Bialetti LA Cafetiere MOKA Express 12 CUP

For as long as I can remember this coffeepot has been loitering on the cooker in my kitchen. Perhaps of the advertisers conditioning I was subjected to when I was growing up - I could sing you the tune! - , the distinctive mark - the man with the moustache pointing at the ceiling in his little suit and pointy hat- is a synonim for quality. This is one of a few topstove coffeepots available, and the coffee it makes is uncomplicatedely delicious strong ...
...several parts: a top and bottom which unscrew to reveal two removable filters: one at the bottom of the top half is held in place by a rubber gasket which gives the airtight seal between the two halfs; the other filter is shaped like a funnel with a circular cup with a mesh where the funnel shape begins. This filter sits with the narrow end in the water on the bottom half, it's filled with coffee and the top half is then screwed back on tightly. ... more

For as long as I can remember this coffeepot has been loitering on the cooker in my kitchen. Perhaps of the advertisers conditioning I was subjected to when I was growing up - I could sing you the tune! - , the distinctive mark - the man with the moustache pointing at the ceiling in his little suit and pointy hat- is a synonim for quality. This is one of a few topstove coffeepots available, and the coffee it makes is uncomplicatedely delicious strong aromatic espresso.

It consists of several parts: a top and bottom which unscrew to reveal two removable filters: one at the bottom of the top half is held in place by a rubber gasket which gives the airtight seal between the two halfs; the other filter is shaped like a funnel with a circular cup with a mesh where the funnel shape begins. This filter sits with the narrow end in the water on the bottom half, it's filled with coffee and the top half is then screwed back on tightly. The steam created in the bottom airtight half pushes the water through the coffee held between the filters and up through a spout in the top half of the pot.

It mimics the same process which happens with larger machines, although this particular model does not offer a milk frothing facilities. I use a hand held device which whips the hot - not boiled - milk and it has the same effect . The same company produces these pots in various shapes and sizes including an electric model and one which froths milk as well as making the coffee. None of the variations compare to this timeless classic. Its design has been so timeless and successful I believe that it has been imitated by a number of manufacturers, but never equalled in the proportions, durability and and quality of espresso produced.

With time some of the parts will need replacilng (filters 5/7 years, rubber ring once a year) but this is very easy to do and satisfying if like me, you enjoy renewing appliances rather than discard them to the ever increasing waste pile.

To save on changing these parts too often, keep the rubber seal clean and clear of coffee grounds. If the pot seems not to filter the water through, remove the seal carefully, and holding the rim of the top disc like filter with a pair of pliers and your hands in oven gloves, hold it over an open flame until the grounds blocking it burn red. Remove from the flame and tap it gently on the side of the sink. Plunge it in a bowl of cold water before replacing it with the seal as before.. The same operation can be performed on the funnel filter to improve water flow.

Really, I could not be without one of these machines. I own three at the moment which are all used regularly. They are all different capacities (3 cup, 4 cup, and 6 cup) and I only own a few of the sizes available (1 cup, 2 cup, 12 cup and 24 cup)
Washing out the machine is very straightforward, but again take care of the filters. They like the rest of the pot are made by high quality alluminium, and will need to be aired or throughly dried before storage.

World's no. one coffee-maker . Still the simplest and the best. 

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