Brew Guides / Moka Pot
Brew Guide · MOKA POT

MOKA POT

Strong. Stovetop. No electricity required.

The Moka Pot makes espresso-adjacent coffee on the stovetop. It’s not espresso — but it’s close, concentrated, and strong enough to cut through milk. Mexico holds up under the high heat better than a lighter roast would. Bold and strong — this coffee wakes you up before 6 AM.

What You Need

Gear

  • Moka pot
  • Heat source (stovetop)
  • Scale
You don’t need:
  • A gas stove with a flame guard (electric or induction is better)
  • Pre-ground espresso (too fine — use medium-fine instead)
Free Download

Get the Foxhole Brew Card

Printable cheat sheet with ratios, temps, and grind sizes for every method. One page. Keep it on the counter.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Quick Reference
Ratio

Fill basket, level off (don’t tamp)

or Fill to the brim — it compresses as you screw on the top

Water Temp

Hot (not boiling) water in bottom chamber

Brew Time

3–5 min on medium heat

Grind

Fine-medium, like table sugar. Finer than drip, coarser than espresso. Level off — don’t tamp.

Water Temp

Hot (not boiling) water in bottom chamber — Why It Matters

Fill the bottom chamber with hot water, not cold. Pre-heating reduces burn risk and gives a cleaner extraction.

Step by Step

How to Brew

0:00 1

Fill bottom chamber with hot (not boiling) water up to the pressure valve.

Hot water cuts brew time and reduces scorching. Not boiling — steam is the pressure driver.

0:00 2

Fill the basket with fine-medium grounds. Level it off — don’t tamp.

Tamping makes it too tight. You want even density, not compression.

0:00 3

Screw the top on firmly. Put on stovetop over medium heat.

Firm, hand-tight. Don’t use a towel — you’ll over-tighten and the seal won’t work.

3–5 min 4

Watch for coffee to start flowing. Steady stream (not sputtering) means done.

Sputtering = heat too high. The coffee is being forced through too fast and it burns.

done 5

Remove from heat as soon as the flow slows to drops. Pour immediately.

Letting it sit on the heat scorches what’s already in the cup.

Troubleshooting

Common Problems & Fixes

Problem Likely Cause Fix
Too slow Grind too fine Go coarser
Too fast Grind too coarse Go finer
Sputtering / hissing Heat too high Drop to low heat immediately
Burnt taste Left on heat too long after done Pour as soon as flow slows to drops
Other Methods
← All Brew Guides French Press → Cold Brew →
The Sitrep — Weekly Intel Drop

Roast Queue · Brew Tips · Field Reports

Every Wednesday at 0600. One-click unsubscribe.