Coffee & Espresso · Head-to-head
Bialetti Moka Express vs Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Moka Espresso Maker
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Moka Pots: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Bialetti Moka Express is the aluminium original, simple to use and to clean, for gas and electric stoves. The Cuisinox Roma is the stainless steel alternative for induction, with a spare gasket and a 25-year warranty.
Bialetti Moka Express
Buy itThe aluminium original, with an easy-clean safety valve and the simplest care routine here.
- Aluminium body with a thermoplastic handle and knob.
- Easy-clean safety valve that Bialetti says is easy to inspect and clean.
- Care is a rinse with water after use, with no detergents needed.
- Not dishwasher safe; Bialetti says detergent and dishwashers can damage it and affect taste.
- Works on induction only with Bialetti's separate induction plate adapter.
- Bialetti's own store lists a 14-day return window.
Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Moka Espresso Maker
Buy itA heavy-gauge stainless steel pot for every stovetop, with a spare gasket and a 25-year warranty.
- Heavy-gauge 18/10 stainless steel with a mirror-polished finish.
- Works on induction, gas, electric, ceramic and halogen stovetops.
- Extra replacement gasket included, a 25-year warranty, and published sizes from 4 to 10 cups.
- Cup sizes are based on 2 oz espresso cups, so a 6-cup pot makes about 12 oz.
- The mirror finish shows fingerprints and water marks.
- Stainless steel heats less evenly than aluminium, so watch the heat.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Bialetti Moka Express Our pick | Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Moka Espresso Maker | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Anyone with a gas or electric stove who wants the classic moka pot. | Induction cooktop owners and anyone who wants a stainless pot that lasts decades. |
| Price tier | $ · budget | $$ · mid-range |
| Material | Aluminium | 18/10 stainless steel |
| Induction | Only with adapter plate | Yes |
| Stovetops | Gas, electric | Induction, gas, electric, ceramic, halogen |
| Safety valve | Easy-clean valve | Not described |
| Dishwasher | No, rinse with water | Not stated |
| Spare parts | Sold separately | Extra gasket included |
| Cup sizing | Espresso cups | 2 oz cups, 4 to 10 |
| Warranty | Not stated on page | 25 years |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Bialetti Moka Express if
anyone with a gas or electric stove who wants the classic moka pot.
Know before buying: not dishwasher safe; Bialetti says detergent and dishwashers can damage it and affect taste.
Pick the Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Moka Espresso Maker if
induction cooktop owners and anyone who wants a stainless pot that lasts decades.
Know before buying: cup sizes are based on 2 oz espresso cups, so a 6-cup pot makes about 12 oz.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Bialetti Moka Express - The aluminium original, with an easy-clean safety valve and the simplest care routine here. Choose the Cuisinox Roma Stainless Steel Moka Espresso Maker instead if induction cooktop owners and anyone who wants a stainless pot that lasts decades.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Moka Pots: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).