You've been told moka pot makes the perfect espresso. But which are the best coffee for moka pot? There's a huge variety of coffee beans to choose from and it can get overwhelming.
I've done the research for you making it easier to find a coffee that's best for your moka pot and these are the top coffee beans for moka pot.
Top Moka Pot Coffee Beans Recommendations
Last update on 2023-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Before I take you through our selection of the best coffee for moka pot, there're different grinds and roasts to consider.
What is the Best Grind for Moka Pot?
Having the right grind for your moka pot goes a long way to creating the perfect blend. If you're passionate about your coffee you'll enjoy grinding your own coffee beans. This guarantees you fresh coffee every time. Or, you can purchase pre-ground coffee. It's important to make sure the grind is right for your moka pot coffee experience.
Coffee grinds are fine, medium and medium/fine coarse. If it's too fine, it could become compacted. It will get your filter blocked and you'll end up with burnt-tasting coffee. Coarse grinds produce less flavor while the medium grind is palatable but not perfect. The best grind for your moka pot is medium/fine grind.
Medium/fine grind won't clog up your filter nor give you that burnt taste. It's ideal for your espresso blends whether a cappuccino or a latte. While moka pots may not be favored by the gourmet espresso drinker, you'll get close using this grind.
What Kind of Coffee do You Use in a Stovetop Espresso Maker?
The next question you may be asking is "Do I use light, medium, or dark roasted coffee beans in my moka pot?". Fresh is key when purchasing roasted coffee beans. If there's a coffee roaster near you ask them to roast your coffee beans while you wait. If that is not possible, go with the best brands when buying your pre-roasted beans.
Different roasts give you different taste experiences. Once you get familiar with them, you'll figure out which one is your favorite. Some coffee drinkers choose to drink different roasts at different times of the day. This is up to you.
You've bought the moka pot because it appeals to your coffee aficionado instinct. You've got the espresso machine but you're up to a whole new brewing experience. Your cupboard is full of espresso grind coffee products but can you use them in your moka pot?
You can as long as you're aware of the type of grind. Make sure it's medium/fine grind which best suits the moka pot coffee brewing process. We're talking about creating the best coffee every time. Check the label before using it.
Now you know what to look out for to purchase your coffee beans. Let's see which products there are to choose from and get you rolling with your moka pot coffee brew.
Best Coffee for Moka Pot Reviews
Lavazza Espresso Italiano
Best Overall
A medium roast coffee blend with fruity and floral notes. It is 100% Arabica beans sourced from Africa, Central, and South America. The brand's Caffe Espresso flavor is rated 5 out of 10 for its intensity. Its smooth, deep flavor is a popular choice for moka pot brewers.
The Lavazza Espresso Italiano fits espresso machines and moka pots. You won't need to worry about your filter clogging or your coffee burning. If you're grinding your own coffee, this aromatic blend is available as whole beans.
Illy Coffee, Moka Ground, Classico Medium Roast, 100% Arabica Bean Signature Italian Blend
Runner Up
A richly-aromatic and well-defined coffee, this product will not disappoint you. The 100% Arabica blend gives you a pure flavor without hints of the bitterness associated with the robusta blends. Coffee connoisseurs will relish the hints of caramel and chocolate notes of this coffee.
The Illy Classico is suggested for moka pots.
LavAzza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee
Best for Chocolate Aroma
Another Lavazza coffee, this is a special blend of selected Robusta and Arabica beans. It's a dark (and bold) roast. Don't drink this one if strong coffee keeps you awake all night. The Crema e Gusto is full-bodied and flavored coffee with hints of chocolate.
It has been prepared for stovetop espresso makers but it's finely grounded. With its tantalizing and sweet aroma, you will want drinking it often.
Bialetti Coffee, Moka Ground, Dark Roast, Napoli, Italy
Best for a Dark Roast Coffee Experience
Another perfect grind for the moka pot, this coffee blend is roasted in Italy. Its bitter cocoa aroma may not appeal to every coffee enthusiast but it's worth the try. This full-bodied coffee is 70% Robusta and 30% arabica blend.
