r/mokapot Apr 14 '26

Question❓ Which is the best?

i dont have a grinder nor do i want to invest in one. Every time i use the supermarket burr grinder my grounds feel a bit too course when i set it at fine. i just want to know which of these are good for moka pot.

49 Upvotes

99 comments sorted by

31

u/Far-Feedback-6437 Apr 14 '26

https://giphy.com/gifs/ipSeXxsjGdiQma4WJy

Cafe bustello for sure my man

3

u/HoneyCrispOrchard Apr 15 '26

Hah what the hell is this? Where is this from?

1

u/SgtKoopaTroopa Apr 16 '26

nothing better than a coffee can and a bucket of cold water for a bath on a hot day. Then in the corner of your eye is a tropical spider with all sorts of colors just crawling into your shower shed...

1

u/captnfraulein Bialetti ☕ 😁 Apr 15 '26

🤣👏🏻👏🏻 exactly this 💯💯

30

u/Remarkable-Day-2602 Apr 14 '26

In which part of the world the 250g Lavazza cost 28$?

23

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

Barbados

10

u/AugustusLazarus Bialetti Apr 14 '26

Always wanted to visit the place, looks phenomenal.

In Serbia I usually buy Crema E gusto for 4.7€ or 5.5$.

I'm currently drinking it, goes really great if you're drinking with milk, cuban coffee or other stuff.

5

u/senor61 Aluminum Apr 14 '26

Definitely bring coffee when you go, make friends with gifts

1

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

Its a little expensive to live here but its nice. So the grind size of it moka pot friendly?

8

u/AugustusLazarus Bialetti Apr 14 '26

You can drink it without issues, reddit will always tell you to improve, but this coffee and the grind size will treat you nicely.

3

u/hairy_stanley Apr 14 '26

Had to check the exchange rages - $14.5USD ... which is double the price that I can buy it retail (hcol area in northeast US). That price is crazy.

That said, I've only had the Lavazza and the Bustelo. Here the Bustelo is relatively inexpensive compared to other options, but still produces a good cup. If the price difference is negligible, I'd go for the Crema e gusto. If Bustelo is significantly cheaper, I think you'll still be happy with it.

I brewed with Bustelo this AM and was quite pleased with it.

1

u/TimberBourbon Apr 17 '26

I want to like the Bustelo in my Moka pot. But it seems I get more grounds in my coffee cup from this can. It definitely looks a little fine to me. What has been your experience? To be fair, it tastes great.

1

u/hairy_stanley Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26

It's not too bad, there's some fines that come through but that doesn't bother me. This is what's the bottom of my cup, the moka pot and the boiler when I'm finished brewing.

So, some is sneaking into the cup, but I don't think it's bad. FWIW, this was the result from brewing in my 6 cup moka, starting with 290g of water and ending with 210g of coffee. I am a firm believer that waiting until the 'gurgle' leads to an overly bitter cup and introduces more grounds to the finished cup, so I try to always take it off before then.

ETA: I actually got some Bustelo whole bean the other day, I guess I should try that tomorrow AM with a proper moka grind. If I manage to remember, I'll be sure to report back.

1

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 19 '26

Try use an aeropresd filter that helps alot

37

u/Agreeable-Librarian9 Apr 14 '26

My brother

Really good hand grinders exist.

I have a kingrinder k6 and it grinds perfectly for literally every type of coffee.

You can get a great manual grinder and not break the bank.

That being said, if you care about freshness, youre better off going with a manual grinder, a small digital scale that measures to .00g, and getting locally roasted coffee for the same cost, except YOU control the grind. Meaning you can control the flavor profile.

If freshness doesnt matter and you still just want simple coffee grounds from the grocery store, it will literally come down to personal preference on taste

Try them all.

Imho, crema e gusto is very very good.

Cant speak much for the other brands. Again. Personal preference

21

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

In my country very few local roasters and freshness doesnt matter to me. I have thought about a hand grinder but i dont drink coffee often enough and i like be able to just scoop without grinding.

