Geyser coffee maker (Moka) - the first gadget of the future coffee lover

The word "MOKA" has several meanings. The polysemy was formed along with the evolution of the coffee drink, and the semantics of this word reflects the history of coffee. "Moka" is:

• The port city of Yemen is Mukha.
• Type of coffee – Moka.
• Coffee maker – MOKA.
• Cappuccino drink with chocolate chips and syrup - Mokko.

In linguistics, such morphemes, different in spelling, but identical in sound, are called homophones. But in this case, the words are united not only by a similar sound, but also by a common origin from the Yemeni port city of Al-Mukha. There are several spelling options for this geographical name: Mokha, Al-Mokha, Mocha, Mockha. In order not to get confused in the vocabulary, the following distinction is accepted in the Russian language:

1. We will call the port Al-Moha.
2. The type of coffee is Moka.
3. The drink is mocha.
4. Geyser coffee maker – MOKA.

Today we will talk about MOKA Express, a geyser-type coffee maker designed for preparing a strong and thick drink on a regular kitchen stove. This type of coffee maker is very common in Europe. In Italy, every housewife has these aluminum coffee pots; they are considered an indispensable attribute of kitchen utensils.

Features of geyser coffee makers

Geyser models are popularly called “mocha” coffee makers.
Their incredible popularity is explained by the fact that they are so easy to operate that only the centuries-tested Turk can compare with them.

At the same time, geyser coffee makers have the following advantages:

• With their help you can make thick coffee with a rich taste.
• Coffee sediment will not fall into the cup, but will remain in the filter of the device.
• You don’t have to stand over the coffee maker and make sure that the coffee doesn’t run off onto the stove.

Expert opinion
Galina Valerievna Borodina

If you want to prepare aromatic coffee every morning in a matter of minutes and not shake out the grounds from your favorite cup, it’s time to buy a geyser coffee maker.

How to make coffee in Moka

The lower tank must be filled with water up to the level of the safety valve, which serves to release steam if there is water left in the tank or if too much has been poured.

Photo “Italy in Russian”

After this, the water reservoir is closed with a funnel-shaped metal filter, into which ground coffee is poured. It is advisable to pour coffee to the very top of the filter, carefully leveling it, but not compacting it. Sometimes it is advised to make holes in the coffee with a small stick.

Photo “Italy in Russian”

The filter is covered by the top of the coffee maker, which is equipped with another filter. The finished drink is collected into this container through a tube.

The coffee is almost ready. Photo “Italy in Russian”

The coffee can be considered ready when only steam comes out of the tube in the coffee container; now the hot drink can be poured into cups. It is believed that coffee tastes better if it is cooked over low heat.

Photo “Italy in Russian”

The following video will help you understand how to properly prepare coffee in a Moka coffee maker.

To get foamy coffee, it is recommended to keep the coffee maker lid open:

About the price

There is no point in comparing geyser models with automatic coffee machines.
Geysers are several times cheaper. Among mocha coffee makers, the price range is sometimes too wide. Little-known Chinese models can be bought for pennies, but the quality will definitely be poor. Trusted brands offer customers geysers in the range of 1.5-3 thousand rubles. Even the famous starter model from the Bialetti brand, trusted by coffee lovers, MORENITA can be purchased for less than 2 thousand rubles.

The average cost of a classic aluminum coffee maker designed for 6 cups ranges from 2 to 3 thousand rubles. The most expensive electric options support auto shut-off and temperature maintenance. They cost more - in the range of 5-9 thousand rubles.

Principle of operation

Despite the variety of geyser coffee makers presented in Russian stores, they all work on the same principle. Their design consists of a filter, upper and lower containers. To prepare coffee, you need to pour water (no higher than the safety valve) into the lower container. Coffee is placed in the filter and then placed in a special tank.

During the heating process, the steam lifts water into the compartment filled with coffee. Water absorbs soluble components from it. Afterwards, the drink enters the upper container, completely ready for consumption. The result is delicious and aromatic coffee without grounds.

You can brew the drink on the stove. These coffee makers are compatible with all types of stoves. The second option is a mains-powered coffee maker. It has many additional useful features.

Basic selection options

When choosing a geyser coffee maker, the following parameters are taken into account:

How many cups of coffee can your geyser coffee maker brew?

