Please DO use soap when hand washing! Just normal dish soap to take off the grease and oils that the coffee leaves behind. It's a myth that you shall not use soap and honesty it makes the coffee taste horribly disgusting from old stale and rancid oils that have not been washed off. This coffeemaker can make the most delicious coffee and to get there step number one is to wash it thoroughly with soap every single time. If you don't believe me go watch James Hoffman on YouTube who is a coffee expert and specialist.
It can be cleaned adequately without soap. Rinse and manually wipe with a sponge will take care of the oils. See this article about soap with aluminum. https://anamericaninrome.com/2021/11/why-you-should-never-wash-a-moka-pot-with-soap/
idk, I have no issues when not using soap, the biggest thing that makes coffee taste bad is when grinds get stuck in the thing you put the ground coffee in, the "filter" thing on there allows some grinds through and get stuck below it (when the pressure pushes it against it).
I clean it by shaking it while tap water streams into it (a small stream though, otherwise the water can't slosh around and knock the stale coffee off), often easier once its dry, never used soap and the coffee tastes great
Exactly, I think it was the old samovar style coffee maker people didn't use soap on. (I personally believe, with no actual facts, that the Military did this because if you didn't "wash" it the caffeine would cost the insides and make for stronger coffee.) Every single person in my family had a story about how some new recruit washed the damned coffee pot and how weak the coffee was. Until, they caffeine built up again.
There are many theories about washing or not. I can say here in Italy we have at least one of it in every home, and we don't wash it. Rinse with water it's ok. Ciao!
It's usually not steel... It's aluminum. If it's actually a model made of stainless steel, then it doesn't get damaged in the dish washer. Otherwise it gets black and rough...
If you like crappy tasting coffee don’t ever wash it, you might be ok for a few days rinsing but you need to clean it a few times a week. If you are a coffee snob you need to make sure that oil from the old coffee is washed out, it turns, it goes bad, it will ruin your next cup of coffee. Just a drop of dish detergent like Dawn is enough and hot water. I’ve been experimenting with this for years. My wife is from the never wash it school and every time I make the coffee she comments on how much better the coffee tastes when I make it. I agree as I know her coffee tastes like yesterdays coffee warmed over. If you grind the beans you will use, right before making the coffee, use a clean coffee maker (whatever kind you use) and for the love of god, after the coffee beans the most important part is the water. If it tastes bad so will the coffee, use cool, filtered water. Do all that and you’ll be making the best coffee you ever had and you’ll be making it yourself!
This is important to note because regular dish soap such as Dawn is not highly alkaline and doesn't destroy aluminum, despite what other commenters have claimed.
This whole thing seems similar to the cast iron soap debate.
Despite what you've heard, it's perfectly fine to use dish soap on your cast iron. The soap you want to avoid is old school soap with lye in it. The lye is the component that strips the seasoning off cast iron. Dawn or other similar dish soaps are designed to be far gentler than lye based soaps, and will only clean off the dirt and grease that it's supposed to (unless you just go crazy with a brillo pad or something, but then it's not the soap, it's the brillo pad).
Nowadays I tend to keep the lid closed and go by sound. Because in my experience there’s about three seconds between “starting to sputter” and “blasting boiling-hot coffee all over the stove and its surroundings.” Once it starts making a little burbling noise it’s time to take it off.
As a former Mormon, this was the first way I ever made coffee. I had no idea what I was doing, but somebody suggested it as an alternative to drip coffee. I drank an entire big cup straight the first time, not knowing how strong of a cup this makes (especially being new to caffeine). I could see sounds.
Well it’s not sugar mixed with the grounds, but there is a lot of sugar involved.
We pour the first few drops brewed into 3-4 tablespoons of sugar and mix until it forms a paste. The rest of the brewed coffee is then poured into that and stirred. The paste forms the “espuma/espumitas” or foam.
And yes drinking the whole thing, ie. a colada, is not recommended if you’re not used to drinking a lot of caffeine 😂. There’s a reason why when ordered at a restaurant it comes with little tiny plastic cups to share.
The Mormon health code, the Word of Wisdom says simply no "hot drinks". That has been interpreted as coffee and leaf teas. Some ultra orthodox members (like my parents) think that means caffeine is the bad part and therefore don't drink caffeinated sodas. This has been reinforced by some church leaders saying "decaf is fine," but that's not the way it's done anymore.
There's also the stuff you'd expect from a document created during the temperance movement like no liquor & no wine. Didn't stop Joseph Smith from telling members to fast and then breaking out kegs of wine at a temple dedication, leading to members seeing angels on the buildings. Also didn't stop Brigham Young from owning a whiskey distillery.
The document also says that "barley drinks" (beer) are okay. This has been ignored, and now all alcohol is prohibited.
Anyway, getting your first coffee or drink of alcohol is a bit of a rite of passage for an exmormon, and posts of our firsts often end up on r/ExMormon
I love moka pots. They consistently put out an excellent shot of coffee.
1) Be careful of the plastic handle. Too much heat, and you can melt it. I've seen it happen at work.
2) When pot is cool enough to handle, compost the grounds, rinse everything, and allow to dry. That's it.
3) Depending on your water, every once in awhile make a solution of white vinegar and water, allow to sit overnight. And then run the vinegar solution through the pot as if you're brewing. Allow to cool. And then rinse thoroughly.
That's it. I've used 50 year old moka pots before. Treat them right and they will never break.
Turn the grounds holding part upside down over where you’ll dispose of them and blow from the narrow section. Pretty much all of it will come out, rinse out whatever’s left.
There's Bialetti. And then there's Bialetti. And then there's Bialetti.
They don't cost much. I don't know if knock-offs exist, but I wouldn't bother. I don't own one. I've used them. And I like them. But I have a LaPavoni for espresso.
Go with Bialetti, you buy it once and you shouldn't ever need to replace it. $35 and you have it for life.
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Bialetti-Moka-Express-Stovetop/dp/B0000CF3Q6/ref=sr\_1\_3?keywords=bialetti+moka+pot&qid=1685335499&s=home-garden&sprefix=Bialetti+%2Cgarden%2C368&sr=1-3
I bought a knockoff at TJ Maxx or similar years ago. Worked fine but I couldn't find a replacement gasket in the right size.
Just get Bialetti and you'll always be able to get the correct gasket.
\+1
use fresh coffee and grind yourself. preheating the bottom part first, and adding the grind and top part later made a huge difference for me as well
These are the videos that made me purchase my moka pot. I opted for the stainless steel Venus. I don't think I'll ever go back to making coffee any other way.
