DELONGHI ALICIA REVIEW: IS AN ELECTRIC MOKA POT GENIUS OR CRAZY?

I had my doubts about an electric Moka pot, but I couldn’t help but be charmed by the user-friendly DeLonghi Alicia coffee maker.

The Moka pot is a true staple of Italian coffee culture, present in over 90% of Italian households. If you’re interested in a brewer that pays homage to the iconic design but adds the convenience of modern technology, the unique DeLonghi Alicia Electric Moka Pot is well worth a look.

I’ll admit that I was initially skeptical about the idea of an electric Moka pot, but having spent a few weeks brewing with the Alicia, I understand the appeal. It’s so crazy it just might be genius!

The Full DeLonghi Alicia Coffee Maker Review

Choosing the best Moka pot is all about finding the one that meets your needs. If you’re cursed with hectic mornings, struggling with an inconsistent stovetop, or just want a modern approach to classic Italian coffee, the electric DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia should be on your short list.

How We Rated It

• Brewing Capability
• Ease Of Use
• Coffee Flavor
• Build Quality
• Value for Money

3.9

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Why Choose An Electric Moka Pot?

I consider myself somewhat of a coffee purist, especially when it comes to something as traditional as a Moka pot (1). But after spending some time getting to know the Alicia, I discovered that there are tons of advantages to an electric Moka pot.

One, it can brew anywhere you have an electric socket. You can take it to a hotel or use it at the office. One morning, I brewed myself bedside coffee just because I could.

Two, the coffee quality benefits from the more gentle heating of the electric base. I never encountered the burnt or bitter taste that emerges when you accidentally overheat a stovetop Moka pot.

Three, it has the convenience features of an electric coffee maker. It shuts off automatically when you remove the brewer from the base, and you can engage a Keep Warm feature that will keep your coffee hot for up to 30 minutes.

Have I convinced you to at least consider an electric Moka pot? Great! Let’s talk about brewing with the DeLonghi Alicia.

Using The DeLonghi Alicia

The Alicia EMK6 is practical and easy to use, combining the simplicity of a Moka pot and the convenience of an electric kettle. You may need to experiment a little to find the ideal grind size, but everything else is foolproof.

1. Add water to the aluminum boiler, making sure not to fill above the valve.
2. Pop in the filter basket and add medium-fine ground coffee without tamping it. When brewing a full six cups, I used about 30 grams of coffee to fill the basket.
3. Screw on the top chamber, place it on the base, and flip the switch.
4. Watch until you see the upper chamber fill with coffee. Remove it from the base to turn off the heat, and serve immediately.
5. Put the coffee back on the base and press the On/Off switch again if you want to engage the Keep Warm mode.

The process is very speedy, definitely quicker than brewing with an aluminum Moka pot on my electric stove. From start to finish, it took about 5 minutes.

Cleaning And Maintenance

The DeLonghi Alicia electric moka pot is fairly easy to clean and maintain, even though it can’t go in the dishwasher like a more traditional stovetop espresso maker. Wash the upper chamber and filter basket by hand using soapy water. The aluminum boiler can just be rinsed with water, but avoid wetting the bottom part of the boiler directly. 

You may want to descale it occasionally if you notice mineral deposits building up in the boiler. I suspect once a year is plenty unless your region has very hard water.

Does It Brew Good Coffee?

The DeLonghi Alicia may be an electric moka pot, but it delivers the same robust brew as the classic stovetop models. The metal filter combined with pressurized extraction leads to coffee with a full body and bold flavor (2). 

Like all Moka pots, the Alicia is best for brewing medium or dark roasts. Light roasts tend to come out overpoweringly bright, suitable only for those who enjoy a very acidic brew.

A common complaint about Moka pot coffee is that it can taste burnt due to the high heat needed to generate steam for the brewing process. Alicia is better than most in this regard because it heats more gently than a stovetop. However, in my experience, this still isn’t the best brewer for those enamored with subtle specialty coffee beans. It favors flavor intensity over complexity.

Design, Materials, And Quality

The DeLonghi Alicia is compact, sleek, and attractive. It’s small enough to stow in a cupboard but aesthetic enough to leave on the counter. The base, filter, and boiler are all aluminum, the most common material for Moka pots, but the upper brew chamber is tinted grey plastic.

I’ll admit, I was not immediately enamored with the plastic top half. While I’m not overly concerned with the health implications of plastic parts and hot water—after all, most coffee makers use plastic brew baskets—plastic looks and feels cheap (3). Plus, it’s much less durable than metal. On the other hand, I liked being able to monitor brewing progress without lifting the lid, so it’s kind of a wash for me.

Adjustable Brew Size

The Alicia is a 6-cup Moka pot, but in Moka pot language, a “cup” is defined as 2 ounces – essentially a double shot of espresso. So it brews up to 12 ounces of coffee, which I find is enough to serve two to four people if you dilute it with milk or hot water. 

While it’s only available in one size, it comes with a filter adaptor that lets you halve its capacity to 3 cups without sacrificing flavor. I found this really handy for brewing single servings.

Is The Alicia Worth Its Price?

I think the DeLonghi Alicia represents fairly good value. Currently priced around $80, it’s definitely more expensive than the average cheap stovetop Moka pot. But it’s on par with (or even cheaper than) many premium models.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you want from your brewer. You can definitely find a more affordable way to make stovetop espresso, but if you value ease of use as highly as coffee quality, the Alicia is well worth a few extra bucks.

One area where the Alicia falls short is longevity. It comes with a one-year warranty, and with proper care, it will probably last as long as a typical automatic coffee machine—maybe 5 years. In comparison, a high-quality stainless steel Moka pot, which has virtually nothing to break, can easily last decades.

Don’t Buy The DeLonghi Alicia If…

• You prefer a classic stovetop model: If you’re after a more traditional Italian brewing experience, it doesn’t get more authentic than a Bialetti. The Bialetti Moka Express was the original Moka pot, first invented in 1933, and it’s still my favorite. For a more intense, crema-topped brew, check out the newer Bialetti Brikka, which adds a special pressurized valve.

• You want a true shot of espresso: A Moka pot might be nicknamed a stovetop espresso maker, but it doesn’t reach the pressures required for real espresso. If that’s your preference, you should look into the entry-level DeLonghi Stilosa. It’s DeLonghi’s most affordable espresso machine, barely more expensive than the Alicia.

• You need a larger capacity option: The Alicia maxes out at 12 ounces of strong coffee, enough to serve two to four people, depending on dilution. For a higher capacity model, consider the beautiful stainless steel Cuisinox Roma. It’s available in a 20-ounce option, but be warned that its high capacity comes with a high price tag.

The Verdict

The DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia electric moka espresso coffee maker is a quick and practical solution for all your bold coffee needs. I honestly did not expect to enjoy this little brewer nearly as much as I did. 

It blends nostalgic traditional elements with modern perks like an auto shut off, Keep Warm feature, and cool-touch base. Relying on its own heating system rather than a stove, it’s perfect for the office, dorm room, or to take with you on holiday.