Bialetti Moka Express – Not Just a Coffee Pot!

December 7, 2008 | By admin | In Espresso Makers  |

The Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop espresso maker is either a true espresso maker, or not one at all. Resolving that paradox is probably easiest by referring to age. If you remember how espresso was made at home before the modern machines of the past several years, you will see the ultra-convenient Bialetti Moka Express as a gem. The younger crowd may think of it as just a coffee pot.

Both are, in their own ways, right. But the true test, of course, is how tasty are the results. On that subject, there can be little room for debate. The Bialetti Moka Express produces a fine cup, assuming you start with the right ingredients and have the proper technique, of course!

In bygone days, that fortunately are not completely gone by, all espresso was made at home this way. A chamber is filled with water, then heated by a stovetop flame or electric coil. Pressure forces the water up through ultra-fine grounds of a fine roast and delicious espresso is ready for pouring into a pre-heated cup.

While lacking the high-tech advances of contemporary home espresso makers, the huge difference in price produces a negligible difference in quality in many cases.

Of course, to produce truly fine espresso with such a simple tool does take some skill. But with practice you’ll find that the results are competitive with your local barista. And the convenience of using the Bialetti Moka Express is no comparison. Even the finest home espresso makers require more clean up and maintenance. The Moka can be put into the dishwasher in a pinch. Even hand cleaning is a breeze.

The trade-off in capacity is another distinguishing feature. Many fine espresso machines will produce 50 shots before requiring a refill. Some more expensive models operate like a commercial machine and can be hooked to a water supply. The Bialetti Moka Express makes only a few espresso-cup sized results at a time.

But what might be an inconvenience for a large party is none for personal use or in a romantic setting. And refilling the Moka takes only seconds under a filtered spigot or pouring from a bottle. Tap water in most cities is not the ideal source for great espresso – too many minerals. If you’ve ever lugged a 50-shot water container into your larger machine, there are definitely times you’ll appreciate the smaller tool.

There is also another big advantage to such a simple device. Fewer parts means fewer things to go wrong. While the overwhelming majority of fine espresso makers are quality-built machines, any mass-produced mechanism can have flaws. Complex heating elements, piston valves, multi-function control panels, and more offer more things to misbehave. The super simple traditional design of the Bialetti Moka Express makes this a near impossibility.

One thing you’ll know for sure. You’ll be making a traditional espresso the true Italian way. That alone is worth a great deal!