Moka Pods And Other Stove Top Espresso Maker
Also known as "macchinettas," "moka pots" or "caffettitera," a stove top espresso maker is easy to use - simply place on a stove-top burner and heat. Another plus would be it's dependability since there are no moving parts to break, no electric components to burn out, and no complicated circuitry. A small device, these espresso makers contains a few simple parts: a base, a brewing basket, basket screen, and collection chamber.
In 1933 Alfonso Bialetti came up with the first prototype of the stove-top espresso maker; the Moka Express. The idea of a stove top was to simplify the process so anyone could make an espresso with ease.
Unlike popular belief these espresso makers do not really brew " real espresso" it brews a very good, thick, flavored and strong coffee, but is not able to deliver the delicious creme that defines the real espresso
So how do these stove top espresso makers actually work?
It basically consists of two parts connected one to another through a thread system. The bottom chamber is to place the fresh, pure and cold water. Above the bottom chamber comes a filter basket, which you fill with ground coffee. To tighten the two parts together, the upper chamber has a rubber ring. Steam is heated until it creates enough pressure to force itself through the coffee grounds, creating a wonderful cup of aromatic coffee each time you use it.. The brewing process takes about 5 minutes at a medium flame.
The reason these are also sometimes called moka pots is because of it's most famous brand: Moka Express.The design of the has hardly changed in over 70 years of manufacturing. Aluminum is still used to this day, as it is claimed that the residue of coffee from the previous brews, that taints the sides of a Moka pot, adds flavor and depth to future brews.
Bialetti, now the world leader in the manufacture of domestic coffee makers, still strives to offer "in casa un espresso come al bar". With the improvement in espresso machines in coffeehouses, Bialetti has sought to develop new technologies, creating new stove-top espresso maker models. They now produce: stainless steel models, such as the Venus; an electric model, the Moka Easy; a new pressure system, the Brikka – which produces a ‘crema’ top on your coffee; and now a stove-top cappuccino maker, the Mukka Express.
The traditional design is still available, although sleek, modern designs have joined the market. There are espresso machines for the stove in every size, beginning at one cup and going up to approximately 12 cups.
The standard material used in construction is aluminum, but stainless steel has a sleek, high-tech look and is gaining popularity with the younger crowd in particular.
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