Let me first set Moka Pot coffee expectations properly for newbies.
1) 1 cup is roughly equivalent to 1.2 – 1.4 ounces. So a 3 cup pot can make about 3.8 ounces of coffee. The actual amount can vary slightly depending on your fill level and how well you control the heat in the final 20-30 seconds
2) Moka pots are specifically designed to brew fix amount of coffee. Don’t try to brew a smaller portion by using less water or coffee – it will mess everything up. The amount if coffee in the holder must be set to the top, never pressed hard. This level governs the pressure and amount of time the water passes through the coffee. Changing these variables changes the amount of extraction. Also, too little water in the boiler will change, lower, of the water temp of the extraction. All these things, including grind size, will change the result. Just buy the sizes that fits your needs.
3) Grind size matters to the brew. Finer grind, more surface area which is good for fast brewing methods unlike French Press. Too coarse, less surface area' weaker coffee. Too fine, like expresso fine, the grinds can clump and the water will not pass through like an expresso maker because it uses much less pressure.
4) Watch it closely, and when the liquid begins to pour out, lower or remove from heat, and let the rest stream out beautifully like a fountain as you watch the last liquid begin to run clear. See attached photos
Pro: this Moka Pot uses a silicon gasket unlike Bialletti which uses rubber. Rubber can get hard and disintegrate over time, and sometimes can leave a foul taste. Silicon is better.
Lastly, remember making great coffee in one of these is both an art and a science. It takes patience to perfect the method, including the right grind and beans, but working all that out is part of the fun
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