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Page Contents:
-How to Make Espresso in a Macchinetta
-Stainless Steel Macchinette
-Porcelain-Top
-Traditional Aluminum
-Spout Top
-Bellman & Mucca Espresso/Cappuccino
-Parts
-Spatter Reducer
-Replacement Gaskets
-Filter Plates
-Funnel Filters
-Adjustable Funnel Filters
-Overpressure Plug
Related Pages:
-Espresso Accessories
-Espresso Spoons
-Espresso & Cappuccino Cups
-Napoletana Coffee Maker
-Coffee Beans
 Home
Stovetop Espresso Makers
The stovetop espresso maker, also known as
"macchinetta", is still the most popular way of making espresso at home.
It works by creating pressure through heat to force water through finely
ground coffee and into a serving chamber.
How much is 1 cup? A traditional espresso is about 1.5 ounces. A
6-cup espresso maker would thus make approximately 9 oz. of that delicious
liquid. Though espresso cups may hold 3 to 4 oz., it is customary to only
partly fill the cup.
 Become familiar with the parts of your macchinetta. Take it apart
and examine how each part fits in place before you wash and use it the first
time.
How to make espresso in a macchinetta:
- Fill the bottom chamber with cold water up to the steam release valve
(overpressure plug).
- Insert the funnel filter (cone) and fill it with espresso-ground
coffee, smoothing it without tamping.
- Make sure the flat round filter plate and the rubber gasket are in
place underneath the central column of the upper part of the macchinetta.
- Screw the top on, but not too hard.
- Put it on the stovetop with enough heat to cover the bottom, but not
so that it heats the handle.
- When you hear the macchinetta gurgling, remove it from the heat and
allow it to sit for 30 seconds.
- Use a spoon to stir the coffee, then serve.
 The Overpressure Plug
(emergency steam release valve) is a safety mechanism that will open a way
for the steam to escape if it can't go through tamped coffee grounds. It
usually lasts the life of the pot. To help insure this, do not tamp the
coffee grounds. Smooth the coffee, instead, then lightly knock the filter
funnel downwards on a counter to help evenly distribute the grounds.
Metal handles and surfaces get hot, so use a pot holder when
handling a macchinetta. Close supervision is necessary when using a
macchinetta, especially when children are near.
Keep the heat source low and under the pot to help prevent
discoloration and damage to the handle and other parts. Over time, some
discoloration of the metal is to be expected due to the repetitive heating
and to the natural effects from your water supply. Some heat spots (bluing)
can be cleaned using silver polish on the stainless steel macchinetta. On a
smaller macchinetta, just keep the handle away from the heat source, even if
the macchinetta is not perfectly centered on the heat. The use of a diffuser
will keep the heat lower, though it will take a bit longer for the
macchinetta to heat.
Especially made to keep the smaller espresso makers stable on your stovetop
burners, this cast iron trivet fits over any size grate.
To maintain the macchinetta in good condition, wash all the parts
with hot sudsy water, and rinse thoroughly. Before first use, and regularly
(though not necessarily every time), also remove and wash the rubber gasket
and round flat filter plate. Use a dull knife point, or small screwdriver,
to remove the gasket, and to get to the filter plate. When the gasket dries
or cracks, replace it. A telltale sign of a needed replacement gasket will
be that some steam will begin to escape from the screw threads between the
top and bottom pieces of your macchinetta.
Occasionally scour the inside of the macchinetta to remove mineral
deposits. Or soak with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water,
then rinse thoroughly.
