the plastic handle on top gets crazy hot while brewing, is there a way to fix that or do i just have to use an oven mitt every time?

Diagnosis

The excessive heat in the handle of the LAOION Electric Moka Pot is caused by thermal conduction through the chassis. Because this unit uses a high-wattage heating element to rapidly boil water in the lower chamber, the aluminum and stainless steel body reaches temperatures well above 212°F (100°C). The plastic handle is connected to the upper chamber via a small metal bridge or direct contact points; since the plastic is not thermally decoupled from the main body, the heat migrates from the boiling chamber directly into the grip. You can confirm this is happening by observing the brew cycle: the handle remains cool for the first 2-3 minutes, but as the coffee begins to "surge" into the upper chamber, the steam and boiling water saturate the top section. This creates a heat soak effect where the plastic reaches its thermal limit. If you notice the plastic feeling slightly soft or smelling of hot polymer, the handle is absorbing heat faster than it can dissipate it into the air.

How to Fix It

Since this is a structural design characteristic and not a mechanical failure, you cannot "repair" the handle internally. However, you can modify the thermal interface to make the unit safe to touch. Follow these steps to create a permanent heat shield:

1. Procure High-Temp Silicone Sleeving: Purchase a food-grade silicone handle grip or a heat-resistant silicone sleeve (typically used for cast iron pans) with an inner diameter of approximately 1.25 to 1.5 inches.
2. Clean the Handle: Wipe the plastic handle with isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils or coffee residue, ensuring the sleeve adheres tightly and doesn't slip during use.
3. Install the Sleeve: Slide the silicone sleeve over the handle, ensuring it covers the entire length from the junction point (where the handle meets the pot) to the end. Push it firmly against the body of the machine to create a physical gap between your hand and the heat-conducting plastic.
4. Secure with Heat-Resistant Tape: If the sleeve is loose, wrap one turn of high-temperature Kapton tape or silicone tape around the base of the sleeve to prevent it from sliding off when you lift the pot.
5. Pre-Heat Mitigation: Fill the bottom chamber with warm (not boiling) water before plugging it in. This reduces the total time the unit spends at peak temperature, slightly lowering the amount of heat that migrates to the handle.

If That Didn't Work

• The "Towel Wrap" Method: If you don't have silicone sleeves, take a small rectangular piece of heavy-duty cotton canvas or a thick microfiber cloth. Fold it into a strip and wrap it tightly around the handle, securing it with a heavy-duty rubber band. This provides a thick insulating layer that prevents direct skin contact with the hot plastic.
• Modify Your Pouring Technique: Instead of gripping the handle tightly during the final stage of brewing, wait for the "gurgling" sound to stop. Unplug the unit and let it sit for 60 seconds. This allows the surface temperature of the handle to drop slightly before you attempt to lift and pour.
• External Heat Sink: If you are technically inclined, you can apply a small piece of thermal insulating foam (available at hardware stores) to the underside of the handle where it connects to the metal body. This creates a thermal break that slows the transfer of heat from the aluminum to the plastic.
• Replacement with a Manual Pot: If the heat becomes a safety hazard or the plastic begins to warp, consider switching to a non-electric stainless steel Moka pot. The LAOION is designed for convenience, but the trade-off is the lack of a dedicated "cool-touch" handle found on professional-grade stovetop models.

Heads Up

• Avoid Abrasives: Never use steel wool or harsh scouring pads on the handle; scratching the plastic makes it more porous and more likely to absorb odors and heat.
• Check for Melting: Periodically inspect the junction where the handle meets the pot. If you see bubbling or deformation in the plastic, stop using the device immediately as this indicates a failure in the thermal shielding.
• Power Cycle: Always unplug the unit the moment the coffee finishes flowing. Leaving the unit on "keep warm" or idling while plugged in will continue to pump heat into the handle.
• Water Levels: Never overfill the bottom chamber past the safety valve. Overfilling increases the internal pressure and temperature, which significantly increases the heat transfer to the handle.