Here are some things you should know when using a moka pot for the first time.

Here are some things you should know when using a moka pot for the first time.

About purchasing a Moka pot

🔸Single valve or double valve

To be honest, both are fine, just choose the one you like, because from a structural point of view, the actual pressurization effect can be ignored, but with double valves, a lot of foam will come out. After all, the visual effect is still comfortable.

🔹Domestic or Biledi

I personally think there is no difference, because the Moka pot has a simple structure and does not involve very complicated processes. You can just choose what you like.

🔸The size of the pot body

The commonly used one is 3 parts, the liquid output is moderate and accessories such as filter paper/cloth powder ring are easy to buy;

🔹Heating method

Generally, a fire or an electric ceramic stove is used. When using a fire, it is recommended to choose a cassette stove with a heat conduction plate. The flame on a household stove is relatively less stable (but it is okay if you don't care); you can choose an electric ceramic stove with 800W firepower;

🔴About Moka Pot Extraction Concentration

The concentration of coffee brewed by a Moka pot is between espresso and hand brewing. Since it uses the pressure generated when normal pressure water boils to brew coffee, it cannot actually be compared with the concentration of espresso machines. , you can simply understand it as a thickened version of American style.

Grind size recommendations

The grinding degree is between manual grinding and Italian grinding. The naked eye is about the thickness of table salt (Italian grinding is about the thickness of flour).

In the early stage, when opening the kettle, you can first adjust the hand grinding degree to the fine range, so that you can basically find the rough range after opening the kettle. The specific fine adjustment needs to be adjusted while drinking ~ or you can use a grinder like illy. And with relatively mature coffee powder storage technology, you will never worry about overturning;

❗️Remember not to use the grinding size of the espresso machine to avoid the pressure release and explosion of the Moka pot!

Do I need to use a cloth powder ring?

The main purpose of using a powder ring is to make the powder filling process cleaner and faster, and it does not affect the brewing effect at all. Currently I am using a zombie cap, which feels pretty good; remember not to press down when adding powder, otherwise the brewing pressure will be Excessive pressure can easily lead to pressure relief and explosion.

Does extraction require filter paper?

If possible, it is recommended to add filter paper, mainly for the following two reasons:

1️⃣ It can avoid to a certain extent that extremely fine powder blocks the extraction hole of the upper pot and affects the extraction effect;

2️⃣The extracted coffee liquid will be cleaner.

🔵Brewing suggestions

It is strongly recommended to use hot water for brewing. This can reduce the time for the water to contact the coffee powder, and the extraction tastes better. If you use room temperature water for extraction, there is a high probability that over-extraction will occur, resulting in an obvious bitter taste.

Clean

After pouring the coffee, you can pour a little water into the upper pot to make it easier to clean. Be sure to clean the bottom after brewing, because old coffee stains will affect the taste of the next extraction.

Storage

After cleaning the lower pot, it is recommended to wipe it clean and then heat it. You can heat it directly by lighting a fire, or you can use the residual heat of the electric ceramic stove to heat it. This can ensure that the water vapor in the lower pot disappears completely, otherwise it will cause the lower pot to turn black! In addition, when storing, you don’t need to tighten it too much, just screw it on.