If you’re like me, you probably bought a Baratza Encore because everyone said it was the best entry‑level burr grinder.Yet when you first try a pour‑over, the results...
The Moka pot is one of those brewing methods that always seems to remind me of camping. It’s analog, it looks classic on the stove, and it produces a cup that is rich, bold, and incredibly close to espresso, without the need for a $3,000 machine on your counter. You can also use it almost anywhere with a heat source and some water.
But here is the thing: Moka pots can be finicky.
If you’ve ever brewed a pot that tasted bitter, burnt, or just plain muddy, you probably blamed the heat or the beans. But 9 times out of 10, the culprit is your grind. Finding the right burr grinder for Moka pot brewing is actually the most important step in the entire process. Honestly, I would make that argument for every coffee making process too. Besides of course using freshly roasted beans.
You need a grinder that can hit that perfect "medium-fine" sweet spot consistently. Too fine (like espresso), and you’ll clog the pot and create a bitter disaster. Too coarse (like drip), and you’ll get weak, watery brown water.
After years of owning all kinds of grinders, here is the grinder I use now, love, and recommend for the perfect Moka pot brew.
The Moka pot works on pressure. Steam builds up in the bottom chamber and pushes water up through the coffee puck. If your grinder produces "boulders and dust" (a mix of big chunks and tiny powder), the water will find the path of least resistance.
It will channel through the big chunks and over-extract the tiny dust particles. The result? A cup that somehow tastes sour and bitter at the same time.
To fix this, you need a high-quality burr grinder. Blade grinders just won't cut it here. You need consistency.
If you want the best possible flavor from your stovetop brewer, I cannot recommend the Fellow Ode Gen 2 enough.
I switched to this grinder a while back, and it completely changed my morning routine. Why it wins for Moka Pot:
It is an investment, but if you are using a Moka pot daily, the jump in quality is massive.
Check out the Fellow Ode Gen 2 on Amazon
If the Ode is a bit out of your price range, don’t worry. For years, I used the Baratza Encore, and it is still the undisputed king of entry-level grinders.
It’s a workhorse. It’s reliable, easy to repair, and produces a grind consistent enough to make a great cup of Moka pot coffee. For Moka pot, you’ll want to dial the Encore to around setting 10-12. It’s louder than the Ode and retains a bit more coffee, but for the price, you absolutely cannot beat it.
Check out the Baratza Encore on Amazon
You can have the perfect Moka pot technique and the best grinder in the world, but if your beans are stale, your coffee will still taste flat.
I’ve been using Trade Coffee for over six years now. They connect you with the best roasters in the country and ship freshly roasted beans straight to your door. For Moka pot brewing, I recommend trying a medium-dark roast to really bring out those chocolatey, espresso-style notes.
Happy Brewing!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps fuel the coffee, the testing, and the writing. Thanks for supporting the work.
If you’re like me, you probably bought a Baratza Encore because everyone said it was the best entry‑level burr grinder.Yet when you first try a pour‑over, the results...