Bialetti Moka Express

by Lee
(Oregon USA)

Espresso makers are a feat of modern engineering, and like most feats of modern engineering they carry a hefty price tag. What's a thrifty coffee addict to do? The answer may lie, somewhat, in your very own moka pot. The precursors of modern espresso technology (and often called stovetop espresso), these coffee makers are a staple in many European homes, and indeed my particular model hails from Italy - the Bialetti Moka Express.

The pots come in various sizes, mine being a 6-cup coffee pot which produces around six espresso-sized shots, or one regular demitasse coffee cup. The pot is very simple to use: pour water into the bottom section, add the filter full of ground coffee, screw on the top section and let it sit on the stove. The water begins to evaporate, building up pressure and forcing the water up through the central pipe and through the coffee, producing a rich intense brew in around five minutes. It's not espresso per se, but is deeper and more complex than anything you'll find in drip coffee, and at around 25 dollars you can't really go wrong.

And for those who are really looking to replicate the espresso experience, Bialetti produce another pot called the Brikka, which is designed to produce something akin to the rich bubbly crema that espresso is known for.