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If you’ve visited Italy, you likely know that Moka pots are a staple in nearly every household. While there are many brands to choose from, only one is used by both me and the legendary comedian Kate McKinnon: Bialetti. The Italian brand is known for its excellent espresso (along with the fact that its late founder has his ashes kept in a moka-pot-shaped urn), and in the age of alluring high-tech machines like Nespresso, using a Moka pot is a ritual McKinnon calls “tactile” and reminiscent of camping.
I couldn’t agree more. While it’s convenient to press a button to be served a hot cup of frothy dark brew, the taste from the manual, low-tech Moka pot is unparalleled.
The Saturday Night Live alum recently shared with New York Magazine that the Bialetti was one of the things she couldn’t live without. “It’s like I’m in the 1940s and only making what I need,” she said. “Just water, fire and coffee beans ground to a fine powder, and then, a minute later, there you are.”
Shop Bialetti Moka Pots starting at $34 at Amazon
In one sentence, McKinnon succinctly described the art of making the perfect cup. You’ll want to use filtered water and not pack the grinds too tightly. Once on the stovetop, the water in the bottom compartment boils, forcing its way through the ground beans into the top. When it starts spluttering, it’s done and should be removed from the heat. It’s not completely dissimilar to a French Press, but gratefully, the process is a bit quicker.
When selecting a pot size, it’s important to note that one Italian Moka shot is a mere ounce. The one I use for myself is a six-cup size, producing the perfect amount for a traditional full cup. Am I caffeinated? Sure. It’s my one morning cup before I cut myself off for the day (or before I turn to a much lighter fuel).
With over 20,000 reviews, McKinnon and I are not alone in our Moka adoration. One shopper wrote, “We have gone through so many espresso machines, both inexpensive and pricey, and this is by far the best because it is delicious, and the price is amazing! Why did we ever stray away from the old-fashioned way of making espresso?!”
While shopping for your new Moka pot, you might want to also pick up a copy of McKinnon’s recent book release, The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science. We’re betting it’s as riotously funny as she is — and the perfect pick to read while sipping your morning brew.
Shop Bialetti Moka Pots starting at $34 at Amazon
