Australian coffee culture has been refined and perfected over the years. We have all developed our own individual preferences and palettes for different styles of coffee. But buying a coffee out every day can be expensive and not everyone can afford their very own coffee machine. If you love your black coffee rich and robust in flavour, you may benefit from investing in a percolator or moka pot for your own home.
Stovetop coffee makers can deliver high-quality, great tasting coffee in no time at all, while taking up very little space in your kitchen. While these stovetop coffee makers are both easy to use and deliver rich, concentrated black coffee, their mechanisms differ. The differences between a percolator and a moka pot:
Percolator
- Gravity fed coffee maker
- Coffee bean grinds - medium course
- One chamber unit
- Coffee flavour can be quite bitter
- Multiple extractions (continuous brewing)
- Similar to French press coffee flavour
- Percolators typically make more volume as well, so they are better for bigger households.
- Percolators have a slightly greater level of durability mainly due to their simpler mechanism.
Moka Pot
- Pressure fed coffee maker
- Coffee bean grinds - medium fine
- Three chambered unit
- Shorter brewing period than a percolator
- Single extraction
- Similar to espresso coffee flavour
- Easily brew the same amount of coffee to the same strength every time
In this article we will occasionally refer to these types of coffee makers as “espresso” makers, due to how they are marketed worldwide. It should be made clear though, that coffee Moka Pots and Percolators are not espresso makers. However, they do deliver a similar depth of flavour and require less time, space, and pressure than an espresso coffee machine.
Whether you are looking for a top-quality coffee maker that can cater to a large household or a more affordable unit for yourself, we have you covered. In this guide we have listed our top 10 picks for the best stovetop coffee makers in Australia, to suit a range of needs.
1. Cuisinox Roma Stovetop Moka Espresso
A stylish and sturdy stainless-steel Moka pot
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The Cuisinox Roma is our pick for the best stainless steel stove top coffee maker, with a compatible induction stovetop base, suitable for all stovetops. This stainless-steel pot with a mirror polish finish has a 10 cup capacity, approximately 600 ml of coffee liquid extracted, ideal for large households or families.
We love that this pot comes with an extra silicone gasket and a reducer, eliminating the need for paper filters and providing versatile options for capacity size. You can use the reducer to brew smaller batches of coffee to reduce excess wastage. The Cuisinox Roma is sturdy and durable and dishwasher safe, for easy cleaning. However, there is a ridge in the reservoir that is a little out of reach due to the narrow opening and may require hand cleaning with a bottle brush to remove leftover coffee grounds.
This product is made in China which may not be as appealing as an Italian made moka pot. However, the Cuisinox Roma has been designed and built with high quality materials delivering a stylish and practical pot with sturdy handles and a trusted seal. With a 25-year warranty, this pot is built to last.
2. Alessi Pulcina Stovetop Coffee Maker
An aluminium Moka pot with a unique and elegant design
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The Alessi Pulcina is the best stove top coffee maker on the market if your budget isn’t your main concern and you have a little extra cash to splash around. Suitable for gas and electric stovetops, this showstopper delivers great tasting coffee at home, while upgrading your kitchen aesthetic. Designed by Michele de Lucchi, this Moka pot is more like a sculptured work of art with its beautifully unique and functional design.
With a 6 cup capacity, this pot is ideal for small households or couples. The shape of the pot has been purposefully designed to improve and enhance the flavour of your coffee. The shape of the internal boiler has also been thoughtfully designed, which automatically stops filtering the water at the ideal moment, eliminating the final filtering stage which often results in burnt and bitter tasting coffee.
The Alessi is made from aluminium, which is a great material for conducting heat, delivering your coffee hot and fast. As it is made from aluminium however, it is not dishwasher safe and should only be hand washed with hot water to retain that shiny surface
3. Bialetti Induction Moka Espresso Maker
An innovative redesign of the classic Bialetti Moka Express
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The Bialetti Induction Moka Pot is our pick for the best induction stovetop espresso maker. It has been thoughtfully designed based on their top selling original Bialetti Moka Express, using a combination of functional materials. The top binder is made from aluminium, which helps preserve the aroma of coffee and keeps with the more traditional moka pot styling. The bottom chamber is made from stainless steel making it compatible with induction stovetops and suitable for all other stove types.
This model holds a 6-cup capacity, making approximately 2 full coffees, or several shots, ideal for two moderate coffee drinkers. It is also available in a smaller 3 cup capacity, perfect for one. Using this pot on an induction stove may take a little longer to brew your coffee than a gas or electric stove. However, based on numerous positive reviews, it is well worth the extra few minutes, delivering high quality, great tasting coffee.
Equipped with a heat resistant, soft touch, silicone handle and Bialetti's patented safety valve, for safe and easy handling. This model is not dishwasher safe but can be easily rinsed out with hot water and soft sponge.
4. Farberware Classic Coffee Percolator
The best stovetop percolator with a large 12 cup capacity
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The Faberware classic is a percolator which is a gravity fed coffee maker, opposed to a Moka pot which is pressure fed. It really comes down to personal preference, to determine what you prefer. This heavy-duty stainless-steel pot holds a 12 cup capacity, ideal for larger households and entertaining. Suitable for gas and electric stoves.
