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I finally replaced our aluminum espresso maker with this one. After the mixed reviews, I was waiting with mixed feelings for it to arrive, but have been very happy once it got here. It is incredibly easy to clean (and needs that less than the aluminum version), no need to worry about aluminum intake, and it feels plenty solid, not at all shoddy like some other reviews indicate. I am very happy with this product and can't believe I waited so long to make the switch.
After reading many reviews of people raving about Bialetti, I am a bit disappointed. I received my pot this week and while I am no coffee expert, I do know a thing or two about workmanship. Here are some defects that shouldn't occur on a high quality pot: the lid is poorly soldered onto the pot (it doesn't even close properly), the hard plastic on the lid handle was far from smooth and had parts of it sticking out on the side, and lastly the stainless steel used to make the bottem part was a different shade of color compared to the rest of the pot.The coffee, from my untrained palate tasted very average.
This works VERY well to make a strong coffee that is more intense than that from any drip or press coffee maker but not so powerful as a big high pressure espresso machine in a cafe. Somewhere in between - but quite nice and inexpensive for the home. Cleans up easily. These are made in India (probably by guys sitting with hammers on the sidwalk) so may vary a bit sample to sample.The only problem is the rubber seal ring - this gradually wears out and if you don't find an original Bialetti replacement, it can leak steam no matter how hard you gorilla down the threads.
Plus you can avoid the cost of paper filters. This elegant stainless steel coffee maker makes very good strong coffee. Although not exactly espresso (which has to be made with pressurized steam), it's close and less expensive. But mainly I like the elegance of having this beautiful work of art on my table holding several demi-tasse cups of great coffe. It's easy to clean and maintain that shiny surface.
I am so disappointed in this pot. The SECOND pot arrived and was in the SAME condition. When it arrived, the lid was pushed down into the pot to the point that it could NOT be opened. I returned it immediately and requested another. Evidently, this company does not check the pots before being shipped. :-( Buyer beware.
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