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!

   

Which power source will you use?

 

 

 

 

 

 

External heat source (stove, burner, fire)

Electrical

 

 

 

 

Do you want milk froth (foam) on top?

 

 

 

 

 

No

Yes

 

Characteristics

Traditionnal

Cappuccino

Electrical

Model Name

Bialetti Moka Express

Vev Vigano Kontessa

Stainless Steel

Bialetti Mukka Express

DeLonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric

Picture

Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker

Vev Vigano Kontessa Espresso Pot

Stainless Steel Stovetop Cappuccino Maker

Bialetti Mukka Express Stovetop Cappuccino Maker

DeLonghi EMK6 Electric Moka Espresso Maker

Milk Frothing

not available

not available

manual

automatic (cappuccino or latte)

not available

Body

high quality polished aluminum

heavy gauge polished stainless steel

stainless steel

high quality polished aluminum

clear carafe to monitor brewing

Safety

pressure release valve

brass pressure release valve

none

none

automatically shuts off

Maintenance

normal

normal

normal + clean external steam pipe

normal + rinse internal steam valve

normal + wipe electric base

Brewing Capacity (oz.)

4.5-9-13.5-18 (different sizes)

3-6-9-18 (different sizes)

18 (+ 6 and 12 reducers)

14

9 (+ 4.5 filter adapter)

Price ($)

25-30-37-50

47-53-69-89

80

90

60

Buy

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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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