Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker

A friend of mine showed me her Bialetti moka pot in silver and I liked it so much that I decided to order this one. The current price of $36.86 plus tax is pricey but typical. She even paid $8 less than I did but the price on Amazon fluctuates and this particular color is more expensive. It is also perfect for Christmas time even though these are the colors of the Italian flag. This pot comes in three pieces (five pieces if I consider the filter and filter ring separate). The filter and filter ring are shown separately in the documentation but I could not remove them; although one day I'll need to replace it with this. In fact, I ordered a new filter when I purchased this not realizing I didn't need it. Before use this pot has to be primed (four times). First, it should be used (heated) with just water then dumped. The remaining three times it should be brewed with coffee and then the coffee dumped. Once the unit is primed, it is ready to use. After priming, I brewed regular coffee on low and it was done in a few minutes. It is perfect for espresso (not as good as what comes out of an espresso machine but close enough). As long as I remember to warm my milk after I froth it, it makes a good cappuccino by just pouring the brewed coffee on top of the foam or adding the foam on top of the coffee (either / or). Note that I also ordered these filters to lay on top of the grinds (and wetting it lightly) but my order for that hasn't arrived yet. This will help keep some of the sediment out of the brewed coffee. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: - This supposedly makes 3 cups but the "cup" size is actually the tiny espresso cups (demitasse cups). Since this holds only about 4 ounces of water below the safety valve, I actually consider this as making 2 espresso cups. Each demistasse cup holds a little over 2 ounces of coffee. - This needs to be primed before use as mentioned above. - This pot only gets rinsed with water and never washed. - The coffee grinds should not be packed down as one would do with an espresso machine. They should only be loosely sitting in the "funnel." - Only regular grind coffee should be used. Espresso coffee (which is a finer ground) should NEVER be used with this pot as it will clog the filter. - It's best to use with a lower flame below the pot. Lifting the lid during brewing may make a mess. I tried lifing the lid and during the end of the brew cycle, the coffee explodes out like a volcano. The lid prevents this. In summary, I love my moka pot. It is a piece of functional art that allows me to brew "almost espresso" at the drop of a hat very quickly. UPDATE Dec 18, 2024 - I am using this pot regularly and love it. As I mentioned above, my order for these filters finally came in. I ordered that because another reviewer recommended them and I am sorry I did. I put this on top of the grinds and wet it lightly, but I didn't like the results. First of all, the coffee came out exactly as it always did and there was still some sediment in the bottom of the brewed coffee. Secondly, the pot ran hot and steamy. I may try these filters one more time but I honestly wish I never ordered those filters for this pot. It was a waste of money to me not to mention the scariness of having the pot run under more pressure than expected.

I absolutely love this Moka pot! You can really feel the quality as soon as you hold it — sturdy, well-made, and built to last. It heats up quickly, and the brewing process is simple once you get the hang of it. What I enjoy most is the rich, bold flavor it brings out — perfect for making a proper cafecito just the way I like it. It’s become part of my morning ritual, and there’s something really satisfying about brewing coffee this way. No need for fancy machines or pods — just ground coffee, water, and a few quiet minutes on the stove. Cleanup is easy too, which is a big plus. If you're on the fence, go for it. This is a timeless piece that delivers every single time. Highly recommend!