4-612-18

• Type . At home, you can choose a traditional coffee maker model to make coffee on the stove. When purchasing equipment for the office, it is better to give preference to electric options.
• Volume . The best option for one person is a model for 1-2 cups, for a family – for 4-6 cups, for a large company – for 12-18 cups. The standard option is a device that can prepare from 3 to 6 servings in 3-6 minutes.
• Material . Mocha coffee makers are made of materials with excellent thermal conductivity: aluminum, stainless steel, some electric models can be made of tempered glass.
• Availability of additional options . The more such options a coffee maker has, the more expensive it is. If you are not saving on your purchase, then it is better to choose models with several filters, measuring spoons, brushes and compartments for storing cords.

All of the above parameters should be taken into account when purchasing a coffee maker for your home or office. Below is a rating of the best geyser coffee makers that manufacturers offer in 2020.

Rating of the TOP 20 best geyser coffee makers of 2020

Bialetti Mukka Express - the best option for an electric stove

This is one of the best products from the popular Italian brand Bialetti. Its price is not so budget-friendly - about 5,000 rubles, but it justifies itself. This model is designed to prepare 2-3 servings of a thick, rich drink.

The model is suitable for cooking not only on electric, but also on gas, glass-ceramic and induction hobs, as it has a durable aluminum body. The flask is also made of metal.

The advantages of Mukka Express include:

• Compact size (you can take it with you to work or to the country).
• Durable materials.
• Stylish modern design: the color of the coffee maker is somewhat reminiscent of cow leather.

The coffee maker comes with a measuring cup, which must be used every time you make a drink. If you overdo it with adding milk, an “explosion” may occur. While preparing coffee, you will have to carefully monitor it so that it does not escape.

History of the Moka coffee maker

The Mocha coffee maker was invented in 1933 by the Italian entrepreneur Alfonso Bialetti, and it owes its name to the Yemeni city of Moha - one of the first and most famous places for the production of coffee, in particular mocha coffee - a valuable variety of the Arabica variety. Over the 80 years of its existence, this coffee maker has sold 270 million copies worldwide.

Moka coffee maker. Photo risette.donnamoderna.com

The Bialetti company was born in 1919, when Alfonso Bialetti opened a small enterprise in the town of Crusinallo (province of Verbania, Piedmont region) for the production of aluminum products, first semi-finished products, and then his own aluminum products ready for sale. Among the company's new products was the Moka Express coffee maker. They say that Bialetti was inspired to create a new coffee maker... by a primitive washing machine that worked on a similar principle. Watching his wife wash clothes, Alfonso Bialetti decided to apply the same scheme of action to his invention, which he succeeded with great success.

Moka Express revolutionized the process of making coffee at home and in a short time, thanks in part to the entrepreneurial skills of Alfonso Bialetti's son Renato, turned the company into one of the main Italian manufacturers of coffee makers.

In 1946, having returned from German captivity, Renato Bialetti began to raise the enterprise, focusing on the Moka Express coffee maker and leaving aside all other products. New varieties of Moka were created, designed for different numbers of servings - from two to ten, and a thousand coffee makers were produced daily.

Moka coffee makers for different number of servings. Photo: pinkbow.net

With the advent of the economic boom of the 50s, Renato Bialetti launched a massive advertising campaign: Moka was advertised in newspapers and magazines, on radio and even on television (which was a pioneering step at that time). The giant advertising Moka coffee maker appeared in 1956 at the annual trade fair in Milan. Italians well remember the popular advertising character, with his bushy mustache reminiscent of the company's founder Alfonso Bialetti, and the popular slogan of those years: “Espresso at home is the same as in the bar” (A casa un espresso come al bar).

Advertising character for Bialetti coffee makers. Photo dearcoffeeiloveyou.com

Best Budget Geyser – Rondell RDS-499

Rondell RDS-499 is quite inexpensive - about 2000 rubles.

The low cost is explained by the fact that the model is produced in China. Can be used with all types of hobs, including induction. The aluminum body has a special non-stick coating. It has a medium volume: you can prepare up to 300 ml of coffee.

The Rondell RDS-499 model works great with medium grind beans. The fact is that the filter has large holes, fine powder spills out of it, and the drink ends up with sediment.