Gaskets are likely to last at least a year if they are cleaned on
a regular basis. Keep a note of the name of the manufacturer of the espresso
maker, its model name and size; this will help in obtaining replacement
gaskets. If you can't find a replacement, get a sheet of rubber in a similar
thickness (from your local hardware or plumbing supply store), and use the
old gasket to cut out a template on the sheet of rubber. |
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Top
Stainless Steel Macchinette
 |
12 Cup Kontessa Oro Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$99.99
#7452
|
Makes 14 oz (1.16 oz per cup),
11" high overall,
Brass handle and knob,
Stainless steel body,
Acrylic spacer between body and handle,
Also for use on induction cooktops
 Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
6 Cup Kontessa Oro Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$77.99
#7453
|
Makes 6 demitasses,
9.5" tall overall
Brass handle and knobs,
Stainless steel body,
Also for use on induction cooktops
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
4 Cup Kontessa Oro Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$64.99
#6997
|
Makes 4 demitasses,
8.25" tall overall
Brass handle and knobs,
Stainless steel body,
Also for use on most induction cooktops (may have too small a base to
be recognized by induction cooktop sensors)
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
2 Cup Kontessa
Oro Stainless Stovetop Espresso Maker
$54.99
#6996
|
Makes 2 demitasses,
7" high overall,
Brass handle and knobs,
Stainless steel body,
Also for use on most induction cooktops (may have too small a base to
be recognized by induction cooktop sensors)
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
6 Cup Ilsa V136 Slancio Espresso Maker
$99.99
#22102
|
8.4" high,
3.9" base,
Includes reducing filter to make 3 cups,
Includes extra gasket,
Heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel,
Cast handle and lid,
Satin finish,
Also for use on induction cooktops
Get spare gaskets below |
4 Cup Ilsa V136 Slancio Espresso Maker
$89.99
#22104
|
Makes 4 demitasse cups,
7.7" high,
3.4" base,
Includes reducing filter to make 2 cups,
Includes extra gasket,
Heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel,
Cast handle,
Satin finish,
Also for use on induction cooktops
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
6 Cup Ilsa Turbo Express Coffee
Maker With Stirrer
$59.99
#14016
|
6 demitasse cup size,
35cl capacity,
8.5" high,
3.5" belly,
2.75" diameter base,
Reducer for 3 cups,
Extra gasket,
18/10 stainless steel
Made
in Italy |
 |
6 Cup Bialetti Eleganza Class
Espresso Maker
$56.99
#9859
|
Makes 6 demintasses,
8.7" high overall,
3.5" base,
18/10 stainless steel,
Insulated rubber handle,
Dishwasher safe,
 Made in
India |
4 Cup Bialetti Eleganza Class
Espresso Maker
$49.99
#9858
|
Makes 4 demitasses,
7.5" high overall,
3" base,
18/10 stainless steel,
Insulated rubber handle,
Made in
India |
 |
12 Cup Vespress Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$77.99
#1330
|
Makes 21.75 oz,
10.25" tall overall
Heat resistant handle,
Stainless steel body,
Also for use on induction cooktops
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
6 Cup Vespress Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$52.99
#1329
|
Makes 6 demitasses,
8" tall overall
Heat resistant handle,
Stainless steel body,
Also for use on induction cooktops
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
3 Cup Vespress Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$44.99
#1328
|
Makes 3 demitasses,
6.5" tall overall
Heat resistant handle,
Stainless steel body,
Also for use on most induction cooktops (may have too small a base to
be recognized by induction cooktop sensors)
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
1 Cup Vespress
Stainless Stovetop Espresso Maker
$31.99
#1327
|
Makes 1.5 oz.,
5" tall overall,
Heat resistant handle,
Stainless steel body,
Also for use on most induction cooktops (may have too small a base to
be recognized by induction cooktop sensors)
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
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Porcelain-Top
 |
6 Cup Caffettiera Van Gogh, Porcelain
Espresso Maker
$64.99
#5133
|
8" high,
4-1/2" round top,
6-1/2" spout to handle,
Porcelain top,
18/10 stainless steel bottom,
Works on induction cooktops
Made
in Italy |
 |
4 Cup Caffettiera De Longpre,
Porcelain Espresso Maker
$59.99
#5134
|
7" high,
4" round top,
6" spout to handle,
Porcelain top,
18/10 stainless steel bottom,
Also for use on most induction cooktops (may have too small a base to
be recognized by induction cooktop sensors)
Made
in Italy |
Top
Traditional Aluminum
 |
9 Cup Bialetti Moka Express Traditional
Espresso Maker
$42.99
#9872
|
Makes 9 demitasses,
9.7" high overall,
4.1" base,
Aluminum with plastic handles
Made in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
6 Cup Bialetti Moka Express Traditional
Espresso Maker
$28.99
#9871
|
Makes 9 oz (1.5 oz per cup),
8-1/4"high overall,
4" base,
Aluminum with plastic handles
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
3 Cup Bialetti Moka Express Traditional
Espresso Maker
$24.99
#9870
|
Makes 3 demitasses,
6-1/4" high overall,
3-1/4" base,
Aluminum with plastic handles
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
1 Cup Bialetti Moka Express Traditional
Espresso Maker
$22.99
#9869
|
Makes 1 demitasse,
5-1/4" high overall,
2-1/2" base,
Aluminum with plastic handles
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
4 Cup Bialetti Brikka Traditional Espresso
Maker
$69.99
#9993
|
Makes 4 espresso cups,
8-1/4" high,
4" diameter base,
Cast aluminum body,
Acrylic and plastic lid and handle,
Stainless basket,
Brass weighted spritzer makes crema
Made
in Italy |
 |
12 Cup Traditional Aluminum
Macchinetta
#7135
Currently unavailable |
Makes 20 oz (1.67 oz per cup),
11" tall overall
Aluminum alloy
Made
in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
9 Cup Traditional Aluminum
Macchinetta
$21.99
#29013
|
Makes 9 demitasses,
9.25" tall overall
Aluminum alloy
 Made
in China
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
6 Cup Traditional Aluminum
Macchinetta
$16.99
#29012
|
Makes 6 demitasses,
8" tall overall
Aluminum alloy
Made
in China
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
3 Cup Traditional Aluminum Macchinetta
$11.99
#29011
|
3 Cup Traditional Aluminum Macchinetta
Makes 3 demitasses,
6.25" tall overall,
Aluminum alloy
Made
in China
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
1 Cup Traditional Aluminum
Macchinetta
$9.99
#29010
|
Makes 1 demitasse,
5" tall overall
Aluminum alloy
Made
in China
Get spare gaskets below |
Top
Spout Top
 |
1 Cup Single Spout Mini-Express Espresso
Maker
$19.99
#1689
|
1 demitasse cup capacity,
6" high overall,
2.4" high base to platform,
2.75" round bottom,
Cast aluminum body,
Brass stem with heat resistant plastic handle,
Made in Italy
-Best for use on gas and other cooktops on which the heat source
can be turned off completely.
