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Page Contents:
-How to Make Espresso in a Macchinetta
-Stainless Steel Macchinette
-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. (Make sure the filter funnel
holes are not clogged as well.) 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. |
|
Top
Stainless Steel Macchinette
 |
6 Cup Ilsa Altho Espresso Maker
V140-6
$99.99
#27041
|
Makes up to 6 espresso cups,
Reducer included,
9.75" high oveall,
3.25" diameter body,
18/10 stainless steel body,
Cast stainless steel welded handle,
 Made in Italy
Can be used on induction cooktops.
Uses replacement gaskets #6133 |
4 Cup Ilsa Altho Espresso Maker
V140-4
$89.99
#27042
|
Makes up to 4 espresso cups,
Reducer included,
8.25" high overall,
2.9" diameter body,
18/10 stainless steel body,
Cast stainless steel welded handle,
Made in Italy
Can be used on induction cooktops.
Uses replacement gaskets #6132 |
 |
6 Cup Ilsa V136 Slancio Espresso Maker
$99.99
#22102
|
8.4" high,
3-5/8" base,
Includes reducing filter to make 3 cups,
Includes extra gasket,
Heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel,
Cast handle and lid,
Satin finish,
Made in Italy
Also for use on most induction cooktops (may have too small a base
to be recognized by induction cooktop sensors)
Get spare gaskets below |
4 Cup Ilsa V136 Slancio Espresso Maker
$89.99
#22104
|
Makes 4 demitasse cups,
7.7" high,
3-3/8" base,
Includes reducing filter to make 2 cups,
Includes extra gasket,
Heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel,
Cast handle,
Satin finish,
Made in Italy
Also for use on most induction cooktops (may have too small a base
to be recognized by induction cooktop sensors)
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
12 Cup Kontessa Oro Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$99.99
#7452
|
Makes 14 oz (1.16 oz per cup),
11" high overall,
5.25" base,
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,
4.75" base,
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 |
4 Cup Kontessa Oro Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$64.99
#6997
|
Makes 4 demitasses,
8.25" tall overall,
4" base,
Brass handle and knob,
Stainless steel body,
Acrylic spacer between body and handle,
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,
3-1/8" base,
Brass handle and knob,
Stainless steel body,
Acrylic spacer between body and handle,
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 |
 |
12 Cup Vespress Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$77.99
#1330
|
Makes 21.75 oz,
10.25" tall overall,
3-7/8" base,
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,
3" base,
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 |
3 Cup Vespress Stainless
Stovetop Espresso Maker
$44.99
#1328
|
Makes 3 demitasses,
6.5" tall overall,
2-7/8" base,
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,
2-1/8" base,
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 |
 |
10 Cup Ilsa Omnia Espresso Maker
$79.99
#27029
|
Makes 10 espresso cups,
8.8" high overall,
4.3" diameter base,
18/10 stainless steel body,
Rubberized handle,
Made in Italy
Also for use on most induction cooktops |
6 Cup Ilsa Omnia Espresso Maker
Model 92
$59.99
#27027
|
Makes 6 espresso cups,
7.5" high overall,
3.8" diameter base,
18/10 stainless steel body,
Rubberized handle,
Made in Italy
Also for use on most induction cooktops |
4 Cup Ilsa Omnia Espresso Maker
V9-4
$49.99
#27025
|
Makes 4 espresso cups,
6.7" high overall,
3.25" diameter base,
18/10 stainless steel body,
Rubberized handle,
Made in Italy
Also for use on most induction cooktops (may have too small a base
to be recognized by induction cooktop sensors) |
2 Cup Ilsa Omnia Espresso Maker
V9-2
$44.99
#27021
|
Makes 2 espresso cups,
5.75" high overall,
3" diameter base,
18/10 stainless steel body,
Rubberized handle,
Made in Italy
Also for use on most induction cooktops (may have too small a base
to be recognized by induction cooktop sensors) |
Top
Traditional Aluminum
Use & Care |
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 |
 |
9 Cup Buon Caffe Espresso Maker
$34.99
#1809
|
Makes 9 demitasses,
9.4" high,
4.25" base,
Aluminum with plastic handles,
Made in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
6 Cup Buon Caffe Espresso Maker
$24.99
#1812
|
Makes 6 demitasses,
8" high,
4.2" base,
Aluminum with plastic handles,
Made in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
3 Cup Buon Caffe Espresso Maker
$19.99
#1811
|
Makes 3 demitasses,
6.2" high,
3.4" base,
Aluminum with plastic handles,
Made in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
1 Cup Buon Caffe Espresso Maker
$15.99
#1818
|
Makes 1 demitasse,
5.2" high,
2.7" base,
Aluminum with plastic handles,
Made in Italy
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
9 Cup Traditional Aluminum
Macchinetta
$24.99
#29013
|
Makes 9 demitasses,
9.25" tall overall
Aluminum alloy
Made
in China
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
6 Cup Traditional Aluminum
Macchinetta
$17.99
#29012
|
Makes 6 demitasses,
8" tall overall
Aluminum alloy
Made
in China
Get spare gaskets below |
 |
3 Cup Traditional Aluminum Macchinetta
$14.99
#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
$11.99
#29010
|
Makes 1 demitasse,
5" tall overall
Aluminum alloy
Made
in China
Get spare gaskets below |
Top
Spout Top
-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.
