Bialetti Moka Express 3-Cup Stovetop Percolator

I bought this after getting a Nespresso Aeroccino Automatic Milk Frother for Christmas. Already have a Cusinart Grind and Brew. This tops the Cusinart for rich coffee, easily brewed on the stovetop, for taste and smoothness of the coffee. Seems less acidic in brew.

Since I am lactose intolerant, I add soy milk heated and frothed in the Aeroccino and I have a great soy latte... even with both in terms of cost, I recoup the cost of having a latte outside of the house in a week or or two... and in my house and easy chair in front of the TV watching the news.

Worth a try for the newbie. I will have to wait and see how the Moka Express holds up. Recommended by my local Peet's --- 2 T coffee per 6 oz of water. I just filled the filter and the Moka Express to the top of the line (9 cup Moka Express). Worked out great. Enjoy...

I got this because Giada used one line it on Everyday Italian to make espresso. I'll admit, it does a pretty decent job of making espresso in a relatively short amount of time. However, make sure you watch the Moka... I burned up my first one because non of my burners are small enough for it and I wasn't paying attention. If you put milk in the top of the Moka and less water in the bottom, you can make a cappuccino (no need for the uber expensive Moka). I'm glad I got this brand because it has worked well (other than burning up my first). One thing to note, you will not get the crema (the lighter brown foam at the top) making espresso this way, which is an issue for some.

Short of buying an actual espresso machine, which generates steam, this is an excellent alternative for making espresso. My only regret is that I bought the smallest model and for me it doesn't even make a good mug full of coffee. I expect that I will upgrade to a larger model of the same design.

I just needed something that would give me a small but quick caffeine boost in the morning. It works perfectly for that - 5 minutes flat - and into a small thermos with a bit of milk and sugar. Done.

Stovetop, 'moka'-style espresso is great. The bialetti is the 'classic' in this department. So, what's not to love? Well, the Bialetti is made cheaply, of aluminum and soft plastic. I've had several of these, and always end up burning them, melting the handle, or wrecking them in the dishwasher.

So, what's the alternative? Well, stainless steel works great here. There are other manufacturers that build stainless stovetop espresso makers that are substantially more durable, dishwasher-friendly, and make the same great 'moka'. I'm a fan of the Vev Vigano, but I'm willing to bet there are lots of other brands that are perfectly good choices.