Shall I try stovetop espresso, or not?

[pivo6]

Devilot, if it makes a difference, you can use the stovetop espresso maker with any coffee. You just need to make sure that the beans are ground for espresso.

 

[devilot]

Have you tried coffee made by a french press?

Think you missed the point. I received a tin of espresso beans as a gift and I'd like to give 'em a try.

Devilot, if it makes a difference, you can use the stovetop espresso maker with any coffee. You just need to make sure that the beans are ground for espresso.

Ooh, that is nice to know, that way, if I got one, I could use it even when I'm outta 'spresso beans. Thanks.

 

[pivo6]

Espresso is a grind, not necessarily a type of bean or roast. Some beans will taste better than others as an espresso, so you can always experiment.

 

[DigitalAutumn]

Amounts?

I'm looking at getting a Bialetti Moka pot, but I'm wondering about the size. If you are using a 6 cup, does it work just as well to make a smaller amount, i.e. 2 or 3 cups? Or does the mechanism not work as well at smaller amounts. I'm trying to decide between the three, which is more like what I would usually use, and the six, whcih would occasionally be nice.

Thanks.

 

[Daveman Deluxe]

Stovetop espresso units are designed to work at a single capacity. If you try to put in less water than recommended, the water will get much hotter before it starts to force its way through the coffee. The reverse is true if you put in more water. I usually don't let my Moka pot run all the way through (I take it off the stove when the espresso is up to the base of the spout and let it finish from there), but you can't put in half the coffee and half the water and get half the amount of espresso--at least not at the same level of quality.

 

[needthephone]

I reckon stovetop espresso makers make nicer coffee than most of the home espresso makers.

We used use a stove top for years and it always made great coffeee, then we got a Krups and it was OK, very inconsistant mostly average to bad,

Then a Gaggia, same same.

Now we have a Nespresso its pretty good but you need to get the coffee capsules. The nicest home maker we have tried and it was only $150.

But we still prefer a stove top but its such a hassle to use so stays in the cupboard unless we run out of nespresso capsules.

 

[DigitalAutumn]

Thank you for the response. That is exactly what I wondered, but wasn't sure. I'll by the smaller size then.

Thanks again

 

[Nickygoat]

If you're still undecided try one of these - they're supposed to be a bit better than the stovetops. Doesn't come in the cow colour though

Amazon reviews are great

Just fired up my Rancilio after reading this thread