How to Season Your Moka Pot Before First Use

A new moka pot is ready to brew coffee—but giving it a little preparation before your first cup can help you get better-tasting coffee from the beginning.

This process is commonly called seasoning or priming. Traditional moka pot makers such as Bialetti recommend brewing the first few batches and discarding them before drinking coffee from a new pot. This helps remove any initial metallic or manufacturing taste and prepares the coffee maker for regular use.

For your KITfanz BREW 1 Temperature-Controlled Electric Moka Pot, the process is simple and only takes a few brewing cycles.

Why Season a New Moka Pot?

When a coffee maker is brand new, its internal components may have a slight metallic or manufacturing smell or taste.

Running several initial brewing cycles with coffee helps:

Remove residual manufacturing odors or tastes
Reduce the metallic taste that may be noticeable in the first brews
Prepare the internal coffee-contact surfaces for regular use
Help your first drinkable brew taste more natural and balanced

This is also why many traditional moka pot manufacturers recommend discarding the first 2–3 brews when using a new moka pot.

Think of it as getting your moka pot ready for coffee—not something you need to repeat every time you brew.

How to Season a KITfanz BREW 1

Step 1: Wash the Components

Before the first brewing cycle, disassemble the moka pot.

Remove:

Upper Chamber
Lower Boiler
Funnel Filter
Upper Filter
Reducer Sieve
Silicone Ring

Rinse the components thoroughly with clean, warm water and dry them completely.

Do not use detergents, chemical cleaners, or abrasive materials during the initial preparation.

The upper chamber and lower boiler should also be washed by hand and should not be placed in a dishwasher.

Tip: Make sure the silicone ring and filters are properly installed before reassembling the moka pot.

Step 2: Fill the Lower Boiler

For the seasoning process, we recommend using room-temperature purified, RO, or distilled water.

Fill the lower boiler to the 6-Cup MAX line.

Do not fill above the safety valve.

Using purified or low-mineral water can also help reduce mineral buildup and discoloration over time.

Step 3: Add Coffee Grounds

Fill the funnel filter with coffee grounds suitable for moka brewing.

For the seasoning process, you can use an inexpensive coffee since the brewed coffee will be discarded.

Fill the funnel evenly and gently level the grounds.

Do not tamp or compress the coffee grounds.

For the 6-cup setting, use approximately 25 g of coffee grounds as a starting point.

Step 4: Reassemble the Moka Pot

Before brewing, make sure all components are correctly positioned.

Install the components in the following order:

Silicone Ring → Upper Filter → Upper Chamber

Then insert the:

Funnel Filter → Lower Boiler

Securely screw the upper chamber onto the lower boiler.

Make sure the connection is tight before placing the moka pot on the power base.

Important: Never operate the BREW 1 unless the upper chamber is securely attached to the lower boiler.

Step 5: Run the First Brewing Cycle

Place the assembled moka pot on the power base and make sure it is properly seated.

Plug the BREW 1 into a 120V AC power outlet.

Select:

6-Cup → 88°C / 190°F

Start the brewing cycle and allow the BREW 1 to complete the cycle and shut off automatically.

When brewing is complete, discard the coffee. Do not drink it.

Step 6: Repeat the Process

Repeat the same process three times.

Each cycle should use:

Fresh purified, RO, or distilled water
Fresh coffee grounds
The 6-Cup setting
88°C / 190°F

Discard the coffee after each cycle.

After three cycles, your KITfanz BREW 1 is ready for normal use.

Do You Need to Season Your Moka Pot Every Time?

No.

The seasoning process is intended for a new moka pot before its first regular use.

You do not need to brew and discard three batches every time you make coffee.

After normal brewing, simply empty the used coffee grounds, rinse the removable components with clean water, and allow everything to dry completely before storing.

How to Care for Your Moka Pot

Proper care is just as important as the initial seasoning process.

1. Rinse After Every Use

After the moka pot has cooled completely, disassemble it and rinse the coffee-contact components with clean water.

Remove any remaining coffee grounds and residue.

2. Avoid Harsh Cleaners

For the coffee-contact components, avoid detergents, chemical cleaners, abrasive powders, and steel wool.

Harsh cleaning materials can leave residues, affect the surface finish, or alter the taste of your coffee.

Traditional aluminum moka pots are commonly maintained with warm water rather than detergent, and Bialetti specifically recommends hand washing and avoiding abrasive materials.

3. Dry Everything Thoroughly

After rinsing, gently wipe the components dry and allow them to air dry completely.

Avoid storing the moka pot while it is still wet.

Keeping the components dry helps reduce unwanted moisture, mineral residue, and odors.

4. Keep the Filter Clean

Coffee oils and fine particles can gradually accumulate around the upper filter and funnel filter.

Periodically remove the filters and rinse them thoroughly to keep the brewing path clear.

5. Check the Silicone Ring

The silicone ring creates the seal between the upper chamber and lower boiler.

Periodically check that it is:

Properly seated
Clean
Free from cracks or damage

If the ring becomes worn or damaged, replace it before continued use.

What About Discoloration?

A moka pot may develop some discoloration or changes in appearance over time.

This does not necessarily indicate a problem.

Minerals in water, coffee oils, heat, and normal use can gradually change the appearance of internal surfaces.

Using purified, RO, or distilled water can help reduce mineral buildup and discoloration.

If you notice discoloration, do not use abrasive cleaners or steel wool to aggressively scrub the surface.

The goal is to keep the coffee maker clean and functional—not to make every internal surface look brand new.

A Simple Routine to Remember

For a new KITfanz BREW 1:

Wash → Brew → Discard → Repeat × 3 → Enjoy

For everyday use:

Brew → Cool → Rinse → Dry → Store

That’s it.

A moka pot does not need complicated maintenance. With proper preparation and simple daily care, your KITfanz BREW 1 can become part of your everyday coffee routine.

Ready to Brew?

Once your BREW 1 has completed the seasoning process, you’re ready to explore its four temperature settings.

Choose a temperature according to your roast level, adjust your coffee dose and grind, and find the combination that tastes best to you.

Make your own fun in your own kitchen.