Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
by Bialetti
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List Price: Our Price: $23.95 You Save: $6.04 (20%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 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: No more Starbucks for me!
Summary: 5 Stars
Ok... this little Moka is AMAZING. I LOVE espresso, but I hate spending the money on Starbucks' specialty lattes. I wanted an espresso machine, and have been researching for months, but I just don't have the money for it. So I started looking into percolators, and soon found that this was the true Italian way to make espresso. I was intrigued. Then I realized, this thing is a pot - with no mechanical parts like an espresso machine. So all those problems that the espresso machines have I might avoid with the Moka. So I bought it. For $27 shipped, it was worth a shot. WOW. I am so glad that I did!
I also bought the aerolatte milk frother on Amazon for $17. I then researched how to make coffee syrups. So I made my ultimate craving today - the pumpkin spice latte. I am so ridiculously excited. No more $4.50 lattes for me! Seriously, don't hesitate to try it. I have never used a percolator and it was so easy. Just follow the directions and take care of it like you would anything else. I have never had an issue with an appliance or kitchen gadget I have purchased because I keep my things clean and taken care of, and follow directions! That is all it takes. Yes, you can be unlucky and just get a lemon, but that does not mean that the product itself is not fabulous. So just try it! You will not be disappointed!
Customer Review: Fantastic
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a beautifully designed machine.
It basically consists of 3 parts--the base, which you fill with water, a metal "filter basket" with a tube on the bottom through which the water is forced up from the base via steam pressure and through the coffee, and the top, where the finished product ends up.
The finished product is not quite as strong as espresso produced the traditional way, nor does it produce any significant crema, but it is much richer and fuller than using a drip-method.
You won't get as much flavor nuance as a french press, but if you want a quick way to get some seriously bold, strong morning fuel, this is the way to go. It's also ideal for Thai iced coffee and Americanos should you feel like something less intense.
Clean up is easy. No filters to buy. Eventually you may have to get the rubber o-ring seal replaced, but the rest of it will stand up to daily use longer than you'll be alive, barring any supervolcano eruptions in your neighborhood, an extraterrestrial extinction level event, or nuclear holocaust.
There is a reason these are used over ridiculous Mr. Coffee contraptions in the country that invented espresso.
If you are a coffee lover, you owe it to yourself to become a drinker of Moka.
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.