Ah… the Italian coffee maker. What could be more iconic than the traditional Bialetti?
Timeless and unbreakable, it can be found in (almost) every home. Why such success?
It’s inexpensive, built to last almost indefinitely, and can produce a very good, strong, full-bodied coffee (but it can also easily go wrong).
In fact, it’s easy to confuse espresso with Italian coffee. Because of shortcuts, misunderstandings and obvious geographical similarities, we often think that the two terms are equivalent. But that’s not true.
These few lines will tell you all you need to know about the Italian coffee maker, the famous Moka Express from Bialetti, and the coffee you can expect from it.
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Why use an Italian moka pot?
There’s no shortage of ways to make a simple coffee. You’re going to say Nespresso and other single-dose capsule machines. However, we’re more inclined to talk about machines with grinders. In either case, making coffee is almost child’s play .
A mocha coffee is also quick to prepare. Admittedly, this is a far cry from the 30 seconds of a capsule machine or an automatic grinder.
But it also takes infinitely less time than with a manual machine, where the boiler has to come up to temperature before you can make your coffee. And at this level of intensity, the 4 to 6 minutes needed to approach the boiling point are no obstacle.
Bear in mind, however, that it does require some concentration. If you do several things at once, the temperature will rise too high, and the boiling water will burn the grind.
This will make your coffee much less pleasant to drink. What’s more, you’ll need a minimum of skill in using the mill to get the right grind.
Does it make a real espresso?
No. An Italian coffee maker, a Bialetti, does not make espresso. You’ll be talking about Italian coffee, Moka coffee, named after the Bialetti coffeemaker, but not espresso. In fact, the term does not appear on the home page of their site.
An espresso is 9 bars, 7-10 grams, 30 ml and 30 seconds (to generalize). Bialetti is not that. But Italian coffee is also strong, rich and intense .
Bialetti, the reference brand
The Bialetti brand was created in 1933 by a certain Alfonso Bialetti. He created the Moka Express coffee maker. In the early years, success was local to the Piedmont region where the factory was located. It was only after the war that the company’s development became more intense, a necessity for its survival.
Although it has been copied many times since, Bialetti’s Moka Express passed the 220 million mark in 2001.
There are 4 main Bialetti models, so here’s what you need to know.
Moka Express
The Moka Express is the original model, created in 1933. You’ll recognize it by its octagonal shape, its use of aluminum, its curved form and its little man ordering a coffee with his finger raised.
It’s a caricature of the company’s big boss, and son of the founder, Renato Bialetti. Over the years, it has become an Italian advertising icon.
Bialetti’s own eight sides facilitate heat diffusion to enhance the aroma of your coffee.
I love the timeless look of the Moka Express.
Brikka
Brikka is a Moka Express that has been redesigned to offer more modern lines and an easier-to-grip handle. It makes for an even creamier cup.
In fact, this model works on the same principle as other Italian coffee makers (the water at the bottom heats up and passes through the ground coffee in the funnel to the pour-over), but thanks to a dual valve systemThe water pressure can be regulated as it rises and passes through the compartment with the ground coffee.
What’s more, the coffeemaker has a hole in the lid for air circulation. The combination of these ingenious systems produces a beautiful, creamy layer of crema that gives your coffee a gourmet touch.
You’ll also be able to see what’s going on inside your coffeemaker and keep track of your coffee thanks to the opening in the lid.
Coffee preparation will take a little longer due to the restricted opening, but I particularly liked the result it offers, and if you’re an espresso lover it should also appeal to you.
Finally, I’d like to give you two tips on how to use the Bialetti Brikka:
- As soon as froth begins to appear, immediately remove the coffee maker from the heat. This prevents the formation of large bubbles, and your mousse will last longer.
- To distribute the foam evenly between the cups, pour your coffee using a gentle back-and-forth motion. This will prevent the foam from remaining in the coffeemaker, or one cup containing more foam than another.
Venus
The Venus is a modernized version of the classic Moka Express. The new shape and thicker materials have been designed to extend its service life. It is also compatible with induction hobs.
A heat-insulated handle allows you to serve yourself without risk of burns, and the pouring spout is equipped with a non-drip system for easy serving.
This model is a little heavier than the aluminum ones, since it is made of stainless steel. The fact that this Italian coffeemaker is made of stainless steel brings two significant advantages:
- Better hygiene and preserved taste. This material is the safest and most neutral in terms of food hygiene. Thanks to stainless steel, the flavours of your coffee will remain intact.
- Induction compatibility. Stainless steel allows you to use your Italian induction coffee maker on all types of fire, including induction.
New Moka Induction
The Moka Induction is designed for those who only have an induction hob at home. The base is based on the Moka Express, with its octagonal shape.
Nonetheless, the materials are adapted to induction to enable the same process, a faster process and still that unmistakable Italian coffee flavor.
But what really sets the New Moka apart from the classic Bialetti Moka is the fact that it can be used on any type of fire, including an induction hob!
Thanks to Bi-Layer technology, this model combines two materials. Aluminum on the inside to respect the Italian coffee tradition, and stainless steel on the outside so you can use it on any hob.
Making (an excellent) coffee with a moka pot
Bialetti’s Moka Express looks complex. Maybe it’s because you don’t know exactly how it works. It’s simple and purely mechanical.
In the lower part, in contact with the heat source, the first tank contains the water. Above, the tank containing the ground coffee.
As it heats up, the water rises in pressure, passes through a tube into the coffee tank and then continues to rise until it reaches the coffee pot at the top of the machine.