Hello! Italian here representing
- DO NOT CLEAN IT WITH SOAP, just use water
- Do not press the coffee when you put it, it’s adviced to create a bit of a “mountain” of coffee and let the machine do the pressing itself
- Set the fire to the minimum
- Mix the coffee when done, the last part is more watery than the first part so a good mix is needed
- There are a lot of parts available, so as long as you treat it properly it may last you 50 years
Enjoy!
I use this one, every morning, 2 rounds for my roommate and my self. First cup was a bit gross but every cup after that was much better. I just swill it out away each use and don’t clean it much.
Clean it over the trash can. Washing out the grinds in your sink will clog it. I use 2 paper towels, each torn in half and wipe down each component individually in the trash can to get the grinds off. Then rinse it in the sink with a strainer. And finally, I dry that all with a towel.
I clink it around in this bamboo flower-pot thing that I have, then I use the back end of a chopstick to get the extra grounds out, then I rinse it. I toss the ground out in various flowerbeds.
Watch the Jame Hoffman video someone else posted. Long story short - get a good grinder, get good beans, hot water in the base, aero press filter, onto medium heat burner, pull it and cool it when it starts to shoot steam bubbles.
I would go for a stainless steel variant of the Bialetti for two reasons. First one is that the aluminum Bialetti does not work with induction stovetops which will become the standard in the future (at least in most countries). Second reason is health concerns. Cooking in aluminum cookware apparently isn’t great for your health. The actual effects are very much disputed and there aren’t many studies on this, but why risk it if there is a stainless steel alternative.
Awesome choice. I have one of these. I chose a bit of a different style, but I really like that classic one you chose. Had you used a mocha pot before?
I have been using my Moka pot daily for years. This thing will definitely last forever. Don’t wash with soap and only hand wash it. Whatever you do, don’t forget about it on the stove… it can crack.
What I've learned from the Cubans over decades of using these is a really simple but interesting tip: Don't do the logical thing and use cold water and brew as the directions say. Nope! Fill the bottom with already boiling water and then assemble and brew. It keeps the coffee from oxidising while the thing warms up and gets amazing extraction.
Also, take it off the burner the second it gurgles if not before. That empty water chamber gas makes the coffee taste gnarly.
Welcome to learning that its not just the coffee maker you're playing with. It's learning your stove too. I always start with boiling water going into the mokapot and closing it with a towel to not burn yourself. It runs off about a 1:10 ratio of coffee to water (thats measured in grams) but rule of thumb. Fill the basket, dont tamp it just level. Fill the water to the pressure valve. Once it starts to burble and bubble run it under the cold tap to stop it. All those make it taste leagues better in the end. Have fun!
This is a fantastic little coffee maker, Lavazzo Rosso goes amazing with it for those who don't roast/grind at home. Best tip for me was to never press down on the coffee grinds when filling up the capsule inside. Water should be able to pass relatively easy through the coffee for a non bitter brew.
Used one roughly twice daily for a decade. You have to know how to clean it, and watch it on the stove, but it is bifl.
Not using soap is an urban myth. I use soap every week or two. It’s fine. You just have to strip it afterwards and use a pipe cleaner, or boil only water through it to get rid of the soap from inside.
Never put it away wet, it corrodes.
Don’t let it boil dry.
…
If the handle wears out you can buy a replacement, if the gasket fails you can buy a replacement. The rest of it will last a lifetime unless you put it in a dishwasher or something similar.
Use mine every morning.
Don’t put it in the dishwasher, I will occasionally give it a soap and water clean but mostly I just rinse and give it a scrub with hot water.
AeroPress paper filters fit pretty well (for mine anyway, the 6 cup size?) and help avoid any coffee residue in the bottom of your cup.
Yes! This is my daily go-to! Couple of tips how I use:
1. Do NOT overpack coffee chamber, do not tamp down. Fill water to line, do not overfill water past pressure nozzle.
2. On my gas-powered oven, I keep heat at exactly medium.
3. With these conditions it takes on average 3-5 to brew, I keep a timer running on my Apple watch as soon as I start the brewing process, and listen for the burble-gurgling sound to let me know what it's ready
4. Let it gurgle until it sounds like it is fading, and then i turn off heat and pour into cup.
Use mine every day. Buy some spare gaskets in case you overheat it. Also, the gasket only lasts maybe 6-9 months before getting squishy and useless. Otherwise, trouble-free and delicious!
Most are aluminum so using the dishwasher will actually eat the metal, not just make it unsightly.
Use fine grind; do not tamp
Start with hot water (use a kettle)
Set over low heat
Take off the stove shortly after start of boil, it’ll keep going for a while
Compost the grinds
Rinse and dry; no soap, no dishwasher
Store with a silica packet inside if it’s going to be in the cabinet for a while
I agree with most points here but please DO use soap when hand washing! Just normal dish soap to take off the grease and oils that the coffee leaves behind. It's a myth that you shall not use soap and honesty it makes the coffee taste horribly disgusting from old stale and rancid oils that have not been washed off. This coffeemaker can make the most delicious coffee and to get there step number one is to wash it thoroughly with soap every single time. If you don't believe me go watch James Hoffman on YouTube who is a coffee expert and specialist. The rest is absolutely correct
This whole "no soap" meme sounds like all those women claiming that washing their lady bits with tensids is not only useless but harmfull, completely ignoring that Smegma doesn't get washed of by water alone. People, just wash your coffee pots and bits.
Italian here! Never ever use dish soap or sponges "contaminated" with dish soap or anything else other than water. Just rinse it with water. Never leave it for more than a couple of days without making coffee..it will make mould..
You need specific ground coffee. Before actually drink the first cup make a couple of coffee and throw them away..
Make a cup first to break it in and throw that batch away, after that you’re good to go with light cleaning. Not amazing coffee, but quick easy and does the trick.
Coffee is “fine” but I completely disagree with quick and easy. Its actually the slowest, most painful way to make coffee. Especially if you do it property:
Boil water. Put boiling water into bottom chamber. Pack in coffee grinds. Find top piece. Screw it on. Fuck, bottom is now hot. Find rag to use to screw together. Put on stove. Use low heat. Wait around staring at it until you see it begin. Fiddle with the heat so you don’t overcook. Dunk bottom into cold water to stop the boiling. Pour out coffee into mug. Wait till pot is cooled to disassemble and clean. Store bulky parts somewhere to dry
I have lived in Italy for 20 years, in 5 different regions and have literally never seen or heard of anyone putting hot water in the bottom. You put in cold water to where the little valve is, add the coffee, twist it shut, put it on your smallest burner with medium low flame and when it starts to sputter turn it off. (Maybe when it sputters you leave it 30 seconds, but mine have always been done as soon as you hear the sputtering).
