According to statistics, coffee is the second most popular drink worldwide. To prepare the drink at home, you will need a coffee maker. There are many devices from different manufacturers on the market. However, the most famous all over the world are the Bialetti geyser-type coffee makers, invented back in 1933 by the Italian engineer Luigi de Ponti for the company Alfonso Bialetti.
During this time, the devices have not lost their relevance, and the model range has been significantly expanded. Now Bialetti devices have a variety of shapes, colors, volumes and functions.
When did the Bialetti geyser coffee maker appear?
What do aluminum, art deco style and coffee making have in common? Of course, the bialetti geyser coffee maker. Bialetti today is not only geysers, but also drip coffee makers and even coffee machines, as well as dishes, spare parts, and accessories for coffee. But we are interested in products that have made the company famous and are still its pride.
In 1919, Italian engineer Antonio Bialetti opened a workshop where he began making small aluminum products for sale. But his engineering idea required implementation, and in 1933 Bialetti patented his own version of a percolator-type coffee device. The idea was not new, but the Italian placed all the parts into a single aluminum body and gave it a stylish octagonal shape. He was inspired by the then fashionable art deco style. Bialetti named the coffee maker Moka Express. 85 years have passed, but this model is still produced and sold, and the design has not changed. You can also buy the classic Moka Express in Russia.
The invention was captivating due to its availability and reliability. Housewives valued it for its ease of care and similarity to classic coffee pots. Young people admired the bold forms. Everyone together paid tribute to the high quality of the finished drink, which was quickly prepared and did not stain the stove.
In the 21st century, the Bialetti geyser coffee maker is produced by the same family enterprise. Although globalization is making itself felt - factories are located not only in Italy, but also in Romania, Turkey, India and China.
The logo and symbol of the brand is a mustachioed man in a wide-brimmed Italian hat, but his image is not on all Bialetti coffee makers.
Bialetti geyser coffee makers are included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most popular coffee pot in the history of mankind.
History of Bialetti
The history of the company began in 1919 with the founding of an aluminum workshop in the town of Crusinallo by Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti. In 1933, the first aluminum geyser coffee maker was created. Mr. Bialetti named it “Moka Express” in honor of the Yemeni city of Mokha, one of the largest places for growing and processing coffee beans, in particular the valuable variety of Arabica - moka. The device quickly won the love of the Italians and spread throughout Europe. Before the outbreak of World War II, the company sold 10,000 coffee makers, and since 1950 300,000,000 have been purchased, largely thanks to a powerful advertising campaign organized by the son of the founder, Renato Bialetti. In the 50s, Moka Express appeared on the pages of magazines, newspapers, and on radio and television. This was an innovative approach at the time. Moreover, Moka Express was awarded the title of one of the symbols of Italy.
Operating principle of a geyser coffee maker
We wrote about geyser coffee makers and the principle of their operation, but let’s remember exactly how this device prepares coffee.
The Bialetti geyser coffee maker consists of three parts: a lower reservoir, a filter for ground coffee with a tube and an upper reservoir with a spout and a hinged lid. The handle is usually attached to the upper tank.
How to make coffee in a geyser?
- Water is poured into the lower reservoir; its level should be below the emergency valve.
- A filter for ground coffee is installed on the bottom.
- Ground coffee is poured into it. The powder level should be just below the edge of the filter.
- The top part is screwed on and the coffee maker is put on fire.
- When heated, the water expands and rises to the filter.
- By wetting the coffee, the water becomes saturated with aroma and color, and the extraction process occurs.
- The coffee rises even higher through the tube, to the upper reservoir.
- Having reached the end of the tube, the coffee flows into the upper reservoir, like water in a fountain.
- When the lower reservoir is empty, you can remove the coffee maker from the heat - your coffee is ready.
Video - the principle of making coffee in a geyser coffee maker
Specifics of coffee preparation
Mandatory cleaning after each use
In order to get high quality coffee, you need to adhere to the technology and several preparation rules. Ground coffee beans for a geyser coffee maker are larger in size than for Turkish coffee beans, but slightly smaller than those for a French press.
For preparation, it is better to use freshly ground grains and water at a temperature below room temperature.
