bialetti safety valve leaking supplier

If your moka pot leaks around the joint between the top and bottom, meaning the ring-shaped gasket is leaking, then check three things: 1) Is the gasket clean of coffee grounds?; 2) Is the gasket "rubbery", meaning supple and has not hardened from age and heat? (Since your moka pot is new, I"d expect the gasket to be in good shape); 3) Finally - a trick to better seal the two sections of the pot - wet the ring-shaped gasket before assembly. A few drops of water on the gasket before screwing the top and bottom sections together reduces friction of metal on rubber and allows you to easily screw the two sections together tighter.

Obviously, if the safety valve is leaking steam, then pressure is in the bottom of the pot is too high and you need to go to a coarser coffee grind and/or less coffee dose in the filter basket. Make sure you have not tamped or settled the coffee in the basket in any way.

If water is leaking from your safety valve, either before or during a brewing cycle, something is not quite right and it will need to be resolved before your machine is able to produce coffee again. The leak from the safety valve could be coming from one of three places:

If the leak is coming from the gold coloured safety ring, you simply need to replace it. Further details on how to do that, as well as how to prevent it happening again, can be found here. You will have received a spare safety ring with your machine.

If water is leaking from the head of the safety valve, it’s likely that the internal seal has become dislodged and damaged. Though this is a rare event, in this case the safety valve will need to be replaced. You can purchase a replacement safety valve here, and there are instructions showing how to replace the safety valve here.

A leak from this point suggests one of two things. The first is that the safety valve isn’t screwed on tight enough. Screw it in hand tight, then use a 13mm spanner to tighten it so that there is ‘metal on metal’ contact between the boiler and the safety ring. You won’t need to tighten it very hard, the thing to feel for is a sudden increase in resistance when screwing it in.

The second thing to check is whether the two red o-rings on either side of the safety ring are in good condition. Simply check that they’re well-seated either side of the safety ring and that they are clean and free of damage. Then screw the valve back onto the boiler. These o-rings form the seal between the safety valve and the boiler, so if they’re not in place the safety valve will leak. If you need some replacement seals, you can buy those here.

Operating a Moka Pot seems simple: you add ground coffee and water, pop it on the stove and enjoy nice strong coffee a few minutes later. But then, one day, you witness a bubbling, dripping mess on your stovetop. If you notice a Moka Pot leaking, it’s one of the most obvious signs that your coffee maker requires some attention.

Moka Pot leaking from the middle can mean that the two chambers are not screwed together tightly enough. It is especially likely if you are new to brewing with a Moka Pot.

The pressure valve is a hole in the bottom part of the Moka Pot that prevents pressure from getting too high when you boil water in there. If you fill the lower part above the pressure valve, you will likely experience a Moka Pot valve leak. It happens because the excess water will drain out from the pressure valve.

Another potential cause of a leaking Moka Pot is a clogged pressure valve. It is a bit more serious, but it is often fixable by thoroughly cleaning once you know the issue.

Diagnosing a leaking Moka Pot can require asking questions about every step of the brewing process. This includes issues you might not remember when you think of a coffee brewing method, like grinding your beans and keeping your equipment clean.

The easiest way to stop your Moka Pot from leaking from the middle is to ensure there is no gap between the top and the bottom chambers. You may need to use more force than you think is necessary to tighten them, especially if you are new to brewing with a Moka Pot.

As frustrating as Moka Pot is leaking water, it’s a good sign that the safety valve is doing its job. Without it, excessive pressure could build up in the coffee maker while you brew, potentially causing a messy and dangerous explosion! To prevent this problem, always watch where the pressure valve is located in your Moka Pot’s bottom section, and fill no higher than that.

Even if you haven’t quite gone over the safety valve, too much water can lead to coffee bubbling over the top of the coffee brewer. While this isn’t technically a leak, it’s still likely to create a mess that needs to be cleaned in your kitchen.

To avoid spilling, keep the water level a bit below the bottom of the safety valve. Keeping the lid of the Moka Pot open while you brew coffee can also help you see what’s going on. Finally, take the coffee brewer off the stove burner before it bubbles out the spout.