Advantages of the Rondell RDS-499 geyser:

• The coffee maker does not slip on any cooking surface, since its body has a relief surface.
• Due to its stylish design it will fit into the interior of any kitchen.
• Rondell RDS-499 is easy to care for: all its removable elements are easy to clean.
• It has a smooth bottom without any notches.
• The coffee maker does not slip in your hand, as it has a high-quality nylon coating.

Rondell RDS-499 is a good budget option for those who do not want to overpay for unnecessary functions.

Where does the name mocha come from and what does it mean?

Back in ancient times, there was a monopoly on the supply of coffee. Its homeland is considered to be the Mokha province in Yemen. Only merchants from the Yemeni coffee province of Mokha distributed dried beans throughout their region. Local residents tried their best to prevent coffee beans from getting to strangers.

Today, the word "Mocha" refers to any type of coffee from Yemen.

Where did coffee plantations come from in Yemen? Researchers are still debating this issue. One group of scientists believes that coffee plantations grew here without human help, while another claims that the Arabs themselves planted coffee trees in this mountainous area near the city of Al-Mokha.

The decision to use coffee plantations for profit was made by Sheikh Saadi. Plantations began to reach the sea, where the ruler built a port. Thus, he connected Yemen with Europe and established coffee exports. Almost until the beginning of the 18th century, mocha was the only type of coffee that was supplied to the Old World.

It is interesting that coffee was supplied to Europe in the form of dried beans, so that foreigners would not reveal the secret of the drink.

Once the Europeans received fresh coffee beans, the city of Al Moha was no longer the only supplier of coffee. The name "mocha" comes from the name of the city of Al-Mokha, which Europeans used to call coffee beans from Yemen. What is "mocha"? This is a variety of Arabica.

Mokka DeLonghi EMKM.6.B – the best electric device

For those who prefer electric models, the Mokka DeLonghi EMKM.6.B will be an excellent option. Its price is about 6,000 rubles. This model is designed for 3-6 servings (it all depends on the volume of the cups), a stylish and easy-to-use coffee maker.

Advantages of the coffee maker:

• The device has a base that practically does not heat up. Due to this, it can be placed on almost any surface. The set also includes a special table stand.
• After preparing the drink, the device automatically turns off and maintains the temperature for half an hour. There is no need to ensure that the coffee does not boil over.
• After turning on the coffee maker, a ready signal sounds.

Mokka DeLonghi EMKM.6.B has a water level indicator, you can easily determine whether more liquid needs to be added to the flask.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

Manufacturers of kitchen appliances produce a variety of models.

To navigate the assortment and buy the best coffee maker, just pay attention to the following details:

• power - varies from 300 to 1400 W, the speed of preparing the drink depends on it;
• volume - there are models for 2-6 cups;
• type of operation - you can take an electric one with you on a trip or to the office; a stovetop coffee maker is only suitable for use on a hob;
• material - geyser devices are made of aluminum or stainless steel, both materials have good thermal conductivity and are easy to clean;
• additional functions - power on and water level indicator, timer, automatic shutdown after preparing a drink, strength regulator and automatic heating of the drink.

Mokka Rommelsbacher EKO 376/G – the best model with a built-in stand

The German Mocha coffee maker Rommelsbacher EKO 376/G is equipped with a convenient built-in stand and is designed for 3-6 servings, depending on the volume of the cups. It has a fairly high price of about 9,500 rubles.

It has a convenient design that will last for many years, since the body is made of stainless steel with plastic elements, the flask is made of heat-resistant glass. The undeniable advantages of the Mokka Rommelsbacher EKO 376/G include:

Automatic shut-off after coffee is ready.

• The presence of a thermally insulated handle.
• Indicators of inclusion and volume of water.
• Protection against overheating and boiling over.

This model has virtually no flaws and looks really stylish.

Criterias of choice

It is recommended to choose an original Italian Mocha coffee maker. This is a guarantee for many years, since the quality of assembly and materials is much better than that of handicraft manufacturers.

Sometimes there are fakes without a safety valve - such models sometimes fly around the kitchen if steam cannot escape through an additional hole. In this case, all the coffee powder and water may end up on the newly painted wall or furniture.

The tightness of the original geyser coffee maker allows you to make a thick and strong drink, which is not the case with counterfeit models.

The quality of the thread depends on the alloy - how strong it is and can withstand pressure, which in a geyser coffee maker reaches 1.5 bar.

Depending on the amount of coffee you drink daily, you can choose a device for 2, 4, 6 and 8 servings.

