How to Get the Best Value for Your Money When Buying an Italian Stove Top Espresso Maker?
How reliable is a stovetop espresso maker? How efficient is it for producing the best coffee? No doubt you will get the best value
for your money by consulting this handy comparison chart.
The five models selected for this chart are sturdy, functional and make great espresso, although they do differ from one another
in many features such as milk frothing, brewing capacity, price, maintenance, body finish and safety. Follow the chart from top to bottom
by answering the questions in the yellow and blue boxes. Then, easily compare the models that answer your needs, and make the best
choice!
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Which power source will you use?
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External heat source (stove, burner, fire)
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Electrical
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Do you want milk froth (foam) on
top?
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No
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Yes
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Characteristics
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Traditionnal
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Cappuccino
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Electrical
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Model Name
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Bialetti Moka Express
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Vev Vigano Kontessa
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Stainless Steel
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Bialetti Mukka Express
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DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric
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Picture
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Milk Frothing
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not available
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not available
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manual
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automatic (cappuccino or latte)
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not available
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Body
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high quality polished aluminum
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heavy gauge polished stainless steel
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stainless steel
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high quality polished aluminum
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clear carafe to monitor brewing
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Safety
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pressure release valve
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brass pressure release valve
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none
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none
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automatically shuts off
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Maintenance
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normal
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normal
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normal + clean external steam
pipe
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normal + rinse internal steam
valve
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normal + wipe electric base
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Brewing Capacity (oz.)
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4.5-9-13.5-18 (different sizes)
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3-6-9-18 (different sizes)
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18 (+ 6 and 12 reducers)
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14
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9 (+ 4.5 filter adapter)
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Price ($)
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25-30-37-50
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47-53-69-89
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80
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90
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60
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Buy
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click here
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click here
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click here
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click here
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click here
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How reliable is a stovetop espresso maker?
It’s just amazing how sturdy those machines are, for there are no moving parts during the brewing process, reducing the risk of
breaking the mechanism. Those makers consist of only three simple parts, usually made of aluminum which resists remarkably to heat and
corrosion: the boiler, the funnel-shaped metal filter, and the upper chamber. Usual wear and tear might require replacing the gasket at some point.
How efficient is a stove top model for producing the best espresso?
The coffee produced is similar in look and taste to what you would get from a percolator but with less acidity, less caffeine and
no burned taste. If this kind of espresso appeals to you, click on the links at the bottom of the comparison chart.
However, if you are looking for a coffee shop-like espresso, you will be disappointed because they don’t use this kind of brewing
process. The crema-topped cup can only be obtained from semi-automatic or fully automated models.
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