We love the idea Faberware had with the clear glass knob, which allows you to see when your coffee starts to percolate. However, based on customer reviews, this seems to be the weak point of the product as it is quite fragile and susceptible to damage. This might be something Faberware will have to investigate, to improve this product in the future.
This percolator is dishwasher safe, but do not put the lid or pump tube in the dishwasher, to minimise any risk of damage. These parts can easily be washed by hand.
The Faberware classic is easy to use and easy to clean. You won’t even have to worry about messy filter paper as it is installed with a permanent filter basket. Made in China, this percolator is high-quality and delivers great tasting coffee.
5. Bialetti Venus Induction Stovetop Coffee Maker
A top-quality, Italian brand with a new and improved design
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Bialetti is a well renowned Italian brand that delivers some of the best stovetop coffee makers around the world. The Bialetti Venus Induction strays away from the traditional aluminium moka pots that Bialetti are so famous for. This pot is made from 18/19 stainless steel, suitable for all stovetops including induction.
We have chosen the Bialetti Venus with a 4-cup capacity, suitable for one to two people, depending on how many cups of coffee you drink at home. If you have fallen in love with this product but the size capacity is not to your preference, the bialetti Venus is also available in a 2, 6, and 10 cup capacity. This new and improved model comes equipped with the Bialetti patented safety valve, an ergonomic and anti-scald handle, and has an upgraded internal boiler, enhancing its safety, durability, and quality.
Consumers may be disappointed to find that the Bialetti Venus is made in China, with some of the older models and traditional aluminium Bialettis still being made in Italy. However, this is still an official Bialetti product and with that, comes widely accessible replacement parts, which can extend the life of your Bialetti for decades.
6. CopperBull Stovetop Coffee Maker
A traditional Greek/Turkish coffee “briki/ibrik” pot
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If you love rich, robust black coffee, this traditional Greek/Turkish coffee pot can deliver a punch. Greek or Turkish coffee is traditionally brewed in a briki or ibrik, served with a light foam on top with the dissolved coffee grounds on the bottom. There is no specific recipe, the coffee is brewed to taste. To drink it like the Turkish do, add some cardamom or cumin for that extra spice.
This CopperBull coffee maker holds a capacity of 15 ounces (roughly 450ml), producing around 4-6 servings. If catering for more people, simply brew coffee in multiple batches. For the best results, use low to medium heat. The coffee should be ready just before it starts to boil.
Made in Turkey and built to last, this pot has a wooden handle and is made from tin-lined, hammered copper, great practical conductors of heat. This product is not dishwasher safe, although can be easily cleaned with hot water and a soft sponge. Rinsing straight after use helps remove residual coffee grounds before they dry and harden.
7. Bialetti Moka Express
The original Bialetti stovetop coffee maker
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The Bialetti Moka Express is the best value for money stovetop espresso maker. From a reputable brand, you'll find a variety of coffee makers available from Bialetti, but the Moka Express is their original moka pot and a top seller all around the world.
With a 4-cup capacity, this pot roughly produces around 200ml of coffee liquid, suited for singles who drink multiple cups of coffee a day, or perfect for a couple.
Made in Italy and equipped with their patented safety valve and ergonomic anti-scald handle, the Moka Express is built to last. Made from polished aluminium and thermoplastic for the handle, it is suitable for gas and electric stovetops only. The best thing about Bialetti products is that replacement parts are easily accessible, adding extra longevity to your moka pot.
Served fast and hot, the Moka Express is perfect for your morning coffee at home, and it is also compact and easily portable for weekend getaways and camping trips. It is not dishwasher safe but can be easily cleaned with hot water and a soft sponge. Different colours and sizes are available in this model to suit different preferences.
8. Grosche Milano Stovetop Moka Pot
Delivering great tasting espresso flavour
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The Grosche Milano delivers a classic stovetop coffee maker with a modern design. With a 6-cup capacity, this pot is ideal for small households or couples. Made from lead-free, food grade enamel over food grade anodized aluminium, the Milano is compatible with both gas and electric stovetops.
We love that this coffee moka pot comes equipped with a high-quality silicone seal and a permanent filter basket, so there is no need for messy filter papers. It is recommended to replace the silicone seal every 3 - 6 months to maintain optimum pressure.
With safety in mind, the Grosche Milano comes built with a certified safety valve made in Italy and a heat resistant soft touch handle and knob. This pot is not dishwasher safe, however it is easy to disassemble and clean with hot water. If you are looking for something a little bigger, this model is available in three different sizes.
9. Avanti Inox Stovetop Coffee Maker
A practical, sleek, and stylish Moka pot
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The Avanti Inox is an affordable Moka pot with a 2 cup capacity, ideal for one person and great for camping trips. Designed in 18/8 stainless steel with a satin polished finish, this pot is induction compatible and suitable for use on all stove types. This two-part pot was designed to distribute heat evenly to help enhance and preserve those wonderful coffee aromas and flavours.
Designed with a safety release valve and a high quality silicone gasket for safe use. It is also equipped with an easy pour, no drip spout and a thumb operated hinged lid for your convenience and safety while distributing your hot coffee.
