There was a time in America when coffee drinkers were happy to drink just coffee brewed in a simple drip coffee maker. But today we have options! From the simplistic drip coffee maker and French press to the sophisticated espresso machine and the scientifically challenging siphon coffee maker – whatever you use to brew is not important.
The most crucial is to start the day right with your favorite type of coffee.
Did you know, almost every Italian family has at least one Moka pot at home? Moka pot, often called stovetop espresso maker, is a classic gadget used to brew espresso-like coffee. It is a small, inexpensive coffee maker that works pretty much like an espresso machine using steam pressure to drive the hot water through coffee grounds.
Below you will find my Bialetti Moka Express review. Bialetti Moka Express is an iconic Italian-made stovetop coffee maker that has impacted the essence of coffee culture.
Bialetti Moka Express was invented by an Italian engineer named Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. Since then, it didn’t matter what new coffee machines were introduced, production of Bialetti Moka pots continued due to the demand in the market. The Bialetti Moka Express, which first rolled off the production line more than 80 years ago, is still in production today. Why has it been so popular?
Design
The Bialetti Moka Express kept the same exact traditional look for generations. It is simple and compact, yet capable of producing a rich and authentic espresso-like strong coffee in just minutes. The Moka pot features a unique hexagonal design that distributes heat evenly to further improve the aroma of the coffee. This Moka pot comes in different sizes ranging from 1-cup to 12-cups to suit your needs and wants. The Moka pot cup size is not the usual measuring cup size. It’s referred to the espresso cup size. One cup is two ounces or 1/4 cup.
Quality
The Bialetti Moka Express is made of high-quality food grade aluminum that will last for years. The Moka pot itself weighs on the lighter side, but it is well made and sturdy. As you can see, out of the more common metals, aluminum has the highest thermal conductivity that transfers heat very well. This helps to accelerate the brewing time, and it is perfect for commuters who are in a hurry in the morning.
Ease of use
It is easy to use even without reading the instruction manual. It is foolproof and you really don’t have to weigh or measure anything. Simply fill the pot with water and coffee ground and place on a stovetop at medium-low heat. The pot is highly portable and you can bring it wherever you want as long as you have access to a heat source.
Maintenance
Basically, there is almost no maintenance is needed as Bialetti Moka Express is extremely easy to clean. All you need to do is rinse all components well under running water after each use and allow them to air dry. However, it is best not to use washing detergent or an abrasive sponge as it can contaminate the aluminum as well as your coffee.
The reality is though. Wear and tear on a Moka pot will naturally happen over time no matter how properly you care for the pot. Best of all, replacement parts are all available from the manufacturer just in case you need to replace the worn out gasket or a missing/damaged funnel. You can continue enjoying your Moka pot for as long as you wish.
Pros
Made in Italy of high-quality aluminum
Original classic design that is built to last
Consistent brewing result
Highly portable
No electricity is needed
Easy to clean
Easy access to replacement parts
Cons
Not dishwasher safe
Not designed for induction stovetop
Corners are hard to reach and clean
Verdict
The Bialetti Moka Express is a beautifully designed gadget that lets you make a great espresso substitute. This is not going to take the place of your real espresso machine, if you have one at home or the office, as the pressure is not high enough to reach the optimal 9 bars for true espresso extraction. However, the coffee brewed from this pot is stronger and more complex than coffee produced from a regular drip maker.
So what is the secret to making a perfect cup of coffee using the Bialetti Moka Express? The answer is using the right coffee and choosing the right grind! Happy brewing!
Photos and review by Latte Art Guy
