Question 1

What is the best way to make espresso with this Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker?

Accepted Answer

1. Put cold water in the bottom. The less water, the stronger the coffee. Max fill is about a centimeter below the pressure relief valve.
2. Fit the empty basket into the bottom.
ASIDE Fineness of grind is critical for the proper Bialetti functioning. Too fine, and the water won't pass through. Too coarse, and it comes through too fast and you just end up with a cup of regular coffee. Most "espresso grind" pre-ground coffee is too fine. Most burr grinders won't grind fine enough. I find what's best is an old-school blade-type grinder.
3. Measure 4-1/2 scoops of whole beans into your grinder. Grind for 20 seconds (yes, I use my watch).
4. Scrape the grounds into the basket. Gently shake the base a few times to even out the top.
5. BARELY tamp with a suitably shaped tool. I use the bottom of a stainless steel 1/3 cup measure which fits perfectly.
6. Wipe around with your finger to clear the rim and threads of any stray grounds. Screw on the top, pretty tight, but don't go crazy: You need to get it off again.
7. Put the Bialetti over the smallest burner. Leave the lid up so you can see the spout. Start with the highest flame that doesn't wrap over the edges of the machine.
8. When coffee starts oozing out the spout, immediately reduce the flame to the lowest setting.
9. DO NOT WALK AWAY or you'll end up boiling the coffee, which tastes awful. Remove from the flame as soon as the coffee stops coming. 
10. Pour and enjoy. This coffee is the perfect base for a cuban coffee or (with a milk foamer) a fabulous cappuccino. If you only half-fill the basket, the Bialetti also works to make a good wake-the-dead cup of regular coffee.

Question 2

The Bialetti is my daily maker, and recently the basket has become more difficult to remove for cleaning .. used to just come out with a tap...advice.

Accepted Answer

Try (with the aid of a dishtowel) tipping it upside down onto a coffee basket filter in your sink; this lets you pour out any excess water still in the chamber and easily remove the basket while hot, but keeps the grounds inside the filter and easy to dispose of. Works for me if I want to clean it while it's hot. If I can wait 20-30 minutes for it to cool off a little, I just lift it up with a fingernail.

Question 3

what's difference between this and and a french press?

Accepted Answer

"The French Press has been in the news for awhile as an unhealthy way to brew coffee, because it's filter doesn't filter out the cafestol. Cafestol is a substance that causes the body's LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, levels to rise. " Also French Press has more caffeine shot-per-shot. Moka Pot brew is more viscous & therefore, has much thicker flavor profile and ideal for making Cafe Cubana (Cuban Coffee). Moka is closer in its flavor profile to espresso (expresso in French), while French Press is in between, Drip & Moka and therefore, Nah!.

In order of extracting nuanced flavors & aromas from your beans: 
1. Drip (Elevated Nose feel, smooth)
2. Espresso

In feel, texture & finish
1. Espresso (Creamy & Rich)
2. Drip Coffee
3. Moka

Question 4

Will this espresso maker work on an induction stove?

Accepted Answer

I make mine on an induction stove every morning for 20 years. You just have to turn it way down when you start to hear the bubbling then watch to be sure the coffee doesn’t boil. It’s delicious.

Brand	Bialetti
Model Number	06799
Color	Aluminum Silver
Product Dimensions	10.16 x 14.22 x 17.02 cm; 476.27 g
Capacity	125 g
Volume Capacity	0.2 Liters
Power / Wattage	230 watts
Material	Aluminum
Special Features	Removable Tank, Jug
Item Weight	476 g

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Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee, Moka Pot 3 Cups (4.3 Oz - 130 Ml), Aluminium, Silver

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