Invented in the 1930s, the Moka Express changed the way people make coffee at home, giving them a simple and affordable way to enjoy a rich espresso - no longer was it necessary to go to a café to do so.
The Moka Express was born in a period of innovation in Italy. However, its early history remains unclear.
The Bialetti company claims that its founder, Alfonso Bialetti, invented it in 1933, but there is also reliable evidence that Amleto Spadini is the true inventor of the device. Spadini successfully patented the Triplerapid Miracol 900 in 1937, which has the same style and design as the Moka Express.
Whatever its origins, the result is a small, simple and inexpensive coffee maker that works on the stovetop.
After World War II, it began to spread rapidly throughout Italy, as many people couldn’t afford expensive coffee machines. In the 1950s, Bialetti’s son, Renato, helped make the Moka internationally famous.
Thanks to clever advertising and the introduction of the simple ‘little man with a moustache’ logo, the Moka Express became a household name.
The Moka Express has a unique and recognisable design. Made of aluminium, it’s lightweight and lasts for years. Its octagonal shape helps it heat evenly, and its simple design makes it easy to use.
The coffee maker consists of three parts: the bottom chamber for water, the middle section for the coffee grounds and the top chamber where the brewed coffee collects after the water boils.
Earlier coffee makers had a more complicated design and usually relied on a percolation process in which coffee was continuously recirculated and re-boiled.
When the Moka Express is heated on a stovetop, the water at the bottom turns into steam. This steam pushes the water upwards through the coffee grounds as the fresh, rich coffee fills the upper chamber.
The entire process is quick, easy, requires no electricity and the coffee tastes fresh - one of the reasons it became so popular.
Since its invention, over 350 million Moka coffee makers have been sold worldwide, making it one of the most popular coffee makers of all time.
Its affordable price, simple design and excellent results have made it a favourite across generations - it’s even been displayed in museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York for its timeless style.
Scientists have also studied the scientific principles behind the Moka’s operation.
More than just a coffee maker, the Moka is also a symbol of Italian culture and the joy of sharing coffee with friends and family.
Among all the coffee machines available today, the Bialetti Moka remains a beloved classic, bringing people together over a perfect cup of coffee.
However, as they sip their coffee, many remain unaware that the true story of the Moka is still a mystery waiting to be uncovered.