Coffee brewing process. for example the Lavazza brand, occurs over low heat. But you need to get a little used to removing it from the heat correctly, since the water in the lower reservoir should completely boil away. You can determine this using sound or purchase a coffee maker with a transparent bulb. The taste of a coffee drink from a Bialetti geyser coffee maker is not inferior to the taste of coffee from a coffee machine, but you should not rely on thick foam or brewed espresso
Secrets of delicious coffee in a geyser coffee maker
The coffee in a geyser coffee maker is excellent in strength and aroma. You shouldn’t expect a geyser to brew you espresso like a coffee machine. But you are guaranteed delicious, aromatic and strong coffee. In our personal rating, the geyser confidently competes with the classic Turk. We will share the secrets of making good coffee in a geyser.
Coffee and water
The grind should be coarse - coarser than for a Turk, and only a little finer than for a French press. If the powder is finely ground, the water will flow through it too quickly, and the drink will turn out sour and weak due to insufficient extraction.
It is better to take freshly ground coffee, and purified and cold water. There is no need to tamp the coffee, otherwise the tablet will be too dense and water will not pass through it well.
Before attaching the top, check for traces of powder on the threads.
Take the full amount of coffee, even if you don’t drink the entire amount prepared. Technically, you can reduce the portion, but the taste will definitely suffer from this.
Process
You need to brew coffee over low heat. It is best to remove the coffee pot from the heat at the moment when the lower reservoir is not completely empty. You will have to determine this by the sound, but you can get the hang of it quite quickly, in a few sessions. This way you will preserve the coffee aroma and prevent the coffee from overstaying.
Reviews
Reviews about Bialetti geysers are mostly positive. Buyers are impressed by the taste of the drink, its simplicity, and its accessibility. Also good emotions are caused by the absence of sediment, durability, and the ability to take with you on trips. Some users even call the Bialetti geyser a “small alternative to a coffee machine.” In general, many people have been using just such coffee makers for years and do not feel the need to replace them. Disadvantages include aluminum (although there are models made from other materials), low pressure, not everyone likes the taste and aroma: “the aroma is inferior to a coffee machine.”
Bialetti: main characteristics
Bialetti coffee makers are made of aluminum and steel. There are several models with transparent flasks made of borosilicate glass, resistant to high temperatures. Coffee makers are produced in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. There are classic and electric models.
Coffee maker capacity
The smallest Bialetti geyser coffee makers have a volume of 80 ml. The largest are 720 ml. Pay attention to the number of servings, which is indicated in the description of the coffee makers. Bialetti believe that a cup of espresso is 40 ml, so the inscription: “Volume – 6 cups” means that the coffee maker will prepare you 240 ml of excellent coffee.
The exception is the Mukka express coffee maker. It is equipped with a milk frother, so you can prepare cappuccino in it, the standard portion of which is 110 ml. Therefore, the description for this model indicates the volume of “2 servings,” which should be read as 220 ml of the finished drink.
Slab type
Classic coffee makers are designed for different types of stoves. Aluminum ones are suitable for gas and electric, while steel coffee makers have a magnetic base, making them suitable for induction cooktops.
Classic and electric
Classic Bialetti coffee makers are the company's strong point. They require an external heating source. The desire to keep up with progress prompted the company to release an electric version of the most famous geyser coffee makers. They are produced in two series - the powerful Moka timer and the compact Elettrica.
Brand history
The history of the coffee maker dates back to 1933, when Alfonso Bialetti released the first octagonal aluminum model. However, the date when the brand was founded can be considered 1919 - at that time Alfonso launched a workshop for the production of “semi-finished products” from aluminum. The pilot version of the moka coffee maker might not have taken off if not for the ambitions of Bialetti Jr., who decided to invest in television advertising.
Thanks to the fact that the coffee maker was featured in the popular Carosello program, sales went up sharply and there was not a family in Italy that did not make coffee on a Bialetti coffee maker.
The famous mustachioed man in striped pants appeared much later. It was designed and drawn by Paul Campany in the 1950s, after which the logo was applied to all Bialetti coffee pots.
The brand's corporate identity is the logo and the classic art deco form, which has not changed for a century and which other manufacturers of geyser coffee pots have taken as a basis.
