Stovetop espresso has a ritual quality that no pod machine can replicate. The Adriana from Cilio is a sleek, modern take on the classic moka pot: a polished stainless steel body with a slim silhouette and a clean black handle, built to look as good on the worktop as it does on the hob. Where many traditional moka pots are made from aluminium and limited to gas or electric hobs, the Adriana's flat base makes it fully compatible with all stovetop types including induction, which is what sets it apart for most modern kitchens. Cilio has been making quality kitchen accessories in Solingen, Germany since 1993, and the Adriana reflects that long-standing commitment to combining well-chosen materials with genuinely practical design.
The brewing process is the same one that has been producing rich, intense stovetop coffee in Italian households for nearly a century. Water in the lower chamber is brought to the boil, creating steam pressure that forces the water up through the packed coffee grounds in the funnel filter and into the upper chamber. The result is a concentrated, full-bodied brew that sits somewhere between filter coffee and true espresso: bolder and more intense than the former, without the 9-bar pressure extraction of the latter. It's wonderful drunk straight as a short black, used as the base for a milk drink at home, or diluted with a little hot water for an Americano. Cilio recommends stirring the coffee in the upper chamber before pouring, which helps even out the extraction and produce a more consistent cup.
Available in 4-cup and 6-cup sizes, the Adriana suits everything from a solo espresso moment to serving a small group after dinner. It's worth noting that moka pot "cups" refer to small espresso-sized servings of approximately 50ml, not standard mugs. The 4-cup produces around 200ml and the 6-cup around 300ml per brew. The polished stainless steel construction is durable and easy to maintain, though like all moka pots it should be hand washed rather than put in the dishwasher to preserve the gasket and filter over time.
- Brand: Cilio (Solingen, Germany)
- Founded: 1993
- Brewing method: Stovetop espresso (moka pot)
- Body material: Polished stainless steel
- Handle material: Black heat-resistant handle
- Filter/funnel: Stainless steel
- Gasket: Silicone
- Hob compatibility: All stovetops including induction (subject to minimum pan detection diameter of your induction hob)
- Dishwasher safe: No, hand wash only
- Manufacturer product code: 341317 (4-cup), 341324 (6-cup)
- 4-cup
- Yield: approx. 200ml (4 x 50ml espresso servings)
- 6-cup
- Yield: approx. 300ml (6 x 50ml espresso servings)
What is the difference between the 4-cup and 6-cup Adriana? The difference is purely in brew yield. The 4-cup produces approximately 200ml of coffee across four small espresso-style servings, making it well suited to one or two people. The 6-cup produces around 300ml across six servings, which is a good option when brewing for a group or when you want a larger batch to dilute into longer drinks. Both share the same design and materials.
What does "4-cup" mean on a moka pot? Moka pot cup sizes refer to small espresso-sized servings of approximately 50ml each, not standard mugs. So a 4-cup moka pot yields roughly 200ml of coffee in total, and a 6-cup yields around 300ml. If you're used to drinking a full mug of filter coffee, it's worth bearing this in mind when choosing your size.
Is the Cilio Adriana compatible with induction hobs? Yes. The Adriana's flat base makes it suitable for all hob types including induction. However, induction hobs have a minimum pan detection diameter, and if the base of the moka pot is smaller than that threshold it may not register. Check the minimum pan detection size for your specific hob before purchasing.
What grind size should I use in a moka pot? A medium-fine grind works best, finer than a French press but not as fine as espresso. Too fine and the flow will be restricted, which can cause the coffee to over-extract or the pressure to build dangerously. Too coarse and the brew will be weak and thin. A grind roughly similar to table salt is a good starting point.
Should I tamp the coffee in a moka pot? No. Unlike espresso, the grounds in a moka pot should be level and lightly smoothed but never tamped down. Packing the grounds tightly restricts the flow of water and can cause pressure to build up excessively. Fill the funnel filter to the top and smooth the surface gently, then screw the pot together firmly.
How do I know when the Adriana has finished brewing? You'll hear a characteristic gurgling or spluttering sound as the last of the water is pushed through the grounds and into the upper chamber. At this point, remove the pot from the heat immediately. Leaving it on the heat after brewing causes the coffee in the upper chamber to continue heating, which produces bitterness and a burnt taste.
Is the Cilio Adriana dishwasher safe? No. Like all moka pots, the Adriana should be hand washed. Dishwashers can degrade the silicone gasket over time, which affects the seal and the performance of the pot. After each use, allow it to cool, disassemble the three parts, and rinse everything thoroughly with warm water. Avoid soap where possible, as residue can transfer into subsequent brews.
How is a moka pot different from an espresso machine? A moka pot uses steam pressure from boiling water, typically around 1 to 2 bar, to push water through the coffee grounds. A proper espresso machine uses a pump to generate 9 bar of pressure. The resulting coffee from a moka pot is strong and concentrated, with a similar intensity to espresso but a slightly different character: fuller-bodied and with less of the crema that 9-bar extraction produces. It's a genuinely excellent brew in its own right rather than a substitute for machine espresso.
Can I use the Adriana to make milk-based drinks like a latte or flat white? Yes. The concentrated brew from a moka pot works well as the base for milk drinks. Use the 4-cup or 6-cup yield as you would an espresso shot or double shot, steam or froth your milk separately, and combine to taste. The flavour profile will be slightly different from a pulled espresso shot but very satisfying.