Coffee that’s too finely ground can block water movement through the coffee grinds. In the best-case scenario, you’d get burnt coffee full of bitterness. When water can’t get where it needs to go, you will likely have a Moka coffee pot leaking.

However, putting milk in a Moka Pot is a bad idea because it will likely clog your coffee maker. As a result, it may start leaking. To ensure your Moka Pot works properly, do not put anything other than water and coffee grounds inside it when you are brewing coffee.

Many prominent manufacturers of Moka Pots, such as Bialetti, sell replacement gaskets for their devices. That way, you don’t have to get a whole new pot if you have a Bialetti leaking due to one damaged component.

If you bought an off-brand Moka Pot to save money, you might find purchasing replacement gaskets and other parts more difficult. It can be important to consider if you are trying to choose between Bialetti Moka Pot and its cheaper competitors. Spending more on your initial investment can mean you don’t have to buy a new Moka Pot later.

A final scenario that could lead to a leaking Moka Pot, though it’s less plausible than most other reasons, is a crack in your Moka Pot. In that case, it will leak from the Moka Pot’s crack rather than the valve or the center.

The safety valve is an important safety feature of your Bialetti pot.  If steam or pressure is being regularly released from the safety valve, do not ignore as your pot may be blocked, or have a faulty safety valve.

To check for a blockage, disassemble your pot by removing the ring and filter, and cleaning inside the column of the upper chamber. Then check the funnel to ensure it is not bent nor restricting the flow of water. Finally, located in the middle of the safety valve is a small piston, move the small piston in a circular motion to remove any clogging within the valve potentially caused by lime scale or other sediment.

Should after these actions the safety valve continues to activate, cease using your pot immediately and return to your authorised Bialetti stockistfor checking/servicing.

The size of your Bialetti stovetop depends on how much coffee you like to drink in any one sitting, how strong you like it and how many people join you. When Bialetti says "2 cup", that is to say your stovetop will produce "two espresso cups" of coffee. An espresso cup of coffee generally amounts to approximately 30mls.

You must not underfill the water in the base or put too little coffee in the filter to try and achieve a lesser quantity of coffee output because this will affect the pressure and effectiveness of your stovetop. Therefore, when you purchase your Bialetti make sure you are buying the correct size for your typical use. In many Italian household"s, there are a couple of sizes in the cupboard to accommodate everyday use, versus when guests are around.

Often in New Zealand, people like to drink their coffee with milk and often quite strong (like a classic Flat White). If you were to make a Flat White with a Bialetti stovetop, it would take approximately "2 cups" of coffee, and added milk from a Tuttocrema.

After extensive usage or due to use of wrong ground coffee and/or scale water, your Brikka might get clogged, release pressure through the valve or between parts, use only part of the water etc. It will stop acting normally and will not produce your favorite Moka.

Prepare your Moka and see if all is working as expected, coffee is flowing freely, crema is built and no pressure leaks from the pressure valve or between water and coffee containers.

Turns out, the new gaskets that Bialetti sells (at least here in Greece) are different from the older ones. The new gasket is a simple white sort-of washer, while the older one had a groove in the outer rim, which ensured a snugger fit and kept the filter firmly. Now with the new gasket, the filter can be turned more easily, still I tested it and it produced a fine brew.

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.

Have you ever used a Bialetti Moka Pot and had it whistle while the coffee was brewing? Do you know why it happens, and is there anything you can do to make it stop?

The Bialetti Moka Pot is the original stovetop espresso maker that was designed by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. But for this article, we won’t go so much in-depth about the history of the Moka Pot.

The Bialetti Moka Pot is designed with a unique brewing process that uses steam pressure to force hot water up through the coffee grounds and produce a rich and flavorful espresso cup of coffee.

The bottom chamber is where you add the water. It has a small valve at the top that is used as a reference to how much water you should add. If you want to improve your Bialetti coffee you can use our coffee to water ratio guide for the Moka Pot.

This will make your Bialetti sound like an angry teapot! So make sure you’re cooking on low or medium heat. James Hoffman also suggests that you finish you brew exactly by the time you start hearing the hissing sound.

The last reason is that your Bialetti Pot might need some replacement parts. Over time, the seal between the pot and the filter basket will start to deteriorate.