Since 2006, Bialetti has been producing electric coffee makers that look no different from the classic model. The manufacturer took this step due to the growing number of office workers who did not have the opportunity to brew coffee over an open fire or an electric stove.
It would seem that something new could be squeezed out of a hundred-year-old coffee maker, but Bialetti did it - in 2014 they released a model for induction cookers, which have an increased bottom thickness due to the heating characteristics of this type of cooker.
Advantages and disadvantages of Bialetti geyser coffee makers
The pros and cons of Bialetti geysers repeat the pros and cons of all geyser coffee makers, of which they are the ancestors.
Pros of Bialetti
- Coffee does not run onto the stove.
- There is no grounds left in the cup.
- The result is a good quality drink at minimal cost.
- Simple preparation.
- Compact size.
- Affordable price compared to carob coffee makers and coffee machines.
- It is possible to choose a model to suit your taste, for your stove and the desired volume.
Cons of Bialetti
- Coffee is brewed only in full volume.
- You will have to monitor the process, if you want to get delicious coffee, you need to remove the geyser in time.
- After each preparation, you need to thoroughly clean the geyser, and especially its filter.
- If used for a long time, the sealing gasket will need to be replaced.
- Modern electric models are much more expensive than classic geysers.
Benefits of geysers
The main advantages of geyser coffee makers are traditionally considered to be accessibility combined with the quality of the drink. In addition, Bialetti coffee makers boast the following advantages:
- compactness, which makes it possible to use Moka Express as a traveling option;
- a variety of colors, shapes and even patterns;
- durability, reliability - there is simply nothing to break or deteriorate in geyser coffee makers;
- simplicity and ease of use;
- coffee does not run out like in Turkish coffee;
- the ability to prepare tea or herbs instead of coffee.
Model range of Bialetti coffee makers
The official name of coffee makers consists of a general part and the name of the model or series.
For example, the bialetti “Alpina” geyser or the bialetti “Dama” geyser.
Bialetti produces series and individual models that have their own name. All coffee makers can be divided into classic and electric.
Series and models of classic bialetti geysers*
| Episode title | Housing material | Handle material | Slab type | Peculiarities | Colors | Volume (in servings) | Price, in rub. ( min ) | Place of production |
| Series | ||||||||
| Moka Induction | Aluminum + steel | Silicone | All types | Bright colors | Red Black | 3, 6 | 3730 | Romania |
| Moka Induzione | Aluminum + steel | Silicone | All types | Graceful colors | Silver, graphite, gold | 3, 6 | 3730 | Romania |
| Dama | Aluminum | Silicone | Excluding induction | Original bottom design | Pearl, silver | 3,6,9 | 2150 | Italy |
| Kitty Nera Elegance | Steel | Nylon | All types | Smooth, streamlined design | Polished metallic | 4,6,10 | 2370 | China |
| Junior | Aluminum | Plastic | Excluding induction | Classic design, affordable price | Silver metallic | 3,6,9 | 1300 | China |
| Venus Elegance | Steel | Plastic | All types | Streamlined design, flat lid | Polished metallic | 4,6,10 | 2555 | China |
| Musa | Steel | Nylon | All types | Original design, flat lid | Polished metallic | 4,6,10 | 2310 | China |
| Moka express | Aluminum | Nylon | All types except induction | Classic design, choice of volumes | Black, silver | 3,4,6,9,12,18 | 2175 | Italy |
| Morenita | Aluminum | Plastic | All types except induction | Classic design, affordable price | Silver | 3,6,9 | 1660 | China |
| Moka Glossy | Aluminum | Nylon | All types except induction | Transparent handle and holder, models with transparent cover available | Silver | 3 | 2000 | Romania |
| Break | Steel | Nylon | All types | Combined design, bright color accents | Black, yellow, blue color decor | 3 | 1500 | Romania |
| Moka Crystal | Glass+steel | Nylon | All types | Transparent top flask | Silver | 3,6 | 3900 | China |
| Selected models | ||||||||
| Brikka NEW | Aluminum | Plastic | All types except induction | Combined design, top part covered with enamel | Silver | 4 | 4060 | Romania |
| Moka Flowers Green | Aluminum | Nylon | All types except induction | Original floral decor, colored pen and holder, enamel coating | Beige + green | 3 | 2000 | Romania |
| Moka Butterflies Blue | Aluminum | Nylon | All types except induction | Original decor, colored pen and holder, enamel coating | Cherry + beige | 3 | 1900 | Romania |
| Mukka express | Aluminum | Silicone | All types except induction | There is a nozzle for frothing milk and making cappuccino, original design | Black + white | 2 | 4950 | Romania |
| Alpina | Aluminum | Nylon | All types except induction | Cap design in the form of a Tyrolean hat with a feather | Green | 3 | 2380 | Romania |
Bialetti electric geyser models
| Model name | Housing material | Handle material | Functions | Peculiarities | Color | Volume (in servings) | Price, RUB (min.) | A country |
| Moka timer | Aluminum | Nylon | Delayed start timer, mode selection, sound notification of readiness, | Speed, delayed start, readiness notification | Silver | 6 | 8500 | China |
| Elettrica | Aluminum | Nylon | Power indicator | Simplicity and accessibility | Silver | 2 | 4500 | China |
*All data on current models and their prices are obtained from open sources and the official website of the manufacturer
Classic models of bialetti geysers are produced in Italian factories, colored ones - in Romania, steel ones - in China.