I bought the 6 cup version. First, please know its not 6 -(8oz) cups. It’s more like 6 full shots. This size of pot will make just over a full measuring cup (8 -10oz) of coffee. Solid built. Not thin materials. I tried another brand that looked nearly the same but it did not perform as well and no matter how hard I tightened the pot onto the bottom water reservoir, it still sputtered and leaked water. I returned it and bought the Bialetti. It made wonderful espresso (I use illy dark roast ground Intenso). Some say to not press the ground coffee into the holder, but I did apply gentle pressure to mine - not hard tamping like you would with the more expensive espresso machines, just a gentle press. I found the espresso came out a bit richer tasting. Because the rubber seal in the first Moka pot of another brand I bought did not seal well, I researched and learned that many people replace the original seal with a silicone seal of which I have provided a picture of with this review. I highly recommend purchasing and replacing the seal that comes with the Bialetti. Not that it was bad, but I didn’t want to take any chances with it and there was zero leaking or sputtering from the the sides of the moka pot with the new seal. Well worth it. Though you don’t have to, I preheat my water in my water kettle then pour it into the moka pot not to exceed the level of the pressure valve inside the water reservoir. Next, I fill to the brim the ground coffee holder gently pressing down on the coffee and then topping it off till its level with the edge. Make sure there is no coffee grounds on the rim because you want a tight seal. Place the coffee grounds holder into the water reservoir taking care because the reservoir will be hot to touch. I use a dish rag to hold onto it while I screw the top carafe part on. Make sure its on tight. Next, I place it on my burner, medium high temp. Make sure the handle part is not over the flame or heat and just put it at the edge of your cooktop burner. You don’t want it burning. It takes about 2 min or so for the carafe to fill. When its done you will hear sputtering sound. I will lift the lid just enough to see if any more coffee is coming out of the tube inside. Usually there isn’t and its done. Remove from heat being careful to keep fingers on the black handle only as steam can escape at the lid hinge and let it sit for about 1 minute. Then pour and enjoy! Let the moka pot cool down before unscrewing it or just use a rag to hold it and unscrew it if you need another pot right away. This pot made excellent espresso like I drank in Italy, Prague, and Budapest. I initially bought it to have a way to make coffee if I lost power…can use a Coleman camper stove or your gas ran stove top. Its easy to clean, just rinse out with warm water and dry with a paper towel or rag. No soap!!! Some people don’t ever rinse theirs out but I found my espresso tasted better if I rinsed it all out with water only. I hope this helps someone! Enjoy your coffee!

If you are looking for a stove top espresso maker, these work beautifully. If you have a gas stove with larger than normal holes, like for Samsung and LG, then you will like this item as it is big enough for the small burner cover, so it is stable. This pours smooth and is easy to clean by hand

I guess you can tell that I love my 3 cup Moka Pot. The instructions state that you should boil 3 pots worth of water and 3 cups with coffee before even drinking a cup I highly recommend this process because it will do a few things: 1) you’ll work out your work flow 2) it will “season” your moka pot For a 3 cup moka pot, you’ll need just a tad over 12 grams of beans. That is if you’re grinding your own beans. Tap the funnel to level out the grounds and off you go I didn’t use a paper filter. I used the E&B metal filter, which did a wonderful job by the way, of filtering out the grounds that might bypass the original metal filter I used a metal plate over my gas stove on medium heat. I feel this helped distribute the heat more evenly Within a few minutes, the moka pot was making that welcomed sound and I can see coffee coming out of the chimney. There was a slight lull just before it began to sputter and the coffee went a lighter in color and sputtered At that point I took it off the heat and ran the bottom half under the faucet to cool it off I may need to play with grind size a bit more, but I think I’ve got it very close. I’ll need to experiment a bit more and see, but my first “cup” was quite good Btw, I’m using a dark roast. Costco Kirkland brand of French Roast I’ve even added some foamed milk using the Nano Foamer. Great little device, which I’ll review in a bit All in all, I’m very happy with my little 3 cup moka pot. One thing you may consider using is a couple of hand towels, because the moka pot does get a bit hot to the touch even after holding it under the faucet Cleanup is straightforward too. Just be aware that it is hot. Just rinse and wipe clean and dry thoroughly to avoid water spots and tarnishing the aluminum Otherwise I love this coffee making process UPDATE: 1-17-2025 Although, I absolutely love my 3 cup Moka Pot, I’ve recently purchased the 1 cup Moka Pot version. Why? I figured there’s going to be a point when A) I’ve got a small amount of beans leftover, B) I’m home all day and don’t want to drink a large amount of coffee in one sitting and I can make another one because I enjoy the process of making coffee, C) It’s a nice way of experimenting with grind size and beans without wasting a bunch of beans This is basically for home use even though it’s the smallest and arguably the most transportable to work. However, due to the nature of my job, I can’t take timeout during my day to make another 1 cup of coffee. So that’s where the 3 cup moka pot comes in If you get over the minuscule size, it’s actually a pretty neat little Moka Pot. It’s very toy like, but it still makes great coffee, just in a 1 cup size. I mean the espresso guys drink that same amount with hundreds of dollars or even thousands of dollars worth of equipment. True, this isn’t actual espresso, but it’s close enough for me. And really it’s all about the taste isn’t it? Also, I’ve used this smaller Moka Pot to try out the paper filters that some have raved about. I’m not sure I’m good enough to taste the difference. However, with the dark roasts it’s a tad, I mean a very small difference for me between paper filters and without. Also, I wet the paper with a RDT spray to help it stick I guess. Also, I grind a bit coarser since the paper is going to add resistance to the flow of water - there’s a slight increase in pressure enough so that it slightly pushed in my metal filter in the Moka Pot. Nothing serious. Just grind a little coarser. How much coarser? Different beans and roast levels means different grind size. You’re going to play with that. And that is where the 1 cup Moka Pot comes in handy I bought a 6 cup Moka Pot too. That’s whenever I might have guests over. Have fun and I hope you enjoy your Moka Pot as much as I do!