Making coffee in a Bialetti coffee maker is a bit of an art form. The coffee grinds have to be a perfect size, and you have to pack them into the filter just right. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to make a delicious cup of coffee in no time.

One important thing to keep in mind is that the safety valve on your Bialetti Moka pot can become clogged over time or even break. If this happens, it’s important to replace the valve as soon as possible.

The good news is that replacement valves are relatively cheap and easy to find. You can usually find them online or at your local kitchen supply store.

Once you have your new valve, simply unscrew the old one and screw in the new one. Be sure to hand-tighten it so that it’s snug, but don’t over-tighten it or you could damage the pot.

Now, you’re ready to make coffee in your Bialetti Moka pot again! Just be sure to keep an eye on the safety valve and replace it if it becomes clogged or broken.

Yes, a Bialetti can technically explode if there’s too much pressure build-up inside. However, it’s very unlikely to happen since the valves are designed to release pressure automatically. Plus, you’d need to be using the stovetop espresso maker incorrectly for this to happen – like using it on too high of a heat setting or packing the coffee grounds too tightly.

There are a few ways to clean a Bialetti valve. One way is to use a small brush and some dish soap. Another way is to use a lemon. Cut the lemon in half, and then squeeze the juice over the valve. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it with a brush. Finally, rinse it off with water.

The Bialetti has gentle shapes and a harmonic style that offers it an attractive appearance, as the name indicates. It’s a wonderful sight. It also makes delicious coffee. Because of its stainless-steel structure, it is suitable for stoves.

Either way, the Bialetti Moka Pot is a timeless classic that makes great coffee. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand why your Bialetti Moka Pot whistles and how to fix them.

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.

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.

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.

– Filter Plate: Wipe clean as above. Occasionally remove it with the gasket for cleaning the other side. Use a safety pin to help clear any blocked holes in the filters to maintain a smooth flow.

• The overpressure valve is an emergency steam release valve, and contains a little steel ball, held against the body of the boiler by a spring. Should the boiler exceed its 14-30 pounds per square inch (1-2 Bar) of normal operating pressure, the spring will constrict and let the ball out a bit to release excess pressure.

• A calcified overpressure valve will prevent this safety mechanism from opening a way for the pressure to escape if it can’t easily go through the coffee grounds. As long as it is kept clean of mineral deposits, the overpressure valve usually lasts the life of the pot.

Espresso makers are kitchen appliances that brew under pressure. Although characterized by a high level of quality and safety, evident by its longevity in common use since it was invented in 1933, as with all appliances, injury or material damage resulting from misuse or improper use of your moka cannot be ruled out. For this reason, do take careful note of all use and care instructions.

The Bialetti Brikka is a modern alternative to the Bialetti Moka Express, the famed coffee maker. Moka Express has been popular in Italy and around the world for generations. With the addition of a pressure valve, Bialetti Brikka promises to yield the expected rich, espresso-like coffee AND a frothy layer of crema.

We dug deep into how this stovetop espresso maker works, the quality of coffee, its longevity, and its value for money. Read this Bialetti Brikka review to determine if it’s worth adding to your coffee arsenal.

The Bialetti Moka Express is an iconic symbol of Italian coffee making (1). First devised in 1933 and named for the historical coffee center of Mocha, Yemen, the simple but effective design has changed very little in the nearly 100 years since (2). Moka pots are far away from Italy’s most famous at-home brewing method, and the Bialetti company produces some of the top stovetop espresso makers.

So why mess with a good thing? Is the new Bialetti Brikka an improvement on the original Moka Express? Or has the company set out to solve a problem that never really existed? That’s what we decided to find out in this Bialetti Brikka review.

Using a Moka pot is not as simple as using a drip coffee machine; it’s more hands-on. You can’t just set a timer and have your coffee waiting when you wake up in the morning. But using the Bialetti Brikka is on par with any other manual method of making coffee, like a French press or pour-over dripper – and far easier than a real espresso machine.

First, fill the bottom chamber with water to below the level of the pressure release valve. This safety valve ensures that the excess water pressure vents as harmless steam if you overfill your Moka pot. The alternative would be an exploding coffee maker!

