Review on ☕ Ilsa Turbo Express Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Maker - 1 Cup: Efficient and Convenient Espresso Brewing at Home by Fort Steffen

Just received this little one yesterday and want to share some first impressions. What's Included: One moka pot - stainless steel base, lid, basket and strainer Two gaskets Two sets of instructions All stainless steel parts - base, lid, basket and strainer The gasket dangles slightly around the strainer (inside diameter) - leaving 1-2 mm free space. See pictures. The "hinge" on the lid is actually not a hinge at all - please see the picture. "Hinge" is made in the handle. Overall I think this is a smart design decision. The handle is solid metal welded to the top of the pot, but it's only spot welded so that's considered a weak point. Therefore, DO NOT use the handle when contracting the device, which is a little tricky as it has a very small lid. I've read reviews of similar moka pots with metal handles where reviewers complained that the handle got hot. However, so far I haven't noticed any appreciable heating of the handle, but I know I should hold the handle at the edge of the heat source. You can see that the bottom of the moka pot is NOT flat. I'm not sure if that really matters or not. However, I can hear this kettle simmering for a while before the coffee runs out, while I hear nothing with the aluminum mocha pot until the coffee starts to run out. Coffee takes about twice as long to make. About 10 minutes versus 5 minutes for a 3-cup aluminum moka pot. Heat 3 ounces of water in the microwave and pour into the base.3. Screw the top onto the base4. Set the stove on a LOW fire - I use setting #1 on our ceramic hob.5. wait until the desired amount of coffee is reached or the pot starts to hiss, it foams.6. pour out the coffee. Note: Some people prefer to heat the coffee at a higher temperature (medium to medium high), then remove the pot from the heat as soon as the coffee begins to flow and let the heat evaporate it. With this particular kettle, I've found that this brews the coffee too quickly, IMO, which is why I use the "low and slow" method with preheated water. Flavor: This teapot, like most moka coffee makers, imparts its own unique flavor. It doesn't produce exactly the same drink as we get from our 3-cup aluminum mocha pot, and no one should expect that. I think the coffee isn't as thick as a large moka pot, which makes sense since a large moka pot has a much larger and deeper basket. However, the taste cooked in this tiny pot is very good in my opinion. Differences in taste are very difficult to describe, but they are noticeable - neither good nor bad, just different. I actually prefer the flavor from this tiny pot over our larger moka pot. The base holds 3 ounces of water when filled just below the pressure valve as directed. This makes 2 ounces of coffee when run to "full". - when foam begins to spurt out of the pan. So adjust the amount of water you pour into the base or pour out the coffee when you get the right amount for a "one time" serving. Technically I think we could call this pot 2 cups. I personally like that you have a free place and can move if you want. So much better than being able to just get 1 ounce of coffee no matter what. The valve seems to be on the low side for the pressure - you can't add extra coffee grounds above the basket like other mokas do. Fill the basket to the brim and level, no more or it will NOT leak. In other words, if I were to load this heating pad like I do with my Bialetti Brikka (when using it as a mocha pot and not a brikka), I would only get steam from the pressure valve and NO coffee. I'm pretty disappointed with that. Neither the manufacturer nor the seller of Revain have decent pictures or details on this product so I've uploaded some photos for those interested in seeing the internals and other details. . I believe a Bialetti 1 Cup Spacer Set will fit this mocha pot, but I need to track my calipers to measure more accurately. If not, there are a few online stores that have the pad and screen available and they will come with an extra one. Since your choices for a 1-cup mocha pot seem very limited - you're either paying a lot or you have few options and only one or two stainless steel to choose from - I really think this is the best option for your stainless steel 1-cup moka pot. Not a 3 cup kettle with a 1 cup liner - I think the depth of the basket is very important when brewing so I wanted a true 1 cup mocha kettle. this mocha pot, which I thought was something high at the time. Apparently the price is now $55 + shipping (I had free shipping) which I think is ridiculous for this moka pot. At this price I wouldn't even consider this pan and go with the Bialetti aluminum 1 cup or even the cheaper aluminum 1 cup out there. . . or look for another stainless steel pan.