The Avanti Inox is super easy to dismantle and clean. It can be quickly hand washed but for that added convenience it is also dishwasher safe. If this model has sparked an interest, but it is not the right size for your home, it is also available in a 4, 6, and 9 cup capacity.
10. Avanti Classic Pro Stovetop Coffee Maker
The most affordable Moka Pot on the market
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The Avanti Classic Pro is a widely accessible product due to its very affordable price tag. This pot is made from quality cast aluminium alloy with a matte finish. It holds a 6 cup capacity, suited for singles or couples. This is also a great alternative to take with you camping or on holidays, as it is compact, lightweight, and affordable to replace if it were to get lost or damaged.
The Classic Pro is suitable for gas, electric and ceramic stovetops. It is not compatible with induction stoves. Designed with an ergonomic “stay cool” bakelite handle and knob and an easy pour, drip free spout for safe and convenient handling.
As it is made from aluminium, it is not dishwasher safe, but it can be hand washed in no time at all. Comparing this model to a more premium model seems a little unfair. This little unit can still deliver a decent cup of coffee and with the cost so low and affordable (costs less than your average pub feed), we can’t really fault it. It is what most consumers would expect from a coffee maker that costs less than $20.
How to choose the right stovetop coffee maker
With so many products and brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming picking out the right stove top coffee maker. We have listed some tips below on what to consider when buying one.
Budget
Not all coffee pots are the same. They are all used for the same purpose but paying a little more and going with a more reputable brand can be beneficial, especially if you’re a coffee enthusiast or connoisseur. Popular brands will often provide a lot more access to customer service support and replaceable parts.
However, if you are constrained to a tighter budget, luckily many brands provide multiple options and there are many high-quality, high performing products that are accessible and affordable.
Material and Compatibility
Most moka pots and percolators are compatible to use on gas and electric stove tops. However, they are not always compatible with ceramic or induction stoves. It is important when selecting the right coffee maker to ensure it is compatible with the type of stovetop in your home. The material may impact how much your chosen product costs.
Aluminium
- Traditional moka pots generally made from aluminium
- Cheaper, lighter material
- Fast and efficient conductor of heat
- Not Dishwasher safe
- Anodized aluminium is favoured - due to non corrosive properties, more durable than standard aluminium
Stainless steel
- Durable and sturdy material
- Non-corrosive
- Non-toxic
- Easier to clean
- Often induction compatible
- Often dishwasher safe
You may also find other coffee pots on the market made from different materials such as enamel or copper. Pots made from these materials are visually appealing pieces but may not be as sturdy and durable as aluminium and stainless steel pots.
Capacity and Size
Cup capacity does not necessarily represent standard cup sizes. Each cup roughly represents the number of 50ml espresso cups your coffee maker can produce. Choosing the right size will depend on how many cups of coffee you generally drink, how you take your coffee (do you add extra water or milk), and considering whether this will be a shared household item with other coffee consumers.
If you are unsure, sizing up is recommended, as some models even come with a capacity reducer for versatility. It is better to have too much coffee at hand, than not enough. Excess coffee can always be used in desserts, iced coffees, or can be composted.
Cup size (coffee liquid approximation)
- 3 cups - 200ml
- 6 cups - 300ml
- 9 cups - 550ml
- 12 cups - 775ml
Recommended sizing
- 2-3 cups - singles (if you drink multiple coffees a day, consider sizing up)
- 4-8 - couples (depending on how much coffee you drink at home)
- 9-12 - multiple people or entertaining
Cleaning and maintenance
The best thing about percolators and moka pots is that they deliver your coffee hot and fast. These pots are designed for efficiency and convenience, so you want to stick with a model that is easy to clean and easy to use.
Stainless Steel models come with that extra convenience, as most should be designed dishwasher safe. Models that can be easily disassembled and that have accessible parts to clean can also add extra convenience to the cleaning and maintenance of your pot.
How to use a Stovetop Coffee Maker (Moka Pots and Percolators)
- Pour water into the bottom chamber.
- Add ground coffee to the filter basket.
- Place over the stove until the water starts boiling.
- Reduce heat and let it continue boiling for about 5-6 minutes (could take less time or longer, depending on volume and your personal preferences).
- Remove from the heat and it is ready to drink.
- Pour into your favourite coffee cup, and enjoy!
Whether you decide to go with a percolator or moka pot, they will come with more specific instructions for their specific design, this is just here to give you the general idea.
How to use a “briki”/“ibrik” (traditional Greek/Turkish coffee pot)
- Add cold water
- Add a heaping teaspoon of coffee grounds (or desired amount)
- Sugar (1-3 teaspoons for extra sweet coffee, if desired)
- Stir in coffee grounds - then refrain from stirring for the rest of the process
- Heat slowly (low to medium heat)
- Foam should start to develop before it starts to boil
- Remove from heat when foam reaches the top
- Divide foam into coffee cups
- Then distribute the coffee
Use a wooden or silicone utensil to stir. Traditionally served hot with a glass of cold water on the side. Maybe throw a pastry or two on the side as well.
