Is it safe to make espresso in a moka pot?
Stainless steel moka pots yes, aluminum ones are so-so. Acidic coffee pulls aluminum out of the metal.
What's actually in it
Classic moka pots (Bialetti style) are aluminum. Espresso is hot and acidic, which pulls aluminum out of the pot. The first few uses leach most; after that the rate drops, but doesn't hit zero. New moka pots are sometimes pre-seasoned by the manufacturer to reduce this.
Stainless steel moka pots don't have this problem.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Int J Environ Health Res measured aluminum migration from aluminum cooking surfaces with acidic simulants. Acidic conditions drove the most leaching.
Upgrade to a stainless steel moka pot. If you keep aluminum, run several "seasoning" pots with plain water and a bit of coffee before using, and don't let spent grounds sit in the pot overnight.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy metal transitions from cooking utensils to different solutions. | Int J Environ Health Res | 2025 |
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