Ever had that first sip of truly authentic Cuban coffee? That intense, sweet shot that jolts you awake and warms you right up? If you’re chasing that experience at home, the right cuban coffee maker is your secret weapon. It’s not just another pot; it’s a little piece of culture that brews a powerful, syrupy espresso called cafecito. Getting it right can feel tricky, but trust me, it’s worth the effort for that perfect crema.
I’ve spent way to much time testing different models, from classic stovetop makers to modern electric ones. This review is here to cut through the noise and help you find the best one for your kitchen. Let’s find the perfect brewer to get your day started with that iconic, unforgettable flavor.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Cuban Coffee Maker
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Imusa USA Aluminum Stovetop 6-cup Espresso Maker (B120-43V), Silver
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9.7 |
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Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot…
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9.5 |
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Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot…
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9.2 |
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Mongdio Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot, Cuban Coffee Maker…
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9.0 |
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Imusa Special Edition Electric Cuba/Domino themed Espresso Maker, 3…
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8.8 |
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Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot…
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8.5 |
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Imusa USA Red Aluminum Stovetop 6-cup Classic Italian and…
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8.3 |
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Bialetti Moka Express Iconic Italian Stovetop Espresso Maker (Natural…
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8.1 |
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Mr. Coffee 4-Shot Steam Espresso Cappuccino and Latte Maker…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
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KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact…
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7.6 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Cuban Coffee Maker
Imusa USA Aluminum Stovetop 6-cup Espresso Maker (B120-43V), Silver
The Imusa USA Aluminum Stovetop 6-cup Espresso Maker (B120-43V) is a classic stovetop moka pot that brings a simple, authentic espresso experience right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates a strong, rich coffee without the complexity or cost of a machine.
This model is all about straightforward function and reliable results, as long as you follow a few key steps.
Its body is crafted from durable aluminum, which is excellent for even heat distribution on your stovetop. This material also does a great job at retaining heat, so your brewed espresso stays warm in the pot until your ready to pour.
You’ll notice the handle and knob are designed to stay cool to the touch, a crucial safety feature that makes handling and pouring much easier after its been on the flame. The 6-cup capacity is ideal for sharing with a couple of friends or for making enough for a single larger drink, like a morning latte.
One of the best things about this espresso maker is its portability.
Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot for Italian and Cuban Café Brewing, Greca Coffee Maker, Cafeteras, 6 Espresso Cups, Silver
The Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker is a straightforward tool for brewing strong, flavorful coffee right on your stove. Often called a Moka pot or Greca, it’s the classic method used in countless Italian homes to make that distinctive, rich coffee. This model brews about six espresso-sized servings, giving you a concentrated base for all kinds of drinks. Its main appeal is simplicity and control.
You fill the bottom chamber with water, add your favorite ground coffee to the reusable filter, and screw the top on. Placed on any stovetop—gas, electric, or ceramic—the water heats up, creating pressure that pushes steam through the coffee grounds and up into the top chamber. In just a few minutes, your coffee is ready. There’s no electricity beyond the stove, no paper filters to buy, and no complicated settings. It’s a manual process that puts you in charge of the strength and the pace.
Built from durable cast aluminum, this pot is designed to last for years. The material distributes heat evenly, which is key for extracting a consistent flavor from your coffee without any bitter burnt spots. The handle and the knob on the flip-top lid are heat-resistant, so you can safely grip it to pour. When your done, cleaning is as easy as giving it a quick rinse with warm water; just make sure all parts are dry before you put it away.
Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot for Italian and Cuban Café Brewing, Greca Coffee Maker, Cafeteras, 12 Espresso Cups, Silver
The Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker is a straightforward tool for brewing strong, authentic coffee right on your stove. Often called a Moka pot or Greca, this device is a classic for a reason. It uses steam pressure to pull rich, concentrated coffee from grounds, creating a brew that’s perfect for espresso-style drinks. If you enjoy Italian-style coffee or Cuban café, this is the traditional method used in many homes. It’s really simple to operate.
You just fill the lower chamber with water, add your favorite ground coffee to the filter basket, and screw the top on. Place it on any stovetop—gas, electric, or ceramic—and in a few minutes, you’ll hear the satisfying gurgle as the finished coffee fills the upper chamber. Then you remove it from the heat and pour. You get twelve espresso-sized servings, which is great for sharing or for having multiple cups yourself throughout the morning.
