Bialetti Brikka 4Cup Stovetop Percolator

Disappointing
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
Well, I guess I’m in the minority here, but following to the letter its instructions (for the 4 cup Brikka), the coffee always seems to boil in the top chamber, no matter how low a flame I use or how quickly I get it off the stove when coffee starts coming out the top. If you like strong, burnt tasting coffee, this is the machine for you.

I wanted to like the Brikka, but for under 30 bucks, try an Aerobie Aeropress (recently got one and I love it) and compare espresso results. For a great cup of strong coffee, it’s very hard to beat the french press.

Makes a GREAT cup of mocha.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I actually bought this for my wife for her birthday – but I think I enjoy it more then she does.

I know that this doesn’t make “true” espresso but it comes mighty close in my opinion (i’m not much of a connoisseur, but I do love a good cup). In fact this is better then most any other espressos i’ve had! I love the coffee this thing produces! The first night I ended up drinking 6 shots of ‘espresso’ made with fresh Baba Budan beans and I still wanted more! I couldn’t do it though because it was 1:00 in the morning and I was wide awake from drinking so much coffee.

Here are a few tips for you…

Make sure you have a Burr grinder. You want a fine grind (but not too fine) to get the most out of your coffee. Burr grinders can be quite the investment but well worth it. You will need a Burr grinder for any espresso machine anyways.

Make sure you have cups close by. This thing will suddenly shoot out coffee and if you’re not quick enough you might get some coffee on your stove… as soon as you hear the gurgle and whistle get your cup ready! (you’ll know what i’m talkin about…), After a few rounds you’ll have it down.

Chances are your first pot will not turn out perfect (unless you’ve done something like this before…which I haven’t). The good news is that after your first time you will understand how the process works and everything will be fine after that!

Clean this as soon as you can! It will be hot for awhile but try to clean it ASAP to make cleaning easier. It’s worth it… trust me.

Follow the instructions EXACTLY. It’s not hard to do by any means but make sure you read the instructions. if you accidently do something wrong such as pack in the coffee tightly then you will be sorry. The instructions are very simple but very useful.

I noticed one reviewer mentioned that this coffee comes out tasting burnt. If you grind your coffee too fine then it gets caked inside the coffee holder and it takes longer for the coffee to make it up inside the main chamber (excuse my lack of correct terminology). This does cause a burnt flavor because only a little bit of coffee comes out at a time which causes that little bit to become a bit burnt before the next splash comes through. If you grind it slightly more coarse then this will not happen and your coffee will taste amazing. I have a feeling that the people that mention the burnt flavor are grinding their coffee a bit too fine. You want the coffee to be ground fine but not like flour… more like fine sugar.

Have fun! This simple little gadget makes a fine cup. Enjoy!

Love this gadget.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The coffee I made with the Brikka tastes so much better than any I’ve made before…and I have an espresso machine, which I no longer use. The directions do say to leave the lid open while you are brewing, so the see-thru part is unnecessary really.

Good expresso, questionable materials
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I had a 4 cup Brikka for one week before I forgot to put water in it and managed to melt the handle and top off. I will be getting a new one, however there are a few things that I feel should be addressed in the design. The handle is resin and can melt off, adding a metal core with the resin over-molded wouldn’t be a huge amount of work but would make it more rugged and prevent the handle from coming off if you do as I did. The top window is useless. You’re making hot coffee, which has steam, so the window is all steamed up the whole time. Why bother to put it in? It is also made of some sort of injection molded plastic, it doesn’t feel like it would hold up well either, Bialetti needs to go back to the solid top. One noticeable plus for me is that the funnel the coffee goes in is stainless rather than the aluminum used in older moka pots, which makes it much easier to clean up.

The most important part- the coffee: It makes great coffee, lots of crema, no complaints there. Wait for the very audible pop as the pressure overcomes the weight of the stopper, take it off the heat and you have great expresso. I’m buying 2 more brikkas, one 2 cup and one 4 cup, the coffee is that good. A few poor material choices on the part of Bialetti, but overall a great leap over the moka.

Great Product!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have never had an expensive espresso maker so I cannot compare this product to it, but this sure does make a nice espresso. It makes the foam that an espresso should have, it is simple to use, and easy to clean up. I am really satisfied with this product in regards to its price and its functionality.

bella
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
adoro esta maquina, sabiendo usarla le deparar unos disparos de excelentes expresso, pacienza Tenga, asi lo requiere, pero tengo tambien la de 2, son lo mismo, todo depende de su habilidad para usarla,,, practique y mas y mas, hasta dominarla

Brikka 2 Cup Espresso Maker
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I Love this thing! Wanted an espresso maker badly, did not what to drop the $$ though, read the reviews, and purchased, it makes excellent espresso, period. Follow the directions, I put one of the included measuring cups full of water(the directions) and then add an additional 1/4cup(1/4 of the measuring cup they give you), and this will make an excellent tasting mocha or other similar drink. I use coffeemaria beans, I get an excellent crema but it disappears when I pour it in the cup, as it is a little fragile, other coffee

’s might give you a thicker crema, only one complaint….it is a hassle to make multiple cups as you have to cool it off, unscrew the top, pull out the filter and rinse all of the parts off, then assemble it back together, just have 3 or 4 friends over, brag to them how good your drinks are, and then you will know what I mean!

