A Good Cup

I have used a Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker on and off for years (I used them at others' houses before I had my own). My original one was purchased in Miami while visiting my grandmother some years ago. A Bialetti is a kind of mini-percolator, but since the hot water doesn't keep circulating, the coffee has a "cleaner" taste than percolator coffee (which can also be excellent). I find that gas heat and glass-top stoves seem to work much better than electric burners. I enjoy making espresso in the Bialetti, and adding warm milk to make my own latte. This lets me use plenty of milk without diluting the coffee taste or strength.

I loved my Bialetti. I even took it to Afghanistan, since a reduced amount of coffee grounds will make regular coffee, and I didn't know if I would be somewhere away from power sources. (I wasn't, but some of the other soldiers in my infantry battalion were away from all creature comforts for several months.) Unfortunately, my Bialetti was lost somewhere after moving back to the States and my divorce. My roommate has a Bialetti Moka, but it wasn't well maintained by her last roommate. I am finally giving in and getting a stainless steel version.






It's not cheap, when countertop coffee makers can be found for $15, but I have found that it's usually less expensive in the long run to buy quality the first time.