Moka Pot vs AeroPress: considering the options

They’re ready to impress… come with us as we check out the Moka pot and AeroPress benefits!

Does strong coffee make your taste buds sing? Are flavourful cups your absolute favourite? Then we guess you’ll be a Moka pot fan. Oh, but then you might prefer the it-looks-nothing-like-a-coffee-brewer AeroPress.

These two pressure coffee makers have plenty of benefits. But which one should you choose? Which one should star in your next coffee subscription box and take the top spot beside your mug?

Get ready for Moka Pot vs AeroPress: the ultimate contest.

What is a Moka pot?

Also known as a stovetop, the Moka pot is the art deco coffee device found in most Italian kitchens. You place its stylish octagonal body on the stove to brew a strong, concentrated coffee at quite high pressures (around 1.5 bars).

Alfonso Bialetti first produced this ritzy little device in 1933, when it took caffè-loving Italians by storm. They adored its espresso-like taste and at-home ease. It didn’t take long for most of Europe to fall in love, either.

What is the AeroPress?

Then, there’s the clever AeroPress. It’s just a tot compared to the 90-year-old Moka pot – it was only invented in 2005. The inspiration? A drip machine’s lacklustre single cups.

And the inventor? One Alan Adler, the brains behind the Aerobie frisbee ring. Alan was tired of tasteless coffee, so set about designing a coffee device that made top coffee for one.

And so the AeroPress was born! This easy-to-use plastic brewer sports a versatile design and compact body. It makes clean-tasting coffee in a couple of minutes… and is FABULOUS fun!

Moka Pot vs AeroPress: which coffee device should I choose?

Coffee is best enjoyed your way, so let’s take a look at the AeroPress and Moka pot benefits and discover the best device for you!

— Taste (it’s gotta come first) —

Moka pot

Like espresso? Then we think the Moka pot will be your friend. With a high coffee-to-water ratio, the Bialetti Moka pot brews strong, concentrated cups that are syrupy in texture. Great if you like joe that feels fuller in the mouth.

Tried Moka pot coffee and found it too bitter? You’re not alone. If you want something more mellow, try taking the hob heat down a notch when you brew.

AeroPress

AeroPress coffee isn’t as strong as that brewed in a stovetop. It’s still pretty punchy; it just won’t be knocking the espresso off its podium any time soon.

Flavour is still one of the main AeroPress benefits, though. Coffee made in this nifty device tastes smooth and rich with a lush, full body. The paper filters bring a clear taste that’s not too ‘clean’. Think of a happy medium between crystal-clear pour over coffee and the fuller texture you get from a cafetiere.

Verdict?

It depends what tickles your fancy. If you like punchy, concentrated coffees (a.k.a espressos), then Moka pot coffee might be for you. Fancy something a touch lighter, with lots of defined coffee flavours? Give the AeroPress a bash.

— Ease of use —

Moka pot

The basic Moka pot method is pretty kind as you don’t need to worry about weighing out – just fill up the coffee basket and get brewing! Here’s how you do it (in a bit more detail):

• Fill the water chamber with water and the coffee basket with coffee
• Shake the basket to level off the grounds
• Screw the basket into the bottom half of the Moka pot body
• Screw on the top and place it on the stove, keeping the lid up
• Remove from the heat when coffee comes from the spout
• Chill under cool running water

Just a word of warning… stovetops can be a bit cheeky. Their coffee isn’t as consistent as, say, a cafetiere, and the flavour you get can change with each brew. The Moka pot body and handle also become very hot on the hob, so please watch your fingers!

AeroPress

AeroPresses are treasured by coffee lovers of every sort. From coffee specialists to keen bean home brewers, Alan made the AeroPress for all!

AeroPress coffee is a doddle once you get the hang of the different parts (and how they slot together!):

• Add 15g of coffee to the press
• Add water and give it a stir
• Insert the plunger
• Wait for a minute
• Plunge away!

This is just one of the many, many, MANY AeroPress methods. Because versatility is its middle name. The non-inverted method is nice and easy, as is the inverted (just watch out for spills!). Other methods are more complex, but always great fun!

Transportability is also top of the list of AeroPress benefits. The device is lightweight, compact, and sturdy, making it great for camping trips and holidays.

Verdict?

Moka pot-ing isn’t hard, but AeroPress coffee takes the top spot for ease. Some AP methods are more involved, but most are simple enough for everyone, from beginners to pressure brewing pros!

— Speed —

Moka pot

Once you get the hang of stovetop coffee, we guesstimate that it’ll take you around five minutes to brew.

AeroPress

The AeroPress combines elements of immersion and pressure brewing, the latter of which is key to speeding up the brew time. When we push down on the plunger, we force the coffee through the filter and make this a speedier method. In fact, the AeroPress is up there as one of the fastest coffee-making methods. Two minutes, tops?

Verdict?

The AeroPress wins for speed, but neither method is exactly lengthly. I mean, five little minutes for luscious, syrupy coffee? Totally worth a place in your next coffee subscription box.

— Capacity —

Moka pot

There are different sized Moka pots on the market, which is another reason why we love this Italian classic.

Take the Bialetti Moka Express: it comes in 1, 3 and 6-cup varieties. There are plenty of other models, too, so you know you can find the Bialetti for you.

And who says AeroPresses should get all the versatility credit? There’s so much you can do with Moka pot coffee. Enjoy like espresso or use in other drinks like an Americano or Mocha.

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a single-serve device. Just place it over your mug and brew away. Great if you’re the only coffee lover in the house. Or just can’t resist One. More. Cup.

You can serve friends too (if they’ve been good). Just increase the amount of coffee and brew into a jug or container. Then, use hot water to dilute.

Verdict?

We think the Moka pot takes gold here. While AeroPresses are designed for one, you can find different sized and shaped Moka pots to suit your needs.

— Cost —

Moka pot

Hop over to our lovely equipment shop, and you’ll find Moka Pot prices starting at £34. We always go for the Bialetti brand – it’s the original and the best. Invest in a Bialetti, and you’ll have a coffee device that might just outlive you!

Espresso-style coffee without the hefty price tag of an espresso machine? Yes please!

AeroPress

The AeroPress is low cost, too. For £29 you get the device plus an AeroPress scoop, stirrer, funnel, 350 pack of filters and a tote bag to hold it all in. Excuse us while we go and amend the dictionary; we think we’ve just found a new definition for ‘bargain’.

Verdict?

It’s neck and neck here. Both devices are low-cost and high-quality, made to last by brands you can trust.

— And the washing up? —

Moka pot

There is a bit of cleaning up to do after brewing in a Moka pot, but nothing too taxing. We’re not asking you to get the pressure washer out.

It’s fine to wash your Bialetti under hot running water for daily use, and then use natural products like white wine vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to give it a deep clean. It’s best not to use strong detergents to clean aluminium Moka pots because they can damage the metal.

AeroPress

Self-cleaning anything is good. Self-cleaning coffee brewers are better! This capable device wipes itself clean when you press the plunger, compacting the used coffee into a neat puck you can press straight onto the compost. Then all you need to do is give it a rinse and treat it to a deep clean now and again.

Verdict?

The AeroPress wins for the zippiest clean-up. Cleaning your Moka pot isn’t hard, but it can’t beat the efficient AeroPress!

There are plenty of Moka pot benefits… but then there’s a good handful on the AeroPress list too. Hmmm, which will you choose?