Bialetti Moka Express 3 Cup Espresso Maker 06799

by Bialetti

• Makes three 2-ounce servings

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4 x 7 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000HVC9JW
• Item model number: 06799
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,607 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)
  • #26 in Home & Kitchen > Kitchen & Dining > Coffee, Tea & Espresso > Stovetop Espresso Pots

Product Description

With all the expensive espresso makers sold around the world, native Italians prefer espresso from stovetop espresso makers and more Italians use Bialetti for their stovetop Italian coffee. For an excellent cup of Italian coffee, the classic eight-side household coffeepot is considered a true Italian tradition. The Moka Espress boasts a lot of records and, as such, is the most copied coffee-maker! With sturdy aluminum construction, the Moka Express is a product that actually improves with constant use. The unit is extremely simple to use. Just fill the lower chamber with water and the filter with ground espresso coffee. Place the pot on the stove and heat until the water boils. As it does, the liquid espresso moves to the upper chamber of the pot, ready to be poured into an awaiting espresso cup. After that, all you need to do is enjoy the delicious nectar of coffee.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

130 of 131 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Coffee Maker!! May 14, 2009

By Burton Sharpe

Amazon Verified Purchase

Makes better espresso then most of the espresso shops here in Java Town, Seattle. It also costs about ten times less then an espresso machine that probably won't make as good coffee, and eventualy will need repair. Bialetti has been making these things since the dawn of time and have it down to a science.

A few tips:
1. Grind coffee between medium and fine.
2. Don't pack coffee into basket like you do in an espresso machine.
3. Heat between medium and high heat.
4. Be careful not to have the handle be over the burner of flame.
5. NEVER WASH THE POT WITH DETERGENT. JUST RINSE AND DRY. The more you use the pot,the better the coffee becomes.
6. Before using for the first time season the pot. Make a pot of weak coffee and discard it.

80 of 81 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is how you make ESPRESSO! July 19, 2009

By Photog Mom

When visiting my friend in Italy, she served us the most amazing espresso -- made in a Moka Bialetti (which is, she tells me, what virtually ALL Italians use at home!) So of course I had to buy one when I got back to the USA. I agree w/all the previous reviews -- it is simple, inexpensive, even fun to use! The instructions that came with it are nearly indecipherable so here's my summary (of course you'll want to rinse all the parts in plain water, no soap, before use):
1. Fill the bottom part w/water up to (not over) the steam valve
2. Put the middle section in, fill w/ground espresso (it is finer than regular American coffee). But don't overfill or pack down.
3. Carefully screw on the top, and place directly on a gas stove, use the smallest burner on medium heat - be sure there is NO flame coming up around the moka (that would melt off the handle). I'm sure you can use electric, too, I just haven't tried it.
4. You'll hear the coffee percolating in about 5 min or so -- when lots of steam comes out, you'll know it's ready. Feel free to carefully pop the lid to peek while it's percolating -- it's kind of cool, actually.
5. Enjoy! If you're going to make a second pot, be aware the pot will be VERY hot, so give it a time to cool before touching the metal.
6. Cleanup: When it cools, take it completely apart and RINSE all parts, making sure they are all DRY before putting the moka away. Do NOT use soap, and by all means, do NOT use a dishwasher!!!!!

Some other tips to keep in mind:
This is called a 3-cup pot, but: 3 Espresso "cups" = 2 tiny espresso cups full = less than ONE actual CUP of liquid. The whole pot makes MAYBE 6 ounces, really. Espresso is concentrated, meant to be savored and enjoyed in sips, not gulped out of a jumbo American mug. To me this is the symbolic difference b/t the European and the American lifestyle! For one or two people, the 3-cup pot is just right. For a crowd, or for die-hard caffiene junkies, you'll want a larger pot.
Because the espresso is so concentrated, it lends itself to many uses. Yes, lattes, as a previous reviewer mentioned. Cappuccinos as well, of course. You can even just add hot water to make a still-strong full sized American mug of coffee. I have been known to throw the hot espresso over a cup of ice for an instant iced coffee. If you like to make blended coffee drinks, this stuff will stand up to the ice cubes and not get too diluted.
The first pot you brew will NOT be good (I tossed the first one), the second slightly better, etc. The seasoning is necessary to get the best flavor. This morning, about my 7th time using it, my husband and I looked at each other and said, This is it! It finally tastes GREAT. I use the Lavazza brand, purchased from a local Italian market, but I know Illy is popular too, both in Italy and here.
Treat it with care, and this little guy will make you simple, excellent, inexpensive espresso coffee for many years to come.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Bye bye Starbucks. Hellooo amazing Vanilla Latte. April 24, 2007

By Amanda E.

I bought this espresso maker about a week ago at the suggestion of my cousin who lives in Italy. Also bought a milk frother from Ikea ($2.99), some Illy espresso (2 pack for $25) and vanilla-flavored syrup from Starbucks with pump ($7). I have been drinking the yummiest vanilla lattes every morning. Takes a couple of minutes to make and they are delicious. Why the heck was I spending so much money at Starbucks everyday for all those years?! (By the way, my Italian cousin says never to refrigerate the espresso coffee. Just keep it on the counter.)