Models
There are a lot of models of Bialetti geysers and they differ mainly in design and material of manufacture. The functions are almost the same everywhere; some models have the ability to make cappuccino or coffee with foam.
- Moka Crystal is a model with a stylish design. It has an aluminum lower part and a transparent glass top, which makes it possible to see the end of cooking in time.
- Mukka Express is the only geyser that allows you to make cappuccino. Made of aluminum with a spotted coffee tank.
- Induzione - has an aluminum octagonal top and a round steel bottom, making it suitable for induction cookers.
- Butterflies and Flowers are aluminum classic octagonal geysers with a removable pressure valve, a nylon handle and button, and a butterfly pattern on the body.
- Morenita and Junior - like the previous Butterflies and Flowers, octagonal aluminum coffee makers, very similar to the first models of Bialetti geysers. Morenita and Junior have handles made of heat-resistant material and the valve is not removable.
- Glossy - differs from Butterflies in that it has a non-removable pressure valve, no butterflies, and a handle made of a different heat-resistant material. In addition, the Moka Glossy modification has a transparent lid, while the Moka Glossy Red and White do not have this advantage.
- Express is an aluminum model with a classic design, nylon handle and button, removable pressure valve.
- Mini Express is a unique geyser in which the upper compartment is made in the form of two tubes and a stand for cups. The finished drink immediately flows from the tubes into two cups.
- Venus Elegance is a simple and austere cylindrical steel geyser suitable for induction cookers.
- The Dama is a polished aluminum coffee maker with a silicone handle and a shape that matches its name.
- Brikka is a geyser that produces foamy coffee.
- Crem is a coffee maker with a built-in press to produce thick foam.
- Kitty Nera Elegance and Musa are stainless steel models without edges. Suitable for induction cookers. Slightly different in shape. Kitty Nera Elegance has a convex lower part, while Musa has all surfaces equally smooth and strict.
- Break is a polished aluminum coffee maker with an octagonal bottom and a round top.
- Elettrika is a simple model that runs on electricity.
- Easy timer – electric geyser with a timer.
For all geyser models, you can buy, in addition or to replace broken ones, funnels, sieves, seals and handles.
Reviews of Bialetti coffee makers
Nikolay, owner of the Moka express coffee maker
— I’ve been using it for more than 3 years. It says it makes 6 servings, which is just enough for my wife and me for two. The coffee brews is strong and aromatic. I like. Everywhere they write that you can put it on the stove and leave, but I always monitor the cooking myself and remove it from the heat before the water completely boils away. This makes the coffee taste better. I’m happy, I use it more often than the Turkish coffee, because I like the taste of coffee in a geyser better.
Valentina, owner of Musa coffee maker
— I bought it specifically for the induction cooker. It seemed easier than the classic geyser version, but I quickly got used to it. I practically don’t find any cons. The coffee is strong and retains its aroma. I try to immediately wash the geyser and dry its metal parts. I am very pleased with my coffee maker.
