Why Your Moka Pot Coffee Tastes Bitter And How to Fix It!

Brewing with a Moka pot can deliver an incredibly bold, rich, and concentrated cup of coffee very close to an espresso! But sometimes, that cup turns out bitter, leaving you disappointed and wondering what went wrong.

Here’s why your Moka Pot coffee might be tasting bitter, and how to avoid it:

☕ 1. Coffee Roast Level

Using over-roasted coffee can result in bitterness.
Solution: Choose a light to medium roast – it’s ideal for Moka pots and brings out balanced flavours.

☕ 2. Grind Size Matters

Too fine or too coarse a grind affects extraction.
Solution: Aim for a grind size similar to table salt – slightly coarser than espresso grind.

☕ 3. Avoid Over-Extraction

Moka pots can easily overheat the coffee, leading to bitterness.
Solution:

• Use medium-low heat on the stove.

• Remove the pot immediately once the top chamber fills up.

• Don’t let it bubble or boil over.

☕ 4. Start with Pre-Heated Water

Cold water prolongs brew time, which overcooks the coffee.
Solution: Pour pre-heated water into the bottom chamber to reduce brewing time and prevent bitterness.

☕ 5. Cool It Quickly

Letting the pot sit after brewing continues the cooking process.
Solution:

• Place the Moka pot under cold running water or

• Pour the coffee into another vessel immediately.

☕ 6. Don’t Use Stale Coffee

Stale or expired coffee is a guaranteed recipe for bitterness.
Solution: Always brew with fresh, high-quality coffee.

At Panduranga Coffee, we’re known for our freshness and consistency from the roast to the grind. Try our blends and taste the difference.

Read our blog on "How to quickly make South Indian Filter Coffee using Mokapot".

Ready to brew your espresso or filter coffee in Mokapot? Check our Stainless Steel Mokapot.