Not just coffee machines, so to speak. After all, they are simply expensive. Yes, even carob coffee makers are no longer so accessible. What are the “proletarian” options? Turkish coffee, cezve? Yes, a classic, but this is a completely separate drink, and what if you want, so to speak, without the grounds? Drip? Many people find it too watery. And prices are rising again... is there a cheaper option?
A geyser-type coffee maker is the answer! What it is?
A geyser coffee maker is a coffee maker in which coffee is brewed with water passing under steam pressure from the bottom up.
Where did it come from?
Geyser-type coffee makers were still available in the Soviet Union. The older generation probably remembers them; back then they were made from thin aluminum, so they were often beaten by life with dented sides.
Initially, a geyser-type coffee maker called “Moka Express” (yes, yes, express) was invented by the Italian Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. He also founded the company that now produces almost all commercially available coffee makers of this class, Bialetti. Actually, “moka coffee maker” or even “bialetti coffee maker” (one might say, the name has become a household word) and geyser coffee maker are synonyms.
The coffee maker initially received a strict octagonal design and immediately gained incredible popularity in Europe and especially in Italy. It was, and still is, in every home and is one of the symbols of the country. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most famous coffee pot in the world.
Good theory, how does it work?
The operating principle of a geyser is based on steam pressure. The housing consists of two parts that are screwed tightly together:
- Water is poured into the lower part based on the capacity of the coffee pot. Each model is designed for a certain number of servings, and it is best to prepare exactly this amount of drink, adjusted to its shape. In any case, water should not reach the emergency steam release valve. Focus on the risk within.
- Next, a filter is inserted into which coffee is poured. Pour coffee to the top, even if you are going to drink one cup with a coffee maker capacity of three servings. It is clear that it is advisable to use freshly ground coffee, and not ready-packed coffee from the store. It is better to grind in a burr coffee grinder. Grinding is acceptable in a wide range, except for the finest and coarsest degrees. It is by grinding that you regulate the strength of the coffee! If you use store-bought ground coffee, then you don’t need to use grinding “for Turkish coffee”, you can use “for esperesso” or “for filter” (the opposite way, you adjust the strength by grinding). Some manufacturers (for example, Lavazza) directly write on packs of coffee that it is suitable for geyser coffee makers (moka pot, or simply moka). It is not necessary to tamp a coffee tablet in a filter, but it is worth it for a richer taste.
- Screw the top part into the end and put it on the fire. Water, boiling at the bottom, turns into steam, the steam begins to squeeze the rest of the water up, it passes through the coffee, absorbing the aroma and taste, and enters through the tube into the upper container. Simple as a felt boot.
Please note that it is water that passes through the coffee, not water vapor (which is why the filter tube goes almost to the bottom of the bottom). The steam only serves to “squeeze out” the water. This was done specifically to obtain the optimal temperature for espresso (this is what is prepared on mocha coffee makers); if the coffee is brewed with steam, the coffee will turn out to be too hot for this drink.
If you want to understand even better the principle of operation of a geyser coffee maker, then watch this video that demonstrates its operation:
By the way, about the emergency valve. As the name implies, it is designed to “bleed off” the pressure if water cannot pass through the coffee tablet. This happens if you add too finely ground (“Turkish”) coffee and tamp it down. In this case, water in the form of steam will come out through this same emergency valve. Previously, it could become clogged with ground coffee and not work at the right time. Therefore, a couple of years ago, Bialetti modernized the system by equipping the valve with a movable stick, which is recommended to be moved a couple of times a year when washing, thereby cleaning out possible contamination.
How to choose a geyser coffee maker for an induction cooker
To brew a drink on an electric stove, you need a device with ferromagnetic properties. To determine whether the device is suitable or not, a piece of iron or steel is placed at the bottom, which has the ability to attract iron objects. If it is attached, then the coffee maker can be used on an induction cooker. If you fall, you will have to continue choosing.
Coffee makers are designed for different volumes. Which one to choose depends on the needs of the family and the number of people living together. Geyser devices are designed for a certain number of cups.
The description of the models usually indicates the number of servings. This does not mean large cups of coffee, but standard ones - 300 ml.
The material of manufacture is usually aluminum, but high-quality plastic or glass is used for the upper tank. In a geyser coffee maker made from several materials, the drink will be brewed faster.
Some manufacturers use stainless steel in the production of appliances. The material is of high quality, better than aluminum, which can give the drink a specific metallic taste.
Before making a purchase, you should measure the diameter of the hob. In a coffee machine it should not be less. If the diameter of the induction cooker is larger, it may not be able to see the device. There will be no heating.
Advice! If you don’t have a geyser coffee maker with a suitable diameter, you can take a little more.
