bialetti safety valve replacement supplier

PART NUMBERS & MANUFACTURERS REFERENCE: Many of the parts on sale are supplied by the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) whilst others are offered as suitable replacements or alternatives. Any references made to specific manufacturers and OEM part numbers are for guidance and identification purposes only and does not imply that any parts supplied are purchased direct from the OEM. Parts supplied as alternatives may differ from the OEM"s exact specifications.

The devil is in the details. It is often the smallest things, the particularities, that make all the difference. This is also the case in regards to the preparation of a good coffee, a ritual in which all the steps and every single component play a fundamental role. Among all, one of the most important elements is the Moka valve. Often ignored, it is vital not only for the quality of the coffee, but also for the safety of those who prepare it.

The valve was born with the invention of the Moka Express in 1933. It is a safety valve positioned on the bottom chamber. To better understand the importance of the valve and its use, we need to take a step back and illustrate step by step

This is where the valve of the Moka comes into play. It must open when the pressure is too high. By doing so, it allows the steam to escape regularly, without causing any damage. In short, the Moka’s safety valve provides security. Hence, it should only intervene when the coffee maker is used under abnormal operating conditions.

A long-standing and debated question: how far can you fill the bottom chamber for a state-of-the-art coffee? The Moka valve can come in handy to answer this dilemma. Another important role of the valve is that it acts as a "measuring cup". Its position on the bottom chamber is not accidental. Rather, it indicates to those who prepare the coffee the correct amount of water to use. The only exception is for some special coffee pots that are already equipped with a measuring cup. Ideally the water should reach just below the safety valve.

The Moka valve, therefore, is not a decoration or a mere design element. Rather, it is a very important component for the correct functioning of the coffee maker. It guarantees safety and plays a part in the making of an excellent coffee.

Consequently, it is necessary to keep it clean and maintain it regularly. For example, using tap water to make coffee brings with it the risk of limescale deposits obstructing the hole in the valve. The resulting danger is that it could get clogged.

We have seen that one can simply use hot water to clean the Moka valve. To avoid limescale obstructions, simply move the piston that comes out of the valve along its axis when washing it. To ensure the Moka functions correctly, it is recommended to repeat this checkup periodically.

The Bialetti Brikka Stovetop Coffee Maker is an aluminum Moka Pot that utilizes an innovative "Brikka-System" system to consistently deliver delicious, rich stovetop coffee with a wonderful aroma. Bialetti’s patented dual safety valve ensures perfect froth every time by regulating the pressure of water flowing through grounds for a richer-tasting coffee.

The moka pot is a stove-top or electric coffee maker that brews coffee by passing boiling water pressurized by steam through ground coffee. Named after the Yemeni city of Mocha, it was invented by Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti in 1933 and quickly became one of the staples of Italian culture.Bialetti Industries continues to produce the same model under the trade name "Moka Express".

The boiler (marked A in the diagram) is filled with water almost up to the safety release valve (some models have an etched water level sign) and the funnel-shaped metal filter (B) is inserted. Italians generally do not preheat the water used, though established baristas such as James Hoffmann and Tristan Stephenson recommend using preheated water in the base.

A gasket ensures a tightly closed unit and allows for pressure to safely build up in the lower section, where a safety valve provides a necessary release in case this pressure should get too high.

Moka pots require periodic replacement of the rubber seal and the filters, and a check that the safety release valve is not blocked. When the rubber seal is new, it might alter the coffee taste, so a couple of "dry runs" can be made, without coffee or with used coffee grounds to "prime" it. It is an urban myth that leaving coffee stains in a moka pot is preferable – the rancid coffee should be scrubbed out of all parts of the pot. Moka pots are generally not dishwasher safe.

The moka pot comes in various sizes based on the number of 50 ml (2 imp fl oz; 2 US fl oz) espresso cups they produce. The following table are the standard sizes for the Bialetti Moka Express.

