Best Stovetop Coffee Makers in 2026
There's something delightfully old-school about the gurgle of a stovetop coffee maker filling the kitchen on a Saturday morning. No grinders to dial in, no pumps to prime, just water, ground coffee, and a bit of heat. The best stovetop coffee makers in 2026 still rely on the same simple physics they did when Alfonso Bialetti patented his iconic Moka Express back in 1933, and yet they remain one of the most rewarding ways to brew at home.
If you've been put off by the cost of a proper espresso machine, or you just want a quick, fuss free coffee on the campsite, a stovetop is hard to beat. They're compact, easy to use, and produce a rich, full bodied brew that sits somewhere between a true espresso and a strong filter coffee. We've pulled together four favourites here at The Beanery, each offering something a little different depending on your cooktop and the kind of coffee you love.
Why a stovetop coffee maker still earns its place
Stovetops, often called moka pots, work by pushing hot water up through a bed of ground coffee using steam pressure. The result is a strong, concentrated brew with a flavour profile that's bold, slightly bittersweet, and unmistakably Italian. They're cheap to run, dishwasher free (please hand wash these, by the way), and small enough to live on the bench without crowding the toaster.
They're also brilliantly forgiving. If you're new to home brewing and not quite ready to invest in a setup like the ones we covered in our best espresso machines in Australia for 2026 guide, a stovetop is the perfect starting point. Even seasoned home baristas tend to keep one tucked away for camping, travel, or those mornings when you just want a quick cup without warming up the espresso machine.
1. Bialetti Moka Express, the classic
You can't write about the best stovetop coffee makers without starting with the original. The Bialetti Moka Express has been in continuous production since 1933, and Bialetti has made more than 200 million of them. That eight sided aluminium body has become one of the most recognisable kitchen objects on the planet, and for good reason.
The Moka Express produces a rich, traditional Italian style coffee in just a few minutes. The octagonal shape isn't just for looks, it actually helps diffuse heat evenly across the base, which brings out more aroma in the cup. It comes in a huge range of sizes, from a single cup for solo mornings right through to a 12 cup version for when the in laws drop in. The 3 cup at $49.95 is a good all rounder for a couple at home.
The catch is that it only works on gas, electric, and ceramic cooktops, so induction users will need to look elsewhere. It also needs a low flame to avoid scorching the coffee, but once you've got the rhythm of it, you'll never look back.
2. Bialetti Venus, smooth and stylish stainless steel
If you prefer your coffee a little less robust than the classic Moka, the Bialetti Venus is well worth a look. Built from polished 18/10 stainless steel rather than aluminium, the Venus delivers a noticeably smoother, cleaner cup. It's also a bit more modern looking, which suits contemporary kitchens beautifully.
The bigger advantage, though, is compatibility. The Venus works on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction cooktops, so it's a much more flexible choice if you've moved house recently or just upgraded your kitchen. The ergonomic, heat resistant handle stays cool during brewing, and the stainless steel construction means it'll keep its shine for years with a bit of care.
Sizes range from a 2 cup at $69.95 up to a generous 10 cup at $110. It sits at a slightly higher price point than the aluminium Moka Express, but the broader cooktop compatibility and the smoother flavour profile make it an easy recommendation, particularly if you're picky about taste or living in a unit with an induction setup.
3. Bialetti Brikka, the one with the crema
The Bialetti Brikka is the answer to one of the biggest gripes about traditional stovetops, which is that they don't produce crema. The Brikka uses a clever pressure valve in the top chamber that only opens once the brewing pressure reaches the right point, mimicking the higher pressure of a true espresso machine. The result is a stovetop coffee with a proper layer of golden crema sitting on top.
It's also been quietly improved over the years. The latest version has an opening in the lid that lets condensation escape, so your finished brew doesn't get diluted by stray droplets. Small detail, but it makes a real difference.
Available in a 2 cup at $99.95 or a 4 cup at $119.95, the Brikka costs a bit more than a standard Moka Express, but you're paying for that crema and the slightly more intense flavour. If you're chasing the closest thing to an espresso shot you can get without buying an espresso machine, this is the one.
4. Bialetti Moka Induction, for modern cooktops
Induction cooktops have become the standard in a lot of new Australian kitchens, and that's where the Bialetti Moka Induction comes in. It keeps the iconic octagonal silhouette of the original Moka Express, but pairs it with a stainless steel boiler and funnel that work happily on induction hobs.
The top chamber is still classic aluminium, which Bialetti believes is best for preserving coffee aroma, while the silicone handle and knob give it a soft, modern touch. It's a thoughtful design that bridges the gap between heritage and modern kitchen reality.
The 4 cup version is $89.90 and the 6 cup is $99.90, and both also work on gas, electric, and ceramic cooktops if you ever change cooking setups. Stock can be limited at times so if you spot it in size, grab it. There's also a Brikka Induction 4 Cup available at $120 for anyone who wants the crema producing pressure valve and induction compatibility in one pot.
How to choose the right stovetop for your setup
Start with your cooktop. If you've got induction, the Venus, the Moka Induction, or the Brikka Induction are your only realistic options. For gas or electric, the entire range is open to you.
Next, think about how many cups you actually drink. Stovetops are sized in "cups", but those are tiny Italian espresso style cups, not big mugs. A 6 cup pot brews around 240ml in total, enough for two decent flat whites. It's tempting to size up, but stovetops actually work best when filled to capacity, so it's better to buy a size that matches what you'll drink most days.
Finally, decide whether crema matters to you. If yes, the Brikka is the obvious pick. If you'd rather a clean, classic Italian style coffee, the Moka Express or Venus will do the job beautifully.
A few tips for better stovetop coffee
Use freshly ground coffee on a slightly coarser setting than you'd use for espresso, roughly the texture of fine sand. Fill the boiler with already hot water to shorten the brew time and reduce the metallic taste some people pick up on. Fill the basket level and don't tamp it. Brew on a low flame, and pull the pot off the heat the moment you hear that signature sputter. A great Italian style espresso blend works a treat, and a freshness focused bean makes a noticeable difference too.
Ready to bring a bit of Italian ritual into your kitchen? Browse our full brewing equipment collection to find the stovetop that suits your cooktop, your cup count, and your coffee style.
Once your pot arrives, our Brew Guide and Ratio Calculator dials in the coffee and water for your moka pot size, along with the recommended grind and method.