Moka pot - how much coffee in the filter?

mrcheez

I read somewhere that to use the moka pot correctly you need to fill the filter to the top, is this right?

It seems an awful lot vs the amount of liquid produced in the end.

I tend to fill mine 3/4 way up and the coffee is plenty strong and thick

mrcheez

I take it no one uses a Moka Pot here?

Jezek

Loads of people do. I do think you answer your own question though. Moka pots are meant to be used with a full basket. However if you're making it work without filling the basket, then I wouldn't worry about it.

mrcheez

Thanks, just that when I filled it up the coffee seemed particularly thick and almost like syrup, so perhaps I need to use a coarser grain rather than finely-ground coffee?

It just seemed like an awful lot of coffee for one or two shots of espresso. We're talking about 4-5 heaped teaspoons, vs what I would normally use for a double-shot in my espresso maker (about 3 heaped teaspoons).

This was Lavazza Crema e Gusto I was trying.

Jezek

Thick, syrupy coffee is the whole goal ! If you prefer more volume you can always add hot water. OR play around with the grind size, I find this can give some very interesting results!

M.J.M.C

mrcheez wrote: »

I read somewhere that to use the moka pot correctly you need to fill the filter to the top, is this right?

It seems an awful lot vs the amount of liquid produced in the end.

I tend to fill mine 3/4 way up and the coffee is plenty strong and thick

I fill mine, so it's level with the lip of the basket
A heaped basket will get compressed when you screw on the top
18Grams is what I use in my Moka, but as stated here - use what works for you.

Gran Hermano

The pots come in various cup sizes. What size is the line you are using?
You should fill with coffee to the brim and screwing tight should compact it slightly.
Check brewmethods.com for how to videos.

You'd be better off using and filling a smaller pot (1-2 cup size pot) then half filling a larger pot.
Bear in mind the cup size is more espresso size than large mug size.

mrcheez

The larger pot actually produces just enough for one cup because I stop it from boiling when the liquid runs clear (so there's still approx half a pot full of water when I stop brewing)

I guess I'm just amazed how much coffee powder is required using the moka pot vs my espresso machine to make similar amounts of coffee.