The devices differ in appearance - body shape or color. The material of the body plays a role - aluminum is considered the best, as it does not impart a metallic taste to the finished drink, although stainless steel products last longer.

Advice! The most delicious coffee comes from freshly ground beans, but for this you will have to get a coffee grinder

Bialetti Rainbow – a decent device for 6 servings

This is another geyser of the Italian brand. The coffee maker is recognizable due to the man with a mustache depicted on the body. Pairs perfectly with any type of stove: gas, electric, induction, glass-ceramic. It has an affordable price - about 3,500 rubles.

Advantages of Bialetti Rainbow:

• The device has a handle that does not heat up during the preparation of the drink. Therefore, it is convenient and absolutely safe to use.
• The model is made of aluminum with an enamel coating. Case color may vary.
• With the help of Bialetti Rainbow you can not only prepare aromatic coffee, but also decorate the interior of your kitchen.

A geyser coffee maker is an excellent option for those who want to please themselves with delicious and aromatic coffee every day and do not want to overpay for an expensive coffee machine.

Making lattes, cappuccinos and mochas using a coffee machine

Using the advice from our website on choosing a coffee machine, we purchased a Delonghi ETAM29.51X coffee machine with a manual cappuccino maker.

Of course, the coffee machine prepares “espresso”, “Americano”, “ristretto” coffee “automatically”, as it is programmed in it. But for making cappuccino,

“Latte”, “mocha” or “Viennese coffee” requires the right recipe and certain skills.

Well, now, let's move on to preparing these delicious coffee drinks. We will give you the recipes and show you a master class recorded on video.

Let's start making cappuccino:

Fill 1/3 cup or jug ​​with milk of 3.2-3.5% fat content, taking into account the number of servings and the volume of cups.

Using the piston movements, froth the milk and heat it, the milk will increase in volume by 3 times. Make strong coffee.

Pour strong coffee into a cup and spoon milk froth on top.

Instead of sugar, you can add 15-20 ml. any syrup.

You can sprinkle grated chocolate on top of the foam or decorate it beautifully with cinnamon (through a stencil).

Now let's make a latte using a coffee machine:

The composition of the coffee latte is as follows:

1) one serving of espresso or instant coffee; 2) 150 g of milk; 3) optional sugar or syrup. First, brew a portion of espresso coffee, then use steam to whip the milk in the pitcher. The milk needs to be aerated more so that the foam is more airy than for cappuccino. After this, pour the frothed milk into an Irish glass and slowly pour espresso in a thin stream so that layers are formed.

Well, now let’s make mocha coffee as a more complex option:

The classic mocha consists of espresso, hot chocolate, hot milk and frothed milk.

For one serving of this drink we need to prepare the following ingredients:

Coffee – 7 grams; Cold milk – 50 ml; Hot dark chocolate – 50 ml; Whipped cream – 50 grams; Grated chocolate – 10 grams To prepare classic mocha coffee, we start by preparing espresso in a coffee machine. We prepare hot dark chocolate in a pitcher or other convenient container. How to melt chocolate? In a water bath or in a microwave oven. Take an Irish glass or other heat-resistant glass and pour 50 ml of hot chocolate into the bottom. Using a bar spoon, pour the warmed milk over the chocolate.

Using the same spoon, pour the coffee, pour it carefully so that the layers do not mix.

It’s better to take ready-made whipped cream and decorate the drink with circular movements. We complete our creative process by decorating the finished drink with grated chocolate.

Well, now let’s look at our master class recorded on video:

And for complete variety, let's make Viennese coffee:

To prepare the drink you will need the following ingredients:

• Coffee beans; • The same amount of granulated sugar or powder; • Cream, preferably fresh, 33% fat – 50 grams; • vanilla sugar or vanillin – a pinch as desired; • grated chocolate – one coffee spoon.

Cooking process:

First of all, beat the pre-chilled cream with a teaspoon of granulated sugar or powder. Set aside, preferably in the refrigerator. You can use ready-made cream from a can.

Prepare a strong drink from ground beans according to your usual recipe, preferably using a coffee machine. Pour it into a preheated glass, but fill it to ¾ of the volume. Add granulated sugar.

Next, fill the remaining space in the glass with whipped cream. If desired, add vanilla to the flavor and garnish with grated chocolate.

Enjoy your coffee drinking to you and your family!