Add water until it reaches the bottom of the valve.
Fill and gently pat, but don't pack, the filter with grinds.
Screw it together and put it on something hot until it finishes gurgling and starts hissing.
Enjoy!
(I use one twice a day and have been for several years.)
Burr grinders, especially manual ones, are fairly cheap. A $40 Hario Mini Mill does a fine job at a fine grind, and won't produce as much powder as the blade grinder.
Pre-heating the water before filling the base will reduce time on the stove, which will help prevent the grounds from cooking while they brew.
My $10 grinder is simple, small, less than $40, and it's been working great for 5 years now.
If it ever breaks, I'll consider upgrading.
Although now I'm tempted to buy a burr grinder and do a blind taste test.
A better grinder may help avoid powder that can be a problem with some brew methods. And a nicer manual grinder will usually grind faster, which can be convenient in the morning.
But I used a blade grinder and a French press for years. It’s fine. :)
Now I have to reoptimize my coffee routine.
Some tips/common issues:
1. Make sure the base is screwed on tight. An air leak could cause water to be left (and burnt coffee) 2. The gasket on the top chamber could need replacing (try wrapping a towel tightly around the seam if you can't get a gasket easily/quickly) 3. The coffee could be packed too tightly 4. The bottom chamber could have water above/in line with the safety valve. This will cause the safety valve to leak water 5. Clogged filters in the top chamber or funnel piece
Not a moka expert, I just live near Woodbridge
Don't blade grinders heat up the coffee bean as they chop it?
I don't think that makes for a flavorful brew, regardless of brewing method.