- Place the cups under the spouts before turning on the burner.
- Concentrate the flame to fit under the unit, and not up the sides.
- When the coffee starts dispensing into the cups, lower the heat to minimum
in order to obtain a slow and perfect distribution of coffee.
- And remember that metal parts get hot, so allow to cool before handling. |
 |
2 Cup Bialetti Mini-Express Double
Spout Stovetop Espresso Maker
$27.99
#9864
|
2 demitasse cups capacity,
6.1" high overall,
2.75" high to top of platform,
3" octagonal bottom,
Cast aluminum body,
Brass stem with heat resistant plastic handle,
Made in Italy
 Manual
(456 KB) |
 |
2 Cup Gemini Express Stovetop Espresso
Maker, Red
$24.99
#1669
|
2 demitasse cup capacity,
6.5" high,
3.4" wide base,
5" wide platform,
2" high clearance for cups,
Aluminum body,
Powder coated top,
Made in Italy
Instructions |
Top
Bellman, Atomic, Mucca
 |
Bellman Stovetop Espresso &
Cappuccino Maker CX-25
$79.99
#16358
|
7.5" tall,
4.25" base,
Makes 3, 6 or 9 demitasses,
Frothing arm for cappuccino,
Stainless body,
Aluminum baskets,
Heat resistant plastic handles
 Made
in Taiwan
(Parts List &
Instructions) |
 |
Bellman Stovetop Espresso &
Cappuccino Maker with Pressure Gauge CX-25P
#16690
Currently unavailable from us.
|
7.5" tall,
4.25" base,
Pressure gauge measures up to 5 Bar pressure, with green indicator at
the optimal pressure, between 1 and 2,
Makes 3, 6 or 9 demitasses,
Frothing arm for cappuccino,
Stainless body,
Aluminum baskets,
Heat resistant plastic handles
Made
in Taiwan
(Parts List &
Instructions) |
 |
Atomic Stovetop Espresso &
Cappuccino Maker
Currently unavailable |
This beautifully designed espresso and cappuccino maker
(pronounced ah-toh-MEEK), from the middle of the last century,
may be coming back.
View the
Atomic Instructions (PDF - 16KB), which we
translated from Italian to English in the 1960's. |
 |
2 Cup Bialetti
Mukka Express Cappuccino Maker
$84.99
#9995
|
Makes 2 cups of cappuccino,
8" high,
5" diameter base,
Cast aluminum body,
Polished exterior,
Acrylic and plastic handles,
Brass weighted spritzer,
Stainless basket and filter,
Made
in Italy
Basically, fill bottom with water, and filter with ground coffee; screw
on top, add milk to level indicated, and press down on top button
Manual
(3.94MB) |
Top
Spatter Reducer
 |
Espresso Maker Spatter Reducer
$2.99
#1250
|
1.25" high,
1.25" top,
11/16" opening,
Aluminum,
Made in Italy
· The small holes work to reduce spatter.
· Before placing the macchinetta on the stove, insert the spatter
reducer over central column in upper chamber.
