How to Brew Moka Pot Coffee: Ratio, Grind Size & Steps

Stovetop coffee that’s strong, smooth, and steeped in tradition.

What You’ll Need:

• Moka Pot (we’re using a 6-cup for this guide)
• Freshly ground coffee (fine, but not espresso-fine — like caster sugar)
• Kettle
• Fresh water
• Hob (or gas burner)
• Mug (or espresso cup if you’re feeling fancy)

Moka Pot Coffee-to-Water Ratio

For the 6-cup moka pot used in this guide, start with 20–22g of coffee. Fill the bottom chamber with water to just below the safety valve, then fill the coffee basket level without tamping. Grind finely, but not as finely as you would for espresso—aim for a texture like caster sugar. Moka pots vary in size, so use the basket and safety valve as your guide rather than applying the 6-cup quantity to every pot.

Step-by-Step:

1. Boil Your Water First
   Yes — boil your water before adding it to the Moka pot. This speeds up brewing and reduces the risk of bitterness from over-extraction.
2. Add Water to the Bottom Chamber
   Fill up to just below the safety valve with your hot water. Be careful — the pot will get hot quickly.
3. Fill the Basket with Coffee
   Fill the filter basket with ground coffee. Level it off but don’t tamp — just a gentle shake to settle it.
4. Assemble & Place on Hob
   Screw the top and bottom together (use a tea towel if it’s hot!), then place on a medium-low heat.
5. Watch the Brew
   Keep the heat at medium-low and watch the top chamber. Brewing usually takes about 4–6 minutes, depending on the pot and hob. Remove it when the flow turns pale and the sound changes from a gentle gurgle to a sputter.
6. Cool It Down
   Remove from heat as soon as the top fills. If you’re being precise, you can run the base under cold water to stop brewing immediately.
7. Pour & Enjoy
   Serve as is, or top up with hot water or steamed milk for a longer drink.

Pro Tips:

• Want a smoother brew? Use slightly coarser coffee than espresso grind.
• For the cleanest flavour, avoid letting it sit too long on the heat.
• Fancy a Flat Cap Flat White? Mix your moka brew with steamed milk — gorgeous!