Cappucino with Moka pot

**prophetic_joe** · 10-15-2008, 11:44 AM

Just what it says basically. Can you make decent cappucino with a moka pot or a french press? I have never used either but have had trouble with cheap espresso makers breaking down on me after only a couple months so I figure if I can use a machine that is simpler maybe with fewer mechanical parts it will last longer. So even though the Moka Pot and French Press don't make espresso can you make a good latte or cappucino with the coffee they produce? I realize I will need a seperate frother for the milk.

Also which one do you guys recommend I buy and which brand?

**Jac** · 10-15-2008, 12:35 PM

I think a moka pot makes a great cappucino... I've got a Bialetti pot that I got in Italy while visiting family (it's the same one my aunt uses).

It's certainly authentic, too. :)

**GoBob** · 10-15-2008, 01:18 PM

I don't drink caps, but I love my Moka pot. I have heard a lot of praise for the caps it produces.

Drink it black please!

Illy dark roast barely overflowing the filter is so delicious without any of that nasty cream and sugar, but I am known to make myself a cafe au lait on occassion!

**sehrgut** · 10-15-2008, 01:39 PM

Moka coffee is much closer to espresso than the output of the modern cheap steam-driven "espresso machines" which descended from them, and you can actually make a very good cappa or latte (or even iced espresso drinks) with good moka coffee. Much better than steamtoy cappas.

Brand recommendations? You can't go wrong with Bialetti, simply because they're the first, and oodles of spare parts are available for them (gaskets, valves occasionally need replacement). Other brands are fine, but I find myself needing to modify Bialetti gaskets when they need replacement. Check Fantes or "your favourite online auction site" . . .

**Jac** · 10-15-2008, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by GoBob

Illy dark roast barely overflowing the filter is so delicious without any of that nasty cream and sugar

While I love cappuccino, I can't really disagree with that statement.

**prophetic_joe** · 10-24-2008, 11:00 AM

Based on the recommendations here I ordered, and received today, the Bialletti Moka Pot, Musa type. Cleaned that sucker out, made a throw away batch and then made myself and the wife a couple of coffees. Good stuff thanks for the advice guys.

**sehrgut** · 10-24-2008, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by prophetic_joe

Based on the recommendations here I ordered, and received today, the Bialletti Moka Pot, Musa type. Cleaned that sucker out, made a throw away batch and then made myself and the wife a couple of coffees. Good stuff thanks for the advice guys.

You'll like the Musa. While I prefer the old-style aluminum types, the stainless ones do make a cleaner cup.

**prophetic_joe** · 10-25-2008, 10:05 AM

Loving it. I haven't graduated into the better coffees yet but I have to say the seasonal Millstone Pumpkin coffee came out excellent in this pot. I could never taste the pumpkin before but the flavor came through loud and clear with this baby.

**tclevela** · 10-25-2008, 07:29 PM

Cappuccino from a Moka?

My vote is no. I use a Moka and for what it does it does very well. But what I get from a Moka is more along the lines of an Americano. I would never confuse it with an Espresso. I just don't see how a Moka shot could stand up to an Espresso shot when steamed milk is added.

But it does sound like a fun experiment to try some day. Unfortunately as soon as I pour my Moka into an Espresso cup I start sipping it down. I might have to use this experiment as justification to buy a two shot Moka pot! ;-)

**Mr Mockett** · 10-27-2008, 06:55 AM

I love a moka pot cup of coffee/espresso. I think it would make a fine cappucino.

**Trius** · 10-27-2008, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by tclevela

Cappuccino from a Moka?

My vote is no. I use a Moka and for what it does it does very well. But what I get from a Moka is more along the lines of an Americano. I would never confuse it with an Espresso. I just don't see how a Moka shot could stand up to an Espresso shot when steamed milk is added.

But it does sound like a fun experiment to try some day. Unfortunately as soon as I pour my Moka into an Espresso cup I start sipping it down. I might have to use this experiment as justification to buy a two shot Moka pot! ;-)

I regularly make cappucinno with my 2-shot Bialettia Brikka. (The Brikka is different from other moka pots in that it produces crema, but I don't think that's germaine to this discussion.)

I disagree ... I'm not a coffee/espresso expert, but the Brikka produces a drink that is very close to lots of espressos I've had that were pulled in good espresso bars on high end commercial machines. The Brikka IS interesting in that it really shows the difference in beans ... i.e. my regular Espresso Adoration produces very good crema, though it doesn't always last quite as long as a commercial shot. Lavazza crema is not as dense (and the taste is quite different), and beans produce almost no crema. The other factor is how much the basket is filled, amount of water in the boil pot, etc.

I cannot justify a much costlier setup, but the Brikka is not as convenient as an espresso machine, that's for sure.