What is the “moka pot”?

The moka pot is a stovetop brewer that makes strong coffee by passing pressurized water through coffee grounds. This brewing method utilizes steam pressure to push boiling water through the coffee, resulting in a strong and concentrated coffee that sits between traditional espresso and drip coffee in terms of richness and flavor. The design of the moka pot allows the water in the lower chamber to boil and create steam, which then forces the water upward through the coffee grounds in the middle chamber, extracting essential oils and flavors before the brewed coffee collects in the upper chamber. This unique process is what defines the moka pot and distinguishes it from other coffee-making equipment.