Makes best cup of espresso ever! Ever since I bought it and used it to make some espresso for our cappuccino (with manual, stainless steel milk frother) we have been enjoying it every weekend and sometimes during the weekdays depending upon our whim. The coffee just tastes so...good, you don't need to visit your regular coffee shop frequently anymore for a really good cup of espresso. I must mention that it is important to look at the directions provided with the product. They are few but important, such as filling up the bottom part with water level just 'below' the safety valve. I think some previous bad reviews pertaining to problems with this product are most likely due to overlooking the directions that are included on a small card with the product. This is an excellent espresso maker and probably the best out there. So glad that after an extensive research, decided to go with Bialetti.

I have been using an Aeropress method of making my latte, the Bialetti 6 cup is too large for only one or two shots.
My bad! I should have realized that it was useful for only larger shots.
When hot water is added to the bottom of the relief valve, it works fairly well and delivers three big shots which when mixed with foamed milk, are O.K.
But if the water is not filled to the bottom of the relief valve, it will not push up thru the grounds and fill the upper cup.
Lesson learned.

Not my first Bialetti but the first one of this capacity and design. Love it, very easy to use and clean. Pours out really good coffee, is economical. I have tried several differing coffees and this wonderful Bialetti performs well with them all. If you're undecided, give this not-costly beauty a try and you won't be disappointed. Do keep in mind that, in my opinion, Bialetti turns out a delightful espresso-like brew, an aficionado might bulk a bit but, for me and mine, this one does the job with much less fuss and cost. I do wish Amazon would/coould add a link to the product...I am unable to and it would be helpful.

I gave this 1 star because it looks nice otherwise it's unacceptable! Totally disappointed with this product! Less than one (1) week of use and the handle came right off! I washed it after use, by hand as I love to wash it with lemon juice & vinegar to preserve the polished shine which helps remove the oils left behind by the coffee, and then I let it dry on the dish strainer. Once dry I assembled it to put it away in the the cupboard and as I raised it, the whole pot fell down and I was left with the handle in my right hand??? One week and less than 7 days of use, at that! Luckily, it was dry and empty. Imagine if the pot had been full of hot espresso. The handle is poorly & cheaply attached...it came off as if glued with Elmer's craft glue. Throughout my childhood I remember seeing a Bialetti espresso maker on the stove top for years. My parents drank espresso and would purchase Bialetti exclusively. It was only of recent years as they aged and their income was fixed that they started buying less costly "imitator brands" which have flooded the main stream market. I decided to get my first Bialetti. I do prefer the stainless steel pots since I do not like the residue that builds up in the aluminum pots. I decided to get a Bialetti, Kitty because it's so good looking...the water belly sold me. BEWARE: This pot although very nice looking is poorly made and NOT MADE IN ITALY! It is made in CHINA. There is a UPC code imprinted on the box and next to it, it reads: BIALETTI INDUSTRIE, DEVELOPED AND DESIGNED IN ITALY, in all caps and then in smaller print/no caps " Made in China according to Bialetti's quality standards". To add to the disappointment there is a sticker placed over the UPC imprinted on the box (same UPC code) which reads: Bradshaw International Inc. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, [...], MADE IN INDIA??? Beside confused as to the manufacturer and where it is made, I am thoroughly disappointed and feel deceived. I did read in another review for a Bialetti, Venus 6 cup, stainless steel the same basic complaint and the person also mentions, I too noticed this coating in the water belly of the Bialetti, Kitty pot. This does not make me feel confident...yet another strike. As the other person's review stated, it makes me wonder what else they're trying to hide? Upon initially trying to get a replacement through the return process online, the vendor, Bradshaw International, would not be able to provide the replacement for another 2 months...not acceptable! The good ending is that AMAZON was amazing in refunding my money almost immediately and the rep on the phone, Rae, was great!!!

Love this little pot; makes me great-tasting coffee every morning. It's good for two cups of espresso. Although Brikka takes longer time to cook than the $200+ espresso machines, can't beat the price! Only four stars because the water container (the bottom part) and the coffee container (the top part) are not interchangeable with ones from another set because of the machine threading; Therefore if either the water container or the coffee container is damaged, the whole set has to be replaced.