I bought the Bialetti Moka Express after getting tired of expensive espresso runs, and honestly, it’s kind of a game-changer. Once you get the hang of it, it brews a strong, rich cup of coffee that’s somewhere between espresso and drip, not exactly cafe-style espresso, but close enough for home use. That said, a few heads-ups. It definitely has a learning curve; my first few tries were either weak or burnt-tasting until I figured out the right grind size and heat level. Also, cleanup is simple but you do need to stay on top of it to avoid buildup or that metallic taste.

This moka pot produces the best coffee! I use bustelo and it comes out great, no more heart burn! Easy to clean and easy to use! The handle does NOT get hot. If you find that your handle gets hot you likely have the flame too high. The flame should be medium low.

Review of the Bialetti Espresso Maker Introduction Hey there! Today, we’re going to talk about a really cool kitchen gadget called the Bialetti Espresso Maker. Imagine you have a magic pot that makes delicious, strong coffee, like the kind grown-ups love to drink. The Bialetti Espresso Maker is just like that! It’s a special pot that makes a type of coffee called espresso, which is rich and tasty. What is the Bialetti Espresso Maker? The Bialetti Espresso Maker, also known as a Moka pot, is a small metal pot that sits on your stove and makes espresso coffee. It’s been around for a long time and is really popular because it makes great coffee. The pot has a unique design with three main parts: the bottom chamber for water, the middle part for coffee grounds, and the top part where the espresso collects. Why is it Special? 1. Easy to Use: The Bialetti Espresso Maker is simple to use. You just add water, coffee grounds, and then heat it on the stove. 2. Classic Design: It has a cool, classic design that looks great in any kitchen. It’s shiny and often made of aluminum. 3. Makes Delicious Coffee: It brews strong, delicious espresso coffee that adults love to drink, either on its own or with milk to make drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. 4. No Electricity Needed: Unlike some coffee makers, the Bialetti doesn’t need electricity. You just need a stove to heat it up. How Does it Work? Here’s how the magic happens: 1. Add Water: First, you pour water into the bottom part of the pot. 2. Add Coffee Grounds: Next, you put coffee grounds into the middle part of the pot, which looks like a little funnel. 3. Assemble the Pot: Then, you screw the top part onto the bottom part, making sure everything is tight. 4. Heat on the Stove: Put the pot on the stove and heat it up. As the water heats, it turns into steam, which pushes through the coffee grounds and up into the top part of the pot. 5. Enjoy Your Coffee: When you hear a hissing sound, your coffee is ready! Carefully pour it out and enjoy. What Do People Like About It? People love the Bialetti Espresso Maker because it makes rich, flavorful coffee and is fun to use. It’s like a science experiment you can do in the kitchen! It’s also very durable and can last for many years if you take good care of it. Anything Not So Great? One thing to remember is that the Bialetti can get really hot, so you need to be careful when using it. Always have an adult help you when making coffee with it. Also, cleaning the pot can take a bit of time, but it’s important to keep it nice and shiny. Conclusion The Bialetti Espresso Maker is a fantastic kitchen gadget that makes delicious coffee and looks really cool. It’s easy to use, doesn’t need electricity, and makes coffee that grown-ups love. If you enjoy helping out in the kitchen or want to learn more about making coffee, the Bialetti Espresso Maker is a great tool to explore. Just remember to always use it with the help of an adult. So go ahead, get ready to brew some magical coffee, and impress your family with your barista skills!

