bialetti moka safety valve made in china

Bialetti is a company that invented moka pots. However, today many other brands offer Italian stove top coffee makers for 2 or even 3 times lower price. Is there any real difference between them except the famous ‘little man with the mustache’ logo, which Bialetti proudly put on its models? (Spoiler: yes)

I decided to compare stainless steel versions, since my new kitchen is equipped with a induction stove (classic aluminium moka pots like Moka Express or Brikka can’t work with it). I choose a Bialetti Venus by Bialetti (‘Made in India according to Bialetti’s quality standarts’ was written on the box) and a similar moka pot by some unknown brand from China (almost 3 times cheaper). Both are for 4 cups, which equals to 160ml. Here they are:

In the States you may find it in stock as a Stovetop Espresso by Túasia, AMFOCUS Stovetop Espresso Maker or VonShef Stovetop Espresso Coffee Maker. Similar Inox moka pots are sold also by Primula, BEMINH, Mixpresso Coffee, WeHome, MAYMII, MODIN and Maggift brands.

Exactly the same model could be found in the UK. Here it is known as 6-Cup Espresso Coffee Maker by Kurtzy (ATWFS, Linaatales, Tooltime, KING HOFF and Yosoo sell identical stainless steel pot as well). On the German market and in other European countries it is known as Generic Moka Espressokocher, Cuigu Edelstahl Moka Pot, HuntGold or UniqueHeart. In Asia (Indonesia as an example) they don’t bother to invent brand names and sell it just as namless stainless steel moka.

If you will search for stainless steel moka pot on your local Amazon, then likely you will find more clones. They all look the same and, based on reviews anaysis, they all have similiar drawbacks, which I found in my specimen as well.

So let’s investigate the differences between cheap Chinese moka pot made of steel vs original Bialetti Venus.I will not describe the unboxing process (though Bialetti packaging was better) and focus on the materials, construction, coffee taste and temperature:

Both coffee makers are made of stainless steel. However the thickness of the metal is different, Chinese one definetly has more slim edges (hereinafter on photos the Bialetti is on left while the Chinese one is on right):

The fact that Bialetti uses a lot more metal while producing their stove top espresso makers is also proven by the weight. According to my kitchen scale it’s 544 grams (19.2 ounces) in the case of Bialetti vs 330 grams (11.6 ounces) in the case of its counterpart. Both measurements are made without boxes:

❕ The main thing, that dissapointed me was the weirdly coated bottom section in Chinese moka pot. While the Bialetti has a equaly shiny polished steel both outside and inside, the bottom chamber of the second coffee maker has a layer of some strange material:

Anyway, the reason why Chinese-made moka pot has this covering is not so important. What important is that there is some strange smelly thing inside, not just the shiny polished steel.

My Chinese moka pot (as well as Primula, ATWFS, Kurtzy and most of other clones, which apparently are made using the same technical process) has unfinished welding seam on the upper part that is visible from inside. The same defect was reported by other users, for example, you can notice this defect even on relatively well-rated model by VonShef (check on amazon):

My last observation is about emergency valve that is located one the side of the bottom chamber and that is used to lower the pressure if the funnel would be clogged. They are different:

The Bialetti inspection valve is a patented valve, which has been designed to guarantee the use of the coffee maker in complete safety. Using the coffee maker with drinking water entails the risk of formation of lime scale in the hole of the safety valve, causing the clogging of the valve itself and the malfunctioning of the product.

With the Bialetti inspection valve, it is very simple to avoid clogging arising from lime scale: just move the small piston coming out of the valve along its axis when washing the coffee maker.

As I mentioned above the fact that Chinese has thinner metal body affects the brewing proccess. Bialetti’s upper chamber stays cools longer, while all parts of Chinese coffee maker becomes hot very soon. That means that temperature of extraction is higher on Chinese one. It’s generally condidered to be bad for the coffee taste (because it may become bitter), however it’s better for lovers of hot coffee.

Here are photos of coffee temperature measurement in Bialetti Venus and in ATWFS moka pot just after brewing on gas cooker (photos kindly provided by my reader kroleg-m):

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.

Bialetti Moka Express: this is the original coffee maker, a symbol of Made in Italy quality, which offers the experience of the true Italian ritual of preparing a delicious cup of coffee. Its unique shape dates back to 1933, when it was invented by Alfonso Bialetti. What makes it even more unique is the iconic Man with the moustache.