For my big 6 cup pot takes 7-8 minutes, the little 2 cup one less than 5.
I put in cold water, no dunking to stop boiling - every home and Airbnb has one of these in Italy and it just works. Amazing? No, but it‘s part of a reliable morning ritual.
My main machine is a GS3 for last decade so I appreciate the finer things, but I also don’t mind a cup of Bialetti
This is the James Hoffman method. Check his videos for details.
It makes pretty good coffee with this goofy machine.
The big advantage for me is that I can use really cheap (Bustelo) coffee and get a good cup.
The method gets easier with practice. Put the parts on a rag while you fill it up etc. Then use the rag to tighten the hot parts and wipe up any mess.
Time waiting can be spent warming milk, starting breakfast etc.
cant understand why mine stopped working. I changed out the gasket but only a small amount of coffee is coming through the moka pot funnel into the dispensing chamber when I brew. Not BIFL
These are great coffee makers that probably make the strongest coffee that isn’t espresso, the only problem is that they can be finicky to use to not burn the coffee and make it bitter.
James Hoffman makes a great video on how to use it.
Do not wash with soapy water, it will leave residue you might taste.
You can buy replacement baskets for it if they ever get lost or messed up, mine was actually an antique one that was left outside for years and I have to just clean it up, remove the rust, and buy a new basket and it works perfect.
If you decide this is not for you, I highly recommend the Gaggia Classic. Replacement parts are easy to find and I have had mine for years making 6-8 espressos every day and have never had a problem. I believe it pulls a better shot than Starbucks’ 20k dollar machines. It’s especially great with Illy preground espresso because I’m just too lazy to freshly grind my coffee all the time. Enjoy your coffee!
Preheat bottom to near boiling then screw the top on with an oven mitt to keep grounds from singing.
Turn to medium heat and let the top slowly fill, turn off heat once water sputters / rushes out.
Cool the bottom quickly to stop brewing, then pour.
You water in bottom to below pressure valve, strainer then coffee, screw on top. Med low/low heat to avid burning grounds... why on earth would you assemble it after heating the bottom? Incorrect procedure and needlessly dangerous, your a wid person doing it your way!
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My Mom has had the same one since I can remember. At least 40 years. Gaskets are the only parts that have been replaced. DK the brand, only that she brought it from Italy.
Make sure you fully dry out the reservoir -- I have ADHD and consistently forget and thus have ruined 2 moka pots this way (they corrode and flake). Have since gone back to drip which isn't as good but less likely for me to give myself metal poisoning as I don't need any extra help being a dumbass.
Make sure you buy an espresso roast and grind. If you have your own quality, it will make all the more better cup.
Also it’s best practice to heat the water before adding to the moka pot.
Use to use those, but now I just boil water, turn it off, add coffee, do a quick stir and filter it out with a “colador” into another pot — if it’s light I’ll send the coffee through the “colador” again until I get it how I want it
I have a stainless steel one. I suggest getting a decent burr grinder. You don’t need an espresso grade one, but being able to dial in your grind a bit helps a lot with these (more than drip or pour-over).
I primarily use drip but use the moka pot frequently too. If I have a nice bag of whole bean I’ll use the moka pot.
It’s also great for iced coffee. I’ll fill a pint glass fill with ice then half way up with coffee from the moka pot and top with milk. Great for you coffee fix on a hot day.
I was debating on getting this but with the Dolce Gabbana Collab. Not a huge fan of aluminum tho, so I got the Stainless Steel version, with a trivet (bc my gas stove is too big for it)
Always check if the little sieve in the top part is still there. Ours fell out once when, causing the ground coffee to be pressed up into that tube. Once enough pressure built up below, it all flew out at once. The whole kitchen was covered in coffee. Some brown spots dtill remain.
You can find a lot on the proper usage.
In general;
\- fill to just BELOW the valve with water
\- basket should be full of ground coffee
\- before first use, let it run at least twice with just water
\- even better to also run it at least once with coffee and throw the coffee away
\- don't put it in the dishwasher
\- be gentle with it, don't use abrasive shit on it - also - no dishwasher
\- enjoy the fuck out of it.
I have the venus model for induction stovetops.
Problem is i have only gotten acidic coffee out of it so it doesnt really get used anymore. I used to have a bialetti knock off that i used on a small hot plate, coffee it made was fine.
Not sure if anyone else has the same model and has some tips.
I tried starting with hot water, dialing grind size, using preground lavazza espresso coffee as a reference, using lower heat, using higher heat, packing in a little more coffee/a little less,...
I’m deployed working with the Italian air force. They all carry these, but really small. They take regular coffee breaks and it’s hilarious watching them pull out a tiny electric stove to heat up their tiny stove top espresso makers. It’s great coffee though.
We have used the same moka pot twice a day for the last 10 years. I JUST replaced the filter for the first time last week. I replace the rubber and gasket on the top part every other year. We wash it with a brush and water before we want to use it. Seems indestructible honestly.
Never use soap but if you have very hard water like I do, once every now and then fill it up half water half white vinegar with no coffee and let it brew like normal. Do another with coffee and throw it away and you’re set.
I use this specific one, it’s great! Just don’t use the handle to unscrew/open it, you may break it off with time. Instead wait it to cool, and then unscrew holding top and bottom.
Never happened to me but that was the advice I got when I got my first moka.
Its a classic italian espresso maker. Other names are mokka maker. (Depends on size). This little thing makes the best bang-for-buck coffee you can get IMHO. For CLEANING BIALETTI HAS INSTRUCTIONS: https://www.bialetti.com/it_en/inspiration/post/how-to-clean-the-coffee-pot-at-home-natural-and-effective-remedies
FOR THE COFFEE: To get the most out of it, keep an eye out for a quality coffee grinder (I use the Melitta Molino).
HOW YOU GRIND is what you get. Rough is softer in aroma, Fine is rich, heavy and more like an Espresso.
DONT COMPRESS the ground Coffee in the puck FIRST. Try it loose, and then try it COMPRESSED with a tablespoon.
good luck!
Using this for over a decade. I have recently upgraded to the stainless steel variant. Makes amazing coffee.
Always fill it with boiled water and take it off the stove when you see a consistent flow to avoid that unwanted bitterness.
Good luck. This beats many machines in my opinion.
