Moka Pot Espresso

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RazorRamone
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Moka Pot Espresso

Post by RazorRamone »

I enjoy espresso. To make my daily (double) habit more affordable, I researched videos on YouTube how to use a moka pot.

I have been thinking of buying one, but I am not sure how the espresso's quality will turn out versus a coffee shop's machine.

Do any of you coffee aficionados have experience with a moka pot? Any insights as to the espresso quality?

Thanks,

RR
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JimR
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Post by JimR »

I have a Moka Express and love it immensely. I can have a lovely cupof the stuff in 4 minutes from the time I open the cabinet to get my pot, to the time I pour.

That being said, it is not precisely espresso. It produces less pressure than a true espresso maker,and the crema is far less evident. The flavor lacks a little of the complexity of a true espresso due to the lower pressure, but it is close enough for my taste buds. If you get a good roast, it's a fantastic cup, and you sure can't beat the price.
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nteeman
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Post by nteeman »

I have a Bialetti Brikka and it produces an enjoyable cup but not quite the same as a machines Espresso.
see http://www.bialetti.com/coffee/brikka/


But I also have as aerobie Aeropress and it is more versatile (can make coffee as well as Espresso like drink) - it is cheap, easy to clean and quick!

see http://aerobie.com/products/aeropress.htm
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fallingwickets
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Post by fallingwickets »

im such a sucker.....just ordered the aerobie :lol: it looks nice...thanks for the rec

clive
de gustibus non est disputandum
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jtpca
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Post by jtpca »

I was riding a charilift at my favourite ski resort last winter and got chatting with another skier about espresso. He professed to be quite a connoisseur and said "Let's have one up top..."

After unloading, a thermos of hot water and his Aerobie came out of his backpack. At a cool -15C on the top of a mountain I enjoyed an excellent espresso.

He was amused by my praise of Nespresso... and until I tasted his product I was quite skeptical of the Aerobie.
Jason

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Nitrox
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Post by Nitrox »

Make sure the Moka pot you buy is made in Italy.
There are cheaper imitations (made overseas) and the quality is awful and they break easily.
I know that Walmart of all places carries them (Bialetti) here so you don't have to look too much to get one.
They also come in various cup sizes and the coffee they make is pretty decent, although the professional machines are better.
Bruno

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RazorRamone
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Post by RazorRamone »

WalMart carries Brialetti? I would have never guessed.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I am going to go with a Brialetti Brikka model.

Now I need to find quality beans...
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Dapper Dad
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Post by Dapper Dad »

Now I need to find quality beans
What flavor characteristics do you like?
Eric
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TRBeck
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Post by TRBeck »

Okay, I use a French press daily but have been pondering a Moka pot for fauxpresso. Now checking out the Brikka and the Aeropress. You guys will be the death of me.

Regards,
Regards,
Tim

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Nitrox
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Post by Nitrox »

TRBeck wrote: You guys will be the death of me.

Regards,
Yea, now we're going to get members addicted to espresso machines and everyone will want one. Sounds familiar? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :wink:
Bruno

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shave every day and you'll always look keen."
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Dapper Dad
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Post by Dapper Dad »

I recommend Nespresso for people who don't have a lot of time in the morning. Takes about 30 seconds and there is almost zero clean up. Great crema, good flavor. Each cup is about 55 cents. Try one out at Williams & Sonoma before you buy.
Eric
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jtpca
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Post by jtpca »

Dapper Dad wrote:I recommend Nespresso for people who don't have a lot of time in the morning. Takes about 30 seconds and there is almost zero clean up. Great crema, good flavor. Each cup is about 55 cents. Try one out at Williams & Sonoma before you buy.
+1
Jason

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ichabod
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Post by ichabod »

I have an Aeropress, which is a great little device, and the coffee I make from it has got so many compliments from visitors I've lost count (I can't count very high anyway, but still). The output is very different from a Moka pot though.

As to the Moka pot - first of all, don't put it in the dishwasher! (Not that I'd do anything that foolish). You can get a pretty decent fauxpresso (I like that term!) out of it, but it takes quite a bit of prep and supervision. The main risk is that the coffee stays in the heated metal of the pot too long and is ruined, or the pot gets too hot and the coffee is ruined. One good idea is to boil the water before pouring it into the heating chamber, as it then steams through the grounds more quickly, giving the metal less time to heat up. I also like to get the pot off the heat almost as soon as the sacred golden brown fluid comes up through the magical fount of glory (located nowhere near the Chalice of Balding). There are several decent how to guides out on the interwebs, including some by champion baristas(!) who wrap the upper pot in a cold rag while pouring the boiling water in the lower.

Also at the cheap (not as cheap though), portable end are also the ones that use CO2 cartridges and pump handles for pressure. I haven't tried any of them, but they look like fun and apparently can produce a decent (less faux) espresso. This one, for example - http://mypressi.com/

Of course, good coffee and a great grinder are essential to a good espresso, but enough coffee geekery from me.

(I could watch this over and over though - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKMjyu75Y1s)
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fallingwickets
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Post by fallingwickets »

my aerobie arrived today. I'm not sure what i think about it....the coffee was ok, but not that much better than it tastes via the bunn i have. It is nice to have an alternative method to make a cup of coffee and I very much appreciate the recommendation

clive
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giammi
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Post by giammi »

For those interested in caffé alla napoletana...(Neapolitan Flip-Over Coffee Pot)

Sofia Loren tells you how to do the perfect coffee and which
coffee maker to use
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl7ErioJQlI

a little more technical
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkxUpZMr ... 5D1EB340BA

and how to do the cream with sugar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDjES1r9 ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abD6VXl3 ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqwRx9-X ... re=related
Giammi

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SmallTank
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Post by SmallTank »

a Nespresso maker is probably THE highest rated capsule machine..google them..GREAT buy if you wanna deal with grinds everywhere...just a thought
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GregPQ
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Post by GregPQ »

giammi wrote:For those interested in caffé alla napoletana...(Neapolitan Flip-Over Coffee Pot)

Sofia Loren tells you how to do the perfect coffee and which
coffee maker to use
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl7ErioJQlI

a little more technical
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkxUpZMr ... 5D1EB340BA

and how to do the cream with sugar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDjES1r9 ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abD6VXl3 ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqwRx9-X ... re=related
More evidence of why we should all pray we get to come back as Italian in another life. Who cares about sovereign debt ratings....
Greg
Fiat lux, et facta est lux. Que la lumière soit, et la lumière fut. Let there be light, and there was light.
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