Bialetti quality: Made in Italy high-quality product. Unique patented safety valve which is easy to inspect and to clean. It also offers an ergonomic handle to facilitate grip of the product. Available in many sizes, this product is suitable for use on gas, electric and induction hobs (exclusively with the Bialetti induction plate adapter).

I bought a Bialetti Brikka (new-ish version with black bottom but still with the gravity valve) in 2020 for my Covid-Coffee and it was an okay quality. Still lots of aluminium chaff flying around everywhere, definitely needed more cleaning than Bialetti says is “permissible” because dish soap supposedly harms the metal (not true).

The valve is simply a rubber membrane that is not sold as a replacement part, have fun with that I guess. So much aluminium dust and shavings everywhere, even in the valve, where the consumer should never look I guess. The paint on the bottom is even worse than on my old brikka.

And to top it all off, I am not even sure if that valve rubber is silicone or not (confusion with old Bialetti descriptions since the gravity valve Brikkas all had a clear silicone nozzle to constrict flow against the valve). The new valve rubber is white like the main gasket (which is natural rubber IIRC), so have fun when that gets icky and there are no replacements (it’s a rather complex moulding with a tapered inside ending in a slit which gets compressed by the top part of the valve).

I will get my 45€ back and invest that in a cheap espresso machine (I didn’t want to make 4 cups with my old Bialetti all the time, so this should be worth it).

This moka pot—which, of the four models we tested, comes closest to Alfonso Bialetti’s original design—has a classic look, is dead simple to use, and brews coffee as rich and flavorful as that of any model we tested.

Like most of the moka pots we tested, the Moka Express is simple yet effective, lightweight yet sturdy, affordable yet stylish. It’s uncomplicated to use, unlike traditional espresso machines (which require some practice and know-how and cost hundreds of dollars or more). It’s also forgiving; other than leaving it on the stove too long and burning your coffee, there are very few ways to mess up. The flavor of the beverage it produces is richer than the results from most of the other moka pots we tested, and much more so than coffee from a French press or a drip coffee maker. And with the sleepy-lidded eyes of l’Omino con i baffi staring at you from the side of the pot, you’re always keenly aware that you’re using a time-tested piece of Italian gadgetry.

Although some of the people who might have once used a Moka Express to brew their morning coffee are eschewing it for newer innovations—such as the plastic-tube AeroPress, which can make a similarly concentrated cup of coffee with more clarity—Blue Bottle’s Jessie Washburn says it offers a ritualistic simplicity and nostalgia that are unmatched by other coffee makers.

“Early on in my coffee life, it was my first regular brewing device. I felt downright cosmopolitan leaving the plug-in coffee maker of my youth behind,” Washburn says, recalling how her grandparents would use a Moka Express to make post-lunch pots of coffee in their tiny New York City kitchen. “The coffee would gurgle and hiss as my grandmother warmed a little milk for herself. My grandfather would take his black, with a splash of boiling water to open up the flavors and stretch the coffee.”

Outside of Europe, moka pots are especially popular in Cuban communities for making café cubano—a hot, sweet drink made by whisking sugar into the first few drops of coffee before adding the rest of the pot. Lourdes Castro, a Cuban-American nutritionist and director of New York University’s Food Lab, says everyone in Cuba has a moka pot at home—though they call it a cafetera—and it’s most commonly the classic Moka Express.

In my own kitchen in St. Louis, I conducted a taste test with four 6-cup moka pots: my Bialetti Moka Express, the Alessi Moka, the Grosche Milano Red, and the stainless steel Ilsa Turbo Express. Dozens of variations are available—from IKEA’s Scandinavian spin on the classic moka pot to the MoMA Design Store’s cute and colorful Cocca Moka to innumerable knockoffs on Amazon—but we concluded that the four models we chose represented the range of options well.

Over about a week, I made 16 pots of coffee for my taste test. I made café con leche with each moka pot using Café Bustelo, piloncillo (a compact cone of brown sugar), and whole milk. I also made black coffee with Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso beans, Intelligentsia House Blend coffee beans, and Starbucks House Blend coffee beans in each one—using the Baratza Encore to grind the beans, the Escali Primo digital scale to weigh them, and the Bonavita BV382510V 1-liter gooseneck electric kettle to heat up the water (you don’t have to pre-boil the water, but I think doing so produces better results, as I explain below). I also timed how long each pot took to brew 20 grams of grounds from start to finish. For each round of testing, I had my boyfriend pour about an ounce of coffee from each moka pot into teacups so that I could compare them blind.