Makes a Superb Espresso-type coffee
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have both the 2 cup and the 4 cup versions which work similarly, both producing great-tasting crema/espresso-type coffees in around 3 minutes. The 2-cup gives just under 3 oz (perfect for my 3 oz espresso cups) and the 4-cup gives just under 6 oz when filled with water (as recommended) to the line on the small plastic measuring cup provided. They will give the claimed 4 and 8 oz when their measuring cups are filled to the top. This is STRONG espresso-type coffee which tastes great straight or as the base for a latte, cappuccino, or macchiato. The crema produced by the 2 cup model is especially creamy.

No wonder this is the method of choice for many Europeans who have at least one of these inexpensive and simple gadgets. Bialetti produces the best (I have kept 6 of the many mokka pots I have bought, and only one was not made by Bialetti). Just be sure to season the aluminum pot by making at least the suggested 3 pots of sacrificial coffee and do not use RO (reverse osmosis) water which can leach metals. These pots improve with age but the gaskets will need to be replaced when they become hard. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly with hot water and dry them completely before reassembly and storage – and NEVER put them in the dishwasher.

These seem to work best with medium ground coffee leveled in the basket, but with NO pressure or tamping. Espresso grind works poorly, and only if the basket is slightly under-filled. In order to prevent leakage, it is essential to be meticulous when wiping all coffee grounds from the rim of the filter basket before firmly tightening the 2 main parts. Both sizes work fine on my smooth-top stove using a medium-low setting. Just be prepared for the noise it makes after about 3 or 4 minutes when the pressure builds to the point where the valve/weight lifts and the coffee is squirted out in a few seconds at around 200 F. Quick removal from heat is necessary, and will avoid burnt flavours. Be sure to have that espresso cup handy to capture the great-tasting crema. The well-designed large spout pours quickly and with no dribbling.

At first it seems as though there is a fair amount of work involved in producing an “espresso”, but both speed and comfort-level improve rapidly with practice. I recently bought an expensive ($2300) super automatic espresso machine. I returned it within 2 days because the quality of the coffee produced was so inferior to that produced by my Brikkas.

Wikipedia defines espresso:

Caffè espresso, espresso, [expresso] is a concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee.

The above definition seems to include this preparation method, but “Espresso Experts” may claim that these Brikka pots (why does Amazon call them percolators???) are not true espresso. Either way, I DON”T CARE. I simply adore the coffee they produce.

Worth the Money
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I read the other reviews before I finally decided to buy. Not that they are without merit; however, if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully you get a good immitation of an espresso complete with crema; ie turn the heat (flame) off as the product (crema) is coming out! A few seconds does make the difference between the crema dissipating or not. You will get a feel of this by monitoring the sound. It takes practice just like a manual espresso machine! This is still a mocha, but the best mocha I have had. I have used both commercially prepared mocha grind coffee and my own grind, set between filter grind and espresso grind. Fresh is best. The 4 cup makes the right amount for a 12oz cappuccino or 2 4oz ones. I have a regular Bialetti 2 cup, as well, but I find the amount made insufficient. Bottom line is this is IMHO the best mocha maker on the market, well worth the extra money.

Made from aluminum, not stainless steel, as advertised here
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
The Bialetti website lists this Brikka Espresso Maker as being made from aluminum, NOT stainless steel. I had guessed as much from looking at the shape, which is hard to achieve in stainless steel. If you want to avoid aluminum because of Alzheimers risk, you may find this information helpful. The two stars is not for performance but for the misrepresentation of materials.

Brikka 2-Cup
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I agree with Daigo and others that the Brikka (I only have the 2-cup model) makes a really nice café that, while technically not espresso, is very, very tasty. And the 2-cup model DOES produce crema.

As for david’s results, it’s puzzling. If the coffee is boiling in the upper chamber, I’d guess not enough pressure is building. I would speculate that the seal between the chambers is not complete. Check to see if there are any grounds breaking the seal before you screw them together. If there is nothing blocking a perfect seal, I’d suspect a defect. Even if the 2-cup model is superior to the 4-cup, I can’t imagine a functioning 4-cup to produce the results you’re getting.

nice but not perfect
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
It’s true that it does make crema. But you need to pour the coffee w/in 5 seconds of it percolating or else the crema quickly disappears. Also the handle is cheap. The first unit delivered arrived w/a broken handle. The one they resent has been working well, but you can tell the handle is cheap; I suspect that it too will break in a few months if I continue using this daily.