Built from durable cast aluminum, this pot is made to last. The material distributes heat evenly, which helps ensure a consistent brew every time you use it. The handle and knob stay cool to the touch, a crucial feature for safe pouring. When your done, cleaning is just as easy as brewing. You simply rinse the parts with warm water; avoid soap so you don’t alter the flavor, and let everything dry before putting it back together. This coffee maker’s versatility is a big plus.
Mongdio Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot, Cuban Coffee Maker Stove top coffee maker Moka Italian Espresso Greca Coffee Maker Brewer Percolator, 6 Espresso Cups, 10 oz – Black
The Mongdio Stovetop Espresso Maker is a classic Moka pot, often called a Greca or Cuban coffee maker. It’s a manual brewer that uses steam pressure from your stovetop to produce a rich, concentrated coffee similar to espresso. This model is the 6-cup size, which yields about 10 ounces of strong coffee, perfect for sharing or for a couple of larger servings.
This pot is crafted from food-grade cast aluminum, a material chosen for its excellent and even heat distribution.
That consistent heat is key for extracting a full-bodied, velvety coffee with a robust flavor profile. The design includes thoughtful touches like a heat-resistant handle and a cool-touch knob on the lid, so you can handle it safely after brewing. A built-in safety valve provides an added layer of security by regulating the internal pressure during use.
Using the Mongdio is straightforward. You unscrew the pot at the middle. Fill the bottom chamber with water up to the safety valve.
Then, you insert the filter basket and fill it with your favorite finely ground coffee—just level it off, don’t tamp it down. Screw the top chamber on tightly and place it on a stovetop burner set to medium heat. In just a few minutes, you’ll hear the gurgling signal that your coffee is ready and flowing into the upper chamber.
One of the significant advantages of a stovetop maker like this is it’s simplicity. There are no electronics or complex parts to worry about.
Imusa Special Edition Electric Cuba/Domino themed Espresso Maker, 3 or 6 Cups, White, Red, Blue
The IMUSA Special Edition Electric Cuba/Domino themed Espresso Maker is a vibrant and practical appliance for making rich, authentic coffee at home. Its standout design, featuring a bold red, white, and blue exterior, brings a cheerful and distinctive Cuban-inspired look to your countertop. It’s built around a durable cast aluminum base and a classic brown-tinted carafe, ensuring it can handle daily use while looking great.
One of it’s key benefits is its versatile capacity.
You can choose to brew a full 6 cups or just 3, with each cup being a standard 1.5-ounce espresso serving. This flexibility means you can make just enough for yourself in the morning or prepare for a small gathering without any waste. The brewing process itself is straightforward and monitored by a visual indicator, so you always know when your coffee is ready.
Convenience and safety are central to its design.
It has a simple on/off switch on a detachable base, making refilling and cleaning the water reservoir easy. The handle is designed to stay cool to the touch, which is a crucial feature for safe pouring, especially if you have kids around. Its compact size and this safe handle also make it relatively portable for use in different settings.
While it’s called an espresso maker, it’s really a versatile stovetop-style brewer that works with electricity.
Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot for Italian and Cuban Café Brewing, Greca Coffee Maker, Cafeteras, 1 Espresso Cup, Silver
The Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker is a straightforward tool for making strong, authentic coffee right on your stove. Often called a Moka pot or Greca, this device is a classic for a reason. It uses steam pressure to brew a concentrated coffee that’s perfect as a straight espresso or as the base for your favorite drinks. If you enjoy the ritual of coffee making and a rich, full-bodied result, this is a fantastic option to have in your kitchen.
It’s designed to produce one espresso cup serving of rich, smooth coffee in just minutes. You can use it to craft not just espresso, but also Americanos, Cuban coffee, Italian-style brews, and more. The process is part of the charm, giving you control over your morning routine from start to finish. All you need is your stovetop and some finely ground coffee. Built for longevity, the pot is carefully crafted from cast aluminum.
This material is chosen for its excellent heat distribution, which is key for getting a consistent extraction and full flavor from your grounds every time. The flip-top lid has a heat-resistant knob, and the handle stays cool for safe, easy pouring. It’s a simple piece of equipment, but it’s made to last for years of daily use. Using the Primula Moka pot couldn’t be simpler. You just fill the lower chamber with water up to the safety valve.
