Review on Bialetti Moka Express: Authentic Stovetop Espresso Maker for Italian Coffee - 3 Cup (4.3 Oz - 130 Ml), Silver Aluminium by Firman Harrington

After buying or receiving several moka pots over the years, I finally bought a Bialetti. When I saw them in the "Market" stores they were always overpriced, but here at Revain the price was perfect. I was also able to get the real Italian version and not a third party version. After reading a little, real Bialetti are made in Italy. Nowhere else. The three-cup version is perfect for my daily morning dose. As far as function goes, compared to others I've had. The handle is more durable, for that reason they replaced my old one which had a broken handle. The handle of this model is longer towards the body and is made of a different composite material. My old one lasted about 2 years and one morning while making coffee the handle fell off. I'm just glad it wasn't full of hot coffee! The casting is smooth, does not slowly flow down the lower mold lip. Since I have 3 drinks every morning, I don't want to sit and slowly pour like I fill mocha cups. My older model's spout looked the same, but if you pour too fast it will drain to the side. Does not run on the back. The old Universal leaked out the back as soon as the coffee was brewing. This isn't the case, and the lid actually has a 'latch' when pushed down. Doesn't hang out, very reliable coverage. The weight of this specimen is a little lighter than my old non-Bialetti, but it's just as durable. My senior left about 1 ounce or more of water in the base after each infusion and this caused pitting/buildup even though I used filtered water. The bialetti probably has about 1/4 oz of water left at the bottom, meaning more is being pushed into the basket. As for the basket, one of my planter baskets was so flimsy it actually bent when rammed into the ground! The Bialetti basket bears the stamp "Made in Italy" and is very durable. Nice to see the pride of the country! Overall - after a few stainless and generic (similar) pots, I love the fact that Bialetti sells parts. Replacement pads and handles are available from Revain and direct from Bialetti, so I can fix the pot instead of replacing it. The gasket is the biggest bonus as most gaskets don't last more than two years and it was impossible to find an exact match for a regular coffee pot. Coffee - I love Lavazza, Bustello and La Llave in these coffee pots. When you first get your coffee pot, just skip a few pots of regular coffee - don't wash the pot! This allows it to be cleaned by boiling coffee and "seasoning" the pot. Never wash the inside of the pot, seasoning helps to get the best cup. Boil - When you're ready to boil your first pot, add water to the line just below the pressure release valve. Bottled or filtered water is best. Then fill the coffee basket with coffee grounds without wrapping, just set it on top and then use the straight edge of a spoon or shovel to level the top. Then tap the counter twice with the bottom of the basket to calm the thickness. Don't tamp the ground coffee like you would in an espresso machine! Place the basket in the base, screw the top until too tight, then place on the fire. I brew mine on the lowest heat possible, it will eventually boil due to the closed environment and I don't have to worry about a bad cup. If you heat it on high heat, the water will boil too quickly and cause a bump through the bottom, resulting in a weaker cup or a "burnt" taste because the water was too hot. Making mocha takes time, but it's worth the wait.