Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
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List Price: Our Price: $23.95 You Save: $6.04 (20%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $19.99 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
Customer Review: I'm in love with the "Little Man"!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
At first I wasn't sure I'd like this since I've used a French press for years, but I love espresso and was dying to make my own espresso with my own coffee, rather than relying on coffee shops etc but didn't want a steam press. I requested this from "Santa" and picked out the 6-cup since I usually like volume or would make two - and I tried it this morning. Love at first sip! I discarded the first batch, although I'm not sure it was necessary. Second batch is the best coffee I've ever had - anywhere! I used an espresso ground coffee that I like, filled water to the line, filled the funnel with coffee, and I did tamp a little but not a lot, but it together then on low heat - after a while was a pleasant gurgle and when the gurgles stopped I turned off the water and poured the coffee. I definitely got two servings out of this and I like it strong - so if you have two people or want two coffee drinks, this is an excellent size. I have a frother, so made my own latte and it is better than those you buy. I will never go back! This was even easier and quicker than the French press and the coffee is extraordinary! I have to say, my initial impression was that I couldn't believe it was so small - so didn't think it would be worthwhile, but don't let that influence you - this little guy delivers!Customer Review: Good all purpose unit & my secret for the best taste
Summary: 5 Stars
I own several Bialetti models, including this one, another that uses a float system to cap the flow before the final burst makes it bitter, and the one called "Brikka" that purports to make crema. All are well made.
However, I found that the trick on this one is to remove it from the heat well before the last blast of superheated steam rushes through. It takes a bit of practice to get it right, meaning the upper chamber fills completely without the steamy weak final surge. If you do it as described, I believe you will find a sweeter, less burned tasting brew. Also, do NOT use the fine espresso grind in this pot or any like it. Fine ground coffee clogs the process and leads to, again, a burnt taste.
This unit is great if you need to make a bit more coffee than the smaller units. Give my method a try and see if it works for you!
PS: One espresso fancier said that the moka pot is the idea all-purpose brewer. it makes an espresso-like beverage, but when diluted with hot water it makes a "cafe American" for the guest who prefers that style of coffee, and it is ready-made for iced coffee. Something to consider. I also like the fact that I never have to worry about hard water ruining the piping in a pump machine or drip maker!
Customer Review: Italian Gem
Summary: 5 Stars
So far, this little puppy really works well. It is simple to set up, makes a great pot of coffee in about 5 minutes, and is easy to clean and maintain. Hard to beat for the price. After trying it out a couple of times, we purchased a second one, so that we can simultaneously make a pot of regular espresso and a pot of decaf when the whole family is here.
One precautionary note, make sure that top and bottom are screwed together very tightly to prevent steam from escaping through the O-ring at the junction of the two parts. Also, I suggest not leaving it unattended, as it would probably overheat after the water has percolated out of the reservoir. And finally, be careful when handling, in that the exterior does get hot and requires some time to disassemble before reloading or cleaning.
It is also suggested to buy the appropriate size for the number of cups you would typically expect to make. It may be difficult to set it up for a partial pot. So if you typically would want 6 cups, then don't be tempted to buy the 9 or 12 cup percolator. Also, it makes sense to invest in some spare seals (O-rings), though the shipping cost of these exceeds their price.
Customer Review: Follow these tips for a unique coffee
Summary: 5 Stars
Every family in Italy owns one of these machines. Here are a few tips:
1. In Italy this is NOT called an espresso machine, but a Moka machine. An espresso is what you would drink in bar made with a steam or high pressure machine with the crema on top.
2. Smaller size Moka machine tend to make better coffee.
3. Never wash the Moka with detergents, just rinse it under tap water
4. You've gotta use it often for a good coffee.
5. If you haven't use it in a while, make a weak coffee ("lungo") and discard
6. DO NOT put the MOka in the dishwasher.
7. Use drinking water. Avoid tap water especially if very chlorinated
8. Never compress the coffee.
9. For a strong coffee fill the filter with ground coffee and make a small cupola that slightly protrudes beyond the rim. Do not press down.
10. For best coffee, heat at very low heat. It's ok if it takes 10min.
11. As soon as coffee reaches the top, remove from heat
12. Do not let the coffee boil
13. Use good quality coffee, not too strong, medium grind (try Illy for a good commercial brand)
14. Sip while still hot, enjoy!
Customer Review: Great Coffee
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this coffee pot for about a month and so far I'm very happy. I primed the coffee maker as suggested here by making and throwing away 3-4 pots of coffee. The coffee (espresso coffee ground for a moka pot) tastes excellent. However, unlike what one reviewer mentioned, I've not yet been able to procure any of that elusive crema.
One note: I've read random reviews online regarding this pot where some people experienced coffee leaks from the bottom part of the pot. One of the suggestions for fixing this was to tighten (or over tighten) the bottom part of the pot. Anyway, I experienced this leak a couple times last week and reading the reviews I thought I had to return the pot. However, I quickly realised my mistake. I had inserted the filter (that fits between the lower and the upper chamber) backwards. The filter is secured in place by the rubber seal and the wide portion of the filter ring should be facing up. I reversed the direction of the filter on the pot (I obviously had replaced it wrongly after washing this unit) and this stopped the leak. Now we're back to enjoying leak and mess free coffee.