How to use a Bialetti stovetop espresso maker for the perfect cup of espresso

They say that you can't achieve a better taste for stovetop espresso than out of a classic aluminum stovetop espresso maker, such as this one by Bialetti. Let's go on an espresso adventure, and make the best ever cup of Bialetti stovetop espresso!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• finely ground coffee
• stovetop espresso maker
• gas burner
• fresh cold water

1. 
    

   The first thing to do if making stovetop espresso in a maker like a Bialetti is to make sure that you grind the coffee properly. It should be a fine grind, also known as espresso grind.

2. 
    

   Next, open up your stovetop espresso maker. Fill the bottom chamber with the fresh cold water, up to about the pressure valve. Sometime there is a fill line as well.

3. Now place the middle cup into the bottom, and spoon grounds into it. Don't pack it in unless you want a smaller, bitter brew with more caffeine.

4. Screw on the top chamber. Screw it on tightly. You may need to use a towel to torque the top on hard enough to keep it from leaking as the steam pressure builds and forces the water up through the espresso grounds.

5. Place the whole contraption on the stove. Turn on the burner so that it is just big enough to stay within range of the bottom of the espresso maker. If it gets hot too slowly, the a lot of the water will escape before becoming espresso. Too much heat creeping up the sides, though, and the coffee will scald in the top chamber.

6. Pull the espresso off the heat as soon as it starts gurgling, or you will end up with a lot of nasty espresso backwash that has circulated through the grounds more than once. Yucky.

7. 
    

   Pour immediately into your cup and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Aluminum is said to make much better coffee than stainless steel. That's why I recommend the Bialetti or a similar brand. No need to pay a fortune.
• We all know aluminum isn't good to cook with - what gives? Well, the coffee oils naturally coat the inside of the aluminum pot, protecting us from the aluminum. This means that: (a) in a new machine, always brew one pot of espresso, let it sit in the espresso maker overnight, and discard it in the morning, and (b) never wash your stovetop espresso maker with soap. Just rinse it out, rub it with your fingers, and let it dry. It won't look perfect, but it will make something that tastes perfect!
• A darker coffee tends to make a sweeter, more desirable cup of espresso than a lighter blend. If you don't use an espresso blend, use any dark roast you can find.
• Replacements for worn out o-rings and other parts are available. You can also lubricate your o-ring with a touch of food-grade oil.
• Stovetop espresso is different than regular espresso! Be aware of these differences. For example, don't tamp the grounds down hard! And don't assume that the amount of caffeine extracted will be the same as the amount in an espresso from a pull machine.