I am by no means a coffee expert (as I said, I just started drinking it regularly in the past year), but I did find some obvious differences between the pots’ brews. The Bialetti Moka Express performed the best overall, producing a smooth, full-bodied flavor profile—chocolatey, smoky, and just a bit acidic—compared with the rest of the bunch. The Alessi Moka’s brews were a little more acidic and slightly less rich, but they were otherwise almost indistinguishable from the Bialetti’s. Results from the stainless steel Ilsa Turbo Express were drinkable, if somewhat hollow and flat, and brews from the Grosche Milano Red were the worst—watery and flavorless.

The Bialetti pot that I’ve had for years—which my boyfriend and now I have put through some serious wear and tear—seems mostly infallible. Other than a hairline crack on the hinge (which is a stress point if you try to screw the top on one-handed, as I have), it hasn’t sustained any major damage. The cast-aluminum pieces fit together smoothly and are fairly easy to clean. When the pot is not in use, it fits into my mid-century modern decor as a piece of functional art.

For fans of a rich, bold cup of coffee, it’s hard to go past the Moka pot. These humble coffee makers have been a staple of the Italian kitchen for decades, brewing espresso style coffee without the expense and hassle of a large machine.

Whether you want a designer model or something you can take on the road, there’s a Moka pot for you. Here’s what you need to know before you buy, and some of the best stovetop espresso makers around.

This stovetop coffee maker garnered plenty of good remarks from happy customers, and it’s no wonder why. Designed in Italy, this high-quality ‘moka express’ comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose according to preference. It also makes coffee fast without sacrificing quality or style.

You should already know that Moka pots won’t brew espresso like an espresso machine will. But they still make a damn fine, strong cup of Joe (1). If you want to get it right the first time, consider the following points when choosing a stovetop espresso maker:

While some claim that the highest quality percolators are made in Italy – which is no wonder, they are often simply called Italian espresso pots or ‘Bialetti’s’ – we don’t find this necessarily to be the case. On average, it’s fair to say that whenever it says ‘Made in Italy’ you can be rest assured the quality will be great, while China is more of a mixed bag. To boot, having an authentic Italian stovetop espresso maker does add to the charm a bit, doesn’t it?

For the solo coffee connoisseurs among us, the brew-a-cup-at-a-time Moka pots are the perfect fit. But, if you plan to share a cup with your partner or friend, choose one that can make more than 1 brew per use – there is nothing more annoying than having to repeat the process multiple times for multiple coffees.

Stovetop coffee makers or Moka pots come in various sizes. Here’s a useful size chart to follow when deciding on the amount of liquid you need from your Moka pot:

Remember that not all Moka pots will work with an electric stove. Be sure to check whether the one you’re considering is electric or induction stovetop friendly. We’ve found that glass-topped electric stoves typically work beautifully, and very quickly, with Moka pots.

The traditional moka pot is made from aluminum – the material is light, cheap and great at conducting heat or, to keep it real for us caffeine fiends, brewing coffee. But, you’ll find that many manufacturers now include percolators made from stainless steel. And for good reason. A stainless steel moka pot looks much sexier in your kitchen plus the material racks up some major advantages when compared to aluminum (2).

Until recently, Moka pots were the only way to get an ‘almost espresso’ without a machine. Today, there are plenty of other options for making an espresso-like coffee or an actual espresso without a machine. For instance, various portable espresso makers are available for everyone’s pocket. So why do people still use stovetop coffee makers?

Moka pot is hipsterish, retro, and, honestly, very convenient to use. Like the Aeropress, the Moka pot doesn’t produce an actual espresso. But moka coffee is still rich, thick, and creamy. Basically, it’s an affordable way to enjoy beautiful coffee and feel like part of Italy’s long tradition of coffee drinking.

Based on customer reviews in the US and our own experience with the cowboy method, Home Grounds searched for the best Moka pot on the market. The table summarizes features, and below you’ll find more detailed reviews of the best ones we’ve found in the market:

Bialetti is the number one player in the stovetop espresso maker market, which is not a surprise once you see the thousands of happy customer reviews on their Moka pots. Due to its features, the Bialetti Moka Express has long been dubbed as one of the best coffee makers. The octagonal shape of the coffee maker allows the heat to distribute perfectly while your coffee brews, resulting in a strong Moka pot coffeein under 5 minutes (4).

Once you’re done, clean-up is easy thanks to the compartment design; just unscrew it, wash it, and get on with your day. The Italian-made ‘Moka express’ range is so popular that they made it available in 1, 3, 6, and 9 cup options – so choose the right size for your preference and you’ll start your day with the perfect amount of coffee.

