Bialetti Brikka vs Moka: Which coffee maker to pick?

When you look to buy a coffee maker, you will notice an Italian brand prevalent everywhere. This Italian brand is renowned for producing top-quality yet straightforward coffee makers at an affordable price. These coffee makers are elegant, attractive, and brew robust coffee.

n this article, I will discuss and compare two coffee makers from the Italian brand Bialetti: the Brikka and the Moka Express. Although these two coffee makers look similar, they have distinct differences in design, brewing process, and taste.

What is the difference between Bialetti Brikka vs Moka Express?

Bialetti produces quality products with a few differences. I have discussed the features of Brikka and Moka, which clearly show there is not much difference between the two.

There is no difference in capacity between Brikka and Moka; cup sizes range from 2 cups to larger ones.

However, there are certain other differences between the two.

Now let’s look at how they differ.

Bialetti Moka vs Brikka: Are there any Differences in brewing time and process?

Brikka takes less time to brew. It takes around 3 minutes to brew in Brikka, while Moka Express takes 5 minutes.

Brikka has a pressure valve that makes all the difference in brewing. The valve ensures that the steam is released slowly and evenly, allowing the coffee to extract at a consistent rate. It results in a thick crema layer on top of the coffee.

While Moka Express depends on heat and pressure to extract a strong coffee and aroma. However, Moka can’t make any Crema at all. Any fan of espresso shots knows the importance of rich crema at the top makes so much difference.

Bialetti Brikka vs Moka Espress: Difference in taste and texture

The Brikka extracts a smooth, creamy, silky texture with crema. It has an intense, concentrated, and bitter flavor. What you can feel is that the taste is quite similar to espresso.

But Moka can’t create a silky, creamy texture and crema like what we make in Brikka. However, I suggest Moka if you want a strong, intense coffee. Also, it brews a robust bitter flavor.

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Bialetti Brikka vs Moka: Can they create Crema?

Crema is an essential and most aesthetic part of espresso shots. If you can get crema in coffee makers, that is a bonus. Brikka is designed to brew coffee with crema at the top.

Also, in contrast to Moka, the Brikka can extract more caffeine, making the coffee robust and bitter.

Moka is a traditional coffee brewer with the function of crema, a unique plus that you get in it. You don’t need expensive espresso machines to brew espresso with crema at the top.

Also, Moka is a good option if you are looking to get a quick cup of brewed coffee.

Bialetti Brikka vs Moka: Which coffee maker is affordable?

Brikka is a more productive and efficient coffee maker; it gives you more options than Moka Express. I don’t think any other coffee has the option of creating crema. So Brikka has more features but is slightly more expensive than Moka.

Moka has fewer features but can give the desired taste and aroma. Also, it is an affordable coffee brewer.

Now check all about Bialetti Brikka and Moka.

Bialetti Brikka Stovetop coffee maker

Brikka is a stovetop coffee maker with a sleek design and stylish built quality. It has two chambers like any other coffee maker; the bottom chamber holds water, and the upper chamber holds coffee.

This coffee maker is an easy device to use and clean. Also, it takes not more than five minutes to brew coffee.

Bialetti Brikka can make a strong, rich coffee, but what I like most is that it creates rich crema at the top. Creating crema at the top is a unique feature because of the dual pressure valve that you will not get in many other coffee makers.

The Brikka is designed to work on gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops. Brikka has certain features that make it a perfect coffee brewer to buy.

check the difference between Moka Pot and Aeropress.

• Design

A polished aluminum coffee machine that sets it apart from other brands. Also, the octagonal shape is the trademark of the Bialetti brand.

Brikka is available in stainless steel and aluminum.

• Control system

Brikka has a pressure control system that allows the desired water to ground coffee. It is a great option when you want consistent control over the brewing process.

• Flip top

It has a flip top to get easy access to your favorite coffee.

• Easy to clean

When it comes to cleaning and maintaining, Brikka is an easy device for perfect cleaning after every use. You can maintain it for a longer period without any hassle. An easy device to maintain for many years because it has great built quality.

How to brew coffee in Bialetti Brikka?

