GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Review
Our Rating: 4.7/5
GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker
FEATURES:
- Food-grade anodized aluminum
- Range of colors available
- Makes nine espresso-sized cups of coffee per brew
- Only uses Italian certified safety valves
- Burn guard on the handle
- Silicone seals for a secure fit
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.7/5
GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker
FEATURES:
- Food-grade anodized aluminum
- Range of colors available
- Makes nine espresso-sized cups of coffee per brew
- Only uses Italian certified safety valves
- Burn guard on the handle
- Silicone seals for a secure fit
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker Review Summary
The GROSCHE Espresso Maker is a budget-friendly alternative to spending all your money at a local coffee shop, without sacrificing taste.
Available in black, red, white, and conventional silver, this coffee machine goes beyond the classic version to deliver an appliance that pleases your eyes and your taste buds.
GROSCHE is the only moka pot manufacturer that places heat-resistant burn guards on moka pot handles. No worries about burning your fingers when you can’t wait one more minute before pouring that cup of joe.
And that java! Strong, full-bodied taste that can’t be created from any other method of brewing coffee — moka coffee is definitely one of a kind.
GROSCHE was founded in 2006 and quickly made a name for itself in the world of coffee machines. The company is headquartered in Canada, and besides producing quality kitchen products, this company helps provide clean water to people in need through the Safe Water Project. Each GROSCHE purchase helps fund 50+ days of safe water.
Pros
- Attractive colors and multiple sizes available
- Brews fantastic, espresso-like coffee
- The company provides clean drinking water for communities
- Heat-resistant handle
Cons
- Can’t be used on induction cooktops
- Must be washed by hand
Features and Benefits of the GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker
The GROSCHE Espresso Maker may be the safest moka pot in existence, while still producing top-notch beverages that prove you don’t need an expensive espresso machine for cafe-quality joe. Here’s what I love about this nifty moka pot:
Anodized Aluminum Build
The GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker is made from food-grade anodized aluminum, which is light and inexpensive. The material keeps the price tag of this moka pot budget-friendly, but it still heats up quickly for fast brewing. Food-grade aluminum is safe for cooking while being sturdy enough to last for years.
While the advantages of anodized aluminum are clear, there are a couple of downsides. For one, the moka pot must be hand-washed, putting it through a dishwasher can damage the device, resulting in a residue that flecks off into your coffee. Secondly, aluminum is not magnetized, so it can’t be used on an induction stovetop. However, it works nicely with any gas stove, open flame, or electric stove.
Heat-Resistant Handle
GROSCHE is the only manufacturer of moka pots with handles equipped with burn guards to protect your hands and fingers. Not just that, but these handles are also set slightly away from the pot and resist heat.
Moka pot handles are tricky things. Because of the device’s design, the handles are close to the pot and therefore heat up with the moka pot’s aluminum body. Many manufacturers use plastic handles, which can actually melt if they’re exposed to too much direct heat.
The GROSCHE Espresso Maker’s soft-touch handle is designed to be a bit larger and set further away from the pot itself. An innovative handle design makes it easier to safely and comfortably pour your mug of joe, something I appreciate.
Safety Features
When used properly, moka pots are safe. However, when mixing steam and pressure, there is always a slim chance something can go wrong as too much steam combined with pressure poses a safety risk. The GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker only uses Italian safety valves that have been certified.
A non-toxic, silicone gasket seal helps prevent leaks and maintain a reasonable pressure inside the moka pot. If too much pressure builds up, the valve releases steam and ensures the pressure level inside the moka pot is at a safe level.
Safe Water Project
If a company’s social impact matters to you, you’ll love this. With the sale of each product, GROSCHE funds at least 50 days of clean drinking water for someone in need. The company has been involved in this project since 2010, and over that time has helped people in half a dozen countries worldwide.
By helping locals build water filters, GROSCHE provides clean drinking water and jobs for people within their local communities. By purchasing a GROSCHE moka pot, you get a quality product and help the company help vulnerable communities.