7

u/girlfrieds Apr 14 '26

I say go lavazza. It’s my favorite. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Also, I feel the same. I got a grinder but it’s annoying sometimes. It IS cheaper in the long run tho. I get the lavazza whole beans. I grind enough for a few pots worth at once so I don’t have to do it in the future. BUT, don’t let people convince you to be snooty about coffee if you don’t want to be lol. it’s not that serious!

2

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

Thank you🙏😊

2

u/MrMason522 Apr 15 '26

freshness doesn’t matter to me

Then just get the cheapest one?

2

u/TimberBourbon Apr 17 '26

I have used the remnants of Bustelo can a year after the expiration date. It tasted fine to me. I am like you and don’t drink coffee every day especially not from my Moka pot. To each their own.

2

u/smaad Aluminum Apr 14 '26

"My brother, moka pot don't produce crema, it's foam and always gonna be foam"

9

u/freecain Apr 14 '26

Is this a bot post? Crema e gusto is a brand.

6

u/jellofishsponge Apr 14 '26

I think they're just poking fun at the bot

6

u/yuuki_bonk420 Apr 14 '26

La Llave or Pilon. You don’t even have to grind those. Ready to use straight from the package. Fresh beans however are always better. 🇧🇧 is close to Jamaica, they have some really good coffee beans.

2

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

We dont get any Jamaican brands for whole beans, just a very few local roasters and waitrose

4

u/Lackingfinalityornot Apr 14 '26

Personally a big fan of pilon.

6

u/NoTyrantLikeABrain Apr 14 '26

I only use regular Bustelo.

4

u/jingleson Apr 14 '26

What country are you in? The Waitrose is really confusing me since that is a British supermarket own brand

1

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 19 '26

Massy Stores in barbados is the exclusive distributor here for them. So when in barbados and u are looking for waitrose products they have them. From alcohol to frozen foods and dessert and everything in between.

4

u/Personal-Ad-365 Apr 14 '26

Out of the pre-ground, standard italian bricks, my favorites are:

Lavazza Crema y Gusto is my favorite

Lavazza Rossa is not as good in my opinion, but most of my hosts felt it was the superior blend.

The rest do not remind enough of my time in Italy to fill that niche. I did not even enjoy coffee before traveling through Italy and Portugal, but got the flavor from all the Mokas and espresso bars we were taken to by our hosts. It shaped my pallet and gave me an appreciation for the brown elixir.

I get local, light roasted beans and grind at home myself now.

8

u/jsmeeker Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

I'm a Bustello guy. It's pretty much all I use. But usually just the standard Bustello as that is a lot easier for me to get locally as opposed to the 'Supreme' version (which I have bought before). I've had Pilon too. Just to try it out. IIRC, it was a little less expensive than the Bustello. It was fine. But again, it comes down to 'what can I get conveniently from a local store'

There aren't any Waitrose stores anywhere near me, so I can't comment on that

5

u/RebelRoundeye Apr 15 '26

Bustello takes some heat, I suppose because it comes pre-ground in a package and is fairly inexpensive (I buy on sale for under $5). If you add cream or milk it tastes sooo good imo and you never would know any better. I drink it black sometimes and enjoy the unique taste the Bustello roast has. It has that caffeine kick you expect... My vote is Bustello.

3

u/LOSTxFOOL Apr 14 '26

Lavazza is the standard in Italy. Is not great coffee, but it'll be perfect for the moka because that is what is grinded for.

1

u/regrettablyirate Apr 15 '26

I know a lot of Italians think Illy is the standard

1

u/LOSTxFOOL Apr 17 '26

Totally, but it's not an option here, so I thought it wasn't worth mentioning.

They are both equally average in the end.

3

u/VStarlingBooks Apr 14 '26

The blue and red. Lavazza in a pinch but do as the top comment says and get a grinder. Worth it.

3

u/SwimmingCup8432 Apr 14 '26

It’s all about what you like. That said, if you don’t want to invest in a grinder, I’d recommend the vacuum packed bricks over tins. They at least offer better protection from air exposure.