It is better to choose models from trusted manufacturers. Of course, devices made in Asian countries will cost less, and accordingly, their quality will also be worse. A good device doesn't come cheap.
Some tips for use
When preparing coffee in a Bialetti geyser coffee maker, the main danger is to burn or overheat the coffee. That's why:
- If you are using an electric stove, on which, unlike a gas stove, it is more difficult to monitor the temperature, then it is advisable to choose the smallest burner and set the medium mode (four out of six is just right). If you want to warm it up faster, you can first set it to six, but then switch to three or four.
- Before the moment when coffee begins to flow into the upper bowl (after a couple of weeks of use, you will accurately learn to predict this moment), you can turn off the burner or even remove the coffee pot from it.
- At the very end of the preparation, there is no need to bring it to the point where the geyser begins to “snort”. At this moment, fiery steam is already flowing, and not hot water, which is harmful for coffee. If snorting does start, you can pour cold tap water over the bottom of the coffee pot, this will immediately stop the process.
- Some water remains in the lower bowl, this is normal.
- Tamping coffee is usually not recommended, but you can actually do it if you want a richer flavor. The main thing is not to compact it too much, you can crush it with a spoon. Well, make sure, of course, that the water is poured below the emergency valve!
- Those who are upset by the too long process of preparing coffee in the morning can be advised to pack the coffee pot in the evening.
There are approximately similar tips in a short video about how to use a geyser coffee maker in general and on different types of stoves (regular electric, gas or induction):
How to use a geyser coffee maker for an induction cooker
Moka (also called geyser coffee makers) is installed on the work surface, covering most of the panel of the induction cooker.
How to use a geyser coffee maker:
- Spin up the device. Pour water into the lower reservoir. The liquid must reach the emergency valve. It is clearly visible inside; a person cannot make a mistake with the amount of water. It is important to use distilled liquid so that scale does not form inside. If you pour more, hot water will splash through the valve. The vapor pressure is less and will not be enough to pass the liquid through the filter.
- Then a strainer is installed. You need to pour it to the top, even if the geyser coffee maker has 5 cups, but you only need one. The product should be lightly compacted, but not too much. Use a medium or coarse grind to ensure the drink is as rich and aromatic as possible
Important! If you add finely ground coffee, the strainer will clog.
- Screw the upper part of the geyser coffee maker, which has a straw, tightly.
- Place on the stove and turn on. Set the temperature a little higher than average; when the coffee starts to come through the straw, turn it down a little. At low power, the heating mode is pulsed, and for coffee you need uniform heating over the entire surface.
After preparing the drink, it is important to wash the device immediately. Use warm running water, without detergents or abrasives. It is not recommended to wash in the dishwasher. If the model is made of stainless steel, you can only wash the strainer.
What about care, is it very “hemorrhoids”?
Care is simple - wash all components under running water after each preparation. Do not use chemicals or abrasive materials. Regarding the dishwasher, see the instructions for the specific geyser coffee maker, because the materials are different. For example, classic Mocha Express can be washed, but after the dishwasher they lose their shine and become matte.
The latter especially applies to aluminum cases, so as not to tear off the top layer and add a metallic taste to the coffee. In general, you should not try to clean the internal surfaces until they shine; on the contrary, a coating of coffee oil protects the drink from interacting with the body.
It is not necessary to clean a geyser coffee maker until it shines. On the contrary, the coating of coffee oil is even better for coffee
The only caveat is the rubber gasket for the filter; it wears out over time and begins to siphon off steam and may require replacement. A recommendation for extending life is to clean carefully, without exerting force or using chemicals. As a last resort, in a couple of years, buy a repair kit for a couple of hundred (for example, here), consisting of a new strainer filter and rubber seals. And your Bialetti will be like new.
That is, in fact, maintenance is extremely simple, this is one of the strengths of the geyser.
What's the choice?
The Bialetti Moka Express, model 1933, is still produced today; it is a classic geyser coffee maker for a stove: electric or gas. You can even use it on your grandmother’s stove in the village or, for example, in the country.
The different Bialetti Moka models essentially differ in three things:
- Volume – from 40 ml to almost a liter.
- Materials of execution: aluminum (as the original design), stainless steel. Plus, there are modern versions with a ceramic or glass top.
- By design.
Want to buy a classic Bialetti Moka Express? Look for a coffee pot with this logo
The final product is the same everywhere and does not depend on a specific model. The influence of the initial coffee (type, freshness, grinding) is an order of magnitude higher. So you can choose according to appearance and budget.