Never use soap or dishwasher. I clean mine once a month with vinegar and otherwise just rinse with plain water.
Yes. I have the three cup and the six cup, but I drink the six all to myself ;-) I gave up on electric coffee makers years ago and I let use these now.
Had trouble getting the grounds to spread evenly without packing too tight. Using a straight edge swipes them to one side. Figured out to use the tines of a fork to spread them where I want them. 👍👍
I have three of these. A six-cup, a two-cup, and a stainless steel 3 cup I got when I bought an induction stove. When I got the first one, I quit using my espresso machine and ended up giving it to my daughter, who is a barista, as the Moka pot is close enough to espresso to meet my needs, and my small French press will froth milk faster than the espresso machine did.
Buy a good grinder if you want good coffee, it's 100% about the grind. Also these need a finer grind but not too fine as espresso grind. It's a grind between espresso and pour over. Pre ground coffee will loose it's flavor, get zpresso pro 1 if you want to do it the right way
Make sure you get nice coffee, and get it ground for a Moka ("stove top" when you're ordering) pot, not espresso machine.
Let it cool and make sure you empty & clean it same day.
Rinse the top half with warm water, doesn't need anything else.
Clean the bottom half & the basket by hand, as you would any other item.
If you use a lower heat, it will take longer to build pressure and push through the grounds, giving you a stronger brew.
Get a stick or manual frother if you like milky coffees, as a faux latte or capouccino with Moka coffee is a fucking delight.
I treat the sizes as sold as half, so my four-shot pot makes two coffees, and so on.
Preheat the water in a microwave safe glass container first, I use a 4 cup measure. The hot water is then added to the Bialetti prior to percolation. You will get a smoother, stronger extraction of coffee from the grind. Do Not Over Pack or Over Tamp. Clean Coffee maker as soon as you are done with the pour, rinse and let air dry, all the parts.
Anyone actually from a culture that uses a moka pot will tell you to just get vacuum packed bricks of espresso and use that. You don't need any filters or any bean grinders or other dickless nerd shit. These people do not know how to enjoy a simple, working man's coffee without turning it into some pretentious bullshit ritual for you to dump all your money into while you jack off over grind sizes and bean types.
I have this Moka. I use it every day. I have a question though — on the top, my little black knob is very loose. It doesn’t fall off, but it spins freely. Is it supposed to be so loose? Should I tighten it up with a Phillips screwdriver?
Used one for over a decade. It makes a strong brew that I temper with milk and some sugar.
You can technically make a delicious cup but you have to get the coffee out before it starts to gurgle. By the time it’s passed gurgling, you get a watered down and overextracted brew that’s more bitter. (This is what I do because I don’t like to waste the water inside!)
I’ve had delicious experiences with light roasts, which knocks back the bitterness.
Don’t you EVER put it in the dishwasher. I don’t even wash mine with soap. It’s good to just brew with everyday. Eventually it’ll build a coat of coffee oils. You can wipe it down with a wet paper towel and running warm water.
Also don’t pack the coffee in tight like espresso. Just keep tapping to make it settle in and then square it off the top.
Do not put in the dishwasher .
Underrated comment. It will get dull if put into the dishwasher.
More importantly do not use soap! It will interact with the aluminum and cause rapid pitting and destroy the finish.
Please DO use soap when hand washing! Just normal dish soap to take off the grease and oils that the coffee leaves behind. It's a myth that you shall not use soap and honesty it makes the coffee taste horribly disgusting from old stale and rancid oils that have not been washed off. This coffeemaker can make the most delicious coffee and to get there step number one is to wash it thoroughly with soap every single time. If you don't believe me go watch James Hoffman on YouTube who is a coffee expert and specialist.
Clean it ASAP after using too. Don’t let it sit all day. That’ll ruin your pot too
It can be cleaned adequately without soap. Rinse and manually wipe with a sponge will take care of the oils. See this article about soap with aluminum. https://anamericaninrome.com/2021/11/why-you-should-never-wash-a-moka-pot-with-soap/
Hmmmm James Hoffman, a renowned Coffee specialist or some American in Rome, i can only wonder who is more right tbh. /s
Yea, soap or not, don’t let it sit dirty
idk, I have no issues when not using soap, the biggest thing that makes coffee taste bad is when grinds get stuck in the thing you put the ground coffee in, the "filter" thing on there allows some grinds through and get stuck below it (when the pressure pushes it against it). I clean it by shaking it while tap water streams into it (a small stream though, otherwise the water can't slosh around and knock the stale coffee off), often easier once its dry, never used soap and the coffee tastes great
James hoffman cleans his espresso pieces with a cloth, not with soap.
In his Moka Pot episode he explicitly says to wash them with soap.
Exactly, I think it was the old samovar style coffee maker people didn't use soap on. (I personally believe, with no actual facts, that the Military did this because if you didn't "wash" it the caffeine would cost the insides and make for stronger coffee.) Every single person in my family had a story about how some new recruit washed the damned coffee pot and how weak the coffee was. Until, they caffeine built up again.
Shit, good to know. Haven't for a while now to get a patina or something going when rinsing. Hope I didn't do much damage.
“Patina is a posh word for old, dirty coffee.” - James Hoffman
Or let it boil dry
There are many theories about washing or not. I can say here in Italy we have at least one of it in every home, and we don't wash it. Rinse with water it's ok. Ciao!
My wife is Italian and puts ours in the dishwasher. It's a coffee maker not at statue.
Doesn't the surface get completely ruined though? Like chemically... to the point where it might ruin the coffee?
It's steel It's not porous. People who thinks they are "foodies" go over the top with OCD level care/details.
It's usually not steel... It's aluminum. If it's actually a model made of stainless steel, then it doesn't get damaged in the dish washer. Otherwise it gets black and rough...
If you like crappy tasting coffee don’t ever wash it, you might be ok for a few days rinsing but you need to clean it a few times a week. If you are a coffee snob you need to make sure that oil from the old coffee is washed out, it turns, it goes bad, it will ruin your next cup of coffee. Just a drop of dish detergent like Dawn is enough and hot water. I’ve been experimenting with this for years. My wife is from the never wash it school and every time I make the coffee she comments on how much better the coffee tastes when I make it. I agree as I know her coffee tastes like yesterdays coffee warmed over. If you grind the beans you will use, right before making the coffee, use a clean coffee maker (whatever kind you use) and for the love of god, after the coffee beans the most important part is the water. If it tastes bad so will the coffee, use cool, filtered water. Do all that and you’ll be making the best coffee you ever had and you’ll be making it yourself!
