Bialetti Venus Caffettiera in Acciaio Inox, Adatta all'Induzione, Inossidabile, Argento, 6 Tazze

I bought this to replace an old aluminium one, having become worried about using it. I think it looks stylish and the coffee it makes it delicious and wonderfully strong. I top my espresso with lots of hot milk and it is as good as going to a cafe. I hardy use my cafetiere anymore as the coffee that it makes is so inferior. I don't think it is quite as good quality as the aluminium version. It does feel a little more flimsy in the handle, it tends to drip and steam a little where the lid meets the handle and the base of the area where you put the coffee does tend to fall out when you bang it to get the used coffee out (the first time I didn't notice and then we found it at the bottom of the compost heap!) but I think it is worth switching for health reasons. I also prefer the look and once used to the tiny imperfections it's a doddle to use.

The Bialetti stainless steel espresso stove top coffee makers are excellent quality - I also own a 4 cup in Australia. I would never use an aluminium one because I've seen how the internal stems gradually dissolve over time...into your coffee! I purchased this larger one for an extended stay with family in the UK. I was worried about this being able to work on an ordinary electric stove top as I have gas in Australia, but have discovered that it works fine. I've been using stove top coffee makers for years and have developed a 'method' for the coffee we like (I make strong coffee to which I add hot milk latte style). Bialetti advises putting the coffee in the funnel without pressing it down (tamping) but I have found that if you want a strong, rich brew tamping the coffee lightly helps. Use coffee that is roasted and ground specifically for espresso making (or if grinding yourself, do not grind too fine). Using boiling water from the kettle instead of cold improves flavour. Be careful though as the pot gets very hot - use a cloth or oven glove to screw the top back on to the boiler. Brew on a medium low heat and do not 'over brew' as the coffee will burn and taste bitter: remove from heat when you hear the 'gurgling' sound. Another thing to remember is to prime your new expresso maker by brewing coffee in it several times and discarding. In any case, flavour improves with use! For our type of coffee I have found that the 6 cup size will make about 3-4 mugs latte style whereas the 4 cup makes about 2-3.

Firstly it's not aluminium. Not only does that mean it's more attractive, sturdy and robust but also aluminium often associated with Alzheimer's disease. Check it out. Two decent mugs which suits me. Well made. Easy to clean. Perfect coffee. Easy to use. Grind your own beans. It becomes addictive. This is a great item. I'm a coffee snob and this fits right in at home. Really impressed and with 44% discount, you might be too. Soon as you've poured out the coffee fill top part with water which makes it easier to clean. Not much else to say but note I have been searching high and low for the right our and this is it!!!!

Received this today and after reading all the reviews gained a lot of insight into this espresso maker - being the first one I have purchased, although I have used others in the past. I had problems with delivery (from Hot Plate Products Ltd but on the invoice says Amazon SARL) but v good Amazon customer service meant that I still received the item within the same week, so thank you Amazon CS.The item arrived in its original packaging which states that it is 'developed & designed in Italy' but made in China - I have no qualms about this (hopefully fair) arrangement but it seems other reviewers do so it must be important to some of you out there. It also states '18/10 stainless steel collector and heater also suitable for induction hobs' but does not say what the inner parts are made of. I mention this as there have been comments about the use of aluminium (Al) in this type of espresso maker but I have no idea if that is the material used here. If that is the case, this is slightly disappointing as I was under the impression that this was wholly made out of stainless steel but I have not looked into the pros/ cons of the use of Al. The outer packaging does state stainless steel but does not list any other materials, not even the evident plastic. I notice a previous review mentioned the fact that the inner parts were not magnetic, but I also read in the comment that not all stainless steel is so I am none the wiser.On opening the box, I immediately noticed some dark brown/ black flecks on the outer and inner side of the lid. I do not know what this infers but I found that I could easily wash it off with water and the use of my fingernails! The body was shiny and flawless. The bottom of the tank also had some of these flecks on it but was otherwise in excellent condition.After discarding the first brew, as per the instructions, I immediately made myself a mug to try. It started to gurgle nicely and when the sound stopped, it was ready. Yes, I was relatively happy with my first cup, getting that satisfactory caffeine buzz I have missed, but I think I will need to have a few goes with it to make it to taste. Anyone who has visited the continent or a coffee shop, I think will know that an espresso cup is tiny, so this was not an issue for me and as others have said, could make 1-2 mugs (with milk/ cream).The first brew I checked by opening the lid - but found that this was a mistake as the condensation collected under the lid ran onto the handle (making it hot) and also down the side of the pot. This in turn slightly scorched the bottom of the pot. I also found that the circumference of the bottom of the tank was also quite scratched after use on the gas hob, so the quality is not what I hoped for, but perhaps that is what I paid for.On first wash (after leaving it to cool) I did notice some discolouration within the tank and upper part. I used boiled water (no abrasives used as per instructions) to rinse it and left it to air dry but the discolouration remained.One of the other pots I had used prior to this was a 4 cup (which made me go for a 6 cup) and felt heavier in the hand. It was v obviously made completely out of good quality materials and the handle was also much sturdier and designed to be held at right angles to the pot (if I could find it, I would have bought it!), so this pot loses a star for not being as good quality as expected, pending further use & hopefully discovering it is made fully out of stainless steel (otherwise would lose another star)!