Bellemain Stovetop Espresso Maker Moka Pot (White, 3 Cup)

I've been using moka pots for my daily espresso for over 10 years and this maker is by far the best moka pot I've ever had. It makes a great cup of coffee every time, just as solid as Bialetti but cheaper. It hasn't leaked, it's quiet, quick (you can have espresso within 2 minutes when using hot water), easy to use, and doesn't spit the coffee at the end of the brew like my other pots have in the past

Good moka pot, does what is needed, the quality and grind of coffee does make all the difference honestly. Take the time to dial in everything with experimentation and you'll have a nice cup. Takes a few tries. The only thing that annoys me is that at the end it sputters a lot and have shot coffee/water outside the vessel so I have to watch it and close the lid. Maybe I'm doing it wrong but I leave the lid open to see when it starts (and thus end soon) so I don't accidentally heat up an empty chamber later and ruin the rubber gasket or something.

Forget those expensive espresso machines, if you want the best espresso you need to do it the old fashioned way like they do in Italy. I've had this moka pot for 6 months now and I love it (so does my GF). This, along with my electric milk frother, makes some of the best cappuccinos and lattes. So much so I have friends who have gone out and bought one of these as well. The following are a few tips for preparing espresso and also caring for the moka pot.

1. Low and slow. As others have mentioned, you have to brew this on a low flame. I use the second to the lowest flame setting on my stove and it comes out perfect every time. Too high a flame and you may scorch the coffee. Likewise, if the flame extends out past the bottom of the pot, you run the risk of melting the handle. So take your time, let it happen naturally and you'll enjoy a prefect espresso every time.

2. This is a cast aluminum pot. That means it will oxidize (rust). All aluminum will oxidize given time (just like stainless steel will rust under the right conditions), but cast aluminum is even more prone to oxidation. As such, I recommend you do not use any sort of dish soap when washing this. Soaps typically have chemicals and such that can cause the pot to prematurely oxidize. I use hot water and a clean cloth to wipe it out, rinse, then dry it off. That's it. And so far my pot has remained rust free.

3. Coffee. The biggest aspect of making a good espresso, good coffee. Don't skimp on the coffee. Use quality espresso grinds (or beans if you grind your own). This is not a Mr Coffee drip so don't use a drip coffee maker type coffee. It's in the beans, so don't be afraid to spend a little more for a quality espresso grind.

4. If you've never tried it I highly recommend you try a Caffè corretto. That's a standard cup (demitasse) of espresso with a shot (1oz) of Sambuca mixed in. A true Italian espresso. Yum!

There are a LOT of ways to go wrong in making a good cup of coffee. IMO, that is especially true with Moka Makers such as this one. Coffee bean quality, roast style and quality, grind size, time and temperature of brewing all being ways to mess up. That said, get all those pretty close to right, and assuming you like strong flavored coffee, you will get the best possible tasting cup out of a Moka such as this one. It is well made, well priced, cleans easily. Biggest single mistake using would be to compact the grounds into the holder. Use medium-grind, loosely fill. If you stuff it in there, or grind too fine, the water doesn't have enf time to get through all the grounds, just the outer area, needing to brew longer to fill the top (with less flavor), resulting in a bitter, flavorless cup. Watch the brewing (closely!) and drop the heat level to 1/2 as soon as coffee starts coming out. Drop to lowest setting for last 1/4 of the brew. For gas stoves, heat changes are instant and easy; for electric stoves, you can move the Moka pot partially off the burner to modulate.

My morning routine uses this daily sometimes a few times a day. It's perfect. No leaks… no grit in my drinks… very happy with it.

Good quality authentic espresso maker – not cheap or flimsy. Works great. Well packaged. Good price for the value.

Not only is it incredibly easy to use and at a nice price point – it makes excellent coffee!
This is a convenient and fun way to get a different taste/texture to your brew. And if you are a curious, coffee crazy connoisseur like myself – it's a "must-have" device for experimentation.
I have had good results with any roast level, freshly ground beans and was pleasantly surprised how much more flavorful some light roasts can become. The "trick" with this method is to just know timing/water level and amount of grounds, but that is all adjustable to your own preferences.
As with most coffee brewing methods – the only way this isn't foolproof is if you neglect to keep an eye on it or remove from heat soon enough.
I also find it is pleasant and easy enough to use on work mornings as well as weekends.
From personal preference, the 6 Cup model is also most ideal if you are concerned about size. It can either make one large serving or you can split it out into 2 depending on milk level preference, drink recipe, etc. I can easily get my desired amount in just one brewing or save some for later to make an iced coffee with.

Pros:
Ample handle is nicely spaced from pitcher to minimize burn risk
Heavy weighted base – sturdy feeling design for long term use
Easy screw on/off
Easy cleaning/maintenance
Simple & stylish

Only "Cons":
Moisture can make filter basket slightly tricky to remove – but not aggravatingly so
Depending on how quick your stove heats this can be a 10-15 min process and may not be ideal for some foggy people in a rush. 🙂

For the price and results you can't go wrong if you love coffee as much as I do!

Perfect Size. No Leakage issue. Heat Quickly.
Coffee tastes and smells amazing.
Recommended for those who love espresso, Cuban-style coffee, and coffee aficionados.