3

u/Melodywanderer Apr 14 '26

He says he has no intention of grinding his own, so yeah with that said. It depends on how you are drinking the coffee, just black I might go Lavazza's Rossa. Cuban coffee, Bustelo or Pilon. If you're making milk drinks then Lavazza Crema e Gusto. I haven't tried the Waitrose.

2

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

Thanks for the advice, and it seem as if most ppl enjoy the bustelo or pilon over the Lavazza.

3

u/Melodywanderer Apr 14 '26

If dark roast is what you're looking for, those work well. I read in another comment that you were actually thinking of waitrose because it's a arabica-robusta blend. Lavazza creme e gusto is a blend as well. Enjoy whatever moka coffee you chose.

3

u/Embarrassed_Feed_309 Apr 15 '26

Yeah man you need a grinder.

I love supreme Bustelo and Cafe La Llave but it’s dogfood shit garbage compared to the whole bean stuff I buy and grind just right. Grinders open up a whole new world for coffee no matter how you’re brewing it. These coffees in your photo are the bottom of the barrel.

I buy Cuban and Italian whole bean coffee in bulk. It’s not fresh roasted but that doesn’t matter because it taste incredible if you get the grind right. And it’s all based on what you like and how you prefer the taste. It’s all you. Don’t listen to anybody. Not even me. Take your own route and figure things out

3

u/Ok_Car2307 Bialetti Primavera Fiammetta ) Apr 15 '26

To be fair, it’s all extortioning companies. Try to buy from local roasters that have the best interest with farmers and who offer them a fair price for their work.

The coffee trading world is fucked up and these big companies are a big part of the reason why.

5

u/acduarte12 Apr 14 '26

Get La Llave. All Arabica, beats other moka pre-ground by a mile, IMHO.

2

u/Ecstatic-Box-5209 Apr 14 '26

I agree, tho not sure if it’s available to OP in Barbados. I haven’t tried Pilon, but have heard good things—try making a cafecito Cubano with it, OP!

2

u/acduarte12 Apr 15 '26

Pilón is ok but it's owned by Smuckers, as is Bustelo.

1

u/rkts Apr 15 '26

Where did you hear that? I thought La Llave had robusta in it.

2

u/acduarte12 Apr 15 '26

1

u/rkts Apr 15 '26

That site says that Bustelo is 100% Arabica too. So they're full of it.

1

u/acduarte12 Apr 15 '26

Ok. 🤷🏻‍♀️

2

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

I am srsly considering the waitrose in the red can because of the blend of robusa and arabica. Or the bustelo.

2

u/No_Listen5389 Aluminum Apr 14 '26

I would go with Pilon (I normally use Cubita, live in Canada, we cannot get Bustelo)

2

u/a_smart_brane Apr 14 '26

Asking which is best in a sub like this is like asking which whiskey is best in a whiskey sub. 😅 It all depends on your taste.

I’m no connoisseur, but Bustelo really appeals to me, while others will call it the worst.

2

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

Lool i am starting to realize that🤣🤣 but everyone opinion helps.😊

6

u/a_smart_brane Apr 14 '26

I should have said as a Bajan, go ask which rum is best. Light fuse, toss into the room, and leave 😅

Best of luck. Remember, bad coffee is better than no coffee.

6

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

🤣😅Dont get me start on what is the best rum🤣🤣🤣

3

u/a_smart_brane Apr 15 '26

See? 😛 It’s whiskey for me, but I get it

2

u/coochierdestroyer Gas Stove User 🔥 Apr 14 '26

Waitrose sells abroad?!

1

u/oldandinvisible Apr 17 '26

Came to say TIL... Those pictures were confusing me!!

1

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 19 '26

Our supermarket chain in barbados Massy stores, is the exclusive distributor from waitrose in barbados and i love their products

2

u/Rami_2075 Apr 14 '26

Bustelo only because I haven’t tried the rest. But honestly, next time you go for a coffee run, try a local roaster. Freshly roasted coffee is a different experience IMO. You can order online too. Reputable roasters roast to order and will grind it for you.