What Do Users Say About the GROSCHE Espresso Maker?
I’ve been pretty impressed with the GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker, but I certainly don’t expect you to just take my word for it. With that in mind, I researched what others think about this coffee machine.
Most people who own this model are definitely in the moka pot fan club, for multiple reasons. They love the quality of their brewed beverage, plus they’re big fans of saving money by not going to a coffee shop every day.
Even though it’s not technically espresso because of the pressure requirements, most owners say it’s much easier to use and maintain a moka pot than an espresso machine. They also appreciate that GROSCHE is a socially conscious company, with several users citing the Safe Water Project as one factor in their purchase.
For all of its greatness, this GROSCHE moka pot isn’t perfect. There have been some complaints about the filter being difficult to remove and clean properly, for example. A few people also complained about the device’s quality. However, aluminum construction is pretty standard in moka pots, which allows for a lower price point than stainless steel.
Alternatives To The GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker
To me, the GROSCHE Espresso Maker is a great product at an attractive price point. However, maybe it’s not quite what you’re looking for. With that in mind, I’ve come up with other moka pot recommendations that might work better for you.
The bonVIVO Intenca Stovetop Espresso Maker is smaller than the GROSCHE moka pot but has a higher price point. Its modern look features a combination of stainless steel and copper chrome, plus it also has a heat-resistant handle.
Stainless steel bottom is compatible with induction cooktops
Can be washed in a dishwasher
10-ounce size, rather than the 15.2-ounce GROSCHE Espresso Maker
The Bialetti Venus Induction Espresso Coffee Maker is another stainless steel model, unlike the aluminum GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker. However, it is considerably more expensive than the GROSCHE moka pot, and it’s roughly half its size.
Brews four cups, about eight ounces of coffee
Made from stainless steel, compatible with induction stovetops
Not dishwasher-safe
The LuxHaus Stovetop Espresso Maker has a similar size to the GROSCHE Espresso Maker. Unlike the GROSCHE moka pot though, this model is made of stainless steel and will work with any cooktop. It is slightly more expensive, but it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Rust-free stainless steel construction
Will brew 18 ounces, or 9 cups of coffee
Has a heat-resistant handle
Conclusion
After one cup of joe from the GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker, it’s clear that this moka pot is a winner. It’s difficult to beat a combination of style, safety, and quality.
Anodized aluminum holds up to regular use but is inexpensive enough to keep this coffee machine reasonably priced. An Italian-certified safety valve and silicone gasket seals ensure any safety risks have been minimized, leaving you to enjoy the deliciousness of moka coffee without worrying about steam and pressure mishaps.
GROSCHE does more than just make good coffee machines, too. The socially conscious business does its part by making clean water possible in countries where it’s needed most.
When you look at those aspects individually, they’re good, and when they’re combined, it’s wonderful.
GROSCHE Milano Stovetop Espresso Maker FAQs
How Do You Get Crema on Stovetop Espresso?
While you can generate a tiny bit of crema with your moka pot, crema typically requires more pressure than moka pots generate. If you’re chasing crema in every shot, consider investing in an espresso machine.
How Long Does It Take to Make Stovetop Espresso?
The actual moka pot brewing process is about five minutes. Simply fill the moka pot’s base with water, add coffee grinds to the cup, screw the pot together and put the whole unit on the heat.
What Kind of Coffee Do You Use in a Stovetop Espresso Maker?
You should use coffee that’s specifically made for espresso, a medium grind is best.
Why Is My Stovetop Espresso Maker Not Working?
If steam is coming out of the safety valve, you may have put too much water in the moka pot. Alternatively, the filter or safety valve may be clogged. Try cleaning the moka pot thoroughly before brewing again.
Where Is the GROSCHE Coffee Maker Made?
GROSCHE products are designed in Canada then are manufactured in Taiwan, China, or Germany.