 |
1 & 2 Cup Gemini Express Stovetop Espresso
Maker, Red
$24.99
#1669
Temporarily unavailable;
No date
|
2 demitasse cup capacity,
6.5" high,
3.4" wide base,
5" wide platform,
2" high clearance for cups,
Aluminum body,
Powder coated top,
Includes reducer to make 1 cup,
Made in Italy
Instructions |
Top
Bellman, Atomic, Mucca
 |
Bellman Stovetop Espresso &
Cappuccino Maker CX-25
$89.99
#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,
Also works on induction cooktops,
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) |
360° |
La Sorrentina
Atomic Coffee Machine
$379.99
#19447
Ships separately
Allow 2 weeks
|
2-6 cup espresso style stovetop coffee maker,
Makes up to 15 oz,
Includes portafilter with small and large filter baskets for coffee,
and solid disc basket for cappuccino,
Milk frothing wand,
Handled collecting pitcher,
9" high,
5.1" round base,
Aluminum alloy cast body,
Heat resistant phenolic plastic handles,
Safety pressure relief knob,
Made in Taiwan
Instruction
Manual
1960's Atomic Instructions
· This 1950's popularized design style has returned, in similar
form as the Robbiati
patent, and even has a fan
club. |
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. |
Top
Gasket Replacements
Rubber Gaskets
Silicone Gaskets |
1 Cup
Replacement Gasket
For Aluminum Macchinetta
$1.99
#11375
|
51 mm. (2") outside diameter
6 mm. wide (1/4")
Made of rubber
Set of 4 rings
Fits 1-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
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 rings
Fits 3-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
6 Cup
Replacement Gaskets
For Aluminum
Macchinetta
$2.49
#11377
|
70 mm. (2-3/4") outside diameter
8 mm. wide (5/16")
Made of rubber
Set of 4 rings
Fits 6-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
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 rings
Fits 6-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
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 rings
Fits 9-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
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 rings
Fits 12-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
 |
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
Fits 1-Cup Vespress and 2-Cup Kontessa stovetop espresso makers |
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
Fits 3-Cup Vespress and 4-Cup Kontessa stovetop espresso makers |
6-Cup
Vespress &
6-Cup Kontessa
Replacement Gaskets
3-Pk With Filter
$4.99
#9855
Temporarily unavailable
|
Includes 3 rubber gaskets,
2-31/32" outside diameter
3/8" wide
Fits 6-Cup Vespress and 6-Cup Kontessa stovetop espresso makers |
6-Cup
Vespress &
6-Cup Kontessa
Replacement Gasket
$0.99
#7449
|
2-31/32" outside diameter
3/8" wide
Fits 6-Cup Vespress and 6-Cup Kontessa stovetop espresso makers |
12/14-Cup Vespress & Kontessa Replacement
Gaskets 3-Pk With Filter
$4.99
#9861
|
Includes 3 gaskets,
3-9/16" outside diameter
5/16" wide
Stainless steel filter
Fits 12- and 14-Cup Vespress and 12- and 14-Cup Kontessa stovetop espresso makers |
 |
Ilsa 4-Cup V136-4
Replacement Gaskets
3-Pk
$7.69
#6132
|
Includes 3 gaskets,
64mm outside diameter,
51mm inside diameter,
Fits Ilsa Altho, Omnia, and Slancio 4-cup models |
Ilsa 6-Cup V136-6
Replacement Gaskets
3-Pk
$7.69
#6133
|
Includes 3 gaskets,
72mm outside diameter,
55mm inside diameter,
Fits Ilsa Altho, Omnia, and Slancio 6-cup models |
Ilsa 10-Cup Replacement Gaskets 3-Pk
$7.99
#6137
|
Includes 3 gaskets,
85mm outside diameter,
69mm inside diameter,
Fits Ilsa Omnia 10-cup models 91S and 91L |
 |
San Remo
Replacement Gasket |
The gasket pictured at left is not currently available.
We recommend using #11397 gasket, which is also
used for the 9-Cup macchinetta. |
Top
Filter Plate Replacements
 |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 1 Cup
$1.99
#12824
|
46 mm wide
Aluminum
Fits 1-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 3 Cup
$1.99
#12825
|
57 mm wide
Aluminum
Fits 3-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 6 Cup
$1.99
#12850
|
64 mm wide
Aluminum
Fits 6-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 9 Cup
$1.99
#12821
|
73 mm wide
Aluminum
Fits 9-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
Filter Plate for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 12 Cup
$1.99
#12823
|
81 mm wide
Aluminum
Fits 12-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
Top
Funnel Replacements
 |
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 1 Cup
$2.99
#16350
|
46 mm wide,
45 mm high
Fits 1-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 3 Cup
$2.99
#16351
|
59 mm wide,
55 mm high
Fits 3-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 6 Cup
$2.99
#16352
|
Fits 6-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 9 Cup
$2.99
#16349
|
76mm wide,
97 mm high
Fits 9-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
Funnel Filter for Aluminum
Macchinetta, 12 Cup
$2.99
#16348
|
82 mm wide,
115 mm high
Fits 12-cup aluminum stovetop espresso makers |
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,
8mm diameter at threads,
Fits most 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
#1296
Currently unavailable
|
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. |
|
