All about Espresso Pots

Stovetop espresso pots are espresso makers, sometimes referred to as percolators or Moka pots. Moka is a mark made by Bialetti Company. This company is named after the inventor of the stovetop espresso pot. 

The espresso pot uses steam pressure to force water up through a metal sieve with finely ground coffee. This forces the espresso into the top of the pot and is ready for your enjoyment. The espresso produced will not be as good as what you get at a cafe or an espresso machine, but it is an inexpensive alternative. The crema, which is usually an espresso will not be there, but there is a way to create what is described here as well. 

Using an Espresso Pot 

Make sure you have your coffee beans finely ground sugar, and your espresso pot. 

Fill your espresso pot with cold water in bottom. There should be a label inside the pot to show you how far to fill, if not, fill up the valve. When you put the strainer basket in the espresso pot, the water must not get through it. This will create an undesirable taste in your espresso. 

Next, fill the strainer with your finely ground coffee. Be sure to wipe off the sieve, if someone gets on the coffee or it will wind up in your espresso. Insert the assembly into the pot and make sure you have a good seal. If the seal is not tight, check your espresso pot, the rubber gasket should be replaced. 

Assemble the pot and place over low heat or flame. The lower the flame or heat, the longer Brewing which in turn increases the taste of espresso. You do not want to rush your espresso. 

The next step is not absolutely necessary, but creates a nice foam which imitates the crema you get from espresso makers. 

While espresso pot do its magic, add sugar to a mixture of container, about one teaspoon per cup of espresso. Next, as soon as you notice espresso that comes into the pot, pour some of the mixture in the container with sugar. Do not add too much, it is better to add too little than to add too much. 

Begin by stirring the sugar-espresso mixture until you get a mixture resembling a thin peanut butter. You can add a bit more espresso, if necessary. 

Once it has finished brewing espresso pour half the mixture in the container with sugar mixture. Begin stirring rapidly to create a foamy top. When this is mixed pour the rest of espresso coffee from the pot for mixing container and stir quickly. 

This process takes practice, but will produce a nice thick foamy crema. Pour your final product in heated espresso cups. You can use a spoon to dip the foam and out of cones. Drink until it cools to taste. 

Making espresso with a stove top espresso pot is not difficult. It takes practice to get foam head correct, but the taste is worth the time. An espresso pot is a great way to enjoy an occasional espresso without making a lifetime investment in an espresso machine. It is also an easy way to get your espresso while you are on a camping trip. Practice makes perfect.