Finally, screw on the upper chamber and set it on a heat source, like an electric or gas stove. The Bialetti Brikka won’t work as sold if you have an induction cooktop. However, Bialetti does sell an induction adaptor for this purpose. Just make sure you make room for it in the budget.

The brewing capacity distinguishes the Bialetti Brikka from a standard stovetop espresso maker, so we will take our time and go in-depth in this section.

The Brikka includes a pressure valve system that ensures it will produce a foamy layer of crema on your excellent cup of coffee, something resembling a proper espresso. The valve system is designed to stay closed until a certain pressure level builds up, and excellent coffee then bursts through the valve, creating a rich and frothy brew. This is the same concept used in pressurized filter baskets for espresso machines.

The original Bialetti Brikka worked on the same principle but had a different valve design. Many reviewers declared this system flawed, and Bialetti agreed because they completely reworked the valve in 2020. So if you’ve been reading older reviews of the Brikka, take them with a grain of salt.

The new model is much better from a design standpoint, and it’s simpler, cleaner, and cheaper to manufacture. But it still suffers from an inherent flaw in the concept: it is challenging to create great-tasting coffee and a foamy crema using a stovetop espresso maker. It takes about 1 to 1.5 bars of pressure to open the valve in the Brikka. As pressure builds up behind the valve, some of the waiting coffee is inevitably becoming over-extracted.

That doesn’t mean no one should buy a Bialetti Brikka. As always, coffee is a personal taste, and it just depends on what you enjoy. For one thing, it delivers on its promise of a frothier coffee. Though not as long-lasting as the better crema you’ll find on a proper shot of espresso pulled at 9 bars of pressure, if you enjoy the texture and mouthfeel of a foamy coffee experience, the Brikka will not disappoint (3).

Given that Bialetti was originally an aluminum manufacturer and not a coffee company, it should be no surprise that the Brikka is very well made. Combine that with its simple and functional design with very few parts, and you can expect many years of loyal service from a Moka pot.

Brikka’s silicone valve is another point of failure compared with the Moka Express, but this has yet to be a problem in the years since its introduction.

The Bialetti Brikka has a few aesthetic differences from the Moka Express. It lacks the classic octagonal base, replaced by the round bottom. But don’t worry, this impacts only the appearance, not the function. The Brikka keeps the iconic Bialetti logo, the instantly recognizable mustachioed man (5).

Stovetop espresso makers have an unfounded reputation of being difficult to clean. An experienced coffee lover would argue that they are easier to clean than a French press and certainly easier than an espresso machine. They take a few seconds longer than making coffee with methods that use a paper filter because you can’t just lift the filter out of the machine and toss it. With the Bialetti Brikka, you’ll have to knock the wet finely ground coffee out of the filter basket into a knock box or the compost before cleaning. That’s it, and a knock is the only extra step. So don’t let fear of clean-up dissuade you from this great style of a brewer!

The Bialetti Brikka does require a bit more care than the Moka Express because of the added valve. Every few weeks, it’s worth taking the two valve pieces apart to give them a quick clean and make sure no coffee grounds stuck in the silicone.

When it was first released, the Bialetti Brikka was significantly more expensive than the Moka Express, and many falsely believe this continues to be the case. In fact, with the less expensive valve design, the price of the Brikka has come down. At this point, a Bialetti Brikka 2-cup is almost the same price as a 3-cup Moka Express. So if you want extra froth in your coffee or want to make milky drinks, there is no reason the price should dissuade you.

You don’t need foam atop your coffee:If the airy foam promised by the Brikka holds no appeal, you can save some cash by opting for a classic stovetop espresso maker. Check out our Bialetti Moka Express review to stick with the Bialetti brand. For a classy-looking alternative in larger sizes, read the Cuisinox Roma stovetop espresso maker review.

This Bialetti Brikka review promised to tell you if the Brikka was better than the Moka Express. The verdict is no; it’s not inherently better. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t the better choice for some coffee lovers.

Mills, T. (2022, January 7). The Bialetti Moka Express: The History of Italy’s Iconic Coffee Maker, and How to Use It the Right Way. Retrieved from https://www.openculture.com/2022/01/the-bialetti-moka-express.html