A moka coffee maker is far from a “Newton binomial”, so high-quality geyser coffee pots are produced not only by Bialetti, but also by many companies from all over the world. Such alternatives are made both in the classic case and by experimenting with shape. I’ll name a few brands as examples: Alessi Pulcina (very original design), Bodum (the Swiss company is famous primarily for French presses, but also makes good steel geysers), CHIC (notable for its porcelain top), GAT, GSI Outdoor, Inox, Koopman, Monix, Morosina, Pedrini, Rondell, Top Moka (Top Moka coffee makers are notable for their Italian assembly + they brew a little faster due to the wider bottom), Vetta, Vigano, Winner. I won’t be able to clearly describe which brands are “good” and which are “bad”. The main thing is to pay attention to the quality of the materials, the absence of foreign odors and the good fit of the parts to each other.
I personally tried one of the budget alternatives - the Lagostina geyser coffee maker A worthy option for your money, but, of course, like everything cheap, it’s a compromise.
Popular models
Rating of the TOP 10 geyser coffee makers for induction hobs based on the advice of experts and specialists.
The most informative review of the best geyser coffee makers from well-known brands, designed specifically for preparing rich and bright-tasting coffee on an induction hob, will help you choose the right device.
Italco Induction (6 cups)
A practical device for brewing coffee at an affordable price with an interesting design.
A classic model presented in a durable case made of materials with ferromagnetic properties. The design is equipped with a pressure safety valve, a small button and a handle made of nylon.
An important feature is the ability to use the device not only on an induction hob, but also on other types of stoves.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.3 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 21x12x13 cm;
- weight – 0.49 kg.
Advantages
- light weight and acceptable dimensions;
- high level of security;
- versatility of use;
- sophisticated and ergonomic design;
- affordable price.
Flaws
- the device needs careful cleaning;
- rather flimsy lid;
- small volume.
Bialetti Venus 1683 (6 cups)
A stylish model, presented in a highly durable case, aimed at long-term brewing of excellent coffee.
An attractive geyser coffee maker with enough volume to prepare six servings of rich espresso.
The sleek design is made of impact-resistant stainless steel, equipped with a comfortable nylon handle, as well as a pressure relief valve, which significantly increases the level of safety.
You can safely use the device on all types of stoves.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.28 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 25.4x13.5x16 cm;
- weight – 0.5 kg.
Advantages
- The device is suitable for all types of stoves;
- long warranty period;
- high-quality assembly and excellent materials;
- reasonable cost;
- attractive appearance.
Flaws
- small volume;
- problematic cleaning of the structure;
- the need for careful care.
Bialetti Kitty 6 servings (300 ml)
A nice geyser coffee maker that turns the process of making coffee into an exciting experience.
A geyser-type coffee maker with an elegant handle, which can be used on both induction and any other types of stoves.
Thanks to its modern design, the structure will be a great addition to the kitchen. To clean the device, use a non-abrasive detergent and warm water - no unnecessary movements or hassle.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.3 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 22x13x14 cm;
- weight – 0.49 kg.
Advantages
- high technology;
- simplicity and ease of use;
- light weight and compactness;
- absence of foreign odors;
- Informative instructions included.
Flaws
- The device cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher;
- Scratches may appear on the body;
- volume.
Bialetti Moka Induction (6 cups)
An updated model that perfectly combines compactness, practicality and ease of use.
A trendy mid-priced device from a trusted brand whose products are known for their high quality and reliability.
The device is equipped with an ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in your hand, so using the coffee maker will be comfortable. The device will be the best option for a family of 2-3 people.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.24 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 17.8x14.8x11.2 cm;
- weight – 0.48 kg.
Advantages
- reliable bakelite handle;
- quality of brewed coffee;
- compact storage;
- absence of unnecessary details;
- long operational and warranty period.
Flaws
- the structure must be cleaned manually;
- the price is a little high;
- Scratches quickly appear on the body.
Bialetti Venus 1685 (400 ml)
A durable device that does not require special skills or knowledge to operate.
A well-designed geyser coffee maker designed for true coffee gourmets.
The device can prepare a delicious drink in just a couple of minutes - the user only needs to add a few teaspoons of ground raw materials and pour in water.
The device is safe to use - the manufacturer has equipped it with a non-heating handle.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.4 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 25.4x15x16 cm;
- weight – 0.55 kg.
Advantages
- the presence of an ultra-ergonomic handle;
- securely closing lid;
- versatility of use;
- stylish design;
- budget.
Flaws
- the structure is difficult to unwind;
- the device requires careful handling;
- soiling of the case.
Italco Induction (4 servings)
A compact device that will help you brew delicious coffee in a matter of minutes.
A miniature device designed to brew four servings of rich, strong espresso.