Aluminum is for macbooks, bicycles, cars & airplanes not coffee pots
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I think the Brikka is a tad overrated. The addition of a weighted release valve to produce crema is not successful enough to overcome other issues with the original Moka Express. I appreciate the classic design but because it is iconic doesn’t make it perfect.

My main complaint is that it is made from aluminum. Regardless of the hoopla about aluminum and Alzheimers, it’s the taste that really bothers me. A freshly minted Brikka imparts a slight, undesirable metallic taste to the coffee. This doesn’t happen with stainless steel, it naturally has a protective oxide surface layer from day one. New aluminum alloy does not, but it does form one after YEARS of exposure to air (and water, and coffee). This is no doubt why older Mokas that have residue and oxidation built up make the best coffee. The less soap & scrubbing you do on the inside of the base the better. I now regret not getting a used one or one of Bialetti’s stainless steel versions. Bialetti Venus 4-Cup Stovetop Percolator

Outside of hints of metallic flavor, the Brikka can make some decent aromatic coffee but it is finicky. This coffee maker is only for tinkerers. I’ve experimented with different grinds, water levels, temperatures, roasts & beans but can’t find stasis. I do agree with one reviewer who was using some cheap Café Bustelo to season the pot and found out it’s grind size works the best. You should start your experimentation in the medium to fine grind range. It’s a finer grind than the manual suggests but works best. (I think an Italian’s definition of a coarse grind is very different from an American’s)

You definitely have to break-in the rubber seals to prevent leaking. The rubber used, especially the filter seal, is somewhat stiff. I put warm water on the top seal before screwing the base on. After moderate use, the seals become seated well and formed to the base.

Whether the Brikka produces adequate espresso (or pseudo-espresso) and crema is subjective. However, I believe some people’s true objectiveness in regards to the Brikka is slightly hindered by the nostalgia for the original Moka.

Didn’t work for me…
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
We use this type (same shape and material) of coffee maker for years with excellent results. But, this unit made the worst coffee ever. We followed all directions and used various types of coffee grinds and it made a bitter undrinkable coffee every time. We sent it back to Amazon for a refund and order another brand to try.

Economical Substitute for an Espresso Machine
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
First I’d like to thank my friend Tony from Italia for introducing me to this little gadget on our campout last month. Secondly I’d like to thank Daigo for his excellent write up and Brikka blog.

If you are a coffee addict especially to espresso, macchiato or cordato AND are a cheapskate like myself then you’ve found yourself the right product. While technically mokka isn’t espresso, it’s pretty darn close and only an espresso aficionado will know the difference.

This product does a great job of making that intense, robust elixir to sharpen the senses. I’ve had it for about a month now and find myself daily back on any street in Italy or Spain. Mornings start out with a couple machiatos/cordatos (espresso with foamed milk) and then comes the afternoon espresso bump. It’s great! If you don’t want to drop the $500 for the official machine then this little guy will do the job.

A note concerning the crème and 4 cup/2 cup controversy. To be honest, my 4 cup maker cranks out the crème. You have to play with the grind, the way it’s packed and even the volume of water you add. Folks say the 4 cup won’t do it but down here in Texas it does it’s job. Lot’s of crème in the pot and on my lips! So, maybe it’s the water or technique, I don’t know. But rather than going through the cost and hassle of getting an Italian 2 cup version I recommend you get this.

Criticisms?? Well I gave this 4 stars because it is a bit tedious to get your coffee going and more of a pain to clean. My biggest gripe is unscrewing the bottom tank from the top – It’s a real bear even when completely cool.

All in all, it’s a great product worth the money. I’d buy it again given the chance. If you love espresso and don’t want to buy the Ferrari then get this, you won’t be disappointed.

Absolutely worth buying!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have been drinking my Cuban coffee since I was four years old; so I have some experience with espresso and the usual Moka pot. The Brikka absolutely makes a fantastic espresso, even with a standard, store-bought brand like Bustelo or Paloma. The crema is delicious – I had no problem getting it, even in the beginning with the first few “sacrificial” pots. The coffee is so smooth. I’ve also brewed side by side with my other pots and there is a difference; it just taste yummy (that’s the right word here). Don’t worry that you can’t get the 2 cup in the US – The 4 cup will do you fine; really, it’s not that big a deal. The 4 cup looks larger than you’d expect – but I think that’s just because it needs extra room to make the steam. 4 “cups” of espresso is not even one full cup of American coffee.

There’s no need to hesitate . . .buy it and enjoy!

Update – I’m still using this pot and still love it – 1 1/2 years later. one thing – do NOT put it in the dishwasher – the top loses its finish. Otherwise – this is the one to get!

En algunos casos mejor que salir de casa.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Como amante del café fuerte y aromático, me he vuelto exigente y más aún dado que la última maquina de expreso eléctrica que compré fue todo menos satisfactoria.

