A GUIDE TO SAFE STOVETOP COFFEE BREWING

Stovetop coffee makers, like the classic Moka pot, are a fantastic way to brew rich, flavourful coffee at home. However, they operate under pressure and require careful handling to avoid potential hazards like burns or even explosions. 

This guide will walk you through the essential stovetop coffee safety precautions when using stovetop to brew coffee, from choosing the right grind to proper cleaning. We will cover everything you need to know to brew with confidence, ensuring your daily coffee ritual in Australia is both delicious and safe. 

(Tip: Pair your stovetop brew with our premium coffee beans for a perfectly balanced cup.)

Understanding Your Stovetop Coffee Maker

Before you brew, it helps to understand how your stovetop brewer works. A Moka pot, the most common type found in Australian homes, uses steam pressure. As the water in the bottom chamber heats up, it creates steam. 

This pressure pushes the hot water up through the coffee grounds in the filter basket and into the top collecting chamber, where your brewed coffee waits.

The most important component for Moka pot safety is the small brass or steel safety valve on the side of the bottom chamber. 

Its job is to release any excess pressure if there is a blockage, preventing a dangerous situation. Knowing how these parts work together is the first step to brewing safely.

(Learn more about different coffee brewing methods on our Coffee Hero Blog) 

Common Risks and How to Avoid Them

While stovetop coffee maker explosions are extremely rare, they are preventable with proper care. The main causes include:

• Using coffee that’s ground too finely (like espresso grind), which blocks water flow.

• Tamping coffee grounds too tightly, creating too much resistance.

• A blocked or faulty safety valve due to coffee oils or limescale.

To prevent burns, always handle the pot by the handle, never the body - it gets very hot. On gas stoves, make sure the flame doesn’t extend beyond the pot’s base.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Never leave your Moka pot unattended on the stove - it’s one of the most common causes of kitchen coffee accidents.

(Check out our guide to how to grind coffee beans properly for the right consistency.)

To prevent burns, always handle the pot by the handle, never the body - it gets very hot. For more insights into high-performing coffee equipment tested by real baristas, you can explore independent coffee gear reviews on Beanhunter

Step-by-Step Safety Precautions for Brewing

Following a consistent process is the best way to ensure stovetop espresso safety. This step-by-step guide will help you brew delicious and safe coffee every time.

Step 1: Check Your Equipment

Before each use, give your pot a quick inspection. Make sure the safety valve is clear of any debris and moves freely. Check that the filter screen is clean and the rubber gasket that seals the two chambers is soft and not cracked or worn out.

(If you need replacement parts or cleaning tools, explore our coffee accessories)

Step 2: Fill the Water Chamber Correctly

Fill the bottom chamber with cool or pre-heated water. The water level must always stay below the safety valve. If you cover the valve, it cannot do its job.

Step 3: Add Coffee Grounds Loosely

Fill the filter basket with a medium-fine grind of coffee. Do not press or tamp the coffee down. Simply level the grounds with your finger or the back of a spoon. This ensures the water can flow through evenly.
(Use freshly ground beans - explore our coffee grinder collection)

Step 4: Assemble Securely

Screw the top and bottom chambers together. It should be firm enough to create a good seal, but you do not need to overtighten it with excessive force.

Step 5: Use the Right Heat Setting

Place the Moka pot on a low to medium heat. For gas stoves, it is very important that the flame is not wider than the base of the pot. This prevents the handle from overheating.

Step 6: Stay and Listen

This is perhaps the most important rule of how to use a stovetop coffee maker safely. Never walk away and leave it unattended. Listen for the characteristic gurgling sound that signals the coffee is ready.

Step 7: Remove from Heat Promptly

As soon as you hear that gurgle, take the pot off the heat. This stops the brewing process and prevents the coffee from developing a bitter, burnt taste from overheating.
(See our post on how to brew the perfect Moka pot coffee for more detailed brewing steps.)

These steps are designed to ensure your stovetop coffee maker is used safely at home. For broader guidance on safe home appliance use, see Choice Australia’s guide to kitchen and home brewing safety

The Importance of Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper cleaning keeps your stovetop brewer safe and your coffee tasting fresh. Over time, coffee oils and mineral deposits can clog filters or valves.

After brewing:

• Let the pot cool completely.

• Disassemble and rinse all parts with warm water.

• Avoid harsh detergents (especially on aluminium).

• Dry thoroughly before reassembling.

Every few weeks, descale with a mixture of white vinegar and water to clear mineral buildup.

(Need expert cleaning advice? Read our blog on how to clean coffee equipment properly.)

Safe Stovetop Coffee Brewing

Enjoying stovetop coffee is one of life’s simple pleasures. By following these steps,  checking equipment, using the correct grind, staying present, and cleaning properly, you can safely enjoy bold, aromatic stovetop coffee every morning.

☕ Coffee Hero Tip: The right beans make all the difference. Browse our range of single-origin and blend coffee beans  freshly roasted in Australia.

For help selecting the right brewing equipment or beans for your home setup, contact Coffee Hero today - your trusted partner in both residential and commercial coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safe Stovetop Coffee Brewing

Can a Stovetop Coffee Maker Explode?

Yes, in very rare circumstances, a stovetop coffee maker like a Moka pot can explode. This is typically caused by a dangerous build-up of pressure inside the water chamber. The primary reasons for this are a blocked safety valve, using coffee that is ground too finely, or tamping the coffee grounds down too tightly, all of which can prevent steam from escaping properly.

How Do You Use a Stovetop Coffee Pot Safely?

To use a stovetop pot safely, fill the water chamber to just below the safety valve, add coffee grounds loosely without tamping, and screw the top on securely. Brew on a low to medium heat and never leave it unattended. Remove it from the heat as soon as you hear it start to gurgle to prevent overheating.

Are Stovetop Percolators Safe?

Modern stovetop percolators are generally safe to use when operated correctly. They follow similar principles of coffee percolator safety as Moka pots. Always inspect any percolator, especially a second-hand one from a local market, for signs of wear and tear, like a loose handle or worn parts, before use.

How Do You Know When a Stovetop Coffee is Done?

You'll know your stovetop coffee is ready when you hear a distinct hissing or gurgling sound. This sound indicates that most of the water has passed from the bottom chamber through the coffee grounds and into the top collecting chamber. It is important to remove the pot from the heat at this point to avoid burning the coffee.

What Happens If You Leave a Percolator On the Stove?

Leaving a percolator on the stove for too long will cause the coffee to continuously cycle, leading to over-extraction and a very bitter, burnt taste. More seriously, if all the water boils away, the pot can overheat, potentially damaging the percolator itself and creating a fire hazard.

Are Aluminium Moka Pots Safe?

Yes. Food safety authorities such as Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) confirm that aluminium cookware is safe for daily use. If you prefer, stainless steel Moka pots are an excellent alternative.

Explore our store and arm yourself with the best coffee beans in Australia.