Mokapots, Moka, or Stovetop Espresso, Period.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by TheRealBonger

Just picked up my first name brand Bialetti Mokapot. Way better than my original BonJour. Makes better coffee, with less mess. 3 cups is the way to go. Had two pot fulls this morning, I was feeling good on my way to work. Now I need to order some beans and start trying out different coffee.

Go 'bonger. Any crema yet?

[TheRealBonger]

First round had some crema, I think getting good with the harder to use BonJour made me an instant success. Now must work at getting copious amounts of crema to the cup. I love this thing, even bought one for my brother for Christmas, and scored me free shipping from amazon

[Ashcan Bill]

Well, two brews under the belt and I'm pretty pleased with the 3 cup Brialetti. The first brew was strong but a bit harsh. Switched to a different blend with the second brew, and it was better. Whether that's the beans talking, or the pot going through a break-in period, I don't know. The grounds are coming out in a puck, so it looks like the grind is in the ballpark.

The 3 cupper produces just over half a coffee cup, which is just about right for me. Cool little toy.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Ashcan Bill

...The grounds are coming out in a puck, so it looks like the grind is in the ballpark. The 3 cupper produces just over half a coffee cup, which is just about right for me. Cool little toy.

Sounds just right - great start to what could be a lifetime of spectacular coffee.

Mokapot done badly, not a rare thing, is way below awful. I regret so many people - not CA people, I hope - get mokapots with expectations of instant no-brainer rich, Euro-coffee that they believe will exemplify "espresso". Bad grind and/or bad packing means no compression during the brew. The result is always underextracted, bitter, stringy nasty brown water. The stale beans most use for their morning electric drip coffee might make an OK drink with cream and sugar; the same stale stuff run thru a mokapot makes super-enhanced bad stuff.

Nice to see so many folks starting of with a smaller pot. That's always a plus for an easier, better brew. Understanding in advance that burr ground med/fine is required is another key to success. And, of course, freshly roasted quality beans brewed for 45-seconds approx. is the finishing touch to perfection.

Who's next up?

[Ashcan Bill]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Nice to see so many folks starting of with a smaller pot. That's always a plus for an easier, better brew. Understanding in advance that burr ground med/fine is required is another key to success. And, of course, freshly roasted quality beans brewed for 45-seconds approx. is the finishing touch to perfection.

Well, I have two out of three covered.

I'll have to work on the fresh bean part.

This is a great thread. I certainly appreciate all the tips.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Ashcan Bill

I certainly appreciate all the tips.

Spoken like a true moyle.

[muziq]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Spoken like a true moyle.

That's just not right, Moo...