Por semanas estuve buscando máquinas de expreso, buscando comparaciones, referencias y no encontraba ninguna que me diera la confianza de invertir un par de cientos de doláres en ella, hasta que en algún momento dí con esta simple máquina de estilo italiano para hacer expreso.

En cuanto la ví, leí sus características y lo que la gente estaba comentando sentí que era la máquina a elegir. Y fuí una muy buena decisión, obtengo un café aún mejor que en muchas tiendas con máquinas profesionales.

Dado que soy aficionado al café, compro el café en pepas (diferentes variedades), lo muelo y con un poco de experiencia he comenzado a hacerlo de forma que siempre obtengo una abundante crema en el café.

Quizá lo mejor para mí es que el proceso de hacer café no se limita a pulsar un botón, sino que exige un proceso cuidadoso desde el mismo momento de elegir el café a moler, hasta el momento de servirlo para lograr una taza de café perfecta, al menos para mi.

Best home espresso ever!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Most cafes in my area can’t make espresso this good! I find myself disappointed often when I go out for an espresso/latte, with the Brikka I get my fix for a fraction of the cost, as often as I want, day or night!

Brikka 4 cup
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I have run the gamut of espresso machines from cheap Krupp’s to a LaPavoni Euripicola over the last 10 + years. Unless your willing to spend a large amount of money on a $600 + espresso machine, a $300 + grinder, tamper, PID, etc. buy one of these. They provide good instructions which recommends a small concentrated heat source. I’ve found that a ceramic stove top doesn’t work well, my Coleman Peak 1 backpacking stove works great. I’m making better espresso than I’ve found in most coffee shops. I should note I home roast my own beans. Now I don’t have to worry about descaleing, maintaining, or replacing an expensive espresso machine & grinder, this doesn’t require fine espresso grind. My old Saeco works well with it, I expect a Capresso Infinity would work well with it also or a Zass. Put your money into home roasting equipment, a french press, Aeropress, Chemex, Bodum Bistro, Vacuum Pot, etc. Gave this 4 stars because of ease of use, needs a consistent heat source, proper grind, removed from heat, & poured properly. Once you get the process dialed the coffee rates 5 stars, still easier than a espresso machine though.

Just OK coffee, Cracked, Left counter marks.
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I had high hopes for this coffee maker, thinking to replace my ageing bialleti maker, which was stainless steel by the way, but well-worn. The idea of getting the espresso and crema from this maker had my expectations up.

I had several dissapointments with the maker. The first (and this will likely be common to all aluminum pots) is that it left aluminum “scuff marks” on all my counters. It’s the nature of this kind of aluminum, though I didn’t know it. I could remove them with Bon-ami, but it was an inconvenience. The second is that the coffee would come out somewhat weaker than that which I made with my old stainless model. It seemed to require less pressure for this maker to drive the water up and through than my taller old stainless model, and that may have been a factor. Finally, after a few weeks, I found that the center post was cracked. Noticed this only after taking apart the top pressure stopper. Come to think of it, this may have been a contributing cause to the weaker coffee, if it was leaking up into the pot via the crack. Tried to return to Amazon as defective, but it was a few days later than their usual timeframe. Bummer! They sent me back about 60% of the cost… In the end, I was happy to get something back, since the performance was so disappointing.

As a follow-on, I went back to using my old stainless steel maker, with a new seal, and the coffee was superior to this model. And a few weeks ago, I bought an Aerobie coffee press. It looks like it’s too simple to do much, but the reviews are consistently impressive. It did take me a while to figure out the details of producing the best cup of coffee with it (we’re at 5200 ft altitude, which makes a difference), but I am VERY satisfied with it, and my wife loves it too. Great coffee, and as usual, the fresher the beans, the better the end-product. You can find that Aerobie here on Amazon, or at some local coffee specialty stores (as I did).

Unique stove top espresso maker
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The unique construction of this maker makes not only good espresso but the foam as well. Great for Cuban coffee.

Surprised by the quality
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have a traditional moka pot (MOKA EXPRESS 3-Cup Espresso Maker), but this is by far and away a lot more espresso-like than what that makes. I bought this as a gift, and I was so surprised by it that I got one for myself and will be retiring my moka pot.

I have had espresso from shops made on real espresso machines not as good as what comes out of this little pot (shame on them). That being said, this is no match for an authentic, quality espresso. Considering the delta in price between this and a good espresso machine, I’ll take this pot thank you very much.

A note on grind: I seasoned my pot with some cheap Cafe Bustelo, but noticed that it has a grind size that seems to be perfect for the Brikka. My finer-ground quality espresso coffee didn’t explode from the valve the same way as the Bustelo did. In the future, I’m going to use grinds more like the Bustelo with my Brikka.

Simply…the best!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have had a Brikka for about three weeks now and think is the greatest! It is easy to use, clean and the espresso comes out with crema and is very hot every time!