Gennady, owner of the Mukka express coffee maker
— I already had a Bialetti coffee maker, and I bought this one to make cappuccino. To be honest, I didn't like it. The foam does not work, it tastes like regular coffee with milk.
Veronica, owner of the Junior coffee maker
— I chose it because of its low price and classic design. The device is cool, fully justified both the price and reputation. I brew coffee for one cup in it, it turns out a very tasty drink, even with foam, like real espresso. My cup is ready in about 5 minutes. I used to leave and not even monitor the process, but now I still try not to overexpose the coffee on the stove. If it sits for a long time, it will become too bitter and not so tasty, although it will not run off onto the stove.
Recommendations for using devices
In order not to make a mistake when purchasing, you need to take into account some nuances:
- It is better to choose a coffee maker with the right volume , since the richest taste of coffee is obtained when both the water tank and the ground coffee tank are completely filled. And if you bought a model for three cups, and plan to drink coffee alone, then there will be an offensive overconsumption of ground grain.
- Water must be poured into the tank up to the emergency valve, but you should not skimp on water . If there is not enough liquid in the container, more steam will be produced than usual, which will spoil the taste of the coffee.
- The coffee should be medium grind , then particles will not seep into any of the housings.
- The coffee container should be filled almost completely , but not compacted so as not to impede the passage of water.
- It is necessary to check the operation of the emergency valve upon purchase and before each use..
- Do not wash aluminum coffee makers with detergents and brushes , since the metal absorbs odor and is susceptible to abrasive materials. If you use the device carefully and carefully, the drink prepared in such a coffee maker will only become tastier each time.
Attention! To avoid damage, do not wash the coffee maker in the dishwasher.
Also, after using the coffee maker, you should let it cool down before brewing coffee again.
Where to buy and prices for the bialetti geyser
You can buy bialetti:
- in regular stores for tableware, coffee supplies or appliances;
- in online stores
Online stores may have models from series that are not on the official website. This means that the models are no longer relevant, but are still being sold out of warehouses.
Table. Addresses of online stores where you can buy a bialetti geyser coffee maker
| Name | Address | Approximate range | Price |
| Bialetti – brand store in Russia | www.bialetti.ru | All current models | From 1300 to 8500 |
| Online store of geyser coffee makers MokaPot | www.mokapot.ru | Moka express for 1, 3, 6 cups | From 1590 to 3200 |
| Ozon | www.ozon.ru | Classic series: Moka express, Dama, Junior; for induction hob – Venus, Kitty | From 1409 to 8490 |
| Coffeestory | www.1coffeestore.ru | Classic series, color models, for induction hobs. Electric geysers. | From 1000 to 8500 |
| World of espresso | www.mirespresso.ru | Most models, including electric coffee makers | From 1300 to 8500 |
| Kofemanych | www.coffeemanich.ru | Most current models | From 1900 to 8825 |
| Top shop | www.top-shop.ru | Classic series, geysers for induction cookers, colored, electric geysers, gift sets with dishes | From 1900 to 7070 |
| House of Coffee | www.domcoffee.ru | Most models in the range | From 1080 to 5900 |
| DNS | www.dns-shop.ru | Classic models, geysers for induction cookers | From 1490 to 3300 |
Analysis of reviews on operation and preparation of coffee
There are many positive opinions about ease of use, but there are also disadvantages - coffee starts to taste bitter when overexposed.
Among the many reviews about the Bialetti coffee maker, almost all are positive. Each user is satisfied with the quality of taste, as well as the pricing policy. Some geyser owners who have previously used a Turk are delighted that when the coffee boils away, it does not spill onto the stove; this fact is most often noticed by housewives and people with an active lifestyle.
As with any device, there were minor disadvantages of the coffee maker. Thus, several people have noticed that when you do not remove the Bialetti Moka Express and Junior geyser coffee maker from the heat in time, the drink begins to taste unpleasantly bitter, so the owners advise not to leave the coffee maker of the listed models on the stove for too long in order to preserve the pleasant taste.
The best part is the affordable price
Having analyzed the technology and preparation method, we can confidently say that the Bialetti geyser coffee machine is a great find for lovers of a decent coffee drink made from Arabica or Robusta beans. Different models with individual components, as well as varied prices, will be able to satisfy any buyer and delight with freshly prepared coffee every day.
