Customer Reviews

Moka Express 6 Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker by Bialetti

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My wife and I have been spending a pretty penny at the local coffee shop, so I began looking for inexpensive home alternatives. Most of the coffee snobs claim you have to purchase a $200+ machine and $150+ grinder to have a decent cup of espresso. I turned instead to the frugal Italians. They did invent the stuff, afterall. My Bialetti Moka Express coffee pot came this afternoon. I was a little concerned that a $20 pot might not meet the high standards of the gourmet beverages wifey and I have become accustomed to. I was wrong. The brew made by this ingenious little pot is a little weaker than "pumped" espresso and lacks the foamy cap (crema) that all the snobs rave about, but mixed with some hot, frothed milk and a bit of chocolate syrup I couldn't tell the difference between Bialetti and Seattle's Best.

This rich brew comes from a tiny little aluminum contraption with no moving parts, no electronic gizmos, no pump handle and virtually no wait time or clean-up. You just fill, brew and pour. It's that simple. Its base only covers half of the stovetop's smallest eye and I expect it will be easy to store due to its diminuitive size. I've already had three cups of homemade mocha today, and I've only had the pot since noon! *jitter jitter* The point is this: If you're a coffee lover who is bored with Folgers from a Mr. Coffee drip machine or is spending way too much at Starbucks, the Moka pot is an inexpensive and easy-to-use alternative with excellent results.

For years my family has used this type of coffee maker. This one the Bialetti is very nice one and yes Bialetti's can be very pricy. Here in Miami, FL you can find the same TYPE of espresso makers for close to $10 in most Cuban grocery stores, since most of us enjoy our espressos in the same fashion which Italians enjoy theirs. I personally also own an electric espresso machine (American made) but most of these, with the exception of the very expensive ones have the same problem their heat elements wear out. You won't find this problem with the stove tops they make great espresso coffee. For you espresso maker nubies you can not use regular coffee for these makers, you have to buy fine ground coffee beans. Yes you can find some in our local Publix Supermarkets or order online. Localy (in MIami) you can find brands like, Pilon, Bustelo, and my favorite Illy (Italian and not cheap).
So if you enjoy your coffee black and strong just add sugar to your liking and enjoy a nice hot espresso.

I have had several of the pump type, plug-in espresso machines over the last 20 years, including two $400+ Gaggias and half a dozen Krups. The last time my Gaggia Baby Millenium was down for repairs, a neighbor loaned me his Bialetti Moka 6-cup. That was two years ago and I'm still using it.

On the plus side: The Moka has no moving parts to break, heating elements or thermal switches to wear out or inaccessible nooks and crannies to keep free of mineral deposits. The brew from the Moka has the same kick from behind as espresso, without the top-end jitters and stomach upset I associate with "coffee".

Drawback: It does take a few minutes on the stovetop between putting water and fine-grind espresso in and pouring the finished product out. If I wander off and forget to come back to the kitchen in time, the rubber gasket has to be replaced, or the Moka will spit steam out the side the next time I use it. In two years, this has only cost me around $6 total, since gaskets come in multi-packs. (I've also found that I can re-use gaskets by washing them, letting them rest in a drawer for a month or two and then flipping them over to the side without the groove melted into the rubber.)

If you adore the ritual of grinding, tamping and pulling your espresso, pride yourself on being able to name the varietals used in a blend on taste alone and insist espresso must have crema, go buy a Gaggia. For those of us who can't start our day without espresso (not coffee), freak out when the espresso machine breaks and are tired of being slaves to a descaling schedule, this is a great little espresso maker!

I decided to pay for the more expensive unit of all availiable, in hopes that it would be a better quality. I use filtered water, and after just a few weeks of use, have noticed the aluminum pitting in the lower half or base of unit. In addition to the pitting, when I use a towel to wipe it dry, a grey gel substance comes off on my towel. I'm actually planning on returning the unit. So disappointing.

Been through a few espresso makers.
This one takes the cake.
Quality is superb. A few I have used in the past have had their finish
come off after just a few uses.
I've had my Bialetti for a few months now and it still looks
like I just got it yesterday.
I use it a few times a week.
With this product, you get what you pay for.
Highly recommended.

This Moka pot makes an excellent cup of coffee. I forgot that this is actually an espresso maker, so the size I ordered was too small for coffee. I'm keeping it, though, since it works really well. The key is to keep the heat low (takes about 10 minutes to boil). It's really simple and it doesn't leak. I highly recommend this product. In addition, it is much better looking and easier to store away than a traditional electric coffee pot.

It's been at the back of my mind to get a new one of these for years, but with the holiday season and recent inquiries from fellow coffee lovers then later compliments on the good strong coffee (or stove top espresso as I like to call it, especially since I can adjust the temp so easily), I hope a stainless one comes out soon, but these are the ticket for now. The first time I had this coffee, my uncle told me how the Turkish could make coffee on the sand, and I think of the imagery as I make this often. Great with any coffee, but I prefer the darker to med dark roasts, Ravens Brew, Peets, Starbucks, any good coffee, whichever you try, it will definitely bring out the flavor of your beans, so please try to respect the coffee and skip the sour flat tasting stuff unless you really prefer it.

this is what i used to have in italy, and i love it. it's the traditional moka design. with time -a long time- the plastic handle may melt a little, on the bottom, just like i saw it happen in italy, but for me it's part of the experience...

WANTED TO TRY IT............DID.................THE COFFEE IS TOO EXPENSIVE........CAN'T USE ORDINARY COFFEE...........HAS TO BE VERY VERY FINE GRIND. OH WELL, THE LOCAL THRIFT STORE WILL FIND A NEW OWNER !