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The moka pot is a popular coffee-making tool in Europe, beloved by coffee experts for its powerful brew and hands-on technique. The best moka pots -- like our top overall pick from Bialetti -- have a wide base for easy burner centering and better heat distribution, producing smooth, flavorful cups of coffee. If you prefer the convenience of an electric model, the De'Longhi Alicia Electric Moka Pot is great for beginners and has helpful features like automatic shutoff to prevent overheating.

To compile our list of winners, we spent more than eight hours evaluating each product's materials, weight, capacity, stovetop compatibility and ease of cleaning before finalizing this guide. We also consulted two coffee experts, Heather Perry, CEO of Klatch Coffee, and Dale Donchey, founder of Spiller Park Coffee, for additional insight into choosing the best model. Below, the best moka pots for rich, full-bodied java.

The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best home products on the market. Over the years, we've published expert-backed articles on various coffee products, including the best drip coffee makers, the best espresso machines and more.

To determine the best moka pots, we researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features and asked industry experts -- along with our team of experienced staffers -- for insights.

There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best moka pots. Here's what to look for.

Moka pots are generally pretty small, and when you see cup capacity, it's talking about espresso cups, not coffee cups. Most moka pots come in 3 and 6-cup capacities, which should be enough for one person. "I don't think anyone needs anything bigger than a 3 cup if you're looking for an espresso substitute," says Donchey. If you have a larger household or frequent houseguests, you can find moka pots that go up to 12 cups -- the Bialetti Moka Express even has an 18-cup model, which we highlighted in this guide.

Traditionally, moka pots are made from aluminum, which is not compatible with induction stovetops. If that's what you have, you'll need to look for a stainless steel option (like the Bialetti Venus) or choose an aluminum model with a stainless steel adapter. For example, Bialetti sells an induction adaptor that can be used with any of their aluminum models up to 12 cups.

You can also buy an electric moka pot, which offers greater convenience. "Electric moka pots offer consistent temperature, like a kettle, leaving grind size as the only variable," says Perry. "When using a manual model, such as those intended for gas stovetops, you'll need to control the temperature as well as the grind, so it can take longer to dial in the process to produce a cup you're happy with."

Aluminum is the traditional material for moka pots, but stainless steel models are growing in popularity. Aluminum varieties are more economical but can take longer to brew and show signs of corrosion much faster. "If you're investing for the long haul and already know you enjoy moka pot coffee, consider a stainless steel model, which better resists corrosion and can be easier to keep clean," says Perry.