A few companies have introduced variations to the Moka pot design. One such design has incorporated a weighted valve called Cremator or Cremavent as a pressure regulator on top of the nozzle that allows pressure to build up inside the water tank in a manner similar to a pressure cooker. As pressure builds up more quickly in this method (since there is much less leakage of vapour) compared to the standard moka pot, it reaches the level required for water to rise through the ground coffee in a shorter time. The result is coffee brewed at a higher pressure and temperature than the standard pot, making it more similar to espresso and therefore with more visible crema.

Though Bialetti writes in the manual: “Never unscrew the valve system (2) from the column.“, I doubt it, as the very small slot of the silicone regulator might get clogged with time. Coffee grinds/oil residue and/or scale might build on it and will change the product’s normal operation.

Instead, Bialetti supplies a 200 ml. cheap looking plastic measuring cup that has only milliliter scale engraved on it. The exact same measuring cup is supplied for both models.

– The new valve’s body is probably made by a milling machine and it has some unpolished faces with sharp edges that might hurt your fingers while cleaning.

This ribbon proves that Bialetti’s approach of presenting the Moka as Espresso is not new and goes beyond this model to several generations of this stove-top Moka pot.

The new valve with its silicone cap, the “O” ring, the very thin funnel and the painted heater container allegedly suggests those parts will be worn and/or become un-functional in relatively short period of use.

3. Bialetti patent of the Brikka weight system was filled in Dec. 1996 and it expired but might still be covered by other Bialetti patents that includes “valve”.

Completely agree with this review. I had the old type with the plastic window for 10+ years and it was great. Eventually (after making thousands of daily coffees) the valve stopped working so I stupidly decided to treat myself and replace with the latest model, What a mistake! The coffee funnel loses it’s shape all the time which has been a continual problem. But even worse, I recently left it on the stove for too long and burnt it, lots of smoke, this damaged the internal silicone valve – my stupid fault, but when I emailed Bialetti they have told me the pressostatic valve is non-replaceable, even though it’s simple to unscrew and replace yourself. So, sadly, I’ve killed my Brikka – won’t be buying another one.

The original Moka coffee pot: Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker, it provides the experience of the real Italian way of preparing a tasteful coffee, its unique shape and the inimitable gentleman with mustache date back to 1933, when Alfonso Bialetti invented it.

Made in Italy with an ergonomic handle and a patented safety valve which makes it easy to clean. Available in many sizes and suitable for gas, electric and induction (with the Bialetti induction adapter plate)

How to prepare the coffee: fill the boiler up to the safety valve, fill it up with ground coffee without pressing, close the Moka pot and place it on the stovetop, as soon as Moka Express starts to gurgle, turn the fire off and coffee will be ready

Cleaning instructions: The Bialetti Moka Express must only be rinsed with clean water after use, with no detergents, the product is not to be washed with a dishwasher as it will be irremediably damaged and the taste of coffee altered

If you do not properly clean your moka pot after every use ground coffee can fall into the chamber, or water residue can build up in the valve. This leads to a blockage which stops the valve from relieving pressure buildup.

To fix this you must take apart the entire moka pot, including the filter and gasket, and give everything a thorough rinse. You can take a toothbrush an clean around the safety valve. Don’t try to disassemble the safety valve, its not designed to be taken apart. For a guaranteed clean, you can descale your moka pot with vinegar and lemon juice. Learn how here.

When adding water to the bottom chamber of your moka pot, you must always fill to just below the safety valve. If you cover the safety valve in water it will malfunction. Its also normal for some water to be left over after brewing.

Your funnel filter must fit neatly into the bottom chamber. If it is bent or worn around the edges it will need to be replaced. Moka pot replacements can be purchased here.

Its normal to have some water left over in a moka pot after brewing. They are designed that way. The steam pressure pushes water up the funnel, in the gap between the funnel and the base of the boiler chamber.  That leftover water also helps protect your moka pot from being heated in a dry state, which could become a safety concern if left unattended.

Every 3-6 months consider changing the gasket and silicone seal that maintains the pressure in the boiler section. Once you begin to have problems with your brew that’s usually a sign that it’s time for a new gasket or seal. Replacements can be purchased here.