Question 1

Does it make espresso in the same way as starbucks in terms of taste?

Accepted Answer

2015 update - if you use Starbuck beans, you can more closely recreate the taste of Starbuck's.A conditional yes, please let me explain why. I should also mention that for years I was a Starbuck's two doppio's a day fanatic. I did find, using Starbuck's beans bought in the smallest quantities for freshness gave me great results in the moka pot. How close you find your satisfaction with the moka pot is really unknown until you work with one and evaluate the results for yourself. That being said, I will share two years of experimentation with the Moka pot, in some details, hopefully without overwhelming you. Keep in mind, if you simply want to put coffee and water in the machine, there is no need to read further. The moka pot is pretty consistent in making a good strong coffee. There are some other variables you can work with, depending on your interest, and motivation. I love espresso and am highly motivated to capturing that elusive finest cup.There are some constants:1. Since the water is a constant (you fill GOOD water to the bottom of the valve), and 2. You fill the basket with ground coffee (and do NOT tamp it down) 3. You heat the pot on very low heat and remove it when the water sound stops and no not let the pot boil.Then there is only one other variable, the grind of the coffee.1. There is only so much ground coffee the basket can hold, so the taste of the coffee will change depending on how fine or coarse the beans are ground. 2. If you are using pre-ground Starbuck's coffee, that would seem like you have it made right? Well, no. Keep in mind Starbuck's uses a big machine and this is a little pot for your home.What I and others have found, is grinding your own fresh beans will maximize the likelihood you are getting the best results. I have moved over to the dark side and got a burr grinder as a gift. Having worked with it for two years, I can attest to the fact I can work with a fine or coarse grind to get great and strong coffee from the Moka pot. Just remember to remove the pot from the heat when you hear the water stops. Leaving it on longer will not make the coffee stronger, it will boil it and most likely make in unpalatable. My preference is for the aluminum pot vs stainless steel and I do NOT wash the pot with any soap. A wipe down with a moist paper towel and leaving it air dry has given me great results after the initial one or two first pots I needed to break in the pot in.Whew on the details here but I am trying to give you an honest explanation of what you can do to get more consistent results for yourself. Hope this helps.

Question 2

Does '3 cup' refer to 3 standard size espresso cups or 24 fluid ounces?

Accepted Answer

It means 3 espresso shots.  The upper chamber of the pot, which holds the coffee, has a capacity of 3/4 of a measuring cup, or 6 ounces.

Question 3

I have had my moka pot for months now.  It shows signs of rust on the inside.  Is this still ok to use?

Accepted Answer

Sounds like you never dried it after washing it. Please, never leave on old coffee oils in your moka pot. ALWAYS wash it. Don't listen to those people that tell you you want old coffee oils in the aluminum. It'll just taste rancid, and after each brewing, it'll taste burnt. Every day espresso  machines are cleaned, everyday pots and pans that use aluminum are cleaned, so clean your moka pot.

Use just water in the boiler chamber and boil it on the stove to do a deep cleaning. You can also use two teaspoons of vinegar to the water. Cool it down and DRY it with a towel or rag. Leave it disassembled and let it air dry.

Question 4

is this made of stainless steel

Accepted Answer

Its made of aluminum.

Exterior Finish	Aluminium
Material	Aluminum
Item Weight	7.7 ounces
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Number of Items	1
Item Dimensions D x W x H	5"D x 5"W x 5"H
Capacity	130 Millimeters
Style	Classic
Color	Aluminium
Operation Mode	Manual
Human Interface Input	Buttons
Filter Type	Reusable
Specific Uses For Product	Espresso
Special Features	Gas Stovetop Compatible
Coffee Maker Type	Moka Pot

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Bialetti Stovetop Moka Express 3 Cups

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