I haven’t had any problems with it at all. A few tips: In order to unscrew it for cleaning, simply run it under cold water for a minute and then pull the valve inside the top chamber up to release the pressure. Then, it will unscrew easily.

Also, you will hear a distinct noise when the espresso is almost finished. You can look into the top of the coffee maker and see the crema. At this point, don’t wait too long before you take it off the stove and serve, as the creme will disappear if you cook it too long.

Enjoy!

Marvelous!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve been a fan of the basic stove top models in the past, but after reading the reviews on this Brikka I thought I’d give it a try. The difference in taste between this and my old muka are like night and day! The flavor that this Brikka extracts from the beans is rich and almost chocolatey.

The “crema” aspect of this product works sometimes, but not always. I think it’s because I keep the pot on the stove longer than I should to get as much espresso out of it as possible. One important thing is to make sure that your seals are clean (no stray coffee grounds) and the pot is screwed on very tightly. Otherwise you will have a mess all over your stove from espresso spray! Use slightly less than the line on the measuring cup, too. I thought I’d sneak another mm of delicious expresso out of the pot and again – spray! If you use about 3 mm less than the line designates you should be spray free.

Also, as soon as you pour your cup, put the pot under the faucet to wash off any drips. They’ll come off immediately. This will also cool the pot down enough to release the pressure so you can make another pot as soon as you finish your first (and you will definitely want to!).

I love my Brikka!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I got the 2-cup from Singapore and I loved it so much. We were drinking cafe latte (just Brikka coffee + milk) almost every day until we burnt the handle off! We were so careless! We had left the empty Brikka on the stove with the heat on and the handle melted. But otherwise with normal use I don’t think you’ll have any problems.

Brikka coffee is strong so 2-cup is really for 2 people. The only problem with Brikka is you can only buy replacement parts online and there’s no free shipping. So I ended up paying $12+ for 2 gaskets and a filter plate which is crazy! Also, there’s no replacement part for the handle so I don’t know how to fix my Brikka!

daigoexpressed.net is a great resource for Brikka-related info.

We finally bought an espresso machine so I don’t know if I’ll buy another Brikka. It was great while it lasted though…

Bought 3 Brikkas, all three were defective
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I just wanted to alert potential Brikka buyers that there may be several batches of defective Brikkas floating around on the market. So far I’ve gone through three of them and all three were defective — very poorly machined, sharp jagged edges, gaskets that don’t fit, loose safety valves, flakes of metal floating in the brewed coffee (not good!), etc. Maybe I’ll try again at some point in the future once the defective batches have disappeared. Hopefully Bialetti’s quality control will improve by then.

On the bright side, Amazon makes it very easy to return defective merchandise. Kudos for that.

Maybe not espresso, exactly, but very good
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
OK, it’s not espresso “per se” (to use the older Italian), but it’s very good coffee and fun to make. I find that I get different amounts of crema from different beans. My local coffee, Equal Exchange, gets nice and creamy with Brikka, but some others are just “flat”. Overall, this is a great pot.

Espresso on the cheap?
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’d been looking at espresso machines both new and used on Ebay. I even considered getting the espresso machine sold at most Starbucks. After looking at the prices of Espresso machines, I decided I wasn’t ready to throw $200 on something that was considered a cheap espresso machine and I wasn’t read to spend $500.

So, I found this nice little machine. It’s hardly a machine, though. It’s more of a stove top steam pump that uses pressure to push water up through the coffee and into the top reservoir. Much like a percolating coffe maker. Make no mistake though, this thing generates rich espresso and crema. You must follow the directions though.

As soon as you hear the Brikka percolate, turn off the flame and place it on a hot plate. Have your cup ready before hand, pour the coffee into the cup even if the Brikka is still making some noise. You will see a beautiful crema on the top of your coffee.

For $49 bucks, I don’t think you can beat this thing. I use it all the time.

One note however, If making more than two cups, let’s say for guests, it will become a difficult and time consuming thing to use. But those who get a taste of the coffee or espresso you make with it will be in for a treat.

You may need a milk frother and a coffee grinder as well.

Great coffee maker
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Really works well…not really espresso, but works well, this used along with the Bialetti Moka Express makes a nice addition to my coffee bar…

Not worth the effort
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
This is either the fussiest coffee maker in the universe, or I’m the stupidest person who has ever tried to make coffee with it. No matter what coffee I use, what temperature I use, how much or how little water or coffee I use, when I take it off the stove, etc., any “crema” that might briefly appear either gets blasted away by the pressure-induced spurts of steam that come from the stem of the coffee maker once the coffee has brewed, or gets boiled off because the maker has no way to stop heating itself. Plus, every pot of coffee I have made (20+ and still trying) has tasted terrible – burnt and bitter. Yuck.

this is not a good alternative
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
The Brikka might seem like a good idea, but it is not engineered or manufactured adequately. By this I mean: the thing doesn’t work, at all. It is an absolute disaster. Don’t buy it.

