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Cuisinox Roma 6-cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Espresso Maker
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
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- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Cuisinox |
Color | Stainless Steel |
Product Dimensions | 3.5"D x 3.5"W x 7"H |
Special Feature | 18/10 Stainless Steel, Gas Stovetop Compatible, Induction Stovetop Compatible |
Coffee Maker Type | Moka Pot |
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About this item
- 6-Cup Roma Stainless Steel Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker
- 3.5" x 7" Moka Pot is made of mirror polished, 18/10 stainless steel
- Stovetop Espresso Maker has an Induction base that is compatible with all stovetop surfaces.
- Enjoy the classic Italian method of brewing espresso
- 1 extra gasket included
- Espresso Pot Base diameter: 4"
- Dishwasher safe
- ALL CUISINOX ESPRESSO MAKERS HAVE NO COATING ANYWHERE.
Customer ratings by feature
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This Item Cuisinox Roma 6-cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Moka Espresso Maker | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | -34% $77.60$77.60 Typical: $117.34 | -8% $36.81$36.81 List: $39.95 | -5% $85.55$85.55 Typical: $90.20 | -8% $80.56$80.56 Typical: $87.32 | $44.99$44.99 | -5% $71.41$71.41 Typical: $75.09 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Flavor | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
Easy to clean | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 5.0 |
Blending power | 4.2 | 4.3 | — | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Easyworkz | Amazon.com |
capacity | 6 cups | 300 milliliters | 6 cups | 10 cups | 300 milliliters | 6 ounces |
material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
input interface | unknown | touch screen | buttons | touch screen | buttons | touch screen |
wattage | 1000 watts | 1350 watts | 0 watts | 0 watts | 1000 watts | 0 watts |
model name | Roma Stainless Steel Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker with Induction Base | London Sip Stainless Steel Stove-Top Espresso Maker Coffee Pot | RomaRoma Satin Stainless Steel Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker | Roma Satin Stainless Steel Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker | — | Roma Satin Stainless Steel Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker |
weight | 1 pounds | 1.17 pounds | 2 pounds | 2.75 pounds | 1.8 pounds | 1.6 pounds |
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From the manufacturer
Do it the Italian way in 4 easy steps !
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Step 1Fill the lower chamber with cold water just below the valve. |
Step 2Insert the funnel and fill it with ground espresso (do not tamp). Tightly screw the upper part on to the base. Avoid using the handle for leverage. |
Step 3At medium-high heat, wait approximately 3 to 4 minutes until a steaming sound is heard to indicate that all of the espresso coffee has risen into the reservoir section and is ready to serve. For gas stovetops, the flame should not come around the sides of the pot. |
Step 4Once all of the espresso coffee has risen into the reservoir section, remove the espresso maker from the stove. Pour into espresso cups and enjoy. |
Tips
- Always allow the coffeemaker to cool down before opening it to wash.
- For best results, always wash your coffeemaker by hand.
- For best tasting results always use filtered water.
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4 cup1 extra gasket included Reducer sold separately |
6 cup1 extra gasket included Reducer sold separately |
10 cup1 extra gasket included Reducer sold separately |
Product information
Brand | Cuisinox |
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Color | Stainless Steel |
Product Dimensions | 3.5"D x 3.5"W x 7"H |
Special Feature | 18/10 Stainless Steel, Gas Stovetop Compatible, Induction Stovetop Compatible |
Coffee Maker Type | Moka Pot |
Filter Type | Reusable |
Style | Classic |
Specific Uses For Product | Espresso |
Exterior Finish | Polished |
Included Components | Stovetop Espresso Maker |
Operation Mode | Manual |
Model Name | Roma Stainless Steel Moka Pot Stovetop Espresso Maker with Induction Base |
Number of Items | 1 |
Human Interface Input | Unknown |
Item Weight | 1 pounds |
Manufacturer | CUISINOX |
ASIN | B001BKL8C2 |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | COF-6R |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #260,023 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #83 in Stovetop Espresso & Moka Pots |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | July 24, 2006 |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
Cuisinox has created a premium grade stovetop espresso coffeemakers with a distinguished style and hand crafted to the highest possible standards in the industry. Featuring a heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel construction polished to a mirror finish, induction base, and suitable for all cooking surfaces. This exceptional espresso coffeemaker is beautiful as well as practical.
Important information
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the appearance, thickness and ease of cleaning of the coffee maker. They mention that it has a nice finish both inside and out, and is made from high-grade stainless steel. They are also happy with ease of use, quality, and sturdiness. That said, opinions are mixed on temperature, and value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the coffee maker. They mention that it makes great coffee without having to experiment, it's very good as a cappuccino, and the finish is great. They also appreciate the strong brew that it produces. Customers also appreciate that the product is a wonderful product and that it works mesmerizingly.
"...It's unquestionably worth every penny. 5 stars for functionality, 5 for style & appearance, and 5 for the AMAZING coffee it produces every time...." Read more
"...It was very good as a cappuccino (with the frothed milk)...." Read more
"...This is a wonderful product with a solid construction and it looks downright beautiful, right out of the box...." Read more
"...It works flawlessly, looks like it'll last for years, and you just may end up a moka pot convert like me!" Read more
Customers like the sturdiness of the coffee maker. For example, they say it's well made, the metal work and craftsmanship feel wonderful, and it'll last a long time. Some mention that the handle and knob can't get damaged.
"...Although it is pricey, it appears to be VERY well made...." Read more
"...It seems sturdy enough, but just take care. Also, when you clean the top kettle portion, be sure to pull the gasket and top strainer out every time...." Read more
"...This is a wonderful product with a solid construction and it looks downright beautiful, right out of the box...." Read more
"After three years, we are still using this coffee maker. It's a solid made, stainless (knock off of the Italian version) coffee maker...." Read more
Customers are impressed with the appearance of the coffee maker. They say it's very nice looking, well built, and has a nice finish both inside and out. Customers also say it has mirrored finish and looks showroom new.
"...5 stars for functionality, 5 for style & appearance, and 5 for the AMAZING coffee it produces every time.***Update Edit***..." Read more
"...$30, but again, seems to be good quality. The both have a nice mirrored finish on them. Both are made in China...." Read more
"...This is a wonderful product with a solid construction and it looks downright beautiful, right out of the box...." Read more
"...that WOW-this thing is built like a Sherman tank and is gorgeous sitting on your counter top!..." Read more
Customers like the ease of cleaning the coffee maker. They say that the upper chamber is easy enough to clean with a bottle brush. The coffee is dark and without a lot of the muddy residue which their old pots produced, and it makes espresso in no time, with no mess. The pot is durable and dishwasher safe.
"...of espresso is fresh and delicious, because every part is easily accessible to thoroughly clean...." Read more
"...Clean up was easy, but you do have to do it. It is more work then using a drip brewer...." Read more
"...Second, the funnel/screen does not come apart, so there is no way to clean the inside...." Read more
"...Very full bodied brew with no bitterness.* It is very easy to clean and prep for the next use.*..." Read more
Customers like the thickness of the coffee maker. They say that it's made from high-grade stainless steel, which makes it easier to clean and lasts longer. Customers are impressed with the thickness and weight of the walls. They mention that all 3 parts feel substantial and that the gasket is nice and thick.
"...Although it is pricey, it appears to be VERY well made. The stainless steel is thick and heavy, the silicone gasket seals perfectly, and the extra..." Read more
"...It is made out of a heavy gauge stainless- so there is some substance there. It also had fairly good reviews...." Read more
"...because even though it was on the pricier side, it is a stainless steel construction (therefore dishwasher safe) and the reviews were ridiculously..." Read more
"...This led to my choosing the Cuisinox Roma. It's made from high-grade stainless steel and looks better, IMO, than the Bialetti Moka...." Read more
Customers find the coffee maker easy to use. They mention that it is simple to use, easy to clean, and well-made. Customers also appreciate the ease of brewing and the adequate instructions provided. Overall, customers are happy with the ease and cost of the product.
"...It came with adequate instructions. I didn’t wash the items with soap, but used very hot water and wiped everything out with paper towels...." Read more
"...It is extremely easy to use, like most stove top espresso pots: fill the base reservoir to just below the steam valve, put in the funnel, fill the..." Read more
"...This is a fast and simple process, even during busy, bleary-eyed weekday morning routines...." Read more
"...its performance Exemplary & if you haven't, the web makes it very simple to learn. Best of all, this pot makes it Fun...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the coffee maker. Some mention that it's worth the price on looks alone, while others say that it is a little pricey. However, most expect it to last almost forever with proper care.
"...this espresso maker for a few months now & it is Spectacular & worth every penney !..." Read more
"...Overall, I am very happy with the quality I'm getting at this price point." Read more
"...Double advantage with a stainless model.Although it is pricey, it appears to be VERY well made...." Read more
"...IMHO, It's worth every penny." Read more
Customers are mixed about the temperature of the coffee maker. Some mention that the handle does not get hot when left hanging over an electric, while others say that it gets hot. The handle is made of stainless steel and retains heat better, resulting in great tasting, pretty hot espresso. However, some customers say that they need to be careful with the handle, as it gets very hot and is too hot to clean.
"...You can check it as it’s boiling- the lid never got hot (it‘s double walled), so you can stand there and watch it if you want...." Read more
"...The ONLY downside to this gadget is the need to let it cool before disassembling...." Read more
"...I have found are that because it is stainless steel, it will retain heat better...." Read more
"...Cons:* It gets extremely hot when on the stovetop. Care must be used when handling it.* It should not be left unwatched while brewing...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Although it is pricey, it appears to be VERY well made. The stainless steel is thick and heavy, the silicone gasket seals perfectly, and the extra replacement one included in the box is an added bonus. I have yet to use the 3-cup adapter, and probably never will.
Please note: the 6-cup capacity indicates *espresso* cup sizes, or "shots" which are roughly 1 - 1.5 oz each. This is plenty of espresso for 2 standard-strength lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, etc. ...or 1 stout one, which is how I take mine. If you need to make more than that at once, Cuisinox also makes a 10-cup size worth considering.
The instructions indicate (as others have mentioned) not to screw the top and base together while holding it by the handle, as the torque could loosen it from the pot, despite the fact that it appears to be welded on quite sturdily. I have no problem twisting it together or apart: for grip, just place one thumb against the pour spout on top and the other thumb against the pressure relief valve (in the opposite direction, obviously) on bottom.
I find it makes the BEST espresso with lots of "crema" if I grind fresh whole beans very, very fine, then *gently* tamp them into the basket with the back of a spoon. (If they're not somewhat packed, you won't get the luxurious crema; but over-packing will cause too much resistance, and the steam pressure will be forced out the safety pressure-relief-valve, and not up through the coffee grounds.) I haven't seen the need to invest in a burr grinder yet - I use a simple blade grinder to get the grind as fine as I possibly can, to an almost powdery consistency that compacts easily.
Be sure to keep your burner on a medium or medium-low setting for 2 reasons: 1) so as to avoid boiling the already-made espresso in the the upper chamber as the pot is continuing to work, and 2) to keep the handle cool enough to lift the pot and pour. Doing this, I've never encountered the handle becoming too hot to touch, as others have mentioned.
Another advantage this pot has over steam-pump espresso machines is the ease of cleaning. Every serving of espresso is fresh and delicious, because every part is easily accessible to thoroughly clean. That's not the case with the reservoirs in pump-machines, which acquire a stale spent-coffee-grounds smell rather quickly.
The ONLY downside to this gadget is the need to let it cool before disassembling. If I'm in a hurry to make a second pot for guests, I simply place it on a potholder in front of a fan to quickly air cool it. Some have suggested placing it in cold water, but I would advise against this, as the thermal stress could potentially damage the welds, the pressure relief valve, or warp the threads where it screws together.
If I had to make this purchase again, I'd do it in a heartbeat. It's unquestionably worth every penny. 5 stars for functionality, 5 for style & appearance, and 5 for the AMAZING coffee it produces every time.
***Update Edit***
I've had this Cuisinox Moka Pot for almost 2 years now, and I'm coming back to re-review because I'm considering also getting the 10-cup size for when I have houseguests. I still haven't had to use the included replacement gasket, I've given it daily use, outdoor campstove abuse, and it still makes amazing espresso. It works fantastically on all the electric, gas, and induction surfaces i've had it on, although each heat source heats it & produces espresso at a different rate.
The reviews I've seen about it making watery/bad tasting brew or leaking coffee appear to me to be from improper use, so I've also included the follow tips which would apply for any moka pot espresso maker.
Tips for awesome results:
--Don't fill the water reservoir above the brass safety pressure-relief-valve.
--Just like ANY espresso maker, wipe the excess coffee grounds from around the grounds-basket-lip (where it comes into contact with the gasket) to get a perfect seal so it won't leak.
--Leave the lid open while it brews so you can watch it brew; when the crema forms and covers the espresso, it's done. The oily-black liquid should gently roll down the spigot sides until the pot fills and the crema gathers like sea foam. If you walk away and hear it begin quickly coughing air/steam up through the tube/spigot: it's slightly over-done, and the crema will then break up and dissipate. At this point, the espresso's still OK, but will seem more watery and bitter, and not as perfect as this gadget was meant to achieve.
--Use fine-ground coffee (espresso grind) or you'll have watery coffee.
--clean it regularly (it's a cooking utensil, duh!)
I also bought the Cuisinox Cappuccino Frother with it, since that is what I mainly wanted to make. It's also a bit pricy at $30, but again, seems to be good quality.
The both have a nice mirrored finish on them. Both are made in China. The thing about things manufactured in China, or any where else overseas, is quality control. Cuisinox apparently takes quality control seriously, and these are both first rate.
Amazon shipped them, and they arrived in good shape within a day after ordering. Packaging seemed adequate. ( I happen to live where Amazon has a main hub- so stuff doesn’t have to come very far.)
I was anxious to try out my hand at espresso making. I went to Starbucks, and bought their espresso blend, on their recommendation, and had them grind it for me (~$13). As I’m new to this, I wanted to see what an espresso grind looks like. Turns out, it’s not much grittier then baby powder. (Bad Parenting Thought: Hmm, I’m out of baby powder, wonder if I can use this espresso in a pinch…)
It came with adequate instructions. I didn’t wash the items with soap, but used very hot water and wiped everything out with paper towels. To season the pot, I used the reducer, so as not to waste a lot of coffee. A note about the reducer: The reducer is to reduce the amount of coffee you use. I read several reviewers who didn’t have a clue what it was for. It says in bold letters in the instructions, never to put it over the coffee. You put the reducer in the funnel first, and it reduces the funnel capacity by about a third.
Fill the boiler with water to just below the brass safety valve. Then put the funnel into it.
After putting coffee in the funnel, you want to take care to carefully wipe the rim area off that seats against the nylon gasket. I read several reviews where the reviewers had steam coming out the side of the seal, or coffee too weak, etc. This isn’t rocket science. You have to have a good gasket seal for the boiling water to be forced through the coffee. Also, I could see a potential problem if the funnel rim ever gets pushed in, or the lip on it ever got bent up slightly. As the funnel is of fairly light gauge, both issues can be easily fixed. You just have to do quick eyeball on it, to look for potential problems. On this particular unit, the gasket is fairly wide, and the tooling on where the funnel and boiler pot meet is fairly tight. I had no problems with a leaky seal.
The top kettle part is then screwed onto the base. I didn’t use a whole lot of pressure to screw them together. Just enough to snug the seat into the gasket.
I have an old electric stove with the ring elements on it. I turned it up to around ¾ high. As pointed out in the instructions, keep the handle off the element area. If you do this, the handle doesn’t get hot at all. It takes maybe 5-6 minuets to boil the water up into the top kettle. You can check it as it’s boiling- the lid never got hot (it‘s double walled), so you can stand there and watch it if you want. (be careful of the coffee though- it’s very hot!)
While the coffee maker was doing it’s thing, I decided to try my hand at frothing. I had half a burner open, so… why not heat the milk on the other side of the burner? Well, it worked, but… more on that in the clean up section… The whole idea for heating the milk, is so you don’t cool down the coffee when you add it to it. (You can froth cold milk if you want.) I heated it to where it was hot to touch, but not boiling.
Then I set it on the stove and started doing the frothing thing. You don’t have to be very aggressive or fast on it to work up a good froth. I used 2% milk (‘cause that was what was in the fridge…) You just plunge it gently to where you feel the plunger hitting the milk. I kept checking it thinking I didn’t have much froth there- but I did notice that the volume of milk had about doubled. It wasn’t until I poured some that I realized it was so frothed most of the bubbles hadn’t gotten to the top yet. OK- well, that worked way better then I anticipated…
I had set the coffee aside on the stove while I was finishing frothing, then decided to try the “seasoning” brew. I added about 1/3 coffee to 2/3 froth/milk into a mug, and called my son down to try it. (he’s of legal age… let him be the guinea pig) He actually liked it, and said the coffee was very bitter. I gave it a try- it was actually very good. I tried some of the espresso with out the creamer in it- very good, but a little on the strong side for me.
This morning I tried a pot without the reducer in it. It was very good as a cappuccino (with the frothed milk). It was way strong as an espresso, at least for me… Think I’ll stick with the reducer for mine.
Clean up was easy, but you do have to do it. It is more work then using a drip brewer. I read some reviewers complaining about having to wait for the pot to cool down. Why? I filled the kettle with cool tap water and ran tap water around the boiler. Instant cool pot. It’s stainless steel, you’re not going to hurt it. In the instructions they tell you not to use the handle to unscrew the parts. I would head this advice. I don’t see much heat penetration where the handle is welded, looking at the inside of the pot. It seems sturdy enough, but just take care. Also, when you clean the top kettle portion, be sure to pull the gasket and top strainer out every time. I noticed water under the gasket, and this could be a potential rust spot. (yes, stainless steel will rust- it just takes longer) How do you get the gasket out? I took a thin pairing knife and slipped it down the side of the gasket, and gently pried it up with the dull side of the knife- easy. Also, the espresso maker comes with an extra gasket. (in case one might like to pry it up with the sharp side of the knife)
Clean up of the frother basically involves rinsing with hot water, and wiping it down. Although, where I set the frother on the burner, the milk burned to the metal. Not hard to clean- used a scouring pad. Today my wife heated a cup and a half of milk in microwave for 2 ½- 3 minuets, and we kept the frother just for frothing.
Overall, I think both the espresso maker and frother are of pretty good quality, and should last a long time. I’ll be using it just on weekends, instead of the drip brewer. If I run into any major issues, I’ll keep you posted.
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2013
I also bought the Cuisinox Cappuccino Frother with it, since that is what I mainly wanted to make. It's also a bit pricy at $30, but again, seems to be good quality.
The both have a nice mirrored finish on them. Both are made in China. The thing about things manufactured in China, or any where else overseas, is quality control. Cuisinox apparently takes quality control seriously, and these are both first rate.
Amazon shipped them, and they arrived in good shape within a day after ordering. Packaging seemed adequate. ( I happen to live where Amazon has a main hub- so stuff doesn’t have to come very far.)
I was anxious to try out my hand at espresso making. I went to Starbucks, and bought their espresso blend, on their recommendation, and had them grind it for me (~$13). As I’m new to this, I wanted to see what an espresso grind looks like. Turns out, it’s not much grittier then baby powder. (Bad Parenting Thought: Hmm, I’m out of baby powder, wonder if I can use this espresso in a pinch…)
It came with adequate instructions. I didn’t wash the items with soap, but used very hot water and wiped everything out with paper towels. To season the pot, I used the reducer, so as not to waste a lot of coffee. A note about the reducer: The reducer is to reduce the amount of coffee you use. I read several reviewers who didn’t have a clue what it was for. It says in bold letters in the instructions, never to put it over the coffee. You put the reducer in the funnel first, and it reduces the funnel capacity by about a third.
Fill the boiler with water to just below the brass safety valve. Then put the funnel into it.
After putting coffee in the funnel, you want to take care to carefully wipe the rim area off that seats against the nylon gasket. I read several reviews where the reviewers had steam coming out the side of the seal, or coffee too weak, etc. This isn’t rocket science. You have to have a good gasket seal for the boiling water to be forced through the coffee. Also, I could see a potential problem if the funnel rim ever gets pushed in, or the lip on it ever got bent up slightly. As the funnel is of fairly light gauge, both issues can be easily fixed. You just have to do quick eyeball on it, to look for potential problems. On this particular unit, the gasket is fairly wide, and the tooling on where the funnel and boiler pot meet is fairly tight. I had no problems with a leaky seal.
The top kettle part is then screwed onto the base. I didn’t use a whole lot of pressure to screw them together. Just enough to snug the seat into the gasket.
I have an old electric stove with the ring elements on it. I turned it up to around ¾ high. As pointed out in the instructions, keep the handle off the element area. If you do this, the handle doesn’t get hot at all. It takes maybe 5-6 minuets to boil the water up into the top kettle. You can check it as it’s boiling- the lid never got hot (it‘s double walled), so you can stand there and watch it if you want. (be careful of the coffee though- it’s very hot!)
While the coffee maker was doing it’s thing, I decided to try my hand at frothing. I had half a burner open, so… why not heat the milk on the other side of the burner? Well, it worked, but… more on that in the clean up section… The whole idea for heating the milk, is so you don’t cool down the coffee when you add it to it. (You can froth cold milk if you want.) I heated it to where it was hot to touch, but not boiling.
Then I set it on the stove and started doing the frothing thing. You don’t have to be very aggressive or fast on it to work up a good froth. I used 2% milk (‘cause that was what was in the fridge…) You just plunge it gently to where you feel the plunger hitting the milk. I kept checking it thinking I didn’t have much froth there- but I did notice that the volume of milk had about doubled. It wasn’t until I poured some that I realized it was so frothed most of the bubbles hadn’t gotten to the top yet. OK- well, that worked way better then I anticipated…
I had set the coffee aside on the stove while I was finishing frothing, then decided to try the “seasoning” brew. I added about 1/3 coffee to 2/3 froth/milk into a mug, and called my son down to try it. (he’s of legal age… let him be the guinea pig) He actually liked it, and said the coffee was very bitter. I gave it a try- it was actually very good. I tried some of the espresso with out the creamer in it- very good, but a little on the strong side for me.
This morning I tried a pot without the reducer in it. It was very good as a cappuccino (with the frothed milk). It was way strong as an espresso, at least for me… Think I’ll stick with the reducer for mine.
Clean up was easy, but you do have to do it. It is more work then using a drip brewer. I read some reviewers complaining about having to wait for the pot to cool down. Why? I filled the kettle with cool tap water and ran tap water around the boiler. Instant cool pot. It’s stainless steel, you’re not going to hurt it. In the instructions they tell you not to use the handle to unscrew the parts. I would head this advice. I don’t see much heat penetration where the handle is welded, looking at the inside of the pot. It seems sturdy enough, but just take care. Also, when you clean the top kettle portion, be sure to pull the gasket and top strainer out every time. I noticed water under the gasket, and this could be a potential rust spot. (yes, stainless steel will rust- it just takes longer) How do you get the gasket out? I took a thin pairing knife and slipped it down the side of the gasket, and gently pried it up with the dull side of the knife- easy. Also, the espresso maker comes with an extra gasket. (in case one might like to pry it up with the sharp side of the knife)
Clean up of the frother basically involves rinsing with hot water, and wiping it down. Although, where I set the frother on the burner, the milk burned to the metal. Not hard to clean- used a scouring pad. Today my wife heated a cup and a half of milk in microwave for 2 ½- 3 minuets, and we kept the frother just for frothing.
Overall, I think both the espresso maker and frother are of pretty good quality, and should last a long time. I’ll be using it just on weekends, instead of the drip brewer. If I run into any major issues, I’ll keep you posted.
After having oxidized my previous Bialetti Moka pot, I decided to put the money down on a more sturdy espresso maker. I selected this one, because even though it was on the pricier side, it is a stainless steel construction (therefore dishwasher safe) and the reviews were ridiculously high.
After its initial wash and use, I have to agree that the reviews are spot-on. This is a wonderful product with a solid construction and it looks downright beautiful, right out of the box. It is extremely easy to use, like most stove top espresso pots: fill the base reservoir to just below the steam valve, put in the funnel, fill the funnel with an espresso roast of your choice, screw on the top, and put on the stove over medium heat. When you hear that final burble of water passing from the bottom, pull it off and you have delicious espresso!
The only downsides I have found are that because it is stainless steel, it will retain heat better. This is a plus if you want to keep your pot hot for a while, but kind of a drawback if you are aiming to clean the pot a few minutes after. It will be hot to the touch, so be very, very careful. Additionally, you should be wary of the grind you pick for your espresso - many espresso blends are ground far finer than most regular drip-style coffees, and the latter is the style of grind you should aim for with a pot like this. The filter mesh isn't as fine as you would otherwise get in a professional espresso maker, so grounds can get into the pot. This is not a problem if you don't mind a slightly muggy pot, but something to keep in mind when you're picking out your coffee.
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We bought the 6-cup version. It produces around 4 to 6 shots of espresso in terms of volume. (There is a small insert that can be used to halve the amount of space for grounds and consequently halve the coffee output.) The coffee tastes excellent, impressing even my coffee-snob spouse.
The only quibble I have is that the upper reservoir that holds the coffee is narrow at the top, making it a little tricky to get your fingers or a scrub brush in for cleaning. We find a quick rinse in generally sufficient in any case so it’s not a problem.
Bastante cara, pero vale lo que cuesta