hob espresso maker (Moka Express Hob Espresso Maker 3 cup)

Member Name: siantone

Product:	Moka Express Hob Espresso Maker 3 cup
Date:	20/05/09 (190 review reads)
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Advantages: cheap and easy to use

Disadvantages: mould creep and rubber seal deterioration

I bought my Hob Espresso maker in Italy for 10 Euros 10 years ago. It has been a great cost-effective bit of coffee kit over the years and as long as you don't leave it burning on the stove ie it does not switch itself off! it will reward you year after year with balanced tasting coffee.

Two words of warning though: when you wash the bottom compartment, which holds the water that filters up through the coffee into the top compartment ready for pouring, make sure you dry it properly. You can either do this by warming the bottom compartment on the hob after you have washed it or by leaving it on your drainer upside down longer- rather than 'drying' it with a cloth and putting it back in the cupboard with all the bits screwed together. I noticed mould after about a year of using it and even though I do bleach it occasionally with heavy rinsing afterwards of course, the mould has not gone away completely. This doesn't bother me but it may bother you. The other thing to note is the rubber ring seal in that is placed on the underside of the top compartment. The ring will deteriorate in time and I could not replace mine easily in the UK (took 5 years to become unusable) but trips to Italy meant I could pick these components up easily.

Overall, this coffee maker is easy to use, cheap and quick for making espresso or Americanos (just add more hot water). If you don't want the expense or space of a machine or if you don't like coffee that much and just need to use it occasionally, this is ideal.

Summary: excellent portable/entry level gadget for making real coffee

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