Moka Pot Express: The Art of Brewing
Bialetti's Caffeinated Masterpiece
Standard 1 cup- 24.99 Five Varying Sizes
Dubbed as the poor man’s espresso
machine, the Moka Pot is an Italian-originated stovetop espresso machine that
has transcended its European roots and risen to popularity in the states as of
late. Originally invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti, the Moka Pot Express is
designed with a geometric structure and is traditionally made with
aluminum. This form of coffee brewing
has been commonly used in European or Latin American countries and is known for
it’s iconic industrial design and lasting functionality.
Design
The uniqueness of the Moka Pot lies
within the simple brewing mechanism within the pot. The boiler is filled with
water and the funnel shaped metal filter is inserted. Ground coffee is then
added to the filter and the top portion is screwed onto the bottom base. Then,
one simply places the pot onto a heat source (most commonly a stovetop) and the
water is brought to a boil. The water and steam then boils up through the
funnel into the upper chamber, creating your brewed coffee with ease.
Maintenance
One quality of the Moka Pot Express
that coffee lovers enjoy most is it’s lasting usability. Being made with
stainless steel or aluminum, the Moka pot has the ability, if well maintained
to last many years. Many people enjoy refurbishing antique Moka pots that
perhaps have poorly maintained mechanisms that simply need replacing. Between
uses however, there is simply a residue of coffee, which lines the interior of
both the lower and upper chambers of the pot. Although there are some users who
maintain that this residue is helpful, as it protects the coffee from being
infiltrated with a metallic taste.
However, if not maintained or used
for long periods of time, the pots gradually will hold an oily film of vegetable
oil that will line the walls of the aluminum and contaminate the taste of the
coffee for further use. In order to
avoid this result one must simply allow soapy water run though the funnel and
soak the chambers so that the film will deteriorate. It is suggested that if
you value coffee greatly, you will allow coffee of perhaps a “throw away” brand
to run through and coat the walls of the chamber to protect the character of
your brew.Usability
There has been some discrepancy on
whether the Moka Pot Express is actually as easy to use as is advertised, as it
takes some time to master the art of espresso. Although, some coffee
connoisseurs would argue that making coffee in general and of all varieties
takes practice and developed skill to master.
The standard Bialetti Moka Pot
allows for the most traditional brewing experience, however an alternative unit
would be the Brikka. The Brikka is a newer variation of the Moka; a sleeker,
more modernized version that contains an updated valve that allows the pot to
act as a modified pressure cooker of sorts. This type of brewing creates a
frothier surface to the final product adding more character to your drinking
pleasure.
Final Thoughts
The art behind using the stovetop
design over an electric design is just that, art. While it is widely viewed
that the electric pots produce a less appreciated brew, it also is valued for
the authentic coffee experience that comes with brewing in this particular manner.
The very organic and almost rudimentary design of the Moka Pot enables the
brewer to have a genuine coffee experience that has maintained a consistent
presence for over forty years.
