Espresso, in today’s context, is defined by the coffee beans and the espresso machine used to make it. How do you use a Bialetti espresso maker? Also known as the Moka pot, it is known to be a staple device in Italian homes. Families use such to make their very own homemade Espresso.
If you do not have a high-end espresso machine, then you are still in luck. You can definitely use a Bialetti espresso maker in crafting that steaming cup for you and your family. All you need to do is follow simple steps in doing so.
What is a Bialetti Espresso Maker?
The Bialetti Moka Express is a classic coffee maker and hailed by connoisseurs as the original. It originated in Italy, the birthplace of espresso. This was invented to ensure that every household can make a delicious espresso drink stovetop. Italian homes would not be without their Moka Pot.
The pressure reached by the pot is enough to create E]espresso. Even coffee aficionados can testify that espresso made from a Moka pot could even be better than those from espresso machines.
How Do You Use a Bialetti Espresso Maker?
Before delving into the actual process, you should have the following:
- Bialetti Moka Pot
- Espresso Beans (these should be whole)
- Hot water
- Stovetop
- A wooden stick for stirring
Choosing your Espresso beans
You should start with good espresso beans, not necessarily the expensive ones. Find espresso beans that suit your palate and those that you would actually enjoy. Try to explore your local stores and find your beans.
Grind
Thoroughly grind the beans until they have a powder-like texture. If you see chunks of beans in there, then that means the beans are not ground enough. Grind again.
A little word of advice? Buy whole beans, not the pre-ground ones. Whole beans contain the natural oils of the bean and its long-lasting flavor. Buying pre-ground beans will have less flavor, and these will not last as long.
Heat Water
Take your Moka Express and fill its lower chamber with hot water. This is located under the valve. It is recommended that you use boiling water for this step. This would allow for the full flavor of the espresso to seep through without burning it.
Use oven mitts so you don’t burn yourself in this step. Safety first, folks.
To Tamp or Not
Insert the funnel into the lower chamber and then fill it with the new ground espresso. DO NOT TAMP. I repeat, do not tamp the espresso. Remove all the coffee grounds around the edge of the funnel.
Screw the upper part of the pot to the lower part. After this, place it on the stove. Make sure the heat is focused on the pot, not the plastic handle. You will be using that later to remove the pot from the heat.
Heating Level
Keep the heat at a medium level. You do not need to full boil the water since you have already used hot water for the base. Keep it on a medium to prevent the espresso from burning.
Hear hear
Listen closely for the gurgling sound the pot makes. That means your espresso is almost ready. Once the noise vanishes, turn off the heat and move the Moka away from the stovetop.
Check
Open the lid of the Moka pot, then take the stirrer and go stir the upper chamber. This step is important to ensure that the coffee layers are equalized. This will bring out the flavor in your espresso.
Go Nuts
You can now enjoy your espresso. Well done! You can prepare your espresso as how you want to drink it. If you are the bold type and want to drink it straight, just pour it into a cup and enjoy!
These are the steps in using a Bialetti espresso maker in making good espresso. Easy peasy, isn’t it?
How to Clean your Bialetti Espresso Maker
Wash your Bialetti Moka Pot with warm water. After this, dry it thoroughly with a towel. Before reassembling the parts, make sure that every piece is completely dry in order to prevent oxidation.
These are some DON’T’s in cleaning your pot:
- DON’T use a dishwasher to clean it.
- DON’T use soap or detergent
- DON’T use steel wool or any hard, pointy, and abrasive products.
Doing any of three DON’Ts will absolutely ruin your Moka Pot.
Getting the best out of your Bialetti Espresso Maker
While it is easy to use your Bialetti espresso maker, there are tips I would like to impart to you as you make espresso perfection with the former.
- Use coffee grounds that are specifically made for a Moka coffee maker. It is not advisable to use extremely fine ground coffee.
- Regularly check the funnel, the filter plate, and the washer. They need to be replaced over time.
- Never use the pot without water. Basic.
- To avoid the clogging of the filter plate, never use substances other than coffee, cacao powder, tea, or instant coffee.
- Getting the right temperature may take some trial and error on your part. If the heat is too high, your coffee will have an ashy, burnt taste.
- Store your coffee grounds in an airtight container. It should be away from sunlight, heat, or humidity.
- Use filtered water for the best coffee taste.
Final Cheers
Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge in making great espresso with your very own Bialetti espresso maker. It takes practice and patience, but once you’re there, everything will be worth it. Just make sure you follow the steps and tips, and you are good to go.
How do you use a Bialetti espresso maker? Soon you will be able to answer that as if it was a no-brainer. For now, take your time and enjoy the process. Soon enough, you’ll be making barista-level espresso drinks with the help of your Bialetti espresso maker, your stovetop, and those exquisite coffee grounds. Learn more about espresso makers.