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My Bialetti is freaking me out


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JoyousMay 27, 2004 3:41pm
Okay, I don't know what my problem is. I have a Bialetti Moka Express, I bought it at an outlet store sans directions. Everytime I brew a cup, it comes out tasting nasty. I've followed suggestions of rinsing it out with water, vinegar, running a cycle through....nothing works.

Is my Bialetti doomed to decoration?
103610May 27, 2004 3:47pm
Have you tried different types of beans, could be in the quality?
They are rumoured to not make a very "strong" espresso....True? And if so could it be over filling it with coffee to make up for it?

Can you describe nasty, like burnt, or bitter, or grassy, harsh carbony....

I know i sound like a geek, but it shouldn't be the pot, should it?

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JoyousMay 27, 2004 3:50pm
like oil or grease or burnt, it reminded me of fuel.

I tried a few different kinds of beens and not overfilling.

It shouldn't be the pot, I wouldn't think (confused look)...it's really just a hunk of aluminum with misc aluminum parts, no?
103610May 27, 2004 4:06pm
It could be the grind, how do you grind it?
And do you start it at a really low heat?

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ThePrawnMay 27, 2004 4:48pm
It really sounds like a bean problem; you said you tried different kinds--are they from the same place? A problem with getting "fresh" beans from your average retailer is that they've been sitting unpurchased for a while and are bad by the time you get them. Particularly small, private coffee shops that don't move their wares at the rate of the beast(starbucks). Another thing, is you want make sure you're using an espresso (or equivelently dark) blend--as your drip-brew coffee blends are lousy when steam-infused. Of course, you want a pretty fine grind as well -- otherwise, you'll end up getting the oils but leaving most of the good stuff in the beans.

"grease or burnt or fuel" really sounds like bad beans to me, though. Reminds me of the coffee I had in Panama--must have been years old, those beans. When beans start to turn, they have a stale-nut type taste but once that moves past, the 'coffee' flavor becomes indistinguishable and you end up with some alternative drink that requires it's own taste acquiring.

What I'd do is go with straight water runs a couple of times and, the last time, taste the water. If the water doesn't taste like you've described, then the problem is not the Bialetti (obviously) -- and if it's not the maker and not the water, then it's got to be beans.

As for it not making very "strong" espresso . . . the rumors are true, in a sense. It makes espresso in a more natural manner--it's not industrial strength, but it's no fault of the Bialetti. It's simply the method. If you want the really strong espresso, boiling/steaming water won't do it--have to have the high-pressure pumps forcing the steam.

Edit:
Oh, and use cold water! Cold water actually boils hotter, it's more effective. Plus, there's no lead in the cold water.
103610May 27, 2004 5:19pm
Yeah, also make sure the grind is quite fine. Comparable to granulated sugar.

Thanks Prawn, I think you hit the nail on the head.
Also I know in Phoenix the water is AWFUL, could be that for you too, Though I haven't ventured that a way yet. :)

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drinkfinebeerMay 27, 2004 10:59pm
6: The water - try a brew made from bottled water, same beans, same technique. If it differs greatly, there's your culprit. I use filtered water.

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JoyousMay 28, 2004 7:04am
Thanks....I'm going to try these suggestions today...I'll get back to you.

6-Tucson water does suck pretty bad. I've never heard how Phoenix water compared.
103610May 28, 2004 7:07am
It's the poo.
Really, have to buy the stuff.
I can't put my finger on it, but in Minnesota we surely did not have little water for sale stands in every parking lot.
But a quarter for a gallon isn't bad. :)

Yes, let us know how it turns out, shame to have a damn fine espresso pot, and not get the quality you deserve.
PraxilAug 16, 2004 2:20pm
It hasn't been suggested which is the only reason I am.. But perhaps your not using enough.. Sometimes when you brew too little it overcompensates and results in a more bitter brew (which everyone here already knows, I'm sure) Just thought I'd put my two cents in.


My Bialetti is freaking me out

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