How to Make a Wonderful Easy Espresso / Coffee in a Stove Top Espresso Maker (aka Moka Pot)

Hi! Thinking of buying or already own a stove top espresso maker but don't know how to use it? Follow these easy steps for one great, full bodied espresso/coffee

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stove top espresso maker (also called a Moka Pot)
• Coffee or espresso beans
• Coffee grinder if your beans are not ground

1. Hi! Let's see if we can breeze through this real easy. First step. Your stove top espresso pot (also called a Moka pot by some) comes is made in two sections. Unscrew counter clockwise the top half from the lower half

2. 
    

   Once you've unscrewed it. You'll see theres a filter resting in the lower half. For now, let's take that little bugger out :-)

3. 
    

   Once this is out, you'll notice the water reservoir in the bottom of the pot. Fill that up with water. Use filtered water if possible for a higher quality espresso/coffee.

4. 
    

   Get yourself some good quality espresso or coffee. I prefer whole beans which I grind for maximum freshness. Pre ground grinds are fine too. For whole beans in small espresso pitcher like mine (I get two small espresso cups each time), I judge it by about this much in my hand. I'll guess about a few table spoons.

5. 
    

   Grind beans to taste in a grinder. The finer the grind the stronger the coffee. When using my espresso pot, I prefer a good strong fine espresso grind. If your beans are already ground, keep reading....

6. 
    

   After beans are ground. Replace the filter in the top of the reservior (lower half of the espresso pot). Be sure you've put your water in the reservior as shown in step 3

7. 
    

   Fill grinds into the top of the filter. Fill it to a little bit higher than the rim of the filter. Then pack it down lightly so that the grinds are flat and level with the top edge of the filter

8. 
    

   Screw top of the espresso pot clockwise back on to the bottom portion. Keep level when you screw back on so you don't spill any grinds :-)

9. 
    

   Put espresso pot directly onto your oven range flame as shown. Some say to keep the flame pretty high until you hear the pot rumbling then reduce to low heat, but I prefer to keep on a low to med low heat the whole time. You'll hear the pot working in about 5 mins. When the espresso or coffee fills the top portion about 3/4 the way up, take off the heat (careful, it will be HOT) and serve. Delicious and easy.

Tips & Warnings

• The espresso pot is also called a Moka pot
• Coffee experts claim that the espresso pot (Moka) and the electric/commercial espresso makers produce espresso of equal quality but different characteristics. Neither is superior technically, rather it is a matter of taste or variety you prefer at the time.
• Don't let the espresso pot sit for long on the stove. It is best to take it off immediately after espresso is done
• Carefull when you take that pot off the stove! It may be hot :-) Ouch!

[kjp-lpc]

on 4/19/2009 Good insights - thanks!