· Be sure to close the lid before heating. |
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Gasket Replacements
Rubber Gaskets
Silicone Gaskets |
1 Cup
Replacement Gasket
For Aluminum Macchinetta
$1.99
#11375
Temporarily unavailable
until late September
|
51 mm. (2") outside diameter
6 mm. wide (1/4")
Made of rubber
Set of 4 |
3 Cup
Replacement Gasket
For Aluminum Macchinetta
$2.49
#11393
|
66 mm. (2-1/2") outside diameter
8 mm. wide (5/16")
Made of silicone
Set of 3 |
6 Cup
Replacement Gasket
For Aluminum Macchinetta
$2.49
#11399
|
70 mm. (2-3/4") outside diameter
8 mm. wide (5/16")
Made of silicone
Set of 3 |
9 Cup
Replacement
Gasket
For Aluminum Macchinetta
$2.49
#11397
|
82 mm. (3-1/4")
9 mm. wide (3/8")
Made of silicone
Set of 3 |
12 Cup
Replacement Gasket
For Aluminum Macchinetta
$1.99
#11381
|
90 mm. (3-9/16")
8 mm. wide (5/16")
Made of rubber
Set of 2 |
 |
1-Cup
Vespress &
2-Cup Kontessa
Replacement Gaskets
3-Pk With Filter
$4.99
#9850
|
Includes 3 rubber gaskets,
2" outside diameter
1/4" wide,
1 aluminum filter |
3-Cup
Vespress &
4-Cup Kontessa
Replacement Gaskets
3-Pk With Filter
$4.99
#9853
|
Includes 3 rubber gaskets,
2-9/16" outside diameter
9/32" wide,
1 aluminum filter |
6-Cup
Vespress &
6-Cup Kontessa
Replacement Gaskets
3-Pk With Filter
$4.99
#9855
|
2-31/32" outside diameter
3/8" wide |
12/14-Cup Kontessa
Replacement Gasket
$0.99
#9854
|
3-9/16" outside diameter
5/16" wide |
 |
Ilsa 4-Cup V136-4
Replacement Gaskets
3-Pk
$7.69
#6132
|
64mm outside diameter,
51mm inside diameter,
Pack of 3,
For Ilsa Slancio 4-cup stainless steel espresso maker Model V136-4 |
Ilsa 6-Cup V136-6
Replacement Gaskets
3-Pk
$7.69
#6133
|
72mm outside diameter,
55mm inside diameter,
Pack of 3
For Ilsa Slancio 6-cup stainless steel espresso maker Model V136-6 |
 |
San Remo
Replacement Gasket |
The gasket pictured at left is not currently available.
We recommend using #11378 gasket, which is also
used for the 9-Cup macchinetta. |
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Filter Plate Replacements
 |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 1 Cup
$1.99
#12824
|
46 mm wide
Aluminum |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 3 Cup
$1.99
#12825
|
57 mm wide
Aluminum |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 6 Cup
$1.99
#12850
|
64 mm wide
Aluminum |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 9 Cup
$1.99
#12821
|
73 mm wide
Aluminum |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 12 Cup
$1.99
#12823
|
81 mm wide
Aluminum |
Top
Funnel Replacements
 |
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 1 Cup
$2.99
#16350
|
46 mm wide,
45 mm high |
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 3 Cup
$2.99
#16351
|
59 mm wide,
55 mm high |
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 6 Cup
$2.99
#16352
|
|
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 9 Cup
$2.99
#16349
|
76mm wide,
97 mm high |
Funnel Filter for Bialetti
Aluminum Macchinetta, 9 Cup
$2.99
#16340
|
76mm wide,
97 mm high
2-1/8" long stem |
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 12 Cup
$2.99
#16348
|
82 mm wide,
115 mm high |
Top
Adjustable Funnel Replacements
Full position
Diminished position |
Adjustable 3/1 Funnel Filter
$3.99
#121016
|
Fits the 3-cup aluminum macchinetta only,
Makes 3 cups or 1 cup,
Aluminum
Made
in Italy
- Use in place of the regular funnel filter, to make either the full
or diminished quantity indicated,
- The tube depth adjusts with the height of the filter screen, and
automatically pulls up the right amount of water from a properly filled
macchinetta |
Adjustable 6/3 Funnel Filter
$4.99
#121017
|
Fits the 6-cup aluminum macchinetta only,
Makes 6 cups or 3 cups,
Aluminum
Made
in Italy
- Use in place of the regular funnel filter, to make either the full
or diminished quantity indicated,
- The tube depth adjusts with the height of the filter screen, and
automatically pulls up the right amount of water from a properly filled
macchinetta |
Top
Overpressure Plug Replacements
 |
Overpressure Plug
$3.99
#1294
|
For standard aluminum macchinetta,
Fits all sizes
Made
in Italy
Important: This is a crucial safety feature, and
you should only attempt to replace it if you're familiar with the handling
of precision parts and take full responsibility. |
 |
Overpressure Plug, Large
$4.99
#1296
|
For most macchinetta models made of stainless steel,
Match the image at left to your existing plug
Made
in Italy
Important: This is a crucial safety feature, and
you should only attempt to replace it if you're familiar with the handling
of precision parts and take full responsibility. |
|
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