I don't hate it, I LOVE Bialetti stovetop products. However, the one that I received was HORRIBLE. I truly believe it was a counterfeit. The smell was unbelievable. It was an industrial, chemical, petroleum type of smell. It didn't feel safe to consider drinking from at all. The aluminum chamber was not a solid form like my 3 cup Break, from Italy. The receptacle on the top had the same issue. And the aluminum on the inside of the vessels looks like lumpy liquid aluminum with random seams. I proceeded with the first prime (percolating water through it) and my whole house smelled. I didn't realize it was the pot and was going to call the power company thinking I had a gas leak even though the smell did not emanate from the vent system. It was only when I turned the flame off from the pot that the smell dissipated.

Amazon promptly amicably resolved the issue.

But I would caution those unfamiliar with Bialetti to contact Amazon if you should receive one, like the one I received, to not use it. I don't know if this was a quality control failure or a counterfeit issue.

I purchased the Bialetti Moka Express some years back, and didn't put in the time to understand how to effectively use it. It sat, neglected, on a higher shelf in my cabinet, and I opted instead to make coffee in a Bodum coffee press or, more frequently, get a cappuccino or latte at a local cafe.

Recently, I pulled out the Bialetti Moka Express and gave it another go after reading up a bit, and I love the results!

I start by filling the lower chamber with filtered water, just below the valve. Our local water, passed through a three stage RO filter, tastes just fantastic!

I set my Capresso 565.05 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder to the coarsest of the extra fine grinds (two clicks from the left), and gind one scoop of beans. It is important to use freshly ground coffee from beans that were recently roasted (ideally not more than 2-3 weeks old). I have been using the Hair Bender roast from Stumptown Coffee. Vigilante Coffee, Rare Bird Coffee Roasters, and Counter Culture Coffee all offer some wonderful roasts. Select something that resonates with your palette.

I place the ground coffee beans in the funnel. I don't tamp, but I do use my finger to gently level the grounds before screwing on the top chamber.

I set the smallest burner on my stove to just below medium heat, so that the flame is not larger than the base of the Bialetti Moka Express, and start the brew.

I open the cover of the top chamber as the espresso starts to brew. When I see bubbles without much espresso coming up through the opening, I turn off the heat and pour the espresso into a small cup. Note that one cup equates to about two ounces of espresso, which is just right for one serving. I then add about as much unsweetened soy milk, but the espresso can be enjoyed by itself or with a milk preparation of your choice.

I haven't timed it, but I don't think it takes more than five minutes for the espresso to brew.

I don't get as rich a crema as you may get from an espresso machine, but I also appreciate the simplicity of the preparation. Bottom line is that I love the taste of the espresso I get out of the Bialetti Moka Express!

I completely take apart the Bialetti Moka Express for cleaning immediately afterward, including the gasket at the bottom of the top chamber. I wash all of the parts of the Bialetti Moka Express with just hot water, except for the gasket. For the gasket, I use a sponge and a mild dish soap.

The one cup size is perfect for me, as I'm generally just making coffee for myself in the morning. But I plan to get a larger Bialetti Moka Express for when I have company!

So disappointed. I've used this three times and never used soap in it only rinsed and let it dry upside down. It looks so funky inside and feels bumpy like salty/crusty. I won't even use it again out of the fear that this is counterfeit. I hate that I have to fear that but I'm not a chemist and I don't have time to research if this is harmful to my body or a natural reaction. If this is normal there should be note in the information. I live in Hawaii and there is nothing wrong with our water. I've own one of these years ago and I don't recall it looking this way instantly.

I purchased the 6-Cup Bialetti Espresso maker. I found that the 3 cup Bialetti Espresso maker I purchased several months ago was too small. The 6 cup maker brews two mugs of coffee which is about 10 ounces each. I add some cream or milk to get the perfect cup of coffee. The coffee maker is easy to use as follows:
1) Rinse it out with plain water before the first use and after each subsequent use. DO NOT ever put it in the dishwasher! It will cause the aluminum to turn gray.
2) Make a weak brew of coffee and discard. This will "season" the brewer.
3) Fill the filter with ground coffee and level off, do not tamp it down.
4) Fill the reservoir with cold tap water and put the filter in. Then just screw on the upper half and put it on the stove.
5) Use a medium to low heat (do not use high heat as it may burn the handle, damage the rubber seal and the high heat would produce a less than desirable coffee) under the brewer and close the lid. It will take about 6 to 8 minutes for the water to begin to boil.
6) When the water in the reservoir starts to boil the steam will propel it up through the ground coffee and into the upper reservoir. There will be a gurgling sound. Turn the heat down to low and wait for the water to fill the upper reservoir.
7) When the sound gets loud it means the bottom reservoir is empty and then turn off the heat. Can also check this by carefully opening the top and watching for when the top reservoir is full.
8) Be carful pouring the coffee - it is really hot! Enjoy!

I have found that just about any medium ground quality coffee will make good coffee in this pot. Just be sure the beans are fresh.

The machine should be rinsed with plain water after each use (I use a paper towel to wipe it down). No need to use soap and never put it in the dishwasher. The only part of the brewer that may need replacing is the rubber gasket. Other than that, this is an easy to use brewer that requires minimal maintenance.

I started off with the 3-cup and quickly ordered the 6-cup as well. After a bit of trial and error I have my process down. And when you get the process down and can start truly enjoying your coffee ritual, you will be amazed by the wonderful aroma that escapes just before the coffee begins to stream out. It fills the house.

I have become a bit of a Bialetti junkie now. I've won an auction for some Bialetti espresso cups and just won an auction for a 9-cup with a set of espresso cups and saucers and a creamer and sugar bowl. And (hangs head in shame) I'm here buying a 12-cup. I haven't slept in months. Help me.