Specifically: this device has two main parts, a top and a bottom. The purpose of the top is to collect brewed coffee, and the purpose of the bottom is to brew the coffee that should be collected in the top.

The main problem is that the coffee does not in fact go into the top, but instead bubbles out of the Brikka in between the top and the bottom, creating a really ugly burned coffee situation and leaving the would-be coffee drinker with nothing to drink. Like, I mean: all the coffee, upon brewing/burning, is spilled out into the broader universe, and none of it actually goes into the coffee-getting part of the gizmo. It’s sort-of like buying a car that burns petrol but doesn’t actually go anywhere.

So in short this is a disastrously bad piece of coffee gear. Don’t buy it.

love & light,

rs

Love it!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
When my $400 pump-driven espresso machine blew a gasket, I bought this little number to try out while waiting on the replacement part to ship from Italy. It works GREAT, and now I’m seriously wondering whether I’ll even go back to using my machine very often!

Some things to consider:

* It doesn’t make that great of a crema compared to my pump-driven machine, BUT the taste is definitely superior. Think stronger and richer, but not bitter like you’d imagine. (I have used both Lavazza and Illy beans, btw.)

* This pot will only make enough for one person at a time, if you are a double-shot drinker like me. (I’ll probably just break out the machine when I have company over.)

* Contrary to what other folks have said in prior reviews, this thing is NOT difficult to use! Follow the simple directions, and you’ll have no trouble.

Far better than normal moka pot, or cheap espresso machine!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Full review with pictures and video: http://daigoexpressed.net/brikka

Wonder how Brikka makes crema? Actually, it’s a simple and neat trick at the nodule of the upper chamber from where the coffee comes out. Brikka has a metallic valve on the nodule that keeps the coffee from coming out until the pressure of the coffee from the bottom chamber becomes string enough to push up the valve.

Once the valve opens, the coffee comes out with a strong pressure going through the narrow exit of the nodule. This makes the similar effect of the espresso machine, and thus foams the crema.

How does it taste? It’s by far superior than moka pot, or cheap espresso machine when you carefully follow the instruction that comes with Brikka. The crema is very smooth, and the coffee has the characteristic of espresso.

The instruction includes the careful measurement of water, strength of the stove flame, and shaking down the new Brikka for the first use. The crema is such a delicate matter, and you also have to be careful when you pour the coffee into the cup. All these things may sound too much work, but actually it’s not bad at all after you get use to it. Washing Brikka may be more pain than the all in one espresso maker, but I cannot complain when given this good production of coffee, and brewing a good coffee in a traditional way is always fun.

The pot is made with aluminum. I saw some reviews that complained that it is not made from stainless steel, but I also heard most of the Italian makers say aluminum pots make better coffee, and I believe it is because of its high conductivity. This review is based on two-cup.

Gorgeous craftsmanship!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The Bialetti Brikka is a beautiful piece of equipment — truly the Ferrari of the coffee-maker world! As you’d expect with any fine Italian product, it can be temperamental and finicky. All it takes is one stray coffee ground between metal and one of the two thick rubber gaskets to have this thing leaking steam from the seams like a dragon! The quality of the cup is, likewise, highly dependent on both the quality and grind of the coffee and how it’s packed in the machine. Though the directions suggest a coarse grind, I’ve had the best luck with a grind only somewhat coarser than a traditional espresso grind. Any finer and it can plug the holes in the top filter, preventing a thick crema from forming. Any coarser and the resulting brew is weak, again with little or no crema. Much like an Italian sports car, however, once you figure out its quirks, it’s a pleasure to use and the resulting cup is rich and satisfying with a very impressive layer of crema.

Is it “real espresso”? Who cares as the results are superb.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I caught some reviews for this little wonder and would have been sceptical had it not been for the fact that it was developed and manufactured by Bialetti. Anyone who has ever been to Italy will know that everywhere you look you see Bialetti logo and since coffee is a way of life in Italy you know it’s a brand that you can trust.

I have long since become used to some good results from Bialetti’s Moka coffee makers, but they do require some practice to get the best results otherwise the coffee can taste burnt or over extracted and bitter. Moka coffee is not espresso in that it lacks the strength body and crema associated with espresso.

The Brika however delivers the kind of strength and body that a Moka cannot. Add to this the production of a very satisfying crema then you are on to a winner.

I went ahead and bought the four cup model despite seeing a lot of reviews that favour the two cup version. Contrary to what I have seen in many other reviews the four cup model does produce crema and plenty of it. If the two cup version really is better then I cant wait to get my hands on one of these as well.

Straight out of the box I have had great results even using some run of the mill coffee. The Brika can produce coffee that is very close to espresso in body and taste and with the addition of crema who needs one of those very expensive home espresso machines.

Does the Brika produce “real espresso”? I have read a few online debates on this but really who cares as the results are superb!

