If you’re in the market for a new Moka Pot you may have noticed that there are different types available. Two popular options are Bialetti’s Brikka and Moka Express. But what’s the difference between Bialetti Brikka vs Moka Express, and which one is best?
The primary difference between the Brikka and Moka Express is that the Brikka brews a more robust coffee with more crema than the Moka Express. The reason for the difference is that, unlike the Moka Express, the Brikka includes a pressure valve that forces the coffee to brew under higher pressure.
This means that Brikka coffee is closer to true espresso than coffee made with the classic Moka Express. But don’t count the Moka Express out just yet! Each has its own pros and cons that you should be aware of.
Keep reading to learn more and see which one is right for you!
Differences Between Bialetti Brikka vs Moka Expres
The main difference between Bialetti’s Brikka and Moka Express (links go to Amazon) is that the Brikka has an extra pressure valve in the top part of the Moka Pot. This valve prevents the coffee from coming out until a certain amount of pressure has built up.
By comparison, the Moka Express does not have this valve. So, the coffee will immediately come out after it’s brewed.
The addition of a pressure valve to the Brikka may seem like a small thing, but it changes the coffee in two important ways:
- it creates more crema
- it makes coffee richer and more robust
Let’s quickly talk about each of these.
Brikka Makes More Crema Than The Moka Express
Crema is the creamy, golden froth you’ll find on a shot of espresso. And although Moka Pots are commonly called stovetop espresso makers, they don’t typically create crema.
Why? Well, crema results from coffee oils and gases being extracted under high pressure.
A typical espresso machine will create around 9-10 bars of pressure (link goes to Specialty Coffee Association’s site). By comparison, a Moka Express generates around 1-2 bars of pressure.
This is where the Brikka Moka Pot is different. The valve in the Brikka forces the coffee to brew at slightly higher pressures than the Moka Express, which results in more crema.
FYI: If you prefer true espresso with crema, we’d highly recommend the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. (Link goes to Amazon.) We got this machine a few years ago and have been enjoying amazing espresso ever since!
Brikka Coffee Is Richer And Stronger Than Moka Express Coffee
The additional valve in the Brikka (link to Amazon) also creates a stronger and richer coffee.
So, how does this happen? The higher pressures in the Brikka force more coffee solubles to be extracted during the brewing process. This gives the coffee a richer and heavier mouthfeel.
The higher extraction levels also mean that Brikka coffee is more robust and intense than coffee made with the Moka Express.
(If you want to learn more about coffee strength, check out our article “Is Cuban Coffee Stronger Than Regular Coffee?“)
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- Ideal Moka Temperature: How Hot My Stove Should Be?
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The Brikka And Moka Express Have Design Differences
Besides the differences in the coffee, the Brikka and Moka Express also have differences in their design. Primarily, these differences are in the pressure valve and lid.
Pressure Valve
The addition of the pressure valve is the big difference between the Brikka and Moka Express. And while the valve changes the coffee, it also changes your experience with the brewer.
For example, this extra pressure valve will make your Brikka a bit more difficult to clean than the Moka Express.
It may also be more difficult to troubleshoot a Brikka. Keep in mind that the Moka Express is much older than the Brikka. So, there’s a lot more information out there about how to work with the Moka Express.
FYI: If you prefer true espresso, we’d highly recommend the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. (Link goes to Amazon.) We hesitated a long time to buy this machine, but once we got it we did not regret it!
Brikka Has A Hole In Its Lid
Unlike the Moka Express, the Brikka (link to Amazon) has a hole in its lid. There are two reasons mentioned for the existence of this hole.
First, it’s said that the hole allows air to incorporate itself into the coffee as it falls into the top chamber. But this is unlikely. The classic Moka Pot can be brewed with the lid up, which allows air to interact with the coffee.
Most likely, the Brikka has a hole in the lid to prevent condensation from forming and diluting the coffee. Whatever the case, the Brikka has this hole while the Moka Express does not.
Similarities Between The Brikka And Moka Express
While Bialetti’s Brikka and Moka Express (link to Amazon) brew very different coffees, there are many similarities between the two.
For starters, they both have top and bottom chambers, a funnel, a filter, and a gasket.
(To learn more about the parts of a Moka Pot, check out our article “What Are The Parts Of A Moka Pot?“)
Secondly, they’re both placed over direct heat and use vapor pressure to brew the coffee.
Lastly, they’re both made out of aluminum. This means two things:
- they’re not dishwasher safe
- neither one works on induction stoves
Related Posts:
- Moka Pot Oxidation. (Why Are Black Spots In My Moka Pot?)
- Moka Pot Size Guide. ( What Size Moka Pot Do I need?)
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Neither The Brikka Nor Moka Express Are Dishwasher Safe
Aluminum Moka Pots are not dishwasher safe.
Although they do have a protective coating that prevents them from tarnishing, the heat from the dishwasher along with alkaline detergents and minerals in the water can corrode your brewer.
If you want to learn more about how dishwashers can affect your Moka Pot, check out our article “Are Moka Pots Dishwasher Safe?“
Brikka And Moka Express Do Not Work On Induction Stoves
Because the Brikka and Moka Express are both made of aluminum, neither one works on induction stovetops (link to Wikipedia).
Keep in mind that induction stoves require magnetic metals to work. So, if you’ve got an induction stove, you’ll need to get a stainless steel Moka Pot such as the Bialetti Venus (link goes to Amazon).
Alternatively, you can get an induction adapter plate (link goes to Amazon). With an adapter plate, you can use a Brikka or Moka Express on an induction stove.
To learn more about which Moka Pots work on induction stoves, check out our article “Do Moka Pots Work On Induction Stoves?“
Related Posts:
- What’s The Best Induction Moka Pot ( Top 5 Picks!)
- Can You Use Milk In A Moka Pot? (Here Are Our Results!)
Should I Buy Bialetti’s Brikka Or A Moka Express?
The choice to buy a Brikka (link to Amazon) or Moka Express depends on what type of coffee you like. If you prefer a richer, more intense coffee with crema, then you should go for the Brikka.
On the other hand, if you prefer a Moka Pot that’s easier to clean and that has been on the market for a long time then the Moka Express may be for you.
Also, keep in mind that traditional Cuban coffee and Italian-style coffees are often made with the classic Moka Pot. So, if you’re a fan of Cuban coffee go with Bialetti’s Moka Express.
FYI: If you prefer true espresso, we’d highly recommend the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine. (Link goes to Amazon.) We hesitated a long time to buy this machine, but once we got it we did not regret it!
Key Takeaways: Bialetti Brikka vs Moka Express
- the Brikka has an additional pressure valve that creates crema and makes the coffee richer
- the Moka Express (link to Amazon) is easier to clean and has a longer history
- both the Brikka and Moka Express have more similarities than differences
Cheers Coffee Lovers!
KEEP READING
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- What Are The Parts Of A Moka Pot? (Easy Assembly Guide!)
- Do Moka Pots Work On Induction Stoves? (Why Or Why Not?)
- What’s The Best Induction Moka Pot? (Top 5 Picks!)
- Moka Pot Oxidation (Why Are Black Spots In My Moka Pot?)
- Moka Pot Size Guide (What Size Moka Pot Do I Need?)
- Should I Clean My Coffee Grinder Before First Use?
- Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Moka Pot (Which One To Pick?)
- Can You Use A French Press On The Stovetop? Yes, Here Are The Options!
Oliver is co-owner of Coffee Break Lovers. The only thing he loves more than the process of brewing coffee is drinking it.