53 out of 54 people found this review helpful.
Bialetti has Class
Date of Review: Apr 7, 2003
The Bottom Line: Five star espresso maker is attractive and functional.
It's got class - it's got style. Sure, it's a coffee maker, but that's like saying espresso is coffee. And, sure, it's a
form of coffee, but it's a
classy form of coffee like the
Bialetti Class Espresso Machine is a classy machine.
-Basics- Finish: the "Class" is available in two handle finishes, both have silver-toned stainless steel bodies but handles are available in either black or brass-look finish.
Capacity: looking the same regardless of capacity, this line is available in four varying capacities: 1/3/6/9 cup capacity.
Shape: the beauty and the class comes more in form than function where this Bialetti is concerned. It's is at once modern and ancient looking with a ball-shaped base and upright top. The handle arcs out slightly never again reaching the pot. The lid has a nob matching the handle tone chosen. It's a gorgeous pot looking almost like a little butler, attractive when left out in the kitchen and beautiful for serving.
Filter/Funnel: is also stainless steel meaning no replacements needed and also meaning washing and care is required after brewing.
-Bialetti, baby- I came to know Bialetti thanks to a frying pan and returned for an Espresso machine thanks to history. It seems this Italian manufacturer has been doing its thing for 50+ years, beginning with the espresso pot and moving on from there - in Italy espresso was 'hot' long before 'hot' meant 'cool'.
My version is a 6-cup, black-handled beauty, measuring about 8" tall. The handle does
not conduct heat and provides a good grip for serving. The 6-cup capacity was perfect for espresso and groups.
This is a traditional, stove-top coffee brewer (something I recalled fondly & associate with my grandparents even where regular coffee is concerned). This 'system' of brewing coffee operates on basic scientific principles (see, drinking coffee can be a science experiment). The water in the base moves to a boil with the pressure exerted eventually forcing the hot water up into the pot where the filter and grounds are located, circulating with the boiling process and producing a good, fresh,
hot cup of
strong coffee.
-Very, Very Good- Love this pot, though the term 'pot' seems so very low class in discussing this particular machine. It is at once stylish, useful, and yet provides a cup of espresso that is basic in a way only an Italian made espresso machine can produce 'basic'.
The price is a bit steep but the machine should last for generations. Consider it as a wedding gift for the couple who has everything or as a way to save a little money on that daily cup of espresso you're buying each day at the coffee shop. The Bialetti has no real faults. Apart from getting used to a filter system that does not involve disposable paper filters, and deciding just how strong you like your espresso, it's excellent, attractive, and utilitarian all in one.
Ciao!
Bialetti Frying Pan
