and contributes to the full, robust flavor. There are multiple health benefits of caffeine which can be seen here.
When comparing caffeine in Moka Pot vs Espresso, Moka pot has more caffeine than Espresso.
Espresso Machine: Despite having more caffeine per serving than other coffee beverages, Espresso still has less caffeine than regular brewed coffee. Caffeine content varies by bean origin, roasting method, and other factors, but a standard 1 – ounce (30 – gram) Espresso cup typically has 66 mg of caffeine.
Pros and Cons of Moka Pots:
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Pros and Cons of Espresso Machine:
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Moka Pot vs Espresso Machine (Short Overview)
Features | Espresso Machine | Moka Pot |
Structure | Heavier than a Moka pot, made of steel or metal, and not portable | Classical in style, lightweight, and easily transportable |
Design | Steel, Metal, and Plastic | Aluminum and Steel |
Time | 1 – 2 Minutes | 8 Minutes |
Quantity | 40 – 60ml each brew | 80ml each brew |
Flavor | Subtle hints of citrus and bitter earthiness in the flavor | Acidic and espresso-like |
Grind Size | Fine and Thin | Medium to Fine |
Water Temperature | Hot water (190 °F) | Mild to Hot (140-190 °F) |
Level of Caffeine | 30 mg (lighter), but darker roasts have less caffeine and vice versa | 106 mg (stronger than Espresso) |
Cleaning | Need guidance for proper cleaning | Easy to clean |
Final Verdict
There is no simple solution to this problem. The Moka pot and the espresso machine can produce a powerful cup of coffee, but the espresso machine has the upper hand regarding consistency, quality, and control.
There is only one major drawback to espresso machines: their high price and the fact that they need specialized accessories. However, if real Espresso is what you’re after, you have no other choice.
Personally, it is not fair to compare the Moka pot vs Espresso you’ve chosen to use. If you want Espresso, use the espresso machine; if you want a robust cup of coffee to go without spending a lot of time or money, use the Moka pot.