STEPS to follow :
- 1. Boiling water in tank.
- 2. Fill the basket BUT do not pack it.
- 3. Preheat the hob/fire relatively low on the gas hob.
- 4. Stay close to your coffee maker and watch the flow.
- 5. As soon as the coffee starts to brew, turn off the heat. For electric plates, move it towards the edge of the plate.
Choosing the right size coffee maker
The capacity of a Bialetti is expressed in cups. Which won’t tell you much, because the traditional capacity of an Italian cup is smaller than that of a French cup.
To keep things simple, consider that a cup is 5 cl. This will correspond to a cup of espresso. If you wish to serve a mug, count 3/4 cups. Keep these figures in mind when choosing your Bialetti.
1 (or 2) people = We’ll take the 3 cups
2 (or 3) people= We take the 6 cups
9 Barista: a real espresso
The 9 Barista espresso machine deserves a place on this page. Why? Because it’s the only variant of the Moka Express that achieves espresso quality.
The 9Barista has a special design, based on a double boiler that allows very fine temperature control without having to intervene in the coffee process.
In this way, the right pressure and temperature for making espresso with an Italian coffee maker are achieved purely mechanically. And the result is simply a delight of aromas, flavors and power.
It’s simply the best Italian machine, and quite simply one of the most incredible coffee machines on the market.
As if that weren’t enough, it’s made from top-of-the-range materials, making it the kind of coffeemaker you’ll want to keep for years to come. It’s a good move considering the high price of this 9Barista. You won’t be surprised to find it in stores or online for around 550 euros.
Maintenance and cleaning
There’s no secret to maintaining a Bialetti: rinse it with hot water after each use. Nothing insurmountable in exchange for the coffee she offers you.
But this section would not be complete without mentioning the need to change the gasket on your Bialetti every 6 months, otherwise it will lose pressure and no longer meet your expectations.
Finally, if you place it on a gas hob, there’s a good chance that the stainless steel will end up blackening. It’s natural and not irreversible. Soak in a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water.
Leave for at least a dozen hours, then rinse with plenty of water. The effects of heat on the outside of the coating will disappear. Be careful not to rub stainless steel with an abrasive surface, as this may damage the coating.
Which coffee for the moka pot?
To choose the right coffee for your Bialetti Italian coffee maker, you can buy Bialetti brand coffee. It has been selected precisely to meet the requirements of this type of percolation.
I recommend a medium torrefaction. The grain should be brown but not black or oily. Too much roast and your coffee will be too bitter. Extraction with the Italian coffee maker is unforgiving.
Of course, you’ll also want to choose a coffee bean, which you’ll grind to a fairly fine setting. Here we want finer than filter coffee, but less fine than espresso.
For the quantity, fill the Bialetti filter, without packing the coffee. If you want a weaker coffee, play with the quantity of coffee, not the quantity of water, which may not be enough to give the right pressure.
Which one to choose?
As for the model, it’s up to you to choose according to your needs (capacity, cooking system) and tastes (design and possibility of more crema). Personally, I use the Moka Express and the Brikka from time to time.
In any case, if you want a fuller-bodied coffee than a filter and lighter notes than an espresso, the Italian coffee maker will satisfy you!
I recommend this machine:
- You are looking for a durable coffee maker made from high-quality materials that can withstand daily use
- You wanta user-friendly coffee maker that allows you to brew coffee with minimal effort
- You need a compact coffee maker that’s easy to store and transport
In summary:
The Bialetti Moka Express makes rich, full-bodied Italian coffee.
Known for its durability, affordability, and ease of use, this traditional coffee maker has been popular since its creation in 1933.
The Bialetti Moka Express uses pressure from boiling water to pass through ground coffee, producing a robust drink.
While it doesn’t match the pressure levels of espresso (9 bars), it offers an intense flavor, and it’s essential to monitor brewing to avoid burning the coffee.
The pot’s octagonal shape helps distribute heat evenly, enhancing the coffee’s aroma.
Maintenance involves simple rinsing with hot water, but the rubber gasket needs replacing every six months.
- Aesthetic look
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Very simple maintenance
- Wide range of capacities
- Not dishwasher safe
- Incompatible with induction
I answer all your questions
What kind of cup does an Italian coffee maker offer?
The Italian coffee maker gives you a unique result. This method produces a strong, aromatic coffee halfway between espresso and filter.
What grind should you use for your moka pot?
The choice of grind is crucial to the success of your coffee. If the grind is unsuitable, you risk ending up with a coffee :
Too strong if the grind is too fine. The water will then take too long to pass through the filter;
Too light if the grind is too coarse. In this case, the water will flow through the ground coffee too quickly and the brewing time will be too short.
How long does extraction take?
Once you’ve placed your coffeepot with hot water on the stove, coffee should appear in about 5 minutes for a three-cup coffeepot.
Aluminium: is it dangerous?
The presence of aluminum in the Bialetti’s design is questionable, given the dangerous nature of this alloy.
However, as long as you don’t clean your coffeemaker with an abrasive (product or sponge), you won’t damage the coating. So there’s no risk.
When to change the rubber seal?
You should change the seal on your Bialetti every 6 months to ensure its efficiency. This is important not only for your safety, given the pressure in the Italian coffee maker, but also to ensure that the coffee goes through its process optimally.
What are the maintenance differences between stainless steel and aluminum models?
The advantage of stainless steel is that it is a more resistant material. This makes it easy to maintain your Bialetti without worrying about its coating. It’s even dishwasher-safe, unlike aluminum.