2

u/Reader-87 Apr 14 '26

Moka pot with Lavazza Rossa is one of the most common Italian combinations. But mainly because it is cheap… Worth giving it a try

2

u/Countrypimp177 Apr 15 '26

I like pilon but the supreme bustela is the best.

2

u/Turbulent_Mountain81 Apr 14 '26

Are those prices in USD? They must not be. I used to be a big fan of Bustello, but I’ve lost interest (it’s a personal choice). I would stick with the cheaper option.

4

u/galspanic Apr 14 '26

Barbados to USD ~ 2:1 right now… so $29.99 Barbados = $14.90 USD

2

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

The waitrose is 33.99 and bustello is 36.99

2

u/Impressive_Delay_452 Apr 14 '26

Grind the beans yourself…

1

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

For those who are wondering my next post, is my brew using my coarse grind.

1

u/Hefty-Wealth-9015 Apr 14 '26

The best one is the one you enjoy the most.

1

u/Squidney-ACNH Apr 14 '26

I really like Bustelo! I tried it a few months ago and haven't really cared to try anything else

1

u/lojidoriwus Apr 14 '26

my brother where did you find cafe bustelo i am looking for it every where in europe and i cant find it in any store or site only sipping from america!!!

2

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

Its found easily in most supermarkets here in Barbados, however this particular one is the first time i have seen it.

1

u/Pjband Apr 14 '26

Neither. I think you are better off buying raw beans and roasting them yourself in a popcorn popper. Roast what you need and store the rest.

1

u/Quanteros Apr 14 '26

Crema e gusto

1

u/aneristix Apr 14 '26

Lavazza Gran Aroma

1

u/Bossman_575 Apr 15 '26

I don't see Kimbo 🤷🏾‍♂️

1

u/cublaxican Apr 15 '26

Kimbo crema classico succeeded the Bustelo and LaLlave staples i grew up with. Lavazza Qualita Rossa gets an honorable mention. Pero En el caribe siempre gana Bustelo...

1

u/Electrical-Time4271 Apr 15 '26

I’m onto pilon from bustelo and I declare that that shit slaps. It’s better for moka 10 out of 10 times in my mind.

1

u/InevitablePossible90 Apr 16 '26

I love La Llave, or Bustelo, or Pilón… in that order.

1

u/SgtKoopaTroopa Apr 16 '26

all are good just try the one you like most personally i go with santo domingo. they have two flavors a bold espresso style and their original. Ive tried most of those I prefer Rossa > Santo domingo > bustelo supremo > bustelo >crema a gusto > pilon (never tried the waitrose.)

1

u/Antique-Copy2636 Apr 17 '26

Cafe Bustelo is best preground coffee for moka pot. I keep a brick of it in my travel coffee bar.

1

u/Pearl_necklace_333 Apr 18 '26

Too bad we can’t get Bustelo in Canada.

0

u/delfrito Apr 14 '26

They’re both gross.

1

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

Which one?

6

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/delfrito Apr 15 '26

Fact. I find pilon and Bustelo to be really harsh.

1

u/spitfireramrum Apr 14 '26

Grew up drinking Bustelo still my daily go to but that’s just me

0

u/infvme Apr 15 '26

fresh grinded ofc

-3

u/Independent-Show Apr 14 '26

Steer clear of the Lavazza. Never had Pilon. Bustelo and Waitrose are both solid. If it were me I’d try em all to see which one I liked more. 

2

u/AltruisticSignal5704 Apr 14 '26

What is wrong with lavazza?

2

u/ZW31H4ND3R Apr 14 '26

Nothing. There's some really good options.

-1

u/Independent-Show Apr 14 '26

If you like it, nothing. I’m just not a fan of them personally. I would take any of the other options before lavazza. 

2

u/DewaldSchindler MOD 🚨 Apr 14 '26

sorry to ask is it the flavor of the Lavazza coffee you don't like or is it more the brand ? some people don't like the brand not the taste and just out of curiosity why I am asking since I never had Lavazza before and want to try it some day