I've always wanted a beautiful Kontessa moka pot . VEV Vigano ceased production in 1984 and the PRC is manufacturing very cheap imitations today . The real deal is not too hard to find , prices are fair since the genuine Italian pot will last decades . I'm interested in a small 2 ( demi-tasse ) cup size but I'm not sure if my electric coil stove will damage the finish , as the heat no doubt will crawl up the sides of the pot . I've seen several mini cast iron hot plates perfect size for moka pots but the PRC quality really gets knocked in user reviews . Any thoughts on a good , safe way to heat up a small moka pot safely ?
Heating method for moka pot?
- Thread starter malocchio
- Start date
I just put mine on my gas stovetop, but if you have an electric one, maybe a portable indoor propane stove? I've seen people in Japan with tiny kitchens use those a lot.
Bummer. Gas is the way to go. I’ve always just bought little stainless no-names that were made in Italy. I feel like they last forever as long as you don’t torque them with the handles.
If the metal is magnetic, what about a portable induction top? If the burner is size sensing, it will only produce heat with the pot in contact with the burner.
A little propane burner, camping style. We've done it after hurricanes ... we're not missing Cuban coffee just because of a cataclysm.
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100% ,,,,, GAS is the best by far !
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non magnetic .....
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- #8
I was thinking of this method as well ....
Or, possibly an alcohol stove- so safe they use on sailboats.
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I have an electric stove top (non induction) and use a Bialetti.
I boil the water in a regular pot while prepping the Bialetti.
Pour the boiling water in the Moka pot, and it's just a short period before it's done.
That really limits the heat time of the Moka pot.
I boil the water in a regular pot while prepping the Bialetti.
Pour the boiling water in the Moka pot, and it's just a short period before it's done.
That really limits the heat time of the Moka pot.
Maybe a Simmer Mat or Trivet might be the way to go Ron. I had to buy this for my small cast iron base Tagine as when I used it on my gas stove top it cooked far too fast. With one of these it helped immensely to slow down the cooking time. You can use on either a gas stove top or on a glass induction as you just flip it over depending on which one you are using.
You might need to be carful using an alcohol stove indoors. When my cooktop broke and needed replacing I used my camping Trangia and my Moka pot to make coffee. It worked fine, but I had to do it on the back deck because of the fumes.
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This will be my first moka pot . I've been reading tips on brewing and as you mention preheating the water first adds up to a cleaner taste as the ground coffee does not loose a little from the intense heat . I'll be posting my new set up in about a week .
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- #14
This is another thought I had... but I figured I could buy a 3" mini flat top electric for $18 which is the perfect circumference for the small 2 demi-tasse cup size stainless steel pot . That's what I decided on , and soon we'll see how the duo plays out .
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- #15
Thank you all for the tips and advice !.... I went with the flat top electric mini plate and the 2 demi-tasse cup VEV Vigano Kontessa , a NOS Italian stainless steel pot from the 1970s ....
Any gas or electric stovetop will be perfectly fine.
My friend @malocchio that Kontessa is absolutely STUNNING! And its rounded shapes remind me of my beautiful Bialetti Class.
EclipseRedRing
I smell like a Christmas pudding
Hi @Marco
A while ago I aquired this lovely Bialetti and I thought it was an older style Kitty model. Was I wrong and do I in fact have a Bialetti Class? Would you have any idea of the date of manufacture? Thank you
I always use low heat and put a little cold water on the top of my Bialetti. This way, the coffee doesn't come into contact with the hot metal and doesn't burn, preventing it from becoming bitter.
Cheers!
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Cheers!
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Hello Richard, yours is a Class.Hi @Marco
A while ago I aquired this lovely Bialetti and I thought it was an older style Kitty model. Was I wrong and do I in fact have a Bialetti Class? Would you have any idea of the date of manufacture? Thank you
View attachment 1932796
The Kitty is this one attached below. As you can see the two share a similar shape, but it is not exactly the same.
As far as I know the Class is out of production, while the Kitty is still being produced. Hope this helps answer your questions, my friend.
