Great Espresso on the Cheap

Published on Friday, March 23, 2007, by Caitlin McGrath / Edit Post

The best inexpensive espresso maker you can get is the decidedly low-tech stovetop espresso maker. It costs less than $20, and it makes a fine demitasse—just ask the millions of Italian families who have been using one daily for generations. Most are aluminum, though you can pay more for stainless versions.

You put water in the bottom portion, and coffee in a middle section; as the water heats, it is forced up through the grounds and filters into the top section of the pot. Stovetop espresso pots have many chowhound fans, who say that though they don’t produce the crema that a pricey machine does, they definitely make delicious, rich-tasting espresso.

Fantes.com has illustrations and instructions for the use and care of stovetop espresso makers. At Kitchen Emporium you can find aluminum stovetop pots for reasonable prices, but they’re often available very cheaply at discount stores and Ikea’s kitchenwares department. Bialetti is the best-known brand, but there are many others that are just as well made and less expensive.

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POST A COMMENT |9 Comments

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  • Everyone I know who uses these pots loves them. I haven't progressed past my French filter pot but I will give it a try. And Sharonanne, try the coffee from Gimme Coffee in Ithaca, either their French Roast or their Java.

    They have stores in Ithaca and one in Brooklyn, and you can order it from their web site: http://www.gimmecoffee.com/

  • Actually, I didn't call it an "espresso pot" because I know it isn't. I just didn't call it a "moka" as I should have correctly. I found a shop that sells Kimbo coffee and it's by far the best brand that I've found so far. You do have to be careful to pull the pot from the heat as soon as the coffee finishes coming up so that it doesn't burn.

  • Actually, stove top "espresso pots" are not "espresso pots." as BROPAUL said, they are actually "moka pots." The defining element of espresso making is pressure. Stove top pots can not generate enough pressure through steam to technically make an espresso. Lastly, to heat water hot enough to create the proper amount of steam pressure, the coffee ends up burnt.

    That being said, I grew up drinking...+READ

    Actually, stove top "espresso pots" are not "espresso pots." as BROPAUL said, they are actually "moka pots." The defining element of espresso making is pressure. Stove top pots can not generate enough pressure through steam to technically make an espresso. Lastly, to heat water hot enough to create the proper amount of steam pressure, the coffee ends up burnt.

    That being said, I grew up drinking coffee from "moka pots" and enjoy the black coffee very much. The coffee does not compare to what comes out of my espresso machine (you can't get the rich, thick crema from a moka pot.), but its still great coffee, and they are even better when your entertaining, as it is slow to pump out 8 espresso from a machine.-COLLAPSE

  • Try using a Vietnamese coffee filter, good ones are stainless with 2 screens- the coffee drips direct into the cup.
    With practice you can make espresso that makes Ristretto look whimpy. You only need boiling water -and are easy to clean & carry .also only cost from £2.00
    Ca Phe Vietnam & the Algerian Coffee Stores sell them
    www.caphevn.co.uk

  • These little devices are great. The trouble is, after living in Italy and coming back to the states, your standard is pretty high! I have yet to find a bean in the states that tastes as good as the stuff in Italy. But like Vlad said, maybe the air is better there:) Could it be the water? Maybe it is just a matter of perception. Either way if anyone has discovered a great espresso bean in the...+READ

    These little devices are great. The trouble is, after living in Italy and coming back to the states, your standard is pretty high! I have yet to find a bean in the states that tastes as good as the stuff in Italy. But like Vlad said, maybe the air is better there:) Could it be the water? Maybe it is just a matter of perception. Either way if anyone has discovered a great espresso bean in the states, I would be most appreciative if you would share the info with me.-COLLAPSE

  • I used one in Italy with trepidation but it worked just fine. Maybe the beans or the air are better there?

  • They are also called 'mokas'. I have the Delonghi electric 6 cup version.

    It rocks.

  • I've got the traditional aluminum one (3 cup) and I use it almost daily for my afternoon "pick-me-up".

  • I have a stainless espresso pot that I got for cheap at Ikea. I love it. My morning coffee is the whole 6-shot pot with lowfat warm milk. Yes, I am insane. And happy.