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Here’s a short guide to using your Molmo Stove Top Espresso Maker.

Before we start, there’s one thing to point out:

  1. Please CLEAN THOROUGHLY before first use – use washing up liquid and a sponge, it is NOT DISHWASHER SAFE
  2. Condition your moka pot for the first time by boiling up some old grounds as a test. Throw the product away. This step is only to clean the machine and test the function of the pressure valve. Repeat this three times to ensure that all the parts are clean.

Here’s the simple 5-step guide:

Parts of a Moka Pot

Parts of a moka pot.

Understand the parts of a moka pot.

They have three chambers, one for water (A), one for grounds (B) and one for the  finished product (C).

A – the bottom chamber is for the water. It usually has a pressure valve as well.
B – the middle chamber is for your finely ground coffee. Pack it in lightly.
C – the top chamber is the collection point for the brewed espresso / coffee.

Brew your coffee:

  1. Add water to the bottom chamber. It should be filled to just below the valve at maximum.
  2. Add fresh grounds to the basket. Tamp very lightly. You may need to experiment with the firmness of your tamping the first few batches to get the consistency right. Make sure that there are no grounds at the edges of the funnel and the bottom chamber.
  3. Place the filled basket in place and screw the top on snugly.
  4. Place your filled moka pot on the stove and heat it at medium heat. The steam valve should not point towards you.
  5. The flame should not extend beyond the edges of the pot. Wait for the water to boil dry and for the espresso to stop filling the top section. The air and water trapped in the bottom will turn to steam and filter up through the grounds and out the spout in the top section.
  6. Once the water has boiled dry, you will hear a “gurgle” that announces that your espresso is done.
  7. Pour your (strong) coffee and enjoy. Do not let children touch the pot when it is still hot.
  8. Clean the pot as soon as it cools. Do not use a dishwasher; instead wash it out by hand without soap.

Wash out the pot as soon as it cools.

 Some extra tips:

  1.  Filtered water can improve the flavor significantly.
  2. If you grind your own beans, grind them slightly coarse to prevent them falling through the basket holes and into your brew.
  3. Keep the water level below your safety valve to prevent stove top leaking.
  4. Boil up some vinegar every few weeks to remove calcium deposits and stains.