Size matters
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The four cups for this model refer to really really small espresso cups. The amount of water you can put in the coffee maker is very small: 2/3 cup (US cooking measurement). There is room for more water, but the Brikka system makes it so that you can’t fill up the whole thing with water.

The Brikka is fantastic!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have every kind of coffee maker you might imagine: Moka pot, Pour – over drip, Electric drip, French press, Vacuum siphon, etc. While I love them all, and each has merits – the Brikka is my favorite. It is easy to use (the instructions are important!) and it makes the best coffee drink ever. Is it really espresso? Is it coffee? Who knows. It is just great stuff – better than Starbucks – better than ANYTHING.

I sometimes use Miscela D’Oro or Illy Moka style. But the real delight is Cafe Bustelo espresso in the bright yellow can. A fraction of the price of most espresso grind, Bustelo is not so hot in a normal coffee maker. But in the Brikka it shines – chocolaty with a thick crema – it is fantastic.

Next up…. Mukka Express!

Review of the 2 Cup model
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am very picky when it comes to espresso… and I have been very surprised by the good quality espresso this machine is capable of! The 2-cup model is preferable – especially if you only intend to serve 1-3 cups at a time. You need to make the whole amount, so it ends up being wasteful if you buy the 4-cup version (if only 1-2 people are served). Americans are accustomed to “double espresso” size servings – if you make single espresso size shots a 2-cup model can easily produce 3 generous portions.

I have found the Brikka espresso tastier than the Moka. And if prepared correctly, there really is a decent crema on top. There’s no comparing homemade to professionally made espresso – but this little brikka is better than most home machines that cost hundreds of dollars. I highly recommend!

Best so far from Italy.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am a coffee addict and this is the best so far from Italy that can be produced on a stove top quickly.

Don’t clean it with commercial cleansers as the chemicals will leach into the metal. Also, use distilled cool water with coarse ground beans.

I have a variety of machines and beans. I test all coffee and machines on many friends and guests. Only good reviews…even with average quality beans.

cheap, fast, or good – may I have all three?
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Considering Bialetti’s goal, to brew a real cup of espresso quickly easily and inexpensively using no more than your stovetop, it really would be no surprise if the Brikka failed on one count, or even two. But this thing really does work. Put coffee and water in proper places, set it on a hot plate, wait as it works up pressure and then jump up as soon as the espresso flows, pour into a cup and enjoy. It has never failed, and the cost/benefit ratio is incredible. I can’t imagine having one of those complicated machines to make espresso, which to judge by reviews still fail to produce good espresso below the top price bracket. They must be a chore to clean, too – not the Brikka, which is easier to clean than a French Press.

Bialetti espresso machine
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have used this espresso maker for two months and find it excellent. It takes a little time to get proportions right but eventually it produces a very good cup of coffee. I had two the Bialetti Moka Easy electric models and both failed in a relatively short time. This stove-top model is a much better alternative.

easy and great espresso
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Bialetti Brikka, 4 Cup LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!!I have an espresso machine, krups and have used it for years, but was so annoyed with the frother. This takes 3 minutes to “steam up”, then gives perfect espresso with the “creamy top”. I have a bonjour frother and WA LA, you have a latte; or the like…I can do it with my eyes closed

Better with Brikka : )
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The Bialetti Brikka makes the best Italian style espresso I’ve had outside of Italy – the flavor and texture will take you back to the piazza cafes. Add some warm milk and froth for a perfect cappucino (I bought the Nissan/Frabosk milk frother as well). I found the directions and method easy – with room for a little flexibility with amounts of water, coffee, etc. for your own individual taste. Making the espresso is fun – I love waiting for the “whooosh” telling me the delicious crema is almost ready to pour into my cup. Clean up is easy, and the coffee tastes better each time I use the Brikka. One of my best purchases for the kitchen.

get the 2 cup from italy
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
this is the best espresso maker you can get. better than espresso made on $1k+ machines. the brikka is unlike any other bialetti stovetop, trust me. it looks similar but it ain’t the same beast. the way the coffee EXPLODES out of the brikka makes it seem like something terribly wrong has happened (it’s horrifying the first time you hear it). but it’s actually making a delicious crema just for you. it’s a delicate art form, you have to follow preparation directions to a “T.” I’m still trying to figure out the best time to turn off the heat, the best time to remove from heat, the best time to pour… because it all affects the crema. HAVING SAID ALL THIS, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GETTING THE 2 CUP INSTEAD OF THE 4 CUP. THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE. I have both and the 4 cup never gets use because it doesn’t taste as good as the 2 cup version. honestly. unfortunately, there is no distribution for the 2 cup in america so you have to find an italian website that has it and order from there. it will take four weeks or more to get to you. yeah, I know. it blows. but I have both and I know what I’m talking about. I’m not even a connoisseur, I just want coffee that doesn’t totally suck. the 4 cup is just okay, but you’re missing out on the real deal.

fantastic
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I have both the 4-cup and 2-cup Brikkas, and I use both regularly. The last time I checked online a few months ago, both were available in North America.

