help choosing a stovetop espresso maker please!!!

[senor_robusto]

hey all,
i'm looking into getting a stove top espresso maker!!! my ex had one i used all the time, a bialetti i think!!! i'm just looking some recommendations from you wise folk on here who use them.....

i'm not in the financial situation to buy a dedicated machine, i don't mind spending £30 or so on one of these for the time being!!!!

the bialetti brikka looks to be a good buy......

oh, i'm well aware tk maxx sell them for next to nothing, but they just don't feel as quality as the bialetti....... though i'm definitely open to advice!!!!

thanks,

alex:849:

[monkey66]

I would go for a Chemex type filter jug ...much better coffee IMHO.
http://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/Chemex-1%252d3-Cup-CM%252d1GH-(HANDLE).html

[Pipe Dude]

Or an Aerobie Aeropress.

[Lilyboo]

Bialetti is the best I have used, the moka express one can be found quite cheap.

[Big_T_UK]

I brought a cheap Bialetti clone at TK Max. A six cup for about seven quid, with spare gasket. Works a charm. Bialetti has the best reputation but the design is so simple I cannot think the clone is inferior.

[senor_robusto]

hey all,
thanks for the help........ i ended up taking BIG_T's advice!!! picked up a kitchen craft le'xpress 3 cup stove top for a fiver in tk maxx!!! just broke it in with some hot lava java....... great stuff!!! i'm as happy as the proverbial pig in muck!!!!:smile:

thanks a million chaps,

alex:849:

[Pilot]

Pair it with coffee from monkey66's link: www.hasbean.co.uk (http://www.hasbean.co.uk).
I have been ordering beans from Steve for four years now and there is no measure of his dedication to excellent coffee.

EDIT: I know it is unrelated, but here is a pull from my Pavoni (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2MuK8nS1Y4&fmt=22) :). It is an investment but a good machine, a grinder (you need it to make adjustments - one grind does not fit all coffees), and fresh beans can give you espresso that is as complex and intriguing as the best cigar!

[Big_T_UK]

I have given hasbean a go and liked, not loved, the one bean I have tried so far, must try more soon.

Glad it worked for you Robusto.