Bialetti 6800 Moka Express 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

Product Features

*Stovetop brewer makes 6 2-ounce cups of espresso in just 4 to 5 minutes
*Made of durable polished aluminum in a unique octagon shape
*Flip-up top and side-pour spout provide added convenience
*Wash by hand with warm soapy water and rinse clean; made in Italy
*Measures 4-1/4 by 8 inches

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Customer Reviews

Follow these tips for a unique coffee, February 3, 2007
By T. Speidel (Canada)
"Every family in Italy owns one of these coffee makers. Here are a few tips:
1. In Italy this is NOT called an espresso machine, but a Moka machine. An espresso is what you would drink in bar made with a steam or high pressure machine with the crema on top.
2. Smaller size Moka machine tend to make better coffee.
3. Never wash the Moka with detergents, just rinse it under tap water
4. You've gotta use it often for a good coffee.
5. If you haven't use it in a while, make a weak coffee ("lungo") and discard
6. DO NOT put the MOka in the dishwasher.
7. Use drinking water. Avoid tap water especially if very chlorinated
8. Never compress the coffee.
9. For a strong coffee fill the filter with ground coffee and make a small cupola that slightly protrudes beyond the rim. Do not press down.
10. For best coffee, heat at very low heat. It's ok if it takes 10min.
11. As soon as coffee reaches the top, remove from heat
12. Do not let the coffee boil
13. Use good quality coffee, not too strong, medium grind (try Illy for a good commercial brand)
14. Sip while still hot, enjoy! "

Break it in first 10-15 pots+, June 26, 2011
By shotokun16
"I rarely write reviews and this probably my second or third review on a Amazon . However, i purchased my Bialetti 6-cup Moka express at Bath & Beyond
I sure do love Italian clothing, cars, women, life-style, food, and the Bialetti Moka Express! This monumental 1933 Italian stove-top espresso design is still one of the best machines out there. Considering the price and its low-maintenance (i.e. replace that little plastic ring after 1-2 years) characteristics, i think this machine will last you forever with quality espresso. After 10-15 pots later i think this espresso tastes similar or even better than those $500-700 espresso machines that you see at commercial or boutique cafes. Why 10-15? i honestly cant tell you. If you use the same beans over time i think the bialetti starts building a cake and the flavors start maturing into fine wine.(IMHO)
I would like to give you guys some tips in making quality coffee with this timeless devic
My method:
* About 80% of the time, i purchase my whole beans from Whole Foods (e.g. Espresso kind) and I usually pay attention to its roasting date. Try to get your beans either on its roasted day or within the 2-4 day mark. Store your beans in a tight mason jar where light & air cannot seep through. STAY AWAY FROM STARBUCKS or other non-organic grocery stores
* Always grind your own coffee. I grind my coffee around second to the third last level in fine. [My 5-month grinder and going strongCuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill (CCM-16PC1) I wouldnt recommend this grinder for high end espresso machines just for french pressing and bialetti moka express
* While grinding your beans fill your bialetti to the the indicator line with cold, fresh, and filtered water
* Turn on your stove around medium to medium-low
* Fill your moka express to the top (where you can see grounds falling off from the side; try not to over-tamp it will just take a little bit longer for the espresso to come out) and brew her. (Set your timer around 5:45 to 6minutes. After numerous pots on my electric stove i think 5:45-6minutes is a good indicator in checking up your bialetti. Remember this isnt a tea kettle so stay close so you can hear the low rumbling pitch)
* When the noise starts screeching and stops its time to pour.
Optional:
* I add 1-tsp of Organic Vanilla Syrup
* Raw Organic Brown Sugar Cane
* Heavy whip cream (not recommended for the calorie cautious)
* And a dash of raw Cocoa (Organic Cocoa)
Stir and enjoy!
When a coffee takes 8-10 minutes to make by hand you know its gourmet and going to taste amazing. Enjoy!
NOTE: Only clean it with hot water refrain from any heavy detergent applications. I sometimes use a mild soup mix after 1-2months with hot water. Treat your Bialetti with respect and kindness and she will paint you the world after every sip. "