Moka Pot Troubleshooting For Busy Brewers

Have you ever done Moka pot troubleshooting? 

The other day I was just about to brew espresso with my Moka pot but I soon realised something was going wrong. And that I run into issues when using my pot. So I decided to do thorough research and discover all the possible Moka pot problems you can face as well as their solutions. Stick around, I’ve compiled a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot for your Moka pot and I also share tips along the way. 

Let’s dive in.

8 most common troubleshooting questions about brewing with a Moka pot

Let’s go over the 10 most common troubleshooting questions related to brewing with a Moka pot. 

1. Steam is coming out of the valve

Moka pots are a simple gadget to use and at the same time, they’re well designed to make coffee.

For this reason, they have a valve attached which brings excessive pressure out that ensures that there’s enough pressure inside of the Moka pot for brewing (1.5 bars) but not more that’s needed that would cause sputtering. 

Make sure the valve isn’t clogged with coffee residue. If it is use a thin item to unclog it. 

Another thing to keep in mind regarding the valve on a Moka pot is that the level of the water you put in the lower chamber (where you should put the water for brewing) should be lower than where the valve is. If it’s over, the pressure can’t come out and cause your Moka pot to malfunction. Ideally, you need to add just 150g of water, but if you can’t really measure it just remember this rule of adding enough right under the valve. 

The other thing that might be causing steaming is if you tamp your coffee grounds. Unlike the process for brewing with an espresso machine, when making coffee with a Moka pot you SHOULDN’T tamp the coffee grounds as the water won’t go through the funnel. 

2. Coffee is spilling out when you open the top lit

This is probably because you’re brewing at high heat.

Turn the stove down to brew coffee at a lower temperature so this isn’t happening. Ideally, the right temperature for brewing espresso with a Moka pot is 30-40°C. Brewing at a lower temperature can make your coffee more delicious as more flavours and aromas are extracted when brewing at a lower temperature.

3. A very little amount of coffee is coming out

Why just a very little amount of coffee is coming out? 

This is probably happening because the filter is blocked with either hard water minerals including calcium or coffee grounds. If this is the case the best thing you can do is to give your Moka pot a proper wash. Start with dismantling your pot and wash it with washing-up liquid to get rid of all the used coffee grounds. To remove the hard water minerals built on the surface of the Moka pot mix hot water and vinegar and dip a cloth into it to wipe the surface of it.

Another thing to keep in mind is the gasket. It starts malfunctioning over time (depending on how often you use your gadget). Ideally, you need to replace your gasket every 3-six months. If you have cleaned your Moka pot properly but very little coffee is still coming out, consider replacing your gasket. 

One more reason that might be leading to no or little coffee coming out is very finely coffee grounds. 

If you grind them very finely, the odds are that some will slip through the coffee filter and go through the funnel blocking the coffee to come out. It’s wise to opt for medium grounds or even if you grind your coffee beans, keep this in mind for next time. Go ahead and read our guide on how to thoroughly clean your stovetop espresso maker.

4. There’s some water left in the lower chamber 

If there’s some water left in the lower chamber don’t worry about it. 

This is something that’s supposed to happen every time you brew coffee. So, it’s all good. 

In fact, Moka pots are designed this way (to leave some water) to help your Moka pot be overheated which could cause accidents.

Next time you see water in the lower chamber, be happy, this is a good sign. 

5. The handle is getting proper warm 

As I mentioned earlier it’s key to not brewing coffee at a SUPER high temperature.

If you do so, the odds are that the handle will be warm. To be on the safe side grow into the habit of brewing at a lower temperature (use the smallest  burner to brew coffee) 

6. It changed its colour when I put it in the dishwasher 

In general, it’s not recommended to put a Moka pot in a dishwasher.

Because it’s made of aluminium, when you put it in the dishwasher it oxidises and for that reason, it changes its colour to darker. 

A great rule of thumb is to use a mix of hot water and vinegar (preferably white) to clean the surface of your Moka pot. This will keep like new and shiny for a long time. 

7. Water is coming out between the upper and lower chamber

Is water coming out of the middle of your Moka pot? 

Make sure that it’s sealed properly, so water doesn’t escape out of the pot. In case you have sealed it tightly but there’s still water leaking it might be the rubber that sits around the brim. In this case, consider replacing your Moka pot, unless it gives you the option to replace it with a new one. 

8. My espresso doesn’t have the crema layer on it 

That’s normal.

Let me explain why this is happening.

It’s true, the espresso you order from a coffee shop or the one you make with an espresso machine has crema on top. But this kind of espresso is made at high pressure (around 9 bars) whereas the pressure required for espresso brewed with a Moka is just around 1.5 bars. So, it’s difficult (almost impossible) to make espresso with a Moka pot that has the cream layer on top. 

If you think about it, the crema just makes your coffee look more appealing, it doesn’t necessarily add extra flavour to your coffee. 

Your espresso doesn’t have crema? It’s all good 

Let’s wrap it up

After reading this you should feel you’re a real pro when it comes to Moka pot troubleshooting. It’s always great to know that your Moka pot works to its maximum capacity and you’ll be able to brew great coffee day in, and day out.