Bialetti 6988 Brikka Stovetop Espresso Maker, 4-Cup

The Bialetti Brikka allows you to enjoy special coffee every day without leaving the comfort of your kitchen. The Brikka system revolutionized the stovetop espresso maker by preparing the espresso with 'crema”. With the special pressure-controlled system that regulates the pressure of water flowing through the coffee grounds you can now enjoy the rich and intense flavor of a creamy coffee. Featuring an opening lid that allows the condensation to escape, flip-up top and side-pour spout provide added convenience. This stovetop brewer makes four 2-ounce cups of espresso in 4-5 minutes. Made of durable polished aluminum this pot features Bialetti's distinctive eight-sided shape that allows it to diffuse heat perfectly to enhance the aroma of your coffee. To use; fill the lower chamber with cold water just below the valve. Insert the funnel and fill it with ground espresso (do not tamp). Remove any coffee grounds on the edge of the funnel. Tightly screw the upper part of the pot on the base. Avoid using the handle for leverage. Select burner size to fit the bottom of pot. For gas stovetop, make sure the flame is not larger than bottom of pot. The flame should not come around the sides of the pot. Place pot on the stovetop until the water boils and coffee begins to come out of the center post. There will be a gurgling sound during this process. After 2 to 3 minutes, a small amount of coffee will trickle out and then you will hear a puffing noise. The froth will form in 3-4 seconds. When the top of the pot is full of coffee, remove from stove. Before pouring coffee, stir it in the upper chamber with a small spoon to equalize all the different coffee layers for optimum flavor. Note that the max boiler capacity is slightly more than the final output since there is always a little water left in the boiler after brewing. Bialetti is the world's most recognized and beloved Italian coffee company. Bialetti coffee makers have become iconic and has allowed millions of consumers to enjoy great Italian coffee that once was only available in cafes and restaurants. Bialetti's passion remains in making superb coffee simple.

Before First Use

Remove all labels and packaging.

To Use

Cleaning

Tips/precautions

The Brikka features a dual-valve system that regulates the pressure of water flowing through the coffee grounds for a richer-tasting coffee. The open lid design allows air to circulate into the valve that creates the perfect crema.

It is important that you use the correct size coffeemaker for the number of cups of coffee required. If you’re after a single cup of coffee you would use the 1 cup Moka for a demi-tasse or a 2 cup Moka for a larger cup (gives 2 x demi-tasse). If you want to make 1 cup of coffee but use a 6 cup coffeemaker with a reduced quantity of coffee, you won’t be getting the perfect brew. Italian aficionados which usually have 3-4 sizes in their kitchen.

Be sure to assemble parts correctly. The filter and gasket must be in place and the top hang tightened to the base before use.

When cool separate the top section from the base, wash in warm water and dry thoroughly.

Don’t use the handle while unscrewing as this can cause the handle to break.

Hand wash all parts with warm water.

Rinse all parts thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

Make 2-3 pots of coffee to season the pot. Follow to use instructions below for each cycle.

Fill the lower chamber with cold water just below the valve.

Insert the funnel and fill it with ground espresso (do not tamp). Remove any coffee grounds on the edge of the funnel.

Tightly screw the upper part of the pot on to the base. Avoid using the handle for leverage.

Select burner size to fit bottom of pot. For gas stovetop, make sure the flame is not larger than bottom of pot. The flame should not come around the sides of the pot.

Place pot on the stovetop until the water boils and coffee begins to come out of the center post. There will be a gurgling sound during this process.

After 2 to 3 minutes, a small amount of coffee will trickle out and then you will hear a puffing noise. The froth will form in 3-4 seconds.

When the top of the pot is full of coffee, remove from stove.

Before pouring coffee, stir it in the upper chamber with a small spoon to equalize all the different coffee layers for optimum flavor.

Wash by hand with warm water.

Dry thoroughly with towel.

Do not reassemble the product until all parts are completely dry to avoid oxidation.

Do not use soap or detergent. It’s best not to use detergent when washing the aluminum models as it can taint the aluminum and therefore the coffee. However, mild detergent can be used to clean the stainless steel models if you prefer, and a liquid chrome polish can be used to keep the stainless steel looking new.

Do not use in dishwasher.

Do not use steel wool or other abrasive products. Do not use abrasive scourers or baking soda as these will discolor or damage the surface.

From time to time discoloration or a white deposit may form inside the base. This is generally due to the pot not being properly dried prior to storage, causing the aluminum to naturally oxidize. Scrub with your dish brush in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar to help remove stains. Remember to dry thoroughly.

It’s best to store all parts separately to allow air to circulate.

Use coffee ground specifically for a moka coffee maker. Don't use too fine ground coffee.

Periodically check the funnel, the filter plate and the