They both can make an equally delicious espresso with a nice crema on top. It doesn’t matter which one you use in my experience. You just have to have faith and keep trying them before giving up.

They are both “high maintenance” coffee pots compared to regular espresso pots. You can’t just dump water & coffee in them and leave them on the stove for 5 minutes while you do something else. Brikkas are like fine pieces of art that need to be handled and pampered in special ways. Everything is a delicate balance, and you have to baby sit them during the whole process. But once you get the knack of it, you will get consistent results…and trust me, it is worth the effort. Here are 5 tips:

1) Just before assembling your pot with coffee, make sure the valve is not stuck. Jiggle it up and down a few times.

2) Experiment with different types and brands of espresso coffee. Sometimes the grains may be too small (or too large). Unfortunately, you can’t really tell just by looking at the grains. This is one reason why people give up on the Brikka too soon.

3) When the pot is on the stove, you have to keep an eye on the valve. If it is “stuck down” then the coffee will struggle too much to come up, and it will be over-brewed (has a burnt caramel smell and taste). If you feel it is “stuck” then immediately prop it up with a metal utensil (definitely not with your fingers). I rarely have to do this anymore with my pots. I always pre-jiggle the valve, and adding a drop of vegetable oil to a disassembled valve seems to have helped. But this is one reason why you have to keep an eye on your Brikka while it brews.

4) Also, I often pour the coffee before it has finished brewing. I’d say that when it is just over half brewed, that is when I pour it into the cup(s). Then I put it back on the hot stove for a few more seconds while the rest of the coffee comes up. Then I pour the rest of that into the cup(s). I seem to get more crema that way than just waiting for all the coffee to come up.

5) If you’re adding milk to your espresso (cold or warm), I recommend pouring the milk into the cup(s) before the coffee. This seems to keep the amount of crema at its maximum when serving your cup. That is actually what you are showing off (the crema), so the last thing you wanna do is cover that crema with anything. I don’t add sugar, but if I did, I probably would add it and stir it along with the milk. Again, you want to serve the coffee as soon as possible after pouring it so you and your guests can enjoy the maximum amount of crema.

All of this eventually becomes second nature to you once you get used to it.

Whenever guests come over now, they EXPECT me to use my Brikkas for them, otherwise they are insulted.

The coffee is just as good as any fancy $1000 machine could make and for a fraction of the cost, and a Brikka will outlast any expensive machine. And although a Brikka may be more complicated to use than a typical espresso pot, I don’t think it is more complicated to use than a machine. For a cappuccino/latte, I use either a glass Bodem milk frother (for the microwave) or a metal Bialetti milk frother (on the stove-top).

I wouldn’t recommend a Brikka for people with limited patience in the kitchen or a limited appreciation for a fine cup of espresso with crema.

You should note that the crema doesn’t last too long, so the person waiting for his/her cup has to be ready to drink it soon after you pour it.

Also, the amount of coffee these pots produce is a lot lower than you would think for the physical sizes of the pots. This is my biggest complaint. Most would agree that the 2-cup Brikka barely makes 1.5 cups and the 4-cup Brikka barely makes 3 cups (I would say it only makes 2 cups!). So, I often have to use both pots at the same time depending how many people are over.

I. Hate. This.
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I joyfully used a Bialetti 2-cup for 15 years. No problem. I thought I was upgrading when I purchased the Brikka. But, consistently, only 1/2 the water brews. Also, it is virtually impossible to unscrew. If I tighten too much, it takes DAYS for me to unscrew it. If I don’t tighten, the coffee leaks out of the center. I did everything recommended, from making startup brews, using the expensive Moka Illy coffee. To no avail. This coffeemaker hates me. And I hate it.

Bialetti Brikka, 4 Cup
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I bought mine about a month ago and love it.

First, someone mentioned how difficult it is to take apart – after I make the coffee, I rinse it with cool water, then lift up lightly on the valve. After the pressure is dissipated, it is very simple to unscrew the top from the bottom.

I still am not getting crema most of the time, and the amount of coffee varies even though I am being very careful about using the right amount of water (just up to the line in the plastic measuring cup).

The last pot I made, I packed the coffee slightly and ended up with about 30% more coffee than any other time I’ve made it.

I’ve been using Lavazza espresso coffee (from the supermarket, already ground, in a can). It tastes fine to me (I’m not a nut about the coffee process, I just like espresso/moka).

I’d like to get more crema to see if it tastes different, but I do love the coffee I’m getting. I use it almost every day.

I did have one minor problem with it – the relief valve on the bottom leaked water/bubbles around it. I simply tightened it a bit with a wrench and since then, it’s fine. I definitely noticed a difference in the quality and quantity of the coffee after tightening the valve. Before I fixed it, the coffee was burnt tasting and I got only about 1/2 of what I now normally get.