Moka Pots

The pot that's been sitting on Italian hobs since 1933.

It isn't an espresso machine and it doesn't pretend to be. Steam pressure pushes water up through the coffee and out of the spout, and what you get is short, thick and strong. Two minutes on a medium heat, and take it off the moment it starts to splutter.

The classic aluminium Bialetti starts at £42. There's an induction version if your hob won't heat aluminium, stainless steel with gold detail, vintage ceramic, and the Gemini Express pots in five colours at £100.

It wants a dark roast ground fine, though not to powder. Our espresso style coffees are built for it.