For those of you new to the world of coffee, it's good to understand the difference between Robusta and Arabica beans. Robusta has more caffeine than Arabica which makes it bitter. The Arabica has a higher lipid and sugar content. This makes Arabica a better-tasting coffee.
Café La Llave Espresso, 100% Pure Coffee, Dark Roast Ground Coffee
Best Coffee by many Latino Coffee Drinkers
If a strong dark roast is your pick for a perfect coffee, then you can't go wrong choosing this product. This is a popular espresso among the Latin coffee drinkers. It's finely grounded so be vigilant when using it in your moka pot. But the promise of a full-bodied and sweet chocolate aroma coffee tells me it's a product worth exploring.
This brand has a rich history. Starting over 143 years ago in Cuba, the family moved to Los Angelos in 1967. Passionate about their coffee, they continue to bring the authentic taste of home to many Latinos.
Supreme by Bustelo Whole Bean Espresso Coffee
Best for a Delicious Cappuccino
If you're a coffee enthusiast grinding your own beans, then this is the product for you. Being of supreme quality you can expect freshness with every purchase. It's dark, rich roast is ideal for a flavored cappuccino. This Bustelo Coffee for moka pot is 100% Arabica blend.
AmazonFresh Colombia Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast
Best for Medium Acidity Flavor
This Amazon Fresh Colombia Coffee is whole beans so you need to have a coffee grinder at home to prepare this product for brewing. It's 100% Arabica coffee grown in Colombia while roasted and packed in the U.S.
This product has been roasted to give a balanced, smooth, and full-bodied finish. The toasty flavor has medium acidity for those who enjoy this kind of blend.
Bialetti Coffee, Moka Ground, Light Roast, Milano, Italy Signature 100% Arabica Blend
Best for a Light Roast Coffee Brew
This product is straight from the heart of Milan, Italy. It's a light roast with hints of dried flowers and fruit in the aroma. This brew is a coffee that saves you from wondering whether you've got the right grind for your moka pot.
Being a well-known coffee Italian maker of moka pots, Bialetti knows what they're doing when perfecting the grind.
Mayorga Organics Café Cubano, Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee
For Coffee Drinkers who want to support Small Farmers
I've included this coffee for its 100% USDA organic certification. It's pure Arabica. The producer recommends grinding the beans finely but for your moka pot, keep it medium/fine. The slow-roasting process ensures a smooth finish with sweet, vanilla flavors. It's a dark roast so expect a bold intensity from your brew.
Mayorga source the beans from certified organic small farmers in Latin America. Each farmer and their farming practices are inspected for high-quality purposes.
Boyd's French No. 6 Coffee - Ground Dark Roast
Good for Early Morning Kick Off
A dark roast coffee brew is the best way to get your day started with a bang. You can have this coffee with your breakfast and you'll be ready to face the day. The deep wine flavor and sweet bouquet will tempt you to have more than one cup.
Experienced roast masters roasted the beans. They ground the beans and pack them immediately to maintain freshness. This coffee is 100% USDA organic certified and the company prides itself on using sustainable practices.
FAQs
How can I grind beans if I don't have a coffee grinder?
You can use a food processor, an immersion blender or a blender. Coffee grinders are designed to achieve the perfect grind though, so invest in one if you're serious about your coffee brew.
Is it a good idea to keep my beans in the fridge?
No! They must be kept airtight and cool but do not store them in the fridge or freezer. Keep them dry and use an opaque, airtight container.
Is pre-ground or whole the better choice?
This is a personal preference but if you're looking for freshness, whole beans is your choice. If you're looking for convenience, pre-ground beans do the job. In general terms, read this article to know why fresh ground coffee is a better choice.
Choosing the Best Coffee For Your Brewing Experience
There's an exciting market out there when it comes to finding the best coffee for your moka pot. Following some of the tips mentioned in this article, you'll be making a coffee that's brewed to perfection. Whether it's pre-ground or whole beans and light, medium or dark roast, you'll be spoilt for choice when choosing the best coffee beans for your needs.
