Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was suspicious of too many 5 star reviews, but this is a really nice espresso moka pot. I previously ordered a cheaper one and it arrived with the lid broken off. This one has a nice strong lid hinge with double hinge hooks on both the lid and the base. I prefer stainless over aluminum, since those tend to form aluminum oxide deposits which have questionable health effects. Note that the inside of the bottom pot is not polished, looking a bit rough, but it is still stainless steel. This is deliberate because the portion exposed to boiling water and steam won't hold a shine very well. I've used this pot on both my electric range and my NuWave2 induction stove. For induction I use between medium and medium-low - 240F. On the electric stove I start it on 8 for a couple of minutes then reduce it down to 4. I use my favorite "Medaglia d'Oro" espresso coffee, which I order from Java Cabana at a good price, but anything should work and variety is always nice. I just want to point out the finer grind is not a problem. Remember this makes 6 demitasse (1.5 oz) cups, so it only makes about 8-9 oz of espresso. This fills my big coffee mug about halfway. I have a manual milk frother, so I top it off with foamy milk, then I stir it together into an awesome creamy espresso foamy drink. How to make moka pot espresso: Fill the bottom with good drinking water, ensuring the level is below the safety release valve. Next place the funnel filter on top and add about 3 tablespoons of ground espresso or coffee. Do not fill any higher than the rim of the filter. Screw the base back onto the top - I just hold the top and turn the bottom until it's a little tight. Place on stove. KEEP WATCH ON THE POT THE ENTIRE TIME IT IS ON THE STOVE. If I'm in a hurry, I might run the first minute or two on high, but then reduce to medium-low. You will soon see very dark brown liquid oozing out. (It OK to open the lid and look. Nothing shoots out. It just help contain splatters.) Next it will start coming out foamy. It is almost done. Once it starts perking - a very audible popping and sputtering - remove it from heat. You might lose a tiny bit of product this way, but it is hot steam which can make it quite bitter part, so minimize it. This also avoids cooking the bottom dry, which can ruin your pot. Pour it into your cup(s) and top with sugar and milk as desired. Care: #1 Do not burn your pot! This is why you have to watch it when it's on the stove. If you look at reviews of other moka pots, you will see several pictures of burnt and/or rusted pots. However this can happen to any stainless pot. The bottom pot should never become completely dry while on the stove. Dry cooking it will greatly accelerate corrosion and staining. As mentioned above remove from heat when you hear the audible perking and expect to find a little water left in the bottom container when you are done. This is a good thing that keeps your stainless from burning up. #2 The empty pot will be HOT! Either let it cool naturally over time or trickle tap water onto the sides and bottom until it is cool to the touch. #3 Once it is cool, unscrew the base. Tip the base over the garbage disposal or trash can and catch the filter-funnel as it comes loose. DO NOT BANG the filter to loosen the grounds. You can dent the filter which can cause a bad seal in the future. Use a spoon if needed to scrape any coffee ground that won't dump out. #4 Rinse all parts in water and wipe any residue with a clean sponge. Remember to clean around the bottom of the top section where the gasket and fine filter are. If they come loose, just place the filter back dome side out, then place the gasket back which will hold it in place. Be careful to avoid bending the percolator stem on the inside of the top section when cleaning and drying. Wipe clean with a dish towel for that nice shiny stainless look. Put it back together only after it is absolutely dry. If you like moka pot style espresso, this is a very good choice and if made correctly, the espresso will taste great. Be sure to take care of your pot. Stainless steel is nice, but it is by no means indestructible.