Stove Top Espresso Machines

[very-near]

I've just bought one of those traditional Italian stove top espresso machines and essentially it does the job. However, I'm not entirely convinced of the quality of the metal used. Does anybody know if there is a tip-top high quality brand e.g. made out of stainless steel or similar high quality stuff and perhaps with a wooden rather than plastic handle?

Don't be tight, and get a real one - It is even in Offenbach ATM

 

[kyuss]

It is so usefull being on a forum with so many learned members.

Is the Bialetti range suitable for a ceramic topped electric hob ?

I've never had any problems using mine on an electric hob.

 

[bonj2]

i use it on an electric hob, no problems with the "quality of the metal"
never really thought about it really...

 

[scook94]

Okay, one thing, Moka pots don't make espresso. If I were touring and had a means of boiling water then I'd be taking my Aerobie Aeropress.

 

[scook94]

When it comes to Espresso machines, there is only one maker 'Gaggia' . When i lived and worked in Italy, that was the number one name for quality!

LOL. La Marzocco may disagree with you...

 

[scook94]

Don't be tight, and get a real one - It is even in Offenbach ATM

*sigh*

 

[Andy in Sig]

I'm surprised this thread has been revived. I may as well take the opportunity to point out that the Cilio is still going strong, looks stainless-steel-good and the Italian aluminium things will only ever be used again if I get loads of guests and have to produce masses of coffee at once.

 

[MessenJah]

Okay, one thing, Moka pots don't make espresso. If I were touring and had a means of boiling water then I'd be taking my Aerobie Aeropress.

Yep, what mocha/moka pots make is 'strong coffee extracted at too high a temperature and too low a pressure, and also severely lacking crema'

 

[very-near]

*sigh*

Are you suggesting it couldn't produce the goods ?

 

[scook94]

There are inherent flaws in bean to cup machines that make it very difficult for them to make good espresso. I've tasted espresso from a Gaggia Synchrony and it wasn't good.

I finally persuaded the owner to dump it and get a good grinder and entry level espresso machine and he's never stopped thanking me for the advice. He ended up with the Rancilio Sylvia/Rocky combo. He also roasts his own beans now (as do I), which is pretty much essential as coffee stales after about 2 weeks (so most of the stuff on supermarket shelves is past it's best by the time it gets there.)

But it's all relative and depends where you are on your coffee journey. Unfortunately for my bank balance I fell down the slippery slope of chasing the "God Shot" a long time ago.

This is my setup...

 

[MessenJah]

wow/