Imusa USA Red Aluminum Stovetop 6-cup Classic Italian and Cuban Espresso Maker (B120-43T), Silver/Red
The IMUSA USA Red Aluminum Stovetop 6-cup Classic Italian and Cuban Espresso Maker (B120-43T) is a stovetop coffee maker designed for daily use and sharing. It’s built to brew a medium batch of strong, aromatic coffee directly on your stove, offering a classic method that’s stood the test of time.
With a capacity for up to six servings, it’s a practical choice for your morning routine or for when you have a few guests over.
You won’t need to make multiple pots, as it provides enough rich coffee for a small group. The brewing process itself is straightforward and gives you a bit of control over the final result, allowing for a personalized touch to your daily cup.
Constructed from durable cast aluminum, this maker is made to last through years of daily use. The material is known for it’s reliable performance on the stovetop, promoting even heat distribution for a consistent extraction.
This helps ensure the flavor and aroma of your coffee grounds are fully realized in your cup. Beyond function, the vibrant red finish adds a cheerful and stylish accent to any kitchen counter, standing out from more utilitarian appliances.
This brewer is versatile in the types of coffee it can produce. While it makes a strong, espresso-like coffee perfect for the base of drinks, it’s ideal for preparing a range of beverages.
Bialetti Moka Express Iconic Italian Stovetop Espresso Maker (Natural Silver, 6 Cups)
The Bialetti Moka Express Iconic Italian Stovetop Espresso Maker is more than just a coffee pot; it’s a piece of history on your stovetop. Since 1933, its unique shape and the little gentleman with a moustache have symbolized the real Italian way to prepare coffee. This is the original design, invented by Alfonso Bialetti, and it brings a genuine ritual right into your kitchen.
This maker is proudly Made in Italy, with a focus on simple, durable function.
It features a patented safety valve for security and ease of cleaning. The ergonomic handle stays cool and gives you a good grip. The natural silver aluminum model is a classic, and it works on gas, electric, and induction stoves—you just need Bialetti’s induction adapter plate for the last one. It’s built to last and become a familiar part of your daily routine.
Using the Moka Express is straightforward once you get the hang of it.
You fill the bottom boiler with water up to the safety valve. Then, you fill the filter basket with ground coffee; don’t press it down, just level it off. Screw the top and bottom together firmly and place it on your stove. In a few minutes, you’ll hear that iconic gurgling sound. That’s your signal to turn the heat off.
Mr. Coffee 4-Shot Steam Espresso Cappuccino and Latte Maker with Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher
The Mr. Coffee 4-Shot Steam Espresso Cappuccino and Latte Maker with Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher is a straightforward machine designed for anyone who enjoys espresso-based drinks at home without the complexity or high price of pump-driven models. Its core function relies on a Steam Brewing process. This method uses pressurized steam to force hot water through your coffee grounds, resulting in a dark, rich espresso concentrate.
It’s the same technique traditionally used for making strong Cuban coffee, so you know it packs a flavorful punch. The machine is built around an Extra-Large Portafilter that can hold enough coffee to brew up to four shots at once. This is perfect for serving multiple people or making a larger drink for yourself, saving you from having to brew multiple batches. To turn that espresso into cafe-style drinks, the integrated Frothing Wand is key.
It’s a simple attachment that releases steam, which you immerse into milk to create foam. With a little practice, you can texture milk for lattes and cappuccinos right at your kitchen counter. The machine includes a dedicated Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher, which is the ideal vessel for this task—it stays cool to the touch and its spout helps you pour your frothed milk smoothly into your espresso. For consistency, the machine comes with a few helpful accessories.
KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 800W Compact Espresso and Cappuccino Machine with Preheating Function, 4 Cup Espresso Maker for Cappuccino or Latte, Gift for Coffee Lover
The KEENSTAR 3.5Bar Espresso Machine with Milk Frother is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed to bring the core espresso experience into your home kitchen. It balances simplicity with the essential functions needed for making espresso-based drinks, making it a practical choice for beginners or those with limited counter space. Operation is straightforward, centered around a single switch knob with an indicator light. This machine is built for both hot and iced coffee preparations.
A helpful pause function lets you interrupt the brewing if needed, which is great for managing interruptions. Remember to always turn the knob to “OFF” to release pressure before opening the water tank or removing the portafilter—this is a key safety step. The brewing system uses fast heating technology to get the water to the right temperature quickly. With 3.5 bars of pressure, it can produce up to four cups (240ml total) of espresso in about two minutes.