I personally only use this Moka pot nowadays – I’ve been through other models and the consistency you get is unbeatable. Read my Bialetti Moka Express review if you wish to learn more. The Bialetti Brikka, a modern alternative to the Moka Express is also worth checking out.

The Bialetti Venus features soft lines and a harmonious design that gives it just as the name suggests an elegant look. It’s a beauty to the eye. It also produces great tasting coffee. Its stainless steel construction means it’s suited for induction cooktops. The handle is insulated to resist high temperatures, hence you can use the unit without having to worry about burning yourself when pouring.

This moka pot is available in the biggest range of sizes, with 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 cup versions available – in a choice of black, chrome, white, red and blue.

The bulbous design, which is supposed to represent a baby bird, helps to stop filtration at precisely the right moment. Even if the moka pot is left on the heat, the coffee won’t develop the burnt taste that is often problematic with stovetop coffee makers. The unique v-shaped spout (the chick’s beak) provides more accurate pouring and fewer drips.

Moka pot users tend to time their brew by ear. When you hear a rumbling or gurgling noise, this is a signal that the last of the coffee is making its way up through the tube and it’s time to turn off the heat.

The glass does mean it’s not going to withstand a drop to the floor, but apart from that, the Geesta functions as any other moka pot would. The filter basket, base and lid are made from stainless steel, so it’s both dishwasher safe and suitable for induction stove tops.

One of the appealing things about buying a Moka pot is that there is a model to suit almost any need or budget. For Home Grounds, the Cuisinox Roma stands out for its build quality, elegant design, and the fact it works with a wide range of stove tops. It’s not cheap, but with a 25-year guarantee, you might never need to buy another.

You can use your favorite kind of coffee blend (beans) in a stovetop espresso maker. It’s recommended that you grind your coffee fresh at home and use a grind size slightly finer than you would for drip coffee and a little more coarse than that for an espresso machine. Don’t use extracts, instant coffee, or infusions in your stovetop maker. Here’s a guide on the best coffee for moka pots.

Stovetop espresso is good but not as good as a connoisseurs-like espresso. Though the results don’t quite live up to the real deal, Moka pots are a convenient home-brewing alternative producing a thick, strong, and delicious cup of coffee. It’s easy to over or under extract your grounds using a stovetop maker but, you should know, practice makes close-to-perfect (espresso).

You can clean a stainless steel Moka pot using one part white vinegar and two parts cold water. Pour the water and vinegar into the basin of the pot and turn it on. Brew a full pot and let the solution sit for 15 minutes. Then, empty the pot and rinse with cold water. Or, use a combination of baking soda and cold water for a simple clean (no brewing here!).

How to Brew in a Moka Pot: Stumptown Coffee Roasters Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/blogs/news/how-to-brew-in-a-moka-pot

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

Coffee lovers know many ways to make an excellentcup of coffee and some have tried them all. Pour-overs, French presses, and expensive espresso machines are all top of mind, but one of the most humble yet quality coffee pots is the stovetop espresso maker known as the Moka pot.

Before we tell you how to choose a top-notch stovetop espresso maker, let’s dive into what Moka pots are, where they originated, and qualities to look for when purchasing one.

Technically, stovetop “espresso” makers do not make espresso like a classic espresso machine, but Moka pots will yield a strong, concentrated cup of great coffee. Moka pots produce coffee that is two to three times as strong as drip coffee. If a fancy espresso machine isn’t on your radar at the moment, then a stovetop espresso maker is a good second choice option.

In 1933, Italian inventor Luigi De Ponti created a patent for Alfonso Bialetti. Bialetti is a household name in Italy to this day and the company still uses the same basic design from 1933. The Moka pot is humble, sturdy, and reliable. They are easy to use, require minimal cleanup, and they are very low-maintenance.

It’s no wonder that many stovetop espresso makers are made in Italy. Moka pots that are made in Italy are a sure bet because they are high-quality with long-lasting durability. If you find a Moka pot that is made in China, be wary of the quality and research the brand. Some stovetop espresso makers made in China have been known for lower quality and even toxicity.

Moka pots are designed to brew small amounts of very strong coffee. There are many small Moka pots designed to brew one shot-glass-sized cup of espresso, which may be perfect for one coffee lover but certainly not for a crowd. If there are several coffee drinkers in the household, look for a stovetop espresso maker that brews multiple servings, because brewing coffee several times is cumbersome.