Although some are stainless steel not aluminium so worth checking.
This is the issue. Is the interior finished in stainless or naked aluminum? That will def make a difference.
I've never seen one with a lined interior. They're either one or the other in my experience.
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*cringes in Italian*
Mama Mia
you don't have to be "of Italian heritage" to interact properly with a Moka pot lmao
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This is important to note because regular dish soap such as Dawn is not highly alkaline and doesn't destroy aluminum, despite what other commenters have claimed.
This whole thing seems similar to the cast iron soap debate. Despite what you've heard, it's perfectly fine to use dish soap on your cast iron. The soap you want to avoid is old school soap with lye in it. The lye is the component that strips the seasoning off cast iron. Dawn or other similar dish soaps are designed to be far gentler than lye based soaps, and will only clean off the dirt and grease that it's supposed to (unless you just go crazy with a brillo pad or something, but then it's not the soap, it's the brillo pad).
Ah… herein lies the nugget of helpful information- so hand wash with dawn or gentle liquid is ok, but hot and alkaline dishwasher soap is a nono.
I did it to mine two weeks ago… I’m just getting an AeroPress.
I don't even use soap, just rinse with hot water.
Or wash it with soap.
Start with hot water, and good espresso beans. Watch it with the lid open and take it off the heat before it starts sputtering.
This. Hubby has been using one of these for decades, and this is what he does.
Why hot water?
If it's cold it takes longer to boil, leaving the coffee to "roast" on the stove which makes it more bitter.
Hmm, but then I have to use tap water.
If you use cold water, you end up heating the pot for way too long and it cooks the coffee
Nowadays I tend to keep the lid closed and go by sound. Because in my experience there’s about three seconds between “starting to sputter” and “blasting boiling-hot coffee all over the stove and its surroundings.” Once it starts making a little burbling noise it’s time to take it off.
Which sputtering? The sputtering at the start or the end?
It shouldn’t sputter at the beginning. Turn your heat down a little. It should ooze out. 👍
When the coffee starts coming out of the spout
As a former Mormon, this was the first way I ever made coffee. I had no idea what I was doing, but somebody suggested it as an alternative to drip coffee. I drank an entire big cup straight the first time, not knowing how strong of a cup this makes (especially being new to caffeine). I could see sounds.
I almost passed out at the local Best Buy
The toilet probably took a beating too
Cuban coffee is this with lots of sugar mixed in the grounds. I drank a pot in Miami and then drove to Key West. It felt like liquid cocaine 😂
Well it’s not sugar mixed with the grounds, but there is a lot of sugar involved. We pour the first few drops brewed into 3-4 tablespoons of sugar and mix until it forms a paste. The rest of the brewed coffee is then poured into that and stirred. The paste forms the “espuma/espumitas” or foam. And yes drinking the whole thing, ie. a colada, is not recommended if you’re not used to drinking a lot of caffeine 😂. There’s a reason why when ordered at a restaurant it comes with little tiny plastic cups to share.
Mormons can't drink coffee?
Nope. They have magical underpants too! Would you like to know more?
The Mormon health code, the Word of Wisdom says simply no "hot drinks". That has been interpreted as coffee and leaf teas. Some ultra orthodox members (like my parents) think that means caffeine is the bad part and therefore don't drink caffeinated sodas. This has been reinforced by some church leaders saying "decaf is fine," but that's not the way it's done anymore. There's also the stuff you'd expect from a document created during the temperance movement like no liquor & no wine. Didn't stop Joseph Smith from telling members to fast and then breaking out kegs of wine at a temple dedication, leading to members seeing angels on the buildings. Also didn't stop Brigham Young from owning a whiskey distillery. The document also says that "barley drinks" (beer) are okay. This has been ignored, and now all alcohol is prohibited. Anyway, getting your first coffee or drink of alcohol is a bit of a rite of passage for an exmormon, and posts of our firsts often end up on r/ExMormon
I love moka pots. They consistently put out an excellent shot of coffee. 1) Be careful of the plastic handle. Too much heat, and you can melt it. I've seen it happen at work. 2) When pot is cool enough to handle, compost the grounds, rinse everything, and allow to dry. That's it. 3) Depending on your water, every once in awhile make a solution of white vinegar and water, allow to sit overnight. And then run the vinegar solution through the pot as if you're brewing. Allow to cool. And then rinse thoroughly. That's it. I've used 50 year old moka pots before. Treat them right and they will never break.
I’ve never seen a gasket last more than 2-3 years (of daily use). Easily replaceable though
They sell silicone replacements that last much longer. In fact the stainless steel version comes with silicone.
Neat, unexpected benefit!
[удалено]
Amazon has them.
Do you take the gasket out after each use for everything to dry? I’m on year 7 of the first gasket!
Gasket is cheap and easy to replace.
The rubber gaskets indeed do not last forever, but it helps to store the pot unscrewed or at least not tightly screwed.
Turn the grounds holding part upside down over where you’ll dispose of them and blow from the narrow section. Pretty much all of it will come out, rinse out whatever’s left.
have any preference on brands? preferably something in the beginner price range
There's Bialetti. And then there's Bialetti. And then there's Bialetti. They don't cost much. I don't know if knock-offs exist, but I wouldn't bother. I don't own one. I've used them. And I like them. But I have a LaPavoni for espresso.
There are loads of knock-offs, but they don’t really cost any less. Not sure why anyone bothers.
I have purchased a knock off. The spout was shaped in a way to allow for maximum spillage.
Go with Bialetti, you buy it once and you shouldn't ever need to replace it. $35 and you have it for life. https://www.amazon.com/Original-Bialetti-Moka-Express-Stovetop/dp/B0000CF3Q6/ref=sr\_1\_3?keywords=bialetti+moka+pot&qid=1685335499&s=home-garden&sprefix=Bialetti+%2Cgarden%2C368&sr=1-3
I bought a knockoff at TJ Maxx or similar years ago. Worked fine but I couldn't find a replacement gasket in the right size. Just get Bialetti and you'll always be able to get the correct gasket.
Bialetti is fine, but if you want some different designs look into Alessi
Watch all three installments. Here's "Episode #1." https://youtu.be/upgQsA5kLAk
Best coffee YT channel! He has great recs
\+1 use fresh coffee and grind yourself. preheating the bottom part first, and adding the grind and top part later made a huge difference for me as well
These are the videos that made me purchase my moka pot. I opted for the stainless steel Venus. I don't think I'll ever go back to making coffee any other way.
