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Press Release

Moka Max Portable Espresso Pot

A' Design Award 2026 Iron Winner in Outdoor Gear and Camping Equipment Design

15 April 2026

Moka Max Portable Espresso Pot by Somya Chowdhary
Moka Max Portable Espresso Pot by Somya Chowdhary
Moka Max Portable Espresso Pot by Somya Chowdhary
Moka Max Portable Espresso Pot by Somya Chowdhary
Moka Max Portable Espresso Pot by Somya Chowdhary

Somya Chowdhary · CLIENT: Somya Chowdhary

Moka Max is a portable espresso pot designed for outdoor use. The chassis is CNC machined from 304 food grade stainless steel, and the ridged exterior is lathe turned and finished with a scratch resistant PVD coating. A three compartment interlocking system snaps together, so no part is left behind in the field. Functional touchpoints are overmolded with TPU for a secure grip in extreme climates. Biodegradable pods hold the coffee and keep cleaning simple. An integrated rope secures the pot during transport. The pot measures 75 by 75 by 185 millimeters.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
MokaMax Standardizes the coffee experience in non standard environments. The coffee ritual shouldnt end where the pavement does, it bridges the gap between kitchen and cliff side with a CNC machined, stainless steel body. Its ridged form provides high tactility grip, while a modular three compartment interlocking system ensures rugged portability. Secured by an adventure rope and utilizing decomposable pods, it delivers a professional, sustainable brew at any elevation.
Dimensions & Packaging
Width 75mm x Depth 75mm x Height 185mm
Tags
Coffee On The Go, Portable Coffee Maker, Sustainable Coffee in the Wild, Minimal Moka Pot, Portable Brewing, Modular System, Backpacking Essentials, Minimalist Design, Eco-Friendly, Minimalistic Rugged, Rugged Aesthetic, Tactile Surface, Portable Espresso Maker, Coffee Companion
Production Technology
The MokaMax utilizes a hybrid manufacturing approach: the primary chassis is CNC-machined from 304 food-grade stainless steel for high thermal mass and durability. Internal mechanical interfaces are precision injection-molded using heat-stabilized, BPA-free polymers. Functional touchpoints feature TPU overmolding for enhanced ergonomics in extreme climates. The unique ridged exterior is achieved through lathe-turning, finished with a scratch-resistant PVD coating for a rugged, Minimalist aesthetic.
Design Challenge
The hardest part was coming up with a form that felt rugged enough to be taking on usual camping trip and hikes, while being minimal and aesthetic to be used inside a library without raising any eyebrows.
Project Duration
The Project was started in September 2024 in Washington, DC and ended in April, 2025 in Boston.
Operation Flow
MokaMax reimagines the brewing process as a series of intuitive, tactile "clicks." Inspired by the simplicity of interlocking blocks, the three-part chassis snaps together to ensure no component is ever left behind. The interaction is a seamless transformation from a compact, rugged tool into a high-performance brewer. By housing a biodegradable pod within its ridged, easy-clean stainless steel shell, MokaMax delivers a sophisticated, zero-trace ritual for the modern explorer.
Research
MokaMax began by researching the gap between domestic coffee rituals and the wilderness. User interviews revealed a need for a mess free, sustainable brewer that wouldn't lose parts in the field. Using a modular, interlocking system, the final design ensures easy cleaning and rugged portability. Featuring an integrated hiker's rope and biodegradable pods, MokaMax combines a minimalist aesthetic with high utility performance for both the campsite and the classroom.
Inspiration
Inspired by the Moka pot's iconic hourglass geometry, MokaMax translates the domestic coffee ritual into the wilderness. Research involved a competitive analysis of market leaders to design a rugged, modular extension for the portable brewing ecosystem. The project prioritizes durability through a unique interlocking architecture for ease of assembly. Motivated by sustainability and user centric ergonomics, the design integrates decomposable pods to ensure a low impact high utility experience.
Image Credits
Image #1 - Somya Chowdhary, Optional Image #1 - Somya Chowdhary, Optional Image #2 - Somya Chowdhary, Optional Image #3 - Somya Chowdhary, Optional Image #3 - Somya Chowdhary, Optional Image #4 - Somya Chowdhary, Optional Image #5 - Somya Chowdhary
Patents
Copyrights belong to Somya Chowdhary, 2026

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