Before you buy, see which kind of Moka pot works best with your stovetop. Some work better with gas stoves, and some do just fine with electric or induction stoves. If you have a glass-top electric stove, most Moka pots will be very compatible.

Most Moka pots are either made of stainless steel or aluminum, but which one reigns supreme? Stainless steel is a bit more expensive, but it is likely to last longer than aluminum. Stainless steel makes a fine looking Moka pot, but it also heats quickly, so watch your hands.

Although Moka pots are known for their sturdy, built-to-last design, they need to be gently cleaned. There are two things to keep in mind when cleaning a stovetop espresso maker: the pot’s finish, and the future flavor of your coffee (more on this below). However, the cleanup is easy and low-maintenance.

Never put a Moka pot in the dishwasher, as it will destroy the finish. To clean, simply disassemble the Moka pot, wash and rinse it with warm water, and let it dry. No soap is necessary or advisable, since soap can actually alter the flavor of coffee.

Avoid using abrasive scrub brushes or sponges, because they may take off some of the pot’s finish. After some time, the coffee’s oils will begin to “season” the Moka pot by leaving a thin film in the pot. The film isn’t a bad thing, and it actually makes your coffee taste better, so don’t scrub it away.

If you’ve had your stovetop coffee maker for a long time (they can really last decades if well cared for), check the wear on the safety valve on the side of the lower chamber. For safety reasons, this screw should be tightened and not too worn. Remember, these coffee makers use pressurized steam, so a worn safety valve could be dangerous.

The Bialetti Moka Stove Top Coffee Maker is a tried and true favorite since 1933. This classic, Italian-made Moka pot (or macchinetta del caffè, as it’s called in Italy) is a dependable little coffee-making gadget. It’s known for making a fine cup of coffee.

This machine is a 6-cup stovetop espresso maker, which, to be clear, is 9.2 ounces of strong coffee if used to capacity. Bialetti makes a range of coffee pots that brew anywhere from 1 to 12 cups. This Bialetti is made from high-quality aluminum and has a patented safety valve.

The Cuisinox Roma is pricier than most Moka pots, but it comes with a hefty 25-year warranty, making it a safe bet. This coffee maker is stylish, stainless steel, and comes with an extra gasket. The outside of the pot is polished and shiny, making it an attractive piece of kitchenware.

Like all stovetop espresso makers, it’s easy to clean, but this one is also dishwasher-safe. Many Moka pots can’t be washed in the dishwasher, but this pot can handle it as long as it’s washed sparingly. Cuisinox stovetop coffee makers come in 6-cup and 10-cup pots, too.

The GROSCHE Milano coffee pot has an extended, heavy-duty handle that won’t melt on gas stoves. While it seems like a no-brainer that makers of Moka pots would also ensure handles don’t melt, it does happen with cheaply made plastic handles. Not so with this coffee pot, because the handle is extended outwards and away from the heat of the stove.

If you want a stainless steel Moka pot that doesn’t break the bank, the BialettiKitty is a top pick. This coffee pot is made with high-quality stainless steel, making it both attractive and sturdy. This Bialetti is elegant and sleek compared to the octagon-shaped Moka pots.

The De’Longhi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka pot provides the stovetop coffee maker taste without the stove. This electric Moka pot is great for an office, dorm room, or anywhere that stoveless coffee lovers need to thrive.

Never worry about burnt coffee or overflow, because this coffee maker has an automatic shut-off feature. A warming function keeps coffee hot for 30 minutes after brewing. This Moka pot contains an adapter to brew either 3 or 6 cups of espresso.

Choosing a Moka pot for your coffee brewing needs is a matter of preference. The options for stovetop compatibility, the volume of coffee, and the material are all characteristics that will help you purchase the best Moka pot for your needs so you can start brewing strong, delicious coffee of (almost) espresso at home.

One thing that cannot be compromised is the quality of the coffee you use to fill your Moka pot. Test your new Moka pot with the highest quality, freshly roasted coffee beans that you can’t find anywhere at the supermarket. Atlas coffee subscriptions feature coffee roasted to order, to your preference, along with tasting notes, a postcard, and brewing tips. The world of coffee delivered fresh to your door⁠ — each month, a new country!

An Italian classic, the Bialetti Moka espresso pot has set the standards for stovetop espresso makers since 1933. Brew rich, aromatic espresso on the stovetop in minutes. A beautiful combination of form and function, this cast aluminium pot offers perfect heat distribution with its iconic 8-sided design. Durable, reliable, simple to use and easy to maintain, the Bialetti Moka pot is for keeps.