So first of all I'm Italian, let's start from there. I don't judge the American coffee, but when I came here the first time it was kind of a shock. I always missed the Italian coffee that's why I bought this moka pot. You need a specific type of person to drink the coffee that the moka makes, because it's stronger and more concentrate than the American one and the flavour it's just different. Especially about the cups, don't think that the moka makes 6 American cups...when they say 6 cups they're referring to the expresso cups. Yeah, because the moka makes the espresso coffee you know. Anyway...finally, when I received the moka was absolutely perfect, box completely sealed, made in Italy and I felt very happy because I was able to drink my coffee again every single time. If you're reading this review let me tell you some tips to make the best coffee with a moka. 1st - Use just espresso coffee like Lavazza, you can grind your own coffee just be sure to do it as finest as possible. Buying a good coffee of an excellent brand will guarantee you an excellent final result. 2nd - FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS, MAKE AND WASTE MINIMUM 3 MOKAS BEFORE DRINKING THE COFFEE. "But it's a waste of coffee, I can drink it when I'm going to work and blablabla". NO, THATS HOW IT WORKS OK?? You have to remove any fabric residues, and this process takes time or do you want to drink some aluminium? I guess not. 3rd - Wash it by hand, don't use any kind of soap just water. And specially about the central chamber where the coffee appears, don't clean it particularly well. The coffee residues at the bottom will ensure that the moka is committed to the aroma, and the coffee will be more and more intense from time to time. 4th - Mix the coffee inside the chamber before serving, if you don't do it the first cup will be a light coffee and the other ones will be too stronger. Trust me. 5th - When you served the coffee and the moka is empty DON'T WASH IT IMMEDIATELY!! Let it rest aside for a few hours, forget about it. In this way the moka will absorb the aroma of the coffee which from time to time will be more intense, enveloping and the moka itself will cool down safely. Just to say that I clean the moka the morning after when I have to make another coffee for the morning. Of course if you use it once in a while let it cool down and wash it, I'm not saying not to clean the moka at all. So, I hope you enjoyed my review (if so let me know by pressing the button below) and I hope that you will enjoy the coffee that makes the moka as much as I love it. Follow my tips and it will be perfect. Thank you!! Update 01/31/2022 After 8 1/2 months the rubber gasket is completely broken, this can happen sometimes. If it happens to you stop using the Moka immediately. These gaskets can be a little bit tricky. From my experience some can last years and years, others just a few months. You can even try an upgrade with silicone gaskets I heard they're worth a try (the regular ones are made of rubber), just make sure to buy 72mm gaskets for 6 cup Moka pot. I'll write another update when I'll change the gasket.

Built to last. How many people can say this about something in their kitchen? My grandparents used to make coffee every morning in a similar appliance, this appliance requires no electricity (unless you have an electric stove), and I have it on good authority that this coffee pot will last you about 50 years or more (friend born in Italy says they have their grandfather's, and they still use it after those 50 years!) That being said, this coffee pot requires a bit more care and attention than your standard drip coffeemaker. First off, clean it, regularly. Upon first use, run it three times to remove the excess finishing materials used in its polishing (these are harmless but probably should not be ingested). Second thing, you want to turn the temp up enough so the water inside will boil, but not so high that the nonmetal materials begin to melt. This is very important and will extend the life of your Bialetti. The pot is designed to boil at lower temps than a pot of water for spaghetti, so it's not necessary to turn it all the way up. Third, the Bialetti needs to be minded. If you set your coffee and leave it to brew, and walk away, this is not the pot for you. Leaving your Bialetti alone may lead to burnt coffee, or even something more catastrophic like a kitchen fire. The product is safe to use, not foolproof. Please don't be that fool. Fourth, the Bialetti is made of metal that can heat up very hot, so even if you aren't doing the things listed above, there is still a chance that you could burn yourself. Please use gloves/mitts when pouring/lifting the coffee pot. One thing you'll notice that when brewing coffee it smells really good, much better than a Keurig, and I believe that's the point, Using your Bialetti is not a chore, it's a sensory experience, pleasant, not overwhelming. Please still be mindful of the coffee pot, though. Finally, when done brewing, let it cool, and wash it. Doing these things will ensure your Bialetti will last as long as my Italian friend's coffee pot! -Other thoughts- This is how my grandparents used to make coffee every morning, as my grandfather had a coffee pot like this but that coffee pot is probably in an antique store looking for a good home. It is no frills, you can't set the pot to brew the night before, nor can you leave it unattended. it is, a beautiful appliance and will last generations, as compared to the mere 3-year warranties you get on other generic automatic drip coffee makers. My only regret with this purchase is not getting the one painted like the italian flag. It's so colorful! Furthermore, it is slower than the Keurig. You are not going to have an instant cup of coffee. It -is- faster than automatic drip/drip coffeemaker/campfire coffee.