The Bialetti 6800 Moka Express is a classic stovetop Moka Pot designed for brewing strong coffee on various stovetops. Here’s a breakdown of its features to help you decide if it’s a good fit for you:
Pros:
- Strong Coffee: Brews a strong, concentrated brew similar to espresso, ideal for those who enjoy a bolder cup.
- 6 Cup Capacity: Brews up to 300ml (around 6 cups) of coffee, suitable for a small pot or several servings.
- Bialetti Brand: Bialetti is a well-established and respected brand known for its quality Moka Pots.
- Aluminum Construction: Affordable and lightweight, though some users prefer stainless steel for durability or aesthetics.
- Durable: Bialetti Moka Pots are known for their longevity.
- Simple and Easy to Use: The Moka Pot design is relatively straightforward. (Although there is a learning curve to perfect the brewing process)
- Wide Availability: Bialetti Moka Pots are widely available, so finding replacement parts or accessories should be easy.
Cons:
- Not True Espresso: While it brews strong coffee, Moka Pots don’t reach the high pressure of professional espresso machines.
- Attention Required: You’ll need to watch the Moka Pot while it brews and remove it from heat when finished to avoid burnt coffee.
- Learning Curve: There might be a bit of a learning curve to perfect the grind size and coffee-to-water ratio for the best results.
- Aluminum Taste (for some): Some coffee drinkers perceive a slight metallic taste from aluminum Moka Pots.
Overall, the Bialetti 6800 Moka Express could be a good option for those who:
- Enjoy strong coffee: If you prefer a bolder coffee than drip coffee, a Moka Pot is a good alternative.
- Appreciate the Bialetti brand: Bialetti is a trusted brand known for quality Moka Pots.
- Want an affordable option: Aluminum Moka Pots are typically less expensive than stainless steel models.
- Need a 6-cup capacity: This size is suitable for brewing for a few people.
- Don’t mind aluminum: Aluminum is affordable and lightweight, but some users prefer stainless steel.
However, if you:
- Need true espresso for latte art or other drinks: A Moka pot won’t replicate the high pressure needed for true espresso.
- Prefer a completely hands-off brewing experience: Moka pots require attention during the brewing process.
- Dislike the potential for an aluminum taste: You might want to consider a stainless steel Moka Pot.
Here are some additional things to consider when purchasing a Bialetti 6800 Moka Express:
- Price: Compare prices with other Bialetti Moka Pots or similar models from other brands.
- Alternatives: Explore 6-cup Moka Pots from other brands, both in aluminum and stainless steel, to see if there are features or designs that suit you better.
- Grind Size and Coffee: Moka pots typically require a finer grind size than drip coffee makers. You might need to adjust your grind or buy a grinder if you don’t already have one.
- Reviews: Customer reviews can provide valuable insights about the performance, ease of use, and durability of the Bialetti 6800 Moka Express.