Bellemain Artisanal Stay-Cool Handle Espresso Maker

Coffee can seem like a pretty demanding habit. Java lovers who’ve spent years drinking from a standard drip coffee machine might think they’re ready to level up and get an espresso maker — until they see the price of one. Can the extra jolt of caffeine you get from a cup of espresso really be worth spending thousands of dollars on gear?

If that’s your first reaction to full-size espresso makers, a stovetop espresso maker might be just the happy medium for you. Not only do they make a quick cup of java that’s nearly as strong, they make it for far less than the price of a barista-grade espresso rig — and in many cases, less than an automatic drip coffee maker.

Stovetop espresso makers are more commonly known among coffee aficionados as Moka pots. The name is actually more accurate, since Moka pots do not technically brew espresso. Espresso is characterized by the telltale crema that tops off a well-made cup. That crema is a byproduct of the intense pressure generated by shooting hot water through coffee grounds. Moka pots don’t generate anywhere near that mount of pressure, though the process does result in a coffee that’s much stronger than your typical drip method.

That process involves a bit more attention than automatic coffee makers require, which is half the charm of a stovetop espresso maker. Moka pots typically have a bottom chamber, which must be filled with water. A filter sits on top of that, which is filled with coffee grounds. The largest chamber contains a pipe leading up from those lower receptacles, with a valve at the top. Screw them all together, and set them to boil on a stove. The heat forces the water through the coffee grounds, up through the pipe. There’s a telltale gurgling sound that will signal the end of the brewing process, so be ready to remove the pot at just the right time. Leave it on the heat, and you risk a bitter taste from over-extraction.

Done correctly, though, you’ll have an eye-opening and flavorful cup of coffee — all without using undue electricity or water. It’s a charming and personal method that is definitely a step up from plain-jane drip coffeemakers, and is still a favorite with traditional Italian coffee lovers.

• Stovetop espresso makers (or Moka pots) are traditionally made out of aluminum, though you can find slightly more expensive stainless steel versions on the market. Which is better? It really depends on how much time and care you put into them. Aluminum Moka pots will require more cleaning (with water and baking soda, not soap) to prevent a metallic taste from leaching into over-brewed cups of coffee. However, they’re better conductors of heat. Stainless steel pots will be easier to clean, but the brew time may take a bit longer.
• Stovetop espresso makers should work with just about any kind of pre-ground coffee, but (as with any coffee-making method) you’ll want to grind your own beans to get the most out of their flavor. Experiment with what taste suits you best, but your ideal size should be just a bit coarser than a standard espresso grind.