Bialetti Moka Express Caffettiera in Alluminio, 6 Cups, Acciaio Inossidabile, Argento,270 milliliters, Silver

I am moved to write a review of the Bialetti Moka Express 6 cup expresso maker as I don't recognise the comments from some of the poor reviews it has received. Overall the 210 5* ratings out of a total to date of 258 should speak for themselves and be enough of a recommendation. Follow the instructions that come with the Moka or that are available online and you should fine.I purchased this item new from Amazon in Feb 2009 and have used it multiple times a day since. I also have a second one which I keep at work. Both perform perfectly every time without fail and also spare parts are easily available. In all the time I have used the Mokas I have only needed to replace the rubber seal twice. I have never had a handle break but when assembling the two chambers together ensure that you do not use the handle as a lever because then it probably will fail.An important point to note is that the Moka is made from aluminium which may oxidise rather than rust if not taken care of properly. Wash it only using hot water and never use detergent. Dry it with a paper towel and ensure it is completely dry before putting it away unassembled. The Moka does not need to be on a red hot stove to boil with a low to medium heay should be sufficient. The Moka will improve over the years with age and use. Prove it prior to first use by brewing at least 3 times and throwing the coffee away. If your one has oxidised it may be rescued with water and vinegar but will need to be proved again before use.It is an expresso maker first and foremost so when cup size is stated it is refering to the little single expresso cups. The 6 cup size is suitable for one single average sized mug of americano style for which I use one heaped tablespoon of coffee. Again it is an expresso maker so use coffee ground for expresso use only however please note that it does not produce a crema.It is very important not to overfill with water or leave on the stove for too long. If the coffee boils then it will taste burnt and bitter. Also ensure no coffee grounds are caught between the rubber seal and the lower chamber. You will get to know when the coffee is ready by sound and smell. As soon as the Moka starts to burble and spit it is ready to come off of the stove. Wait for a few seconds to let it settle down and then pour for the perfect coffe.I am a big, big fan of this little coffee maker for its simple design, ease of use, longevity, availability of spare parts and for the fantastic coffee it produces.

I have mainly used a Cafetiere for making my coffee but having seen the Moka type pot in use a number of times in different settings and viewed various reviews, I thought I would give one a try.I usually like my coffee fairly strong and in sufficient quantity (large mug size) to keep me satisfied for a few hours between mugs. I initially placed my order for the 3 cup Bialetti pot but immediately revised my Amazon order to the larger 4 cup. In my view it would be better to have a larger unit than have a smaller unit and not have enough capacity.I glad I made the 4 cup choice.In addition to the Amazon packaging my Moka pot arrived well packaged by the manufacturer Bialetti, with clearly written and easy to understand Operating instructions in multiple languages included.Read and follow these OI's and you should have no problems.Likewise, use common sense when handling and cleaning the more delicate parts, such as the coffee holder "funnel", and avoid holding it by the narrow stem while vigorously shaking out heavy wet coffee grains, especially if you wish the stem to remain attached to the funnel.If you ignore this common sense advice and manage to break it off, this is NOT a manufacturing issue or poor design. Anything can be broken if you try hard enough or use it in a way for which it was not intended.In my view, this Bialetti Moka is a good design, of good quality, and correctly used produces a good cup of coffee.Obviously these three points are my own personal view with the last point being dependent on your own taste in coffee brand and variations in preparation method, but in using this Moka pot you have the opportunity to produce a pot of nose tingling, great looking, hot, steamy, strong and great tasting coffee to suit your own personal preference.That is the key.In the Bialetti Moka Express Aluminium Stovetop Coffee Maker (4 Cup) you have the ideal tool to do the job.Since purchase several months ago I have used this Moka pot to make all my coffee, currently on my 7th 227g bag of my favourite coffee brand.It took me several pot cycles to arrive at the best heat setting on my cooking appliance (electric hob) which is usually the setting I use for a simmer/low boil.You will need to experiment yourself, as most appliances will vary from gas to electric etc and individual heat settings, but my advice would be (as per Bialetti OI's) use a medium heat setting to start and adjust your heat up or down to suit, based on results you get.As it only takes a short time from placing on the hob to start to produce liquid in the top pot, DON'T wander off even for a short time to do something else. Stay and watch the pot at all times it is on the hob with the lid up and heat is being applied.This is after all part of the coffee making experience and should be savoured.I "preheat" my electric hob at setting 4, place the pot towards the edge with the lid up and so the handle is off to one side so it has less direct heat exposure from the hob ring below, and reduce the setting to 3.Keep watching (and smelling).You should soon smell the familiar aroma of your chosen coffee wafting up to your nostrils and if you continue watching you will observe the initial flow of dark liquid gold. I close the lid after the first third of liquid has appeared and turn off the heat source at this point. On hearing the final bubbling and gurgling as the last of the liquid fills the top pot I remove the pot to a cork mat.I find the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is amazing.I boil a small amount of fresh water in my kettle in tandem, splashing a small amount in my chosen mug (to pre heat the mug). After allowing to stand for a minute or so I then pour the coffee from the moka usually accompanied by a satisfactory amount of "froth", topping my mug off with freshly boiled water as required/to taste.Less dilute equals stronger coffee, again down to personal preference.Cleaning the Bialetti Moka in warm water is simple and effective.I use a soft none abrasive washing up sponge if needed, and then immediately dry all parts inside and out with a tea towel before storage. I only reassemble the next time I am ready to make a fresh pot.I am pleased to report my Bialetti Moka Express Aluminium Stovetop Coffee Maker (4 Cup) pot is still in the same condition as when I first received it and the coffee produced is perfect.I would recommend this item and this manufacturer and if given the choice would buy this item again.If you follow the Bialetti Operating Instructions and handle with care it is likely this will last you a good number of years before it needs replacing.Purchase one and enjoy your coffee.M.

Good quality and has been used daily for over a year now by person gifted to. Was told it makes good coffee.

First time using one, it's makes an excellent cup of coffee. I have started to add double cream to make an indulgent beverage. I do feel it's a bit overpriced, but I wanted the original one and not a generic knock off. It's very easy to use and clean, just make sure you use it with plain water 3 times before making coffee for the first time.