If you like to make coffee in Brikka, it is not much different from other coffee makers. I suggest using coarse grind to get the maximum extraction.

• First, fill the lower chamber with cold water.
• In second step, insert the filter basket in the lower chamber.
• Add coarse-grind coffee to the basket. Try to evenly distribute.
• Screw the top part back onto the lower chamber, making sure it is securely tightened. Be careful as the bottom chamber may still be hot from the previous use.
• Now place the Brikka on the top of the burner. And set the heat to medium. I suggest you keep the handle away from the heat; touching it when it is hot can damage your hand.
• And when the water starts boiling, you will hear a gurgling sound.
• Once the coffee has filled the upper chamber, carefully remove the Brikka from the heat source. Allow the pressure to subside before opening the lid.
• Now wait until the Brikka cools down.
• And coffee is ready to pour into the cup.

If you are interested you can check the difference between Espresso vs Moka pot.

When and how to clean Bialetti Brikka?

You should clean Bialetti Brikka after every use to get the best results next time. Since it doesn’t require any technical skills, just clean after making coffee.

• First, disassemble every part of the Brikka.
• Every part should be rinsed with warm water.
• And put it to dry.

It is better to avoid using detergent because it might impact the taste and aroma of coffee.

How to brew coffee in a Bialetti Moka Express?

Another great coffee maker by Bialetti, Moka Express can brew great coffee within a few minutes. Moka represents the strong coffee culture of Italy. And Bialetti produces unique designs for all its coffee makers.

Moka is a simple machine that uses steam pressure to brew coffee. It consists of three main parts: a bottom chamber for water, a middle funnel-shaped filter basket for coffee grounds, and an upper chamber to collect the brewed coffee.

Moka has a built-in safety valve, reducing the chances of burns or other hazards. Both Brikka and Moka are easy-to-use and clean devices.

Moka Express makes strong, concentrated coffee; in fact, if you don’t have an espresso machine, the Moka can produce almost similar concentrated coffee. So Moka can somewhat fulfill the desire to drink espresso.

But unlike Brikka, it doesn’t create any crema. And it is significantly lower in price compared to the Espresso machine. Also, you can customize it to get your desired flavorful taste.

Check my interesting article where I compared Chemex and French press.

How to brew coffee in a Bialetti Moka Express?

You can pick any ground coffee of your choice. Follow these instructions to brew in Moka.

• Like any other coffee maker, first add ground coffee to the bottom chamber and cold water up to the safety valve. But remember that you don’t need to press the ground coffee.
• Now put the Moka into the burner and adjust it to medium heat. I always recommend using medium heat for any coffee to get the maximum extraction. Otherwise, you might be getting over or under-extraction.
• As the water heats up, it creates steam pressure, which pushes the hot water through the coffee grounds in the filter basket. The brewed coffee then rises into the upper chamber of the Moka.
• When you hear a gurgling sound during the heating process, it means the coffee is ready. It is time to remove from the heat.
• Another important point to note is that while making coffee in stovetop devices, let them cool down; otherwise, touching the hot device may end up burning your hand.
• Now pour the coffee into your favorite cup and enjoy.

Chemex vs Hario v60:  Comparing two great coffee makers

How to clean and maintain Moka express?

Both Moka and Brikka are easy to clean and maintain. It is almost the same process as mentioned earlier for Brikka. First, disassemble every part and rinse it with warm water. It is suggested by Bialetti that these coffee makers don’t use a detergent that might damage the aluminum.

Aeropress vs espresso machine: what’s the difference?

Final thoughts: Which coffee brewer to buy and why?

Moka has an affordable price range; it can brew the perfect cup of coffee. It has fewer features but can give you strong, robust coffee. Also, it is an easy device to brew coffee within a few minutes.

If you want crema at the top but don’t have the bucks to buy an expensive espresso machine. Brikka has a solution for you; it will create a perfect fit at the top.

So, it is up to you which coffee maker you prefer. I think Brikka Maker is more expensive, but no brewer can beat its features. If you ask me, I suggest you spend a few more bucks and buy a Bialetti Brikka.