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Customer Review
I've had my Moka Express 3-cup for less than a week and I love it. The first impression when you open it ...
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2014
I hope my review helps you to make your decision purchase this delightful gem. I've had my Moka Express 3-cup for less than a week and I love it. The first impression when you open it is "wow, this is tiny". You'll need a small burner on your stovetop to keep the flame under the unit. I do not have a hotplate or an electric stove so I can't comment on that other than to say that you need to keep the handle outside the heat source.
The first impression of brewing is a bit magical, even if it's a throw-away pot as recommended. Keeping the lid open and watching the nectar emerge from the stem in the top of the unit is addicting. Just be sure to close the lid before it finishes or it'll spit espresso droplets all over your stovetop. A tip to halve the brewing time is to fill the bottom section to just below the relief valve with boiling water from your kettle. I always make Americano so I boil water every time anyway. If you do this, you'll need an oven mitt in order to firmly tighten the sections. Please don't use the handle for this purpose. I believe the characteristic shape is there to facilitate a good grip for this reason.
As for the espresso, it's everything described in the other posts. It's much stronger than that produced from my DeLonghi EC-155 espresso maker (which I also love) using the same amount of coffee. This unit makes enough espresso for two smaller Americano's (perfect for a loving couple) or one larger robust mug. The quality of the coffee is paramount. Find a local coffee shop that roasts in-house and start trying the various roasts in 1/2 lb bags. Try to buy as much as you'll use in two weeks or less, just to keep it fresh. Buy it whole bean and pick up a grinder. Blade or burr - it doesn't matter which. I like blade since it gives me more control over the grind as I experiment. Coffee is a hobby, not a drink!
One thing you might not appreciate is the extra sediment, akin to what you experience with a french press. The easy solution is to use the filter disks from an Aero Press. They fit perfectly over the filter in the top section. Just dampen the metal filter first so the paper filter sticks in place. Problem solved! It helps to have an Aero Press and a gazillion filters, of course, but I digress...
Be sure to obey all of the instructions about cleaning (never soap, never never dishwasher) and tamping. The last one is hard to swallow but trust me - one heaping 1/8 cup scoop of beans in the grinder loosely fills the basket about 3/4 of the way. That's perfect for a strong mug or a couple of cups for you and your special coffee buddy.
I take mine with heavy cream (soo yummy). It's a lot better than half and half. Please don't tell me you use coffee mate. Some things should just be against the law, and that's one of them! I hope you find this little gem as delightful as I have. I packed up the beloved DeLonghi EC-155 for a trip to its new home in my office - which lacks stovetop. This little guy is really all you need. I haven't been to Italy but this experience makes me want to go! Ciao!
The first impression of brewing is a bit magical, even if it's a throw-away pot as recommended. Keeping the lid open and watching the nectar emerge from the stem in the top of the unit is addicting. Just be sure to close the lid before it finishes or it'll spit espresso droplets all over your stovetop. A tip to halve the brewing time is to fill the bottom section to just below the relief valve with boiling water from your kettle. I always make Americano so I boil water every time anyway. If you do this, you'll need an oven mitt in order to firmly tighten the sections. Please don't use the handle for this purpose. I believe the characteristic shape is there to facilitate a good grip for this reason.
As for the espresso, it's everything described in the other posts. It's much stronger than that produced from my DeLonghi EC-155 espresso maker (which I also love) using the same amount of coffee. This unit makes enough espresso for two smaller Americano's (perfect for a loving couple) or one larger robust mug. The quality of the coffee is paramount. Find a local coffee shop that roasts in-house and start trying the various roasts in 1/2 lb bags. Try to buy as much as you'll use in two weeks or less, just to keep it fresh. Buy it whole bean and pick up a grinder. Blade or burr - it doesn't matter which. I like blade since it gives me more control over the grind as I experiment. Coffee is a hobby, not a drink!
One thing you might not appreciate is the extra sediment, akin to what you experience with a french press. The easy solution is to use the filter disks from an Aero Press. They fit perfectly over the filter in the top section. Just dampen the metal filter first so the paper filter sticks in place. Problem solved! It helps to have an Aero Press and a gazillion filters, of course, but I digress...
Be sure to obey all of the instructions about cleaning (never soap, never never dishwasher) and tamping. The last one is hard to swallow but trust me - one heaping 1/8 cup scoop of beans in the grinder loosely fills the basket about 3/4 of the way. That's perfect for a strong mug or a couple of cups for you and your special coffee buddy.
I take mine with heavy cream (soo yummy). It's a lot better than half and half. Please don't tell me you use coffee mate. Some things should just be against the law, and that's one of them! I hope you find this little gem as delightful as I have. I packed up the beloved DeLonghi EC-155 for a trip to its new home in my office - which lacks stovetop. This little guy is really all you need. I haven't been to Italy but this experience makes me want to go! Ciao!
