Bialetti Mukka 2 Cups Espresso Machine

I started earnestly researching espresso machines to save money on my $2/day Starbucks americano habit. I really did not want to waste money on a unit made of plastic, but found that most of the metal clad units were out of my price range or what I was willing to spend. I saw these little pots on Amazon.com, so started reading up on the reviews on the Bialetti moka and mukka pots and also on the Delonghi stove top espresso pots, which are made from aluminum. (You can also get these little pots in electric versions for a bit more money). These little pots brew espresso under pressure just like an espresso machine and have been used for generations in places like Italy. In the reviews lots of people really seem to love the little pots, although many reviews also stated they were tricky. I decided upon the Bialetti Mukka 2 cup pot as it produces up to 16 oz at a time and will also steam and/or froth the milk and blend it into the finished product all at the same time. Voila! There is my grande americano with steamed milk made right at home! The Mukka pots are particularly made for brewing espresso with milk for either a capuccino or a latte (or something in between as you control the amount of milk used). The pots will make a very nice milk foam for capuccinos. These pots were close to $100 at most retailers online, sometimes you would see one for around $85. I started watching a few on Ebay, and I got lucky and scored a practically brand new unit w/instructions for $21 plus shipping (many of the used ones still command over $50!). 9 times out of 10 this unit will make an excellent espresso, although you have to be scrupulous about your measurements of all fluids. I found that if I stay just below the the pre-marked fluid level lines on the pot I do fine. If you goof up the little bugger will boil over and spew and make a fine little mess. Like the instruction books says, if this happens you did something wrong. You will also need to grind your beans a bit larger than an espresso grind (espresso grind is too fine and sediment will come through in the finished product). I admit I even tried a good instant coffee in the little pot and it worked like a dream (Mt Hagen organic instant, the very best instant out there). I would suggest you closely read the reviews at Amazon.com as many are very explicit in their recommendations for use, recommended brands of coffee to use, etc. All in all I love my little mukka pot. It is fun to make a pot to share with a friend as the process is novel as you can hear the steaming and frothing taking place. Your espresso is finished when the noise stops!

We saw these in Italy in 2006. The locals we talked to didn't know what it was, so we didn't want to get one then. After returning we checked it out on line and decided to get one. Of course, eBay was the place to go, and we weren't disappointed.
The Mukka Express showed up in good condition. It's fairly straight forward and easy to use, but reading the directions is a must, and watching the demo video on the Bialetti web site is a great idea. It doesn't work exactly like their other coffee makers, so some care is needed to make sure you don't make a big mess. The cappuccinos came out excellent, as did the lattés.
Drawbacks - It can be messy. If you get too much either milk or water when making a cappuccino then it will overflow when it froths. It only makes enough for two, if you use the regular cappuccino cups. We don't, which means it only makes enough for one. Because of this we usually simply make espressos and warm our own milk. Otherwise it has to be cooled and cleaned quickly in order to make a second or third pot. This can easily be done though, by holding the machine under cold water until the metal cools enough to handle. Another concern is that it can get stuck together pretty tight as the air inside contracts. The button should be removed immediately after serving in order to avoid this. That way the pressure can stay the same as outside.
The Bialetti Mukka Express does exactly what they say it will do, and is a great little machine. It's fairly straight forward, and the ladies who have seen it think it's cute, for whatever that's worth to you (especially the cow design - though it doesn't clean as easily). I can heartily recommend them for the coffee lover. If you're making coffee for a crowd though, then I'd recommend Bialetti's other coffee machines and a good milk warmer and frother.

My husband wanted to get an espresso machine, but with the time and equipment it takes to make, I knew he wouldn't use it much. This Mukka Express was a perfect option for him. It is easy to use and can make a cup of cappuccino in five minutes. Just add the coffee and milk and put it on the stovetop. Makes a great cup of coffee. It does only make 2 small cups, so it would be nice if it made a little more. Very cute design. Small and easy to store. My husband has had a lot of fun with his new Mukka!

I love my Mukka maker. It did leak at first, but only because *I* was not firmly attaching both ends together. Once I figured that out, it has been smooth latte and cappuccino sailing. I don't believe there are any inherent design flaws with the Mukka. I have been buying these as gifts (along with a can or two of Illy coffee) for friends in the USA and they too have had no problems once they get through the first few pots.

A few tips I found helpful: Once you hear the frothing sounds, you can turn down the heat just a little to control the frothing and the flow of the coffee. Leave the heat on until the frothing noise dissapaites, then remove from the heat. This will ensure that all the steam pressure is released. After my cappuccino is done I always release and remove the steam valve, rinse it well, and then fill the milk chamber with warm water. This makes cleaning it later in the day a breeze. Also, the directions recommend taking the Mukka completely apart and cleaning it well after 30 pots. This is important because powdery coffee granules will eventually build up on the inside of the filter and not allow the coffee to rise to the top chamber.

I have had the best results using either 1-2% milk or using vanilla soy milk regarding froth. I have tried unsweetened soy milk and it did not froth well.

An aside: let me say that I am shocked at how expensive the Mukka maker is in the USA compared to Italy. Sure, they are made in Italy, not the USA but $89 USD seems excessive. I bought my Mukka for 28 Euros and it included 2 large Bialetti Cappuccino cups. Also interesting to note is that replacement parts and gaskets for the Mukka and all other Moka makers are much easily found here in Italy (usually at a grocery or home store) than in the USA.

I've wanted one of these for ages, but they were pricey. Finally bought a used one & I'm thrilled with it. It makes great latte, and will help reduce my coffee expenditures because I can now make latte at home. It works very well, brews up quickly, and is easy to use. I've heard complaints about the quantity it produces, but it makes more than I expected -- plenty for a single coffeeholic or a normal couple. A really great product that's already getting a lot of use in my house. I'll be keeping it in my home office for quick caffeine jolts!