Bialetti Brikka Review: Italian Stovetop Coffee Maker

Being a coffee lover, I am aware how Italy is a great tourist spot for people like me who can never go through a day without a good cup of coffee in hand. Apart from its delicious pizzas, the one thing that Italy is quite famous for is its delicious espressos covered under a thick layer of crema. Not only is the quality of the coffee in Italy outstanding, but the thick layer of cream adds a smooth wholesome flavour to the drink that tastes absolutely heartwarming.

Ever since I had this Italian coffee while I toured the lovely streets of Florence and Venice, I have tried to replicate that coffee experience in my own kitchen. Starting from expensive espresso machines to high-quality burr grinders, I have practically left no stones unturned to get the perfect Italian coffee.

Finally, I came across the Bialetti Brikka Espresso Maker which comes in two sizes. The small size can make only two cups of coffee, and the large one can serve up to 6 people.

Bialetti Brikka review

Bialetti Brikka

What are you buying?

This is a stove-top espresso maker which is made from aluminium. This means that the pot would heat up quickly, and you will have coffee within a minute or two.

Its special feature valve is patented internationally and is well designed to provide espresso coffee with a thick layer of cream.

This model is quite different from the usual stove-top espresso makers because of its unique pressure valve that allows the cream to build up easily inside.

How easy is it to use?

The Bialetti Brikka can take some time to get used to. While it is quite easy to assemble all its parts and put in enough water and coffee powder to start making your beverage, you might have some trouble initially.

It took me about four to five tries to get the coffee with the right type of consistency, cream and flavour.

However, once you know the coffee to water ratio and the amount of time you should keep it on the stove, you will end up with results that will definitely be satisfying!

What accessories are included?

This Bialetti model comes with three distinct parts which need to be assembled for making coffee. You get the bottom part where you pour in water, and then put the funnel on top where you can keep the coffee powder. Finally, all you have to do is screw the top part on, and you are ready to begin!

Key features of Bialetti Brikka espresso maker

This espresso maker is perfect for making delicious espressos with cream. Once you get the hang of it, the process is easy and quick and it will give the best results every time!

Pros

• Easy to clean – Its parts are easy to clean. Make sure that you clean everything by hand because dishwashers will harm the aluminium.
• Portable – It is easily portable and does not require electricity to operate.
• Value for money – It is very affordable. Considering the price, it delivers absolutely amazing results!

Cons

Every device comes with some limitations. The Bialetti Brikka is no different.

• Longer learning curve – You need to follow the instructions and go through some trial and errors to finally start getting good results.
• Manual process not for everyone – The process of making coffee is not automated. You need to stand by the stove to make sure that the coffee does not boil over.

Anything else you should know?

Always use finely ground coffee. If you are going for coarse grinds, remember that the bigger granules of coffee will easily pass through water instead of mixing with it. Finely ground coffee powder will mix well in the water and release more oils and aroma.

Also, do not overfill the pot with water. This might cause the coffee to spill over once it starts to boil. Stick to the instructions, and you will have no problems while operating it. Also, in my experience, it is better to make about four to five cups of cheap coffee first that you can throw away. This will get rid of the metal taste which you might get when you first buy the device.

Conclusion

My Bialetti Brikka review is mostly based on my positive experience. Instead of buying expensive espresso machines, you can buy this model and get equally good results, if not better!

Where to buy?

• Amazon UK: Click to see today’s price