Bialetti Moka Express! Now What??

[Sitting Bull]

Well, I bought a Bialetti Moka express today for $5.00 in super clean shape while I decide what I am going to do with my espresso machine( repair or buy a new one ).Gave it a try with Costco columbian dark roast in the can that we use for the drip machine. Filled the coffee filter to the top level and no tamping. Tasted horrible! too strong and bitter. Made a second try with some Starbucks French roast about 3/4 's of the basket and it came out much better. My wife liked it so much that she doesn't mind if I do not spend the big bucks on a new espresso machine for the amount of times we make it in a month.
For those of you who use this type of stove top maker could you offer some advice on how to properly use it, best type of beans to use as well as where to buy it, and a good reliable grinder that won't break the bank.
Any thing else you can think of ? let me know.
Thanks

[bobtodrick]

Originally Posted by Sitting Bull

Well, I bought a Bialetti Moka express today for $5.00 in super clean shape while I decide what I am going to do with my espresso machine( repair or buy a new one ).Gave it a try with Costco columbian dark roast in the can that we use for the drip machine. Filled the coffee filter to the top level and no tamping. Tasted horrible! too strong and bitter. Made a second try with some Starbucks French roast about 3/4 's of the basket and it came out much better. My wife liked it so much that she doesn't mind if I do not spend the big bucks on a new espresso machine for the amount of times we make it in a month.
For those of you who use this type of stove top maker could you offer some advice on how to properly use it, best type of beans to use as well as where to buy it, and a good reliable grinder that won't break the bank.
Any thing else you can think of ? let me know.
Thanks

I'm on my second Bialetti Moka pot. The first one is 15 years old and just looks like it's ancient...I have a gas stove and the bottom is blacked from carbon...it works fine and is now relegated to my camping gear.
But...to answer you questions:
This grinder is great https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 not fine enough for espresso machine but easily grinds fine enough for the Bialetti.
You do not want espresso machine fine grind for the Bialetti...if you put in powder you'll get bitter.
I've tried every coffee on the market. Prefer Lavazza for the espresso machine but for the Bialetti I find this to be very tasty https://www.blackriflecoffee.ca/coll...espresso-blend plus a percentage of your dollars are going to help military and LEO vets.

[Forest Techer]

Have Almost exclusively use the bialetti for years every morning. 2 or more on weekends.
Dark horse or the grizzly kicking horse
French roast Starbucks
Midnight *...something nabob
Gastown grind nabob
Whatever I find cheap.
Best cup of coffee I ever had was some kona pea berry Stuff. I grind it fine in a regular grinder. Do a weeks worth a time.


Touch of evaporated milk And sugar if too bitter. It’s ruined all coffee places for me.

Not doubting that you do it properly but i just plop it on a burner at full blast and take it off right after it’s done boiling across. Seen people try to slow perk it sometimes.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HalfBreed]

I'm of the 'lowest heat setting on the gas burner' school. I actually learned that on this site.

[Ariu]

Congratulation. This type of espresso machine was used in every household in Italy.
You have to consider the coffee type you use. Remember, espresso is a blend of different African/American varieties. They are roasted separately, mixed, cooled and grounded to a certain level. Espresso blend is different from any filter type coffee, in blend and ground level. Use different espresso coffees to see winch one you like.
Another thing to consider is the heat. Distribute the grounded coffee evenly press it gently and keep the heat at minimum. Otherwise the steam will create preferential ways when going up and won't make a good coffee.
that's it.

I miss it so much. My breakfast for many many years has been a "ristretto" bitter as poison with one or two cigarettes. Can't do it anymore - doctor orders.

[buckmaster]

My favourite is barzula and then lavazza, kimbo.. I buy these at Italian center shop.

[Sitting Bull]

Well, here is my update. After a few coffees from the Bialetti Moka pot the wife and I decided not to spend the big bucks on a new espresso machine since we mostly drink cappuccino's anyway. We decided to buy a stainless steel model as we were concerned about the aluminum. Looked at Canadian Tire and noticed they have the Lagostina 6 cup on sale for $32.00. Brought it home and have enjoyed many great cups so far. A bit of a learning curve but I have it dialled in now.