Bialetti is an Italian brand famous for their stovetop coffee makers, or what is known as the ‘moka pot’.
These traditional moka pots have always been made of Aluminum, which is not exactly the safest material out there, especially when interacting with heat.
This begs the question of whether Bialetti’s moka pots are a safe option? Or should you opt for another brand or material when it comes to moka pots.
Takeaways: - Aluminum moka pots are safe to use for a healthy person. There's no clear evidence that it is a harmful material. (read below for sources) - Bialetti's Moka Express is made of Aluminum, Bialetti's Brikka is made of a mix of aluminum and stainless steel, while Kitty and Venus are stainless steel. - For induction stovetops, Brikka is the best choice.
Are Aluminum Moka Pots Safe to Use?
The safety concerns about using aluminum in cooking, may it be from using aluminum pans and pots to coffee makers, comes from scientific studies claiming that high exposure to aluminum is linked to many diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
However, there’s not been any clear evidence that using this metal in your cookware or daily interaction with the metal has any links to such diseases. These studies are more likely concerned with exposure to high levels of aluminum fumes (on an industrial level), or if you’re something with a kidney disease that won’t be able to filter out traces of aluminum that is naturally in your food, which could lead to a pile up of the metal in your system. (Source)
Is Bialetti’s Aluminum Moka Pot Safe To Use?
Bialetti’s moka pots, the aluminum ones specifically, have been around since 1933. They are a stable in coffee and Italian coffee culture.
They’re a simple way to make a traditional cup of Italian style coffee and requires little to no care. Aluminum is not a dishwasher safe metal, however, aluminum moka pots should not be washed with detergents, you should only rinse them with water.
Aluminum moka pots, generally, do transfer a slight amount of aluminum into the coffee. But so do tea bags, some bottle waters and other daily consumables. The amount of aluminum transferred is so little, that a healthy human body is able to get rid of it. Since I am not personally a scientist, I would ask you to read this study to fully understand the subject of aluminum migration from moka pots and other foods into the body. (Source)
That said, aluminum moka pots remain a safe option to make your coffee in a traditional way. However, if you’re still not comfortable with the use of alumium in your coffee preparation, there are many Stainless steel options available from Bialetti and other brands.
Is Bialetti Express Made of Aluminum?
The Moka Express, which is Bialetti’s iconic pot, is made of aluminum and only available in this material.
Bialetti Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel
As I mentioned, Bialetti makes both aluminum as well as stainless steel moka pots. The obvious difference of course would be the material… but other differences include:
Aluminum:
- Bialetti’s Aluminum moka pots come in the iconic traditional design, which many people look for.
- It is not dishwasher safe, but it only needs to be rinsed and it’s not recommended that you ever clean it with a detergent.
- It’s only suitable for gas stovetops and will not work with induction hobs.
Stainless Steel:
- The stainless steel collection from Bialetti has more of a modern design. It is dishwasher safe, but still Bialetti does not recommend that you wash it in a washer or by using a detergent, as it alters the taste of the coffee.
- Stainless steel moka pots are suitable for all cooktop hobs, including induction. (Expect for 1-cup and 2 cup sizes, they are not induction ready).
Which Bialetti Moka Pot Is Best For Induction?
Bialetti has a special line of pots for induction hobs. They look similar to the Moka Express, but with a modernized touch. This line is made of a mix of materials: It has a the traditional aluminum top with a stainless steel boiler bottom to make it induction ready, giving you the best of both worlds. If a Bialetti pot is induction ready, you’ll see the label ‘Induction’ written under the model name.
Can an Induction Moka Pot be Used on a Gas Stovetop?
Yes, Induction ready moka pots from Bialetti are suitable for all type of hobs: gas, electric or induction.
What Is The Difference Between Moka Express and Brikka?
In Bialetti’s line of aluminum moka pots, there are two models:
Moka Express: which is the iconic and first moka pot Bialetti made. To this day, it has the same design it first came out in back in 1933. And it is still made in Italy. Moka is available in sizes from 2-cups up to 18-cups.
Brikka: this is an updated and modernized design. Still made of aluminum like the Moka, but it looks different. Brikka is made in Romania. Brikka is available in 2-cup and 4-cup sizes.
Can You Put Milk in a Moka Pot?
A lot of people use their moka pots to make concentrated coffee similar to an espresso shot, and could use it to make drinks like a Machiatto, Latte or a Cappuccino. Can you use the moka pot itself to heat and froth the milk, too? Or, could you use milk instead of water to make the coffee?
No, that would be a recipe for disaster. You’ll eventually clog the valves of your pot and could end up with curdled milk. If you make a lot of milk based coffee drinks, consider buying an electric milk frother for a quick and easy hot frothy milk (cold, too!).
