The Moka pot will change your homemade espresso experience. Although this accessory is easy to use, it may yield different outcomes depending on the water you use.
While some people like hot water to prepare their coffee in the Moka pot, others stick to the opposite. Which side are you on?
If you can’t make up your mind, this article will help you tell the better one, Moka pot hot or cold water. Let’s scroll down and learn how to enjoy your best espresso!
Moka Pot Hot Or Cold Water
Water temperature is crucial in Moka pot coffee brewing because it will affect the flavor extraction from the coffee beans.
There are two opposing ideas about this case. Most people, even baristas, start with boiling coffee to get the best flavor.
Moreover, since baristas must serve their customers, everything must be quick. Luckily, using hot water allows them to accomplish both of their tasks.
Nevertheless, many people choose cold water to start their Moka pots and have good experiences with it.
So, we will compare the two methods side by side. Please check every element carefully so you can tell the more suitable option for your morning coffee.
Speed
If you need to prepare a quick cup of coffee for your busy day, we advise going with hot water. This method will help save minutes of your time.
The coffee will extract at the proper temperature as soon as you begin with hot water. In a Moka pot, steam is in charge of brewing coffee, and there’s nothing more satisfying than getting it started straight away to achieve an overall quicker brew.
Taste
Many people stick to hot water when using Moka pots because of the taste it brings. This method ensures a lower risk of burnt java. The extraction can also occur at a high temperature.
Moreover, using hot water with the Moka pot can lessen any over-extraction side effects that hot water can cause when making the grind.
What if you start with cold water? You will feel like cooking the coffee grounds because you have to heat them for longer.
When finished, your java will have a metallic and bitter flavor. What’s worse? If you can’t keep track of the heating time, you may risk burning the grounds.
Safety
You can put the Moka components together without worrying about hurting your fingers or skin because there isn’t any boiling hot water in the pot.
As a result, there is no requirement for gloves or other skin-protective precautions when working with the Moka pot since the boilers stay cold.
On the other hand, it may be harder to assemble the Moka pot since the bottom chamber is hot. You need to take extra precautions to avoid getting burnt.
Attention
It takes a few minutes for cold water to boil. Hence, you may easily lose track of time when it’s heating. In worst cases, it can turn out dangerous, demanding you always to keep an eye on the pot.
On the contrary, you don’t need that much attention when working with hot water in the Moka pot. The process will go faster and grab your attention quicker.
Extra tools
You need more tools if you start with hot water. For example, you have to boil it in a kettle first. Some people find this annoying, and they choose cold water.
Furthermore, it’s easier when using cold water because there will be fewer steps to prepare your coffee. It’s a good idea to let the Moka pot perform all the tasks when you are still sleepy in the morning.
Comparison Table
The Moka pot allows you to choose to start with either hot or cold water. The two methods will give you different experiences and outcomes.
Let’s check what we discussed earlier.
Criteria | Hot Water | Cold Water |
|---|---|---|
Speed | Faster | Slower |
Taste | Excellent | Good |
Safety | Riskier | Safer |
Attention | Less attention needed | More attention needed |
Extra Tools | Yes | No |
Pros and Cons of Using Hot And Cold Water In A Moka Pot
As you see from the comparison above, both hot and cold water have pros and cons. Hence, you need to consider carefully before deciding on the better one.
Hot water
Most coffee lovers go for this approach. However, it still has drawbacks that you must pay attention to.
Pros:
- Flavorful coffee: When extracted quickly, your java can retain its pleasant flavor. There is also a lower risk of burnt coffee.
- Fast brewing: The steam can work fast to give you a quick cup of java.
- Less attention needed: You don’t have to pay much attention to the whole process because it takes place instantly.
Cons:
- Dangerous: Handling hot water requires extra caution.
- More tools: You have to prepare more tools and perform more steps to offer yourself a nice treatment.
Cold water
This method is less popular. However, you want to try it someday because of its benefits.
Pros:
- Safer: The pot doesn’t carry boiling water from the start. Hence, you can assemble your Moka pot safely.
- Fewer steps and tools: Since the Moka pot is in charge of all the tasks, you just need to set it up and wait for your espresso to come out.
Cons:
- Less pleasant flavor: Cold water will leave a metallic and bitter flavor in your java.
- Slower: Skipping the boiling water doesn’t mean that you can cut down on the total preparation time. It just refers to fewer steps. Meanwhile, brewing with cold water will be more time-consuming.
- More attention needed: Since you have to wait until the water boils, you can’t lose your attention.
How To Get Hot Water In A Moka Pot?
There are two ways to heat water in this regard. They also refer to two different ways of starting your Moka pot we have talked about lately.
Method 1: Boil water first with a kettle
This method is for you if you decide to start with hot water. You can use an electric kettle to save time. Here is how to do it:
- Prepare the Moka pot while boiling the water in the electric kettle.
- Pour the boiling water into the pot’s bottom chamber.
- Set up the Moka pot following the instructions in the manual. Take caution during this step because the chamber is really hot. If possible, use mitts or other hand-protective tools.
- Heat the Moka pot.
Using hot water is the traditional way to brew coffee using a Moka pot. This video will give you a complete guide to it:
Method 2: Boil the water in the Moka pot
To use cold water to extract your coffee, you must boil it in your Moka pot first. The instructions are as follows:
- Detach the top chamber and filter off the Moka pot.
- Pour water into the bottom chamber and assemble the pot.
- Heat the pot on the stove.
Conclusion
If you start with hot water, the Moka pot will brew your coffee faster and give you a more flavorful outcome. However, this method is more dangerous because they must assemble the pot while it’s still hot.
On the other hand, starting with cold water is a safer method. You can also skip the boiling steps. Yet, the result won’t be as satisfying as starting with hot water.
So what is your opinion? Try them both if you still can’t settle on the more suitable one for your taste. The outcomes will help you make an informed decision.
Thank you for reading!
