Bialetti Musa 4-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

by Bialetti

Product Features

• Easy to Use
• Fits right on the stovetop
• Produces four 2-ounce cups of rich, authentic Italian espresso in just 4-5 minutes
• Ready in 4-5 minutes
• Stainless Steel Construction

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000ND3QN2
• Item model number: 06966
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,376 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)
  • #25 in Home & Kitchen > Kitchen & Dining > Coffee, Tea & Espresso > Stovetop Espresso Pots

Product Description

Stainless steel, stovetop espresso maker produces 4 demitasse cups of rich, authentic Italian espresso in just 4-5 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars better with age, January 27, 2009

By 

Tom (VA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bialetti Musa 4-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker (Kitchen)

We having been using the Italian made Bialetti aluminum espresso maker for about 4 years and really like it. However, the aluminum Bialetti can't be used in a dishwasher (it oxidizes and turns dark.) We thought that a stainless model would be more convenient to clean. However, this Indian made coffee maker isn't made to as exacting a standard as the aluminum Italian one. The top and bottom pieces don't screw together as well and is very hard to prevent the steam from leaking.

Two year update: This model got better with age. The pieces screw together better and doesn't leak anymore. In addition, slightly looser fit of the rubber gasket made it easier to remove and clean. It cleans nicely in a dishwasher and is very durable. Now will give it a four star.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compare to the Aluminum Moka Pot, May 16, 2008

By 

Pen Name "viva_fourier" (Hoton, MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bialetti Musa 4-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker (Kitchen)

Bialetti Musa 4-Cup Stovetop Percolator

I've owned a 6-cup "Moka Pot" for a couple years and recently purchased the Bialetti Musa 4-cup stovetop perconlator for $39 from amazon.

Moka Pot: Your standard Italian stovetop percolator that will last forever despite cheap construction. About $6 from the second-hand store, and very easy to find. Unfortunately, they're a bit more work -- the aluminum construction results in a metallic taste if not properly cleaned. The "proper" way to clean it is to use only hot water and leave the oily coffee film in the pot (to coat the aluminum and provide a barrier). So, it provides increasing returns if *not* cleaned. :)

Bialetti: Stainless steel -- easy cleanup, can use soapy water, no metallic taste. Harder to find (check amazon, health-food stores). Mine arrived via Amazon.com yesterday, no metal shavings or grease (as an earlier reviewer experienced).

As other reviewers have pointed out, the "4-Cup" version does 6-8 oz of espresso, so that's like that Starbucks "Venti" wonder that you're trying to avoid.

Here's an easy recipe that should kick you out the door in the morning:
6-8 oz espresso from Stovetop (1 Moka Pot)
1-2 Tbsp of sugar
6-8 oz of half-n-half
Throw it in the microwave for 30s, some like it hot.

Enjoy!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars all about the taste, April 2, 2009

By 

EasyOne - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bialetti Musa 4-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker (Kitchen)

I'm comparing the 4 cup Musa to the 6 cup Moka Express. First, the Moka Express takes roughly 3 oz of fine ground to fill while this Musa takes about 1.5 oz to fill. If you follow the directions, the end product for the Musa will be very weak compared to the Moka Express. I've learned that even though the directions say not to tamp the grounds, I lightly tamp the grounds to get a little over 2 oz of ground to make a product with the same potency as the Moka Express. The brew time will take a little longer, but worth the wait.

With that said, it all comes down to how the end product taste doesn't it. The Musa may win the looks contest, but the aluminum Express version wins on taste. Not sure how and why they taste different, but I did a taste test with friends and all agreed that the Express taste better and it's cheaper.

I would say get this if you a have fear of aluminum products and still want the Moka experience. I would pass on it if you're looking for a better product than the original Moka Express. For that, I would recommend you try the Aeropress, it takes more grounds, but the taste is worth it.

Would I buy the Musa again? Yes, it's another weapon in my arsenal for java nirvana. Although it may not be the most tasteful I have, it works great for 2 people having 2 shots each. Also, if you've never had the express version, you won't know what you're missing and this is a very good substitute. One last thing, it's very well constructed, you can see and feel why it's more expensive than the aluminum version.