Posted Sat Jul 10, 2004, 2:36pm Subject: Re: Brewing with the Bialetti Brikka 4-Cup
Sorry for joining this thread so late.
I guess I may be considered a traitor to the Brikka, which has been pretty much shelved by me since i got my Gaggia.
Yes, I do feel a bit guilty about it and must admit that, for the time being, that I got more consistent results from the Brikka than the Gaggia. My better Gaggia shots are better, more body, crema is a different quality entirely. I only did a side by side taste test once and the differences were clear even for the coffee under the crema.
I doubt the Bialetti will make a Stainless Steel model. They are gung ho on aluminum for its conductive qualities.
Stash, it would be great if you could get a two cup model to compare the results. Attached find a picture of "crema" (quite bubbly and pate though) that lasted for a couple of minutes. [peterin out only after pver four minute. This looks like it is about 1/2" and I don't think I manged getting even 1/4" with the four cup (as you did). Maybe I will study your post and try duplicating your method.
From what I understand the relationship of air/water in the boiler is unique in the Brikka series. That is why they use a three cup body for a two cup model and a six cup body for the four. However, i was told by their R&D man that a better four cup Brikka would actually require a different sized body.
I wanted to write an article about the Brikka and have been waiting to get some feedback from Bialetti. Can't say that i see any replies from them on the horizon.
Yes... it is the 6 cup. I am surprised that there are negative comments other than that it does take a little time to clean up. But I quickly became very efficient at cleaning it and it generally does not take more than a couple of minutes to thoroughly wash and dry all parts. I have been using it for more than a year with but one problem. Within the first month, the seal above the electric hot plate developed a leak. It was replaced quickly by Bodum and since then has worked flawlessly. It definitely gets the coffee hot enough. I have to be very careful to sip the coffee for the first minute or so to avoid burning my mouth.
Myron,
Thanks for joining in !!! Funny... I went from a Gaggia to the Brikka. I am still thinking of buying another inexpensive pump machine... perhaps the Innova Arc that was just reviewed. After a year with the Gaggia, I felt like its performance was diminishing. If I had to guess, I suspect the aluminum boiler was the culprit along with overly softened water.
It does look like the 2-cup Brikka does a better job with the crema. If I do buy the 2-cup and/or a pump machine, I will run some comparisons and post the results. For now I am pretty happy with the little Brikka... but variety is the spice of life !!!
Posted Tue Aug 17, 2004, 6:23am Subject: Re: Brewing with the Bialetti Brikka 4-Cup
Your query as to where you can purchase on line was left unanswered: I might suggest http://amiganien.com. I think they are reliable and cheaper than other sites i have seen.
Le_Pamplemousse Senior Member Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Rural KY., USA Expertise: Just starting
Posted Wed Aug 18, 2004, 10:04pm Subject: Re: Brewing with the Bialetti Brikka 4-Cup
I'm just getting into coffee. Buying my first pot was a choice between a French Press and a Bialetti. I went with the French Press....but this thread makes me want to try the little stove-top Bialetti too. I guess that'll be my second pot! (after I get my Zassenhaus grinder though!)
jrtATL Senior Member Joined: 20 Feb 2004 Posts: 1,035 Location: Austin TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Expobar Office Control Grinder: Mazzer Jolly; Cunill... Drip: Melitta Clarity Roaster: Drum on a Weber grill; HG/DB
Posted Wed Aug 18, 2004, 10:09pm Subject: Re: Brewing with the Bialetti Brikka 4-Cup
The Moka Pot will likely make you want a real espresso machine that much more. It will give you a hint of the flavor which you can develop with a pump machine.
I have always liked french press coffee (hate the sludge, though). I think you made a wise choice getting the press as your first device. I have always thought that a press is simple elegance.
Jeremy
"I've appeared before every court in the state. Often as a lawyer." - Lionel Hutz, Esq.
Posted Mon Sep 20, 2004, 7:51pm Subject: Re: Brewing with the Bialetti Brikka 4-Cup
Bob - I have the Bialetti Brikka 4-cup, and it's my understanding that it only works correctly if you make the full 4-cups. Not sure if that's true of the 6-cup. By the way, I just measured it and my 4-cup uses about 5 oz of water. Apparently a moka pot cup is 1.25 oz.
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