If you want to make stovetop espresso the way 98% of Italian families do in their homes everyday, a stovetop moka pot is how you go about it, and we only recommend the stainless steel versions. Problem is, finding a good quality stainless steel moka pot for under $35 is proving harder and harder to do these days!
But we found this excellent model - the super-long named Vev Vigano Carioca Stovetop Espresso Maker - from Espresso Zone. In fact, a few years back, I reviewed this very model for Consumer Reports and found it very capable for the job.
Made in Italy, this moka pot is all stainless steel including the filter, and with a brass pressure relief valve. It is modern, stylish and works well on induction ranges as well as gas and electric stoves (with a trivet). The 3 cup model is under $35, and the 5 cup version is under $40.
Column Description Whether it's up to the minute, happening this day, this week, or in the recent past, this column's goal is to present coffee and attempts to make the experience truly culinary. You'll find short reviews about past events, interesting coffees coming on the market, new and different ways to enjoy espresso and other brewing methods, and give an insight into efforts around the globe to make coffee a truly culinary thing. Column written by Mark Prince.
