The Italian Moka Pot Is Making A Comeback In Italy

The Italian moka pot has long been the standard for espresso at home in Italy, but recently the Italian capsule espresso makers have been the most popular, but that love is fading.

It is unquestionable that espresso is the most popular coffee in Italy. For many years the ubiquitous Moka stovetop espresso maker, invented by Bialetti, ruled the home kitchens all across Italy. That was until the pod or capsule espresso makers started gaining in popularity. These single serve espresso makers are easier to use and are available from many of the most popular coffee roasters in Italy.

Recently, Astra Research conducted a study for the Italian Food Union to better understand the tastes, preferences and the trends of the Italian coffee markets. This research shows an evolving market that is slow to change, but change it has. Here are some of the highlights.

Espresso Coffee Still Rules

The simple pleasure of an Italian espresso continues to be the preferred coffee in Italy. More than half of those surveyed, 51.6%, enjoy the pleasure of a cup of espresso. Daily consumption of espresso is enjoyed by around 70% of the population, with women slightly exceeding men. It is so popular that espresso coffee is an often copied icon and symbol of Italian culture.

Which Italian Coffee Machine Is The Most Popular?

The Moka stovetop espresso maker has long been the king in Italy. Most recently, however, the pod or capsule style espresso maker has grown in popularity. Some of the brands, like Krups, Nespresso and Bialetti, which have been reviewed on this site, have grown in popularity with an ever expanding inventory of Italian coffee roasters available to the consumers.

These pod and capsule espresso makers continue to be the most popular brewing method in Italy, but they have lost their lead to the venerable Moka. The pod method has 59.5% of the market and the moka has 55.2%. The more expensive automatic espresso machine trails at 34.4%. Because the consumer can, and does have more than one brewing method, the numbers can overlap.

The peak of popularity for the capsule machines was 65% between 2021 and 2023. Since then, the moka pots have begun a resurgence while the automatic espresso machines continue to gain in popularity.

Are There Italian Coffee Alternatives?

There are options when it comes to Italian coffee, but these are far less popular in Italy. You can “enjoy” instant espresso and American style coffee brewing. There are also French press and cold brewing methods available as well. These exist on the margins along with specialty coffee, organic and fairtrade roasters.

What Moka Pot Do Italians Use?

If you are looking to enjoy the magic of an Italian Moka pot, the best place to start is with the company that invented them: Bialetti. There are alternatives to Bialetti, but these range in quality and price and might seem overwhelming to a new customer. Start with a simple Moka Express and take it from there.

What Are The Negatives Of A Moka Pot?

The only real negative of a moka pot is that the crema, or foam top, of an espresso cup is mostly non-existent. The more expensive Italian capsule machines can do a better job of that, but at a higher cost and with more environmental waste. 

Why Do Italians Use Moka Pots?

The two biggest reasons for the popularity of the Moka Pot in Italy are the brewing quality and the economical price. There are other benefits, like limited environmental waste, but the economics make this the least expensive way to brew a delicious cup of Italian espresso at home. 

Is A Bialetti Moka Pot Worth It?

Given the economics of a moka pot, I would strongly recommend giving it a try. You can usually get started with a basic Bialetti moka for less than $40 and try different coffees to see what works best for you.

More Italian Coffee Culture Articles