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Grosche Milano Review

Grosche Milano moka pot

Our scores

  • Design & build quality8.5/10
  • Coffee taste8.5/10
  • Ease of use9.0/10
  • Maintenance8.0/10
  • Value for money9.0/10

Verdict

The best Bialetti alternative for those looking for an affordable moka pot with better build quality than generic alternatives. The silicone gasket extends lifespan, the ergonomic handle adds safety, and the modern design fits most kitchens. Named "best pick" by Business Insider among tested moka pots.

The Grosche Milano is a classic moka pot, but with a few modern improvements: a comfortable, heat-resistant handle, a better lid button and — above all — a silicone gasket rather than ordinary rubber. It is aimed at being an affordable, compact option for those who want strong espresso-style coffee without an expensive machine.

Material & design

The Milano range consists primarily of classically shaped aluminium moka pots, available in multiple colours (black, white, red, stone) and sizes (3, 6 and 9 cups). The 3-cup holds approximately 150 ml, the 6-cup 275 ml and the 9-cup around 450 ml — these are espresso portions, not large filter cups.

What sets it apart from many competing small aluminium moka pots are the details:

  • a silicone gasket rather than cheap rubber, with better dimensional stability and a longer lifespan;
  • a comfortable, non-slip, heat-resistant handle for safe grip;
  • a robust lid knob that breaks less easily than thin plastic alternatives.

The overall design is modern but faithful to the Italian moka form. Several reviews describe the Milano as "sleek and refined", with a look that suits most kitchens for an affordable moka pot.

How it works: classic moka, espresso-style extraction

The Milano works like every moka pot: water in the bottom, coffee in the filter, place on the hob and wait for the coffee to rise. You fill the lower reservoir with water to just below the safety valve, place the funnel, fill it with medium-fine ground coffee (without tamping), screw on the top and put the moka pot on low to medium heat.

Thanks to the slight pressure in the funnel filter, the Milano extracts more caffeine and aromatics than a standard filter method, giving a richer, more intense cup. It is not high-pressure espresso from a pump machine, but it is espresso-style: strong, concentrated, with a pronounced body, ideal for small cups or as a base for cappuccino and latte.

Taste & performance

A review by Business Insider explicitly names the Grosche Milano as "best pick" among tested moka pots, thanks to its "superior build quality and flawless performance." Customers on major platforms give it high scores overall and highlight above all:

  • "Makes a delicious espresso, very easy to use, even a beginner can make a perfect espresso";
  • "Rich, smooth flavour profile, good intensity";
  • "Sleek design that looks great in the kitchen."

The silicone gasket is appreciated because it springs back better and wears out more slowly than cheap rubber gaskets, extending the lifespan of the moka pot and reducing the risk of leaks. It is also noted that the Milano, as an aluminium moka pot, is not corrosion-resistant in aggressive environments and must be hand-washed.

Ease of use & practical tips

In practice, the Milano is quite forgiving, especially for those without much moka experience. It is compatible with gas, electric and propane hobs and works without problems on most hobs as long as the flame does not extend beyond the edges.

Practical tips from the manuals and reviews:

  • use low to medium heat to avoid burnt flavours;
  • do not fully open the lid while the coffee is rising — the contents are hot and can splatter;
  • make sure the silicone gasket is clean and free of coffee grounds so the seal stays effective.

Many users describe cleaning as "easy": unscrew the parts, rinse, dry. Aluminium should not be scrubbed aggressively or put in the dishwasher, as this damages the finish and shortens the lifespan.

SpecificationsFinal score 8.5/10
Grosche Milano

Grosche Milano

See price on Amazon →
BrandGrosche
ModelMilano
MaterialAluminium with silicone gasket
Capacity3, 6 or 9 cups
ColoursBlack, white, red, stone
Heat sourceGas, electric, propane
MaintenanceHand wash with hot water, not dishwasher-safe

Who is the Grosche Milano for?

The Milano is aimed at coffee lovers who:

  • love espresso-style taste but do not want an expensive machine;
  • are looking for an affordable but better-made moka pot than average unknown brands;
  • value safety and comfort, like a good handle and a solid gasket.

For those who already have a classic Bialetti and have little reason to change purely for taste, the Milano is primarily interesting as a component quality upgrade (silicone gasket, handle, button). For those looking for their first moka pot with a mix of style, ease of use and careful construction, the Grosche Milano is a very logical choice in the mid-range segment.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Grosche Milano better than a Bialetti?

The Milano has a silicone gasket (better lifespan than rubber), a more ergonomic handle and modern colour options. The Bialetti Moka Express has better brand recognition and a slightly more foolproof taste profile with years of refinement. Both are excellent — the Milano is the better pick if you want more colour choice or a longer-lasting gasket.

Does the Grosche Milano work on induction?

No — the standard Milano is aluminium and therefore not induction-compatible. To use it on induction, you need an induction adapter disc. For a native induction option in a similar price range, look at stainless steel moka pots like the Bialetti Musa or Venus.

How long does the silicone gasket last?

Significantly longer than standard rubber gaskets. With daily use and proper care (hand wash, dry storage) you can typically expect 3–5 years or more. Replacement gaskets are available from Grosche directly.

What sizes is the Grosche Milano available in?

The Milano comes in 3-cup (150 ml), 6-cup (275 ml) and 9-cup (450 ml). Note that these are espresso cups of about 40–50 ml, so a "6 cup" makes enough for 2–3 regular coffee drinkers.

About the author

Timo Dekker

Timo started behind the bar of an Amsterdam café and became fascinated by how small differences in grind or heat can transform a cup of coffee. He now works primarily from home, testing Italian moka pots on gas, induction and electric hobs, from entry-level models to pricier design pieces. For Italian Moka Pot, he brings together these experiences in practical reviews and guides, so you know what a moka pot really does on your stove, not just in the product photo.

Timo Dekker