If desired, the user can add milk or cream to the resulting drink - the manufacturer guarantees that the result will pleasantly please even the most demanding connoisseurs of invigorating coffee.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.2 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 20x12x14 cm;
- weight – 0.47 kg.
Advantages
- high quality materials;
- safety and ease of use;
- low price;
- presence of a reliable safety valve;
- button and handle made of nylon.
Flaws
- small volume of coffee pot;
- the need to clean the device manually;
- Scratches may appear on the body.
Bialetti Moka Induction (3 cups)
A top model that guarantees an excellent drink with minimal effort on the part of the user.
A miniature geyser-type coffee maker, presented in a silver-red body.
The upper part of the device is made of high-strength aluminum, and the lower part is made of durable stainless steel, which is easy to clean without the use of abrasive compounds.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.12 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 17.8x10x11 cm;
- weight – 0.57 kg.
Advantages
- instant coffee preparation;
- divine taste of the drink;
- small dimensions and weight;
- sophisticated design design;
- the presence of an ergonomic handle.
Flaws
- small volume of coffee pot;
- the structure may leak at the junction;
- long preparation for work.
Bialetti Aeternum Caffettiera Divina (6 cups)
A worthy device designed to become an indispensable ally for true connoisseurs of delicious coffee and drinks based on it.
A universal design with a bakelite handle that does not heat up at all while brewing a delicious and aromatic coffee drink.
The model has a safety valve, so there is no need to worry about safety of use. The device can be used not only on induction cookers.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.24 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 21.5x14.5x12 cm;
- weight – 0.51 kg.
Advantages
- unsurpassed quality;
- attractive performance;
- the presence of a non-heating handle;
- absence of foreign aromas;
- quick preparation of delicious coffee.
Flaws
- When brewing coffee, the water in the tank may not completely boil away;
- information content of the instructions;
- overpriced.
Bialetti Musa 1743 (6 cups)
A reliable and durable device made from materials with high hygienic properties.
A mid-price coffee maker that is suitable for making coffee on an induction, electric and even gas stove.
The device from the Italian brand is presented in a classic design - a stylish steel case with the famous icon in the form of a man with a mustache printed on it.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.24 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 20.5x13x11 cm;
- weight – 0.77 kg.
Advantages
- espresso preparation speed;
- versatility and safety of use;
- good equipment;
- traditional design design;
- durability of the device.
Flaws
- The device cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher;
- the coffee pot has a small volume;
- Small scratches may appear on the body.
Bialetti Venus 1682 (160 ml)
A functional model that combines pleasant shapes, ergonomics and absolute safety of use.
Compatible with almost all heat sources, the geyser coffee maker is equipped with a nylon black handle - it does not heat up while preparing coffee and remains at a comfortable temperature for the user.
The coffee pot holds 4 standard espresso shots.
Specifications:
- volume – 0.16 l;
- case material – stainless steel;
- heat-insulating handle – yes;
- overall dimensions (HxWxD) – 14x10x17 cm;
- weight – 0.65 kg.
Advantages
- long warranty period;
- ease of cleaning and ease of assembly;
- quick coffee preparation;
- stylish appearance;
- affordable price.
Flaws
- small scratches may appear on the body and cover;
- small volume of water reservoir;
- the presence of a slight specific odor.
Where are they made?
The original Bialetti is now produced in both Europe and Asia: there are factories in their native Italy, Romania, Turkey, India and China.
As far as I know, the classic Bialetti Moka Express (from 2150 rubles) is still assembled in Italy, but the painted (colored) “express” ones are already from Romania. The Brikka and Fiammetta series are also assembled there (from RUB 2,000). And the most inexpensive of the original Bialetti Junior (from 1300 rubles) is from China, like Bialetti Venus and Allegra . The Indians got the Kitty (according to promotions it costs 2000 rubles), but Kitty is also made in China. The Turkish factory makes accessories (for example, foam frothers) and some electric models.
By the way, you can buy a geyser coffee maker not in any household appliances store. I hope my selection of current prices (updated automatically 3 times a day) at the end of the article will help you navigate online hypermarkets.
Electrical modifications
Along with the classic versions that use an external “coolant,” there are electric geyser coffee makers on sale that are equipped with a built-in heating element and operate like a kettle with a stand. On the latter, they can rotate around their axis.
In addition to the most obvious advantage, that there is no need to fire up the stove, there is also a corresponding disadvantage - it is necessary to have electrical power. Another inconvenience is that you cannot quickly “recharge” the coffee maker and prepare another portion, since you have to wait until it cools down, and rinsing the electric version with cold water is problematic.
The electric version is, of course, more expensive, but it may (or may not, depending on the model) have a timer to start cooking. Allegedly, the smell of coffee can wake you up for work in the morning instead of an alarm clock