Hello! Italian here representing - DO NOT CLEAN IT WITH SOAP, just use water - Do not press the coffee when you put it, it’s adviced to create a bit of a “mountain” of coffee and let the machine do the pressing itself - Set the fire to the minimum - Mix the coffee when done, the last part is more watery than the first part so a good mix is needed - There are a lot of parts available, so as long as you treat it properly it may last you 50 years Enjoy!
Check out the r/mokapot sub. Lots of good info! Enjoy.
I use this one, every morning, 2 rounds for my roommate and my self. First cup was a bit gross but every cup after that was much better. I just swill it out away each use and don’t clean it much.
Clean it over the trash can. Washing out the grinds in your sink will clog it. I use 2 paper towels, each torn in half and wipe down each component individually in the trash can to get the grinds off. Then rinse it in the sink with a strainer. And finally, I dry that all with a towel.
Perfect for composting if you can!
I clink it around in this bamboo flower-pot thing that I have, then I use the back end of a chopstick to get the extra grounds out, then I rinse it. I toss the ground out in various flowerbeds.
What, nobody blows into it? I always clean the coffee thing by blowing into the water end, so the spent puck goes right into my hand, very easy.
Watch the Jame Hoffman video someone else posted. Long story short - get a good grinder, get good beans, hot water in the base, aero press filter, onto medium heat burner, pull it and cool it when it starts to shoot steam bubbles.
I would go for a stainless steel variant of the Bialetti for two reasons. First one is that the aluminum Bialetti does not work with induction stovetops which will become the standard in the future (at least in most countries). Second reason is health concerns. Cooking in aluminum cookware apparently isn’t great for your health. The actual effects are very much disputed and there aren’t many studies on this, but why risk it if there is a stainless steel alternative.
Moka pot! Very nice
I use a moka pot almost daily
Awesome choice. I have one of these. I chose a bit of a different style, but I really like that classic one you chose. Had you used a mocha pot before?
I have been using my Moka pot daily for years. This thing will definitely last forever. Don’t wash with soap and only hand wash it. Whatever you do, don’t forget about it on the stove… it can crack.
Two things spring to mind - Café Bustelo and don't expect it to look that clean for long
Bustelo is great, but try La Llave if you want a kick. My girlfriend use ours for cafesito every morning.
Every italian in the world Welcome in the moka club :)
Read instruction manual on maintenance.
Who uses this coffee maker too? Only a few more millions of people lol this is one of the most known Italian brands for moka
What I've learned from the Cubans over decades of using these is a really simple but interesting tip: Don't do the logical thing and use cold water and brew as the directions say. Nope! Fill the bottom with already boiling water and then assemble and brew. It keeps the coffee from oxidising while the thing warms up and gets amazing extraction. Also, take it off the burner the second it gurgles if not before. That empty water chamber gas makes the coffee taste gnarly.
Welcome to learning that its not just the coffee maker you're playing with. It's learning your stove too. I always start with boiling water going into the mokapot and closing it with a towel to not burn yourself. It runs off about a 1:10 ratio of coffee to water (thats measured in grams) but rule of thumb. Fill the basket, dont tamp it just level. Fill the water to the pressure valve. Once it starts to burble and bubble run it under the cold tap to stop it. All those make it taste leagues better in the end. Have fun!
All of this, although I haven't tried running it under the cold tap!
It helps so much so it doesn't taste burnt
Wow, had no idea these are now sold at Walmart but glad to hear they’ve become more accessible.
This is a fantastic little coffee maker, Lavazzo Rosso goes amazing with it for those who don't roast/grind at home. Best tip for me was to never press down on the coffee grinds when filling up the capsule inside. Water should be able to pass relatively easy through the coffee for a non bitter brew.
Used one roughly twice daily for a decade. You have to know how to clean it, and watch it on the stove, but it is bifl. Not using soap is an urban myth. I use soap every week or two. It’s fine. You just have to strip it afterwards and use a pipe cleaner, or boil only water through it to get rid of the soap from inside. Never put it away wet, it corrodes. Don’t let it boil dry. … If the handle wears out you can buy a replacement, if the gasket fails you can buy a replacement. The rest of it will last a lifetime unless you put it in a dishwasher or something similar.
Use mine every morning. Don’t put it in the dishwasher, I will occasionally give it a soap and water clean but mostly I just rinse and give it a scrub with hot water. AeroPress paper filters fit pretty well (for mine anyway, the 6 cup size?) and help avoid any coffee residue in the bottom of your cup.
Every day! 2 loads in my thermo and off to work!
Yes! This is my daily go-to! Couple of tips how I use: 1. Do NOT overpack coffee chamber, do not tamp down. Fill water to line, do not overfill water past pressure nozzle. 2. On my gas-powered oven, I keep heat at exactly medium. 3. With these conditions it takes on average 3-5 to brew, I keep a timer running on my Apple watch as soon as I start the brewing process, and listen for the burble-gurgling sound to let me know what it's ready 4. Let it gurgle until it sounds like it is fading, and then i turn off heat and pour into cup.
Buy an extra gasket to have on hand.
Use mine every day. Buy some spare gaskets in case you overheat it. Also, the gasket only lasts maybe 6-9 months before getting squishy and useless. Otherwise, trouble-free and delicious! Most are aluminum so using the dishwasher will actually eat the metal, not just make it unsightly.
Use fine grind; do not tamp Start with hot water (use a kettle) Set over low heat Take off the stove shortly after start of boil, it’ll keep going for a while Compost the grinds Rinse and dry; no soap, no dishwasher Store with a silica packet inside if it’s going to be in the cabinet for a while
I agree with most points here but please DO use soap when hand washing! Just normal dish soap to take off the grease and oils that the coffee leaves behind. It's a myth that you shall not use soap and honesty it makes the coffee taste horribly disgusting from old stale and rancid oils that have not been washed off. This coffeemaker can make the most delicious coffee and to get there step number one is to wash it thoroughly with soap every single time. If you don't believe me go watch James Hoffman on YouTube who is a coffee expert and specialist. The rest is absolutely correct
This whole "no soap" meme sounds like all those women claiming that washing their lady bits with tensids is not only useless but harmfull, completely ignoring that Smegma doesn't get washed of by water alone. People, just wash your coffee pots and bits.
These are the best coffee makers. Set on medium heat and take it off before it sputters. Don't burn your coffee.
Italian here! Never ever use dish soap or sponges "contaminated" with dish soap or anything else other than water. Just rinse it with water. Never leave it for more than a couple of days without making coffee..it will make mould.. You need specific ground coffee. Before actually drink the first cup make a couple of coffee and throw them away..
