AlessiEspresso Maker 300ml 9090 by Richard Sapper, 6 Espresso Cups

This is my favorite stovetop mocha pot. It is not cheap, but the build quality, ease of use, durability, and just genuine pleasure in using an excellent tool all make the 9090 worth the money (unless you are on a tight budget). I used Biletti stovetop mocha pots for years, and they work absolutely fine. The Alessi 9090 is easier to use since the top just snaps on and does not screw on. The 9090 is also a work of art or fine design more accurately. So, if you don't mind shelling out more money, you will enjoy it and it makes a fine coffee. A single word of caution: be sure not to fill beyond the pressure valve, do not top the coffee off in the ground coffee receptacle (leave less than you would with the Billet and leave a bit of space from the top for the coffee to expand into), and perhaps grind the coffee a bit more coarse than the Billet. Otherwise, you run the risk of steam escaping the junction of the water chamber cum coffee grind holder and the upper brewed coffee receptacle. The end result is little to no coffee entering into the upper brewed coffee receptacle. Coming from a Billet I made all those mistakes until I read the very wise response in the questions and answers.

The Alessi 9090 M (10 Cup Size) is by far the best Moka pot that I have ever owned. When operated with some variation of the "Moka Pot VooDoo" by Thomas Greene or "The Ultimate Moka Pot Technique" by James Hoffmann, you will produce a world-class cup of coffee. If unfamiliar with these brewing techniques, they can be found on YouTube. This brewer does great with many different roast levels as well as a huge variety of single-origin specialty coffees (not just classic Italian dark roasts).The build quality, ease of use and simplicity of cleaning is absolutely top-notch. The fit and finish is magnificent and without peer. The materials and aesthetics are brilliant. I cannot say enough good things about this particular Moka Pot. I have been brewing with a Moka Pot as my daily brewer for 18 years and I have used a lot of brands and models. The Alessi 9090 is by far the best that I have owned. This Moka Pot is worth every penny.

Trying to open this moka pot the first time was a bit difficult and loud… enough to make me initially think I was going to return it. After the first time opening it was easier and I’ve had no problems after. Been using it for over a week as my daily coffee maker. I bought the 3 cup size, in reality this size is one mug of delicious coffee for one. You could make a few espresso cups sizes I suppose. I love my coffee strong and this makes the perfect cup, extracts the true flavor of my French roast. The design is beautiful as expected and the quality is superb, very easy to clean. This is something that will last for years so the price for me is worth it. It’s a beauty!

Very high quality. I think this is the real, made in Italy Alessi product. The pot and the box are well marked (see photos), and not likely a made in China knock-off. I've used stovepot "espresso" makers for 30 years. They do not produce real espresso, as the pressure is too low. I own a high end Italian espresso machine, so the difference is very noticeable. That does not mean the Alessi 9090 does not produce good coffee - it does. The Alessi produces a strong coffee. The 6/3 cup size produces about 8 ounces of strong coffee, to which I add about 4 ounces of hot water. The result is like a good Americano.I make my coffee in the Alessi 9090 starting with very hot tap water. Studies have shown the stovetop makers actually can push water through the coffee that is too cool if they are not preheated. With hot water, the coffee starts oozing through the coffee after 4 to 5 minutes on the stove (set to high) and is done making coffee after 5 to 6 minutes. I turn the stove down to medium heat when the coffee starts to ooze out.In the past, I used a GAT aluminum stovetop moka pot, which worked well, but I always wonder if it is so good to use aluminum for food and drink prep. The stainless steel of the Alessi 9090 seems safer. I will say my 25 year old GAT appears to develop more pressure and a little creamier coffee. Perhaps the screw tops have a higher pressure safety release valve? I do like the snap on feature of closing the Alessi 9090, which seems to work well.Some reviewers have complained that the Alessi can have rust inside the pot. There is a seam inside at the base of the pot (see photo), where water can reside after use - causing some rust. Make sure to get that seam inside the base dry. It is a well known fact that stainless steel will rust if you let water sit in a crevice. The potential rust is very, very minor, and not a problem for health or taste - but if you want to avoid it, just make sure to dry well. I put the pot base on the stove for about 30 seconds after washing to warm it up and the seam then dries easily.