The included glass carafe has clear markings to help you measure your water and servings perfectly. Just be sure not to exceed the 240ml water max, as this can cause leaking. For milk-based drinks, the powerful 800W steam wand is ready to create micro-foam for cappuccinos and lattes in roughly 40 seconds. It gives you control over texture for creamy results. A silicone pad on the wand helps prevent burns.
Cuban Coffee Maker Buying Guide
That strong, sweet, and incredibly potent coffee you get at Cuban cafes comes from a specific kind of pot. A cuban coffee maker, often called a cafetera, are a stovetop brewer that uses steam pressure. It’s simple to use but makes a concentrated espresso-like coffee perfect for a morning cortadito. The key things to look at are the material, size, and how it actually brews.
Material & Build Quality
You’ll mostly find these made from aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum is classic, heats up super fast, and is usually more affordable. Just know it can dent easier and might impart a slight metallic taste over many years. Stainless steel is more durable, resistant to corrosion, and easier to keep looking new. It’s often a bit heavier and pricier, but it’s a buy-it-for-life option. Check that the handle stays cool and feels secure in your hand.
Size and Capacity
These makers are sized by the number of small espresso-sized cups they produce, not regular mugs. A 3-cup model is great for one or two people. A 6-cup is better for a small household or if you have guests. Remember, the “cup” is tiny—about 2 ounces each. It’s better to size up a little if you’re unsure. A maker that’s too small means making multiple batches, which is a hassle when you just need your caffeine fix.
The Funnel & Brewing System
The heart of the device is the metal filter funnel where you pack the ground coffee. Look for one with a good, tight fit that doesn’t wobble. The little holes in the filter should be cleanly punched. A poorly made funnel can lead to grounds slipping into the bottom chamber or uneven extraction. Some models have a upgraded silicone gasket for a better seal, which helps build the right pressure for that perfect crema, the golden foam on top of your brew.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
The best thing about these is their simplicity. After brewing, you just unscrew the two main chambers. The used coffee grounds are held in the funnel, making them easy to tap out. Rinse the parts with warm water—avoid soap as it can stick to the aluminum and taste bad later. Make sure all parts are dishwasher safe if that’s important to you. The easier it is to clean, the more likley you are to use it every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Coffee Maker
What is a Cuban coffee maker?
A Cuban coffee maker is a stovetop pot, also called a cafetera or moka pot. It brews strong, espresso-like coffee by passing boiling water through ground coffee. It’s teh traditional way to make Cuban coffee at home.
How is it different from a regular coffee maker?
It makes a much more concentrated and bold coffee compared to a standard drip machine. The design is also different—it has two chambers that screw together and sits directly on your stove.
What kind of coffee should I use?
You should use finely ground, dark roast coffee. Traditional Cuban coffee is very dark and sweet. For authentic flavor, look for a Cuban-style or espresso grind. Pre-ground espresso works just fine to.
How do I make coffee with it?
Fill the bottom chamber with water up to the valve. Fill the filter basket with coffee, but don’t pack it down tight. Screw the top on, place it on medium heat, and wait for the gurgling sound. Remove it from the heat when the top chamber is full.
Can I make authentic Café Cubano with it?
Yes, absolutely. The first few drops of coffee that come out are super strong. You mix those with sugar to make a sweet paste called ‘espuma’. Then you pour the rest of the coffee in and stir. That’s your Café Cubano.
Is it easy to clean?
It’s very easy. Just unscrew it after it cools, discard the grounds, and rinse all the parts with warm water. Avoid using soap as it can leave a residue. Let it air dry completely before putting it away.
What size should I get?
They come in different sizes, like 3-cup or 6-cup. Remember, a “cup” here is a small espresso cup. A 6-cup pot makes about 12 ounces of strong coffee, which is good for two regular mugs if you add milk or water.
The Final Call
So, there you have it. Choosing teh right tool for your coffee is really about what fits your routine and taste. If you like a strong, quick shot with a bit of tradition behind it, the options are pretty clear. It’s a simple way to make a great cup that feels personal. You can find a good one without spending a ton, and it lasts for years. That’s a win in any kitchen.
In the end, your morning ritual is yours. Whether you’re making coffee for one or for a few friends, a classic cuban coffee maker offers a straightforward and reliable path to a powerful brew. Give it a try and see if it’s right for you. The best part is how uncomplicated the whole process are. You might just find your new favorite way to start the day.