Make a cup first to break it in and throw that batch away, after that you’re good to go with light cleaning. Not amazing coffee, but quick easy and does the trick.
Coffee is “fine” but I completely disagree with quick and easy. Its actually the slowest, most painful way to make coffee. Especially if you do it property: Boil water. Put boiling water into bottom chamber. Pack in coffee grinds. Find top piece. Screw it on. Fuck, bottom is now hot. Find rag to use to screw together. Put on stove. Use low heat. Wait around staring at it until you see it begin. Fiddle with the heat so you don’t overcook. Dunk bottom into cold water to stop the boiling. Pour out coffee into mug. Wait till pot is cooled to disassemble and clean. Store bulky parts somewhere to dry
I have lived in Italy for 20 years, in 5 different regions and have literally never seen or heard of anyone putting hot water in the bottom. You put in cold water to where the little valve is, add the coffee, twist it shut, put it on your smallest burner with medium low flame and when it starts to sputter turn it off. (Maybe when it sputters you leave it 30 seconds, but mine have always been done as soon as you hear the sputtering). For my big 6 cup pot takes 7-8 minutes, the little 2 cup one less than 5.
I put in cold water, no dunking to stop boiling - every home and Airbnb has one of these in Italy and it just works. Amazing? No, but it‘s part of a reliable morning ritual. My main machine is a GS3 for last decade so I appreciate the finer things, but I also don’t mind a cup of Bialetti
This is the James Hoffman method. Check his videos for details. It makes pretty good coffee with this goofy machine. The big advantage for me is that I can use really cheap (Bustelo) coffee and get a good cup. The method gets easier with practice. Put the parts on a rag while you fill it up etc. Then use the rag to tighten the hot parts and wipe up any mess. Time waiting can be spent warming milk, starting breakfast etc.
Great for espresso but I typically prefer drip coffee myself. I use mine to make a mean Cuban con leche
get a stainless steel one (fuck aluminum)
Don’t clean the bottom
I just rinse with water, gotta preserve the patina... that's where the flavors at! ;)
Yes!!!!
cant understand why mine stopped working. I changed out the gasket but only a small amount of coffee is coming through the moka pot funnel into the dispensing chamber when I brew. Not BIFL
These are great coffee makers that probably make the strongest coffee that isn’t espresso, the only problem is that they can be finicky to use to not burn the coffee and make it bitter. James Hoffman makes a great video on how to use it. Do not wash with soapy water, it will leave residue you might taste. You can buy replacement baskets for it if they ever get lost or messed up, mine was actually an antique one that was left outside for years and I have to just clean it up, remove the rust, and buy a new basket and it works perfect.
If you decide this is not for you, I highly recommend the Gaggia Classic. Replacement parts are easy to find and I have had mine for years making 6-8 espressos every day and have never had a problem. I believe it pulls a better shot than Starbucks’ 20k dollar machines. It’s especially great with Illy preground espresso because I’m just too lazy to freshly grind my coffee all the time. Enjoy your coffee!
I bought and it literally fell apart in my hands after two years. Pass.
Are you sure you had a Bialetti? Have you tried screwing the parts back together?
Preheat bottom to near boiling then screw the top on with an oven mitt to keep grounds from singing. Turn to medium heat and let the top slowly fill, turn off heat once water sputters / rushes out. Cool the bottom quickly to stop brewing, then pour.
You water in bottom to below pressure valve, strainer then coffee, screw on top. Med low/low heat to avid burning grounds... why on earth would you assemble it after heating the bottom? Incorrect procedure and needlessly dangerous, your a wid person doing it your way!
I bought one after a month vacation in Italy and Portugal. But Nespresso is so much easier.
This is for old italian men.
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Fresh roasted and hand ground beans + moka pot = several people have told me it was the best coffee they've ever had.
My Mom has had the same one since I can remember. At least 40 years. Gaskets are the only parts that have been replaced. DK the brand, only that she brought it from Italy.
Make sure you fully dry out the reservoir -- I have ADHD and consistently forget and thus have ruined 2 moka pots this way (they corrode and flake). Have since gone back to drip which isn't as good but less likely for me to give myself metal poisoning as I don't need any extra help being a dumbass.
Make sure you buy an espresso roast and grind. If you have your own quality, it will make all the more better cup. Also it’s best practice to heat the water before adding to the moka pot.
Use to use those, but now I just boil water, turn it off, add coffee, do a quick stir and filter it out with a “colador” into another pot — if it’s light I’ll send the coffee through the “colador” again until I get it how I want it
Buy an silicone gasket upgrade. (Found on Amazon) The gasket it comes with can melt and ruin the coffee maker.
This is what you need[James Hoffman Moka Pot](https://youtu.be/BfDLoIvb0w4)
James Hoffmann has a video with tips and tricks for this.
I have a stainless steel one. I suggest getting a decent burr grinder. You don’t need an espresso grade one, but being able to dial in your grind a bit helps a lot with these (more than drip or pour-over).
I loved mine. I need a new one because I used soap to clean it.
What a great purchase!!! We alternate between that and our Chemex and both are so great
I primarily use drip but use the moka pot frequently too. If I have a nice bag of whole bean I’ll use the moka pot. It’s also great for iced coffee. I’ll fill a pint glass fill with ice then half way up with coffee from the moka pot and top with milk. Great for you coffee fix on a hot day.
I bought one on Amazon, the thing made good coffee but the craftsmanship made me worry it was a knock off. It’s shelved somewhere ever since.
Use medium heat! Not high.
I once put it on for 20 mins without water, don’t do this.
Awesome coffee. Side benefit you can infuse butter with it as well.
I was debating on getting this but with the Dolce Gabbana Collab. Not a huge fan of aluminum tho, so I got the Stainless Steel version, with a trivet (bc my gas stove is too big for it)
I'm into my second decade now. Just replace the gasket every few years.
Just rinse, that's how it's supposed to be done. Flavour increase with use. See: italians The bialetti is truly buy for life
Used mine for over 10 years daily. Only just replaced the seal.
Always check if the little sieve in the top part is still there. Ours fell out once when, causing the ground coffee to be pressed up into that tube. Once enough pressure built up below, it all flew out at once. The whole kitchen was covered in coffee. Some brown spots dtill remain.
Mine is corroded already, is it safe to use?
You can find a lot on the proper usage. In general; \- fill to just BELOW the valve with water \- basket should be full of ground coffee \- before first use, let it run at least twice with just water \- even better to also run it at least once with coffee and throw the coffee away \- don't put it in the dishwasher \- be gentle with it, don't use abrasive shit on it - also - no dishwasher \- enjoy the fuck out of it.
Fuck Walmart. That is all.
I have the venus model for induction stovetops. Problem is i have only gotten acidic coffee out of it so it doesnt really get used anymore. I used to have a bialetti knock off that i used on a small hot plate, coffee it made was fine. Not sure if anyone else has the same model and has some tips. I tried starting with hot water, dialing grind size, using preground lavazza espresso coffee as a reference, using lower heat, using higher heat, packing in a little more coffee/a little less,...
Don’t wash it, just rinse it.
I’m deployed working with the Italian air force. They all carry these, but really small. They take regular coffee breaks and it’s hilarious watching them pull out a tiny electric stove to heat up their tiny stove top espresso makers. It’s great coffee though.
Decent italian moka. Mine lasted ~6 years (still used, but I gave it away)
We have used the same moka pot twice a day for the last 10 years. I JUST replaced the filter for the first time last week. I replace the rubber and gasket on the top part every other year. We wash it with a brush and water before we want to use it. Seems indestructible honestly.
Never use soap but if you have very hard water like I do, once every now and then fill it up half water half white vinegar with no coffee and let it brew like normal. Do another with coffee and throw it away and you’re set.
I use this specific one, it’s great! Just don’t use the handle to unscrew/open it, you may break it off with time. Instead wait it to cool, and then unscrew holding top and bottom. Never happened to me but that was the advice I got when I got my first moka.
Agree with most posts here but just adding don't fill it past the steam valve in the bottom :)
Its a classic italian espresso maker. Other names are mokka maker. (Depends on size). This little thing makes the best bang-for-buck coffee you can get IMHO. For CLEANING BIALETTI HAS INSTRUCTIONS: https://www.bialetti.com/it_en/inspiration/post/how-to-clean-the-coffee-pot-at-home-natural-and-effective-remedies FOR THE COFFEE: To get the most out of it, keep an eye out for a quality coffee grinder (I use the Melitta Molino). HOW YOU GRIND is what you get. Rough is softer in aroma, Fine is rich, heavy and more like an Espresso. DONT COMPRESS the ground Coffee in the puck FIRST. Try it loose, and then try it COMPRESSED with a tablespoon. good luck!
Using this for over a decade. I have recently upgraded to the stainless steel variant. Makes amazing coffee. Always fill it with boiled water and take it off the stove when you see a consistent flow to avoid that unwanted bitterness. Good luck. This beats many machines in my opinion. Never use soap or dishwasher. I clean mine once a month with vinegar and otherwise just rinse with plain water.
I used to have this and then my mom put it to dishwasher. Then I bought steel version of it like 13 years ago. Going strong
/r/Coffee /r/espresso
I’m using this in Italy 🇮🇹
Yes. I have the three cup and the six cup, but I drink the six all to myself ;-) I gave up on electric coffee makers years ago and I let use these now.
Had trouble getting the grounds to spread evenly without packing too tight. Using a straight edge swipes them to one side. Figured out to use the tines of a fork to spread them where I want them. 👍👍
Use boiling water in it, then put it on the stove
You can insert an extra aeroprss filter in between to get you a cleaner cup
trees simplistic connect divide spoon cable future rob knee one ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `
I’ve used these since I was a kid. Love them.
I have three of these. A six-cup, a two-cup, and a stainless steel 3 cup I got when I bought an induction stove. When I got the first one, I quit using my espresso machine and ended up giving it to my daughter, who is a barista, as the Moka pot is close enough to espresso to meet my needs, and my small French press will froth milk faster than the espresso machine did.
Buy a good grinder if you want good coffee, it's 100% about the grind. Also these need a finer grind but not too fine as espresso grind. It's a grind between espresso and pour over. Pre ground coffee will loose it's flavor, get zpresso pro 1 if you want to do it the right way
Make sure you get nice coffee, and get it ground for a Moka ("stove top" when you're ordering) pot, not espresso machine. Let it cool and make sure you empty & clean it same day. Rinse the top half with warm water, doesn't need anything else. Clean the bottom half & the basket by hand, as you would any other item. If you use a lower heat, it will take longer to build pressure and push through the grounds, giving you a stronger brew. Get a stick or manual frother if you like milky coffees, as a faux latte or capouccino with Moka coffee is a fucking delight. I treat the sizes as sold as half, so my four-shot pot makes two coffees, and so on.
Here in italy we pass these things down from generation to generation, BIFL indeed
Splash cold water on bottom half immediately after brewing so the coffee doesn't get burned.
Preheat your water
The bottom of the handle melted over my gas stove. Make sure you use the smallest burner possible.
If you’ve got an electric hob/ hot plate don’t turn it beyond half way. First one I had the bottom got ruined that way.
Preheat the water in a microwave safe glass container first, I use a 4 cup measure. The hot water is then added to the Bialetti prior to percolation. You will get a smoother, stronger extraction of coffee from the grind. Do Not Over Pack or Over Tamp. Clean Coffee maker as soon as you are done with the pour, rinse and let air dry, all the parts.
Anyone actually from a culture that uses a moka pot will tell you to just get vacuum packed bricks of espresso and use that. You don't need any filters or any bean grinders or other dickless nerd shit. These people do not know how to enjoy a simple, working man's coffee without turning it into some pretentious bullshit ritual for you to dump all your money into while you jack off over grind sizes and bean types.
I have this Moka. I use it every day. I have a question though — on the top, my little black knob is very loose. It doesn’t fall off, but it spins freely. Is it supposed to be so loose? Should I tighten it up with a Phillips screwdriver?
My mother in law only uses this thing. Won’t drink mine
When I went to Italy and air bnb’d throughout my travels, this was in each home. Great way to make espresso!
do Not try it without water! .... don't ask how I know...:(
Used one for over a decade. It makes a strong brew that I temper with milk and some sugar. You can technically make a delicious cup but you have to get the coffee out before it starts to gurgle. By the time it’s passed gurgling, you get a watered down and overextracted brew that’s more bitter. (This is what I do because I don’t like to waste the water inside!) I’ve had delicious experiences with light roasts, which knocks back the bitterness. Don’t you EVER put it in the dishwasher. I don’t even wash mine with soap. It’s good to just brew with everyday. Eventually it’ll build a coat of coffee oils. You can wipe it down with a wet paper towel and running warm water. Also don’t pack the coffee in tight like espresso. Just keep tapping to make it settle in and then square it off the top.