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Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup Review

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Bialetti Moka Express 6-Cup Espresso Maker

FEATURES:

  • Rich, espresso-like coffee
  • Eco-friendly
  • Classic design diffuses heat evenly
  • Safety valve
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Bialetti Moka Express 6-Cup Espresso Maker

FEATURES:

  • Rich, espresso-like coffee
  • Eco-friendly
  • Classic design diffuses heat evenly
  • Safety valve
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup Review Summary


There’s a reason why the Bialetti Moka Express 6-Cup Coffee Maker hasn’t changed much since its creation almost 100 years ago — it works!

This moka pot is durable and comes in a variety of fun colors and designs. It takes up minimal counter space, but it sure looks good while brewing delicious coffee. Its coffee can compete with any coffee house. You’ll save time and money while enjoying that cup of joe in your favorite chair.

The traditional aluminum construction is lightweight and heats up quickly. The octagonal design allows heat to quickly and evenly spread out, which strengthens both the coffee’s taste and its aroma. A safety valve ensures that the steam and pressure don’t get out of control.

An ideal size for one person, this model holds about 10 ounces, which is roughly 6 espresso cups. Larger or smaller sizes are also available.

Alfonso Bialetti created the original moka pot in the 1930s, and the current design is mostly unchanged. Bialetti appliances are wildly popular in Italy, and the company also manufactures cookware and bakeware, along with coffee makers.

Pros

  • Fun colors give a modern flair
  • More affordable than many coffee machines
  • Tried and true aluminum design
  • Portable

    Cons

    • Many people find it too small
    • Aluminum residue can be left behind

    Features and Benefits of the Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker


    Bialetti is one of the biggest names in coffee machines, and with this moka pot, Bialetti makes many promises. I’m taking a closer look at the features offered by this coffee maker.

    Using A Moka Pot


    Using this kind of device can seem intimidating at first, but the process is remarkably simple. Start by grinding the coffee beans, or you can use pre-ground coffee if you choose. We recommend a grind that’s slightly coarser than what you’d use for espresso. Coffee that’s too fine may clog the filter, creating a safety hazard with steam.

    While grinding the beans, you may want to also preheat the water for the moka pot. Boil the water, then pour it into the bottom part of the coffee maker. Alternatively, you can complete the entire heating process on the stovetop.

    Place the filter into the basket and add the ground coffee to the filter. Tamping isn’t needed, but brush any grounds that are on the sides of the filter basket. Assemble the rest of the moka pot, tightening the two containers together. Do not overtighten.

    Put the device on medium heat on your stovetop, but keep the handle away from direct heat. Within five minutes or so, coffee should start flowing into the top part. If it’s not flowing, you should turn the heat up. If it’s an explosive stream, turn the heat down. When you see a golden honey color, it’s done.

    Safety


    Because of how this appliance is designed, the combination of steam and pressure may pose a safety risk. If not used properly, hot water or steam can leak or even result in an explosion.

    Obviously, no one wants exploding coffee, so Bialetti uses a safety valve on its moka pots. The safety valve will release steam if the pressure in the container is too high. That should happen rarely, but if it starts happening regularly, inspect the device carefully to ensure it’s in proper working condition.

    The handle is a critical part of any moka pot, and Bialetti has included sturdy plastic handles on this model. Because it’s plastic, it should be kept away from direct heat as too much direct heat or an open flame may cause the handle to melt.

    Size And Design


    The Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker holds six cups or 10 ounces. For this model, cups are actually espresso cups, which are approximately one to two ounces, rather than a typical mug size. So a moka pot in this size is suitable for one person who enjoys a caffeine boost in the mornings. If your whole family wants java in the mornings, you’ll want to look for a larger size.

    This coffee maker is manufactured from aluminum, which heats up quickly. The eight sides of this design create the perfect environment for heat to evenly diffuse, which gives moka pot coffee its concentrated taste and aroma.

    Portability


    Moka pots are small enough that they’re portable and easy to take on the go. The next time you go camping, don’t settle for weak or instant campfire java. The Bialetti moka pot is perfectly suited for an open flame and will warm you up on a chilly morning at a campsite.

    It’s also durable enough that you needn’t be concerned about damaging it when packing up. Unlike a glass carafe, you can shove that appliance into a backpack without worry.

    What Do Users Say About the Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker?


    It’s pretty clear that the Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker could be my new best friend, but that’s just me. To give you some other viewpoints, I’ve researched what people who use this coffee maker regularly think.

    Bean lovers rave about their moka pots. An overwhelming number of reviews for the Bialetti Moka Express 6-Cup model offer five-star ratings, and the vast majority of owners are happy with their purchases. They love how quickly it brews bold, delicious java in about five minutes. It may take a little trial and error to get the hang of using it, but detailed instructions are included.

    Bialetti owners like the way it looks, with its classic design, while having a variety of colors. They rate it as a quality, well-built product. There are numerous reminders in the reviews to hand wash the moka pot, as using a dishwasher can damage it.

    Complaints about this model are minimal. Some buyers were unhappy that it isn’t compatible with an induction stovetop, but that is clearly indicated in the product description. A few buyers have voiced concerns about some residue being left from the aluminum. That seems to be limited to a very small number of moka pots and may be avoided by washing the device by hand.

    Alternatives To The Keurig K-Classic 


    If by some chance, the Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup Moka Pot just doesn’t cut it for you, that’s okay, too. I’ve found some other versions that are just as great and could be more suitable for your needs.

    The Cuisinox Roma 6-Cup stainless steel moka pot is comparable in size to the Bialetti version, holding approximately nine ounces of liquid. Unlike the Bialetti model, it’s suitable for all stovetops and can go into the dishwasher. It is significantly more expensive than other models, but you get a lengthy 25-year warranty.

    Crafted from stainless steel, unlike the aluminum Bialetti moka pot

    Can be used on all stovetops, including induction

    A reducer lets you brew less than the full capacity, without sacrificing taste

    With the Delonghi EMK6 Electric Moka Pot, you don’t need a stovetop, unlike the Bialetti coffee machine The detachable base plugs into an outlet, and it offers a keep-warm feature and also has an automatic shut-off safety feature. The top part is transparent, so you can watch the brewing process.

    Self-contained appliance means no need for a stovetop

    Filter adapter may be used to choose three or six cups for brewing

    Slightly higher price tag then the Bialetti moka pot

    The bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker is the same size as the Bialetti moka pot at 10 ounces and has a higher price point, but not dramatically so. It has a modern look that combines stainless steel and a copper chrome finish. The heat-resistant handle is a nice touch.

    The bottom is stainless steel, while the top is copper chrome

    Dishwasher-safe, but washing by hand is recommended

    Compatible with induction stovetops, unlike the Bialetti moka pot

    Conclusion


    The Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup Moka Pot more than delivers on its promises of amazing coffee and a quality product. Its rich, strong brew is similar to espresso, but unlike java that comes from any other type of coffee maker.

    Bialetti has maintained the original eight-sided design from the moka pot’s origins. It creates the perfect environment for brewing strong coffee. While this particular model is classic silver aluminum, there are other colors and sizes available.

    Since it can be readily used over an open flame, it’s portable and sturdy, ready for visiting the great outdoors with you. This moka pot is affordable, makes a great cup of joe, and you’ll be able to use it for years. It’s a win-win in my opinion.

    Bialetti Moka Express 6 Cup Moka Pot FAQs


    How Many Cups Is My Bialetti?

    Bialetti uses espresso cups as the measurement, six cups equals approximately 10 ounces.

    Why Is My Bialetti Coffee Bitter?

    The most likely reasons are using a low-quality roast or over-extracting the coffee grounds. You can try a different roast and/or shorten the brewing time.

    How Do You Know When the Bialetti Coffee Is Done?

    When the water is almost boiling, it will force a stream of coffee upwards into the top of the moka pot. You’ll hear a bubbling sound when the coffee is done.

    Is Moka Coffee As Strong As Espresso?

    Coffee from a moka pot is two to three times as strong as regular java while a shot of espresso is typically five to eight times as concentrated as regular coffee. So, espresso coffee is stronger, but not by a huge margin.

    Can You Half-Fill a Moka Pot?

    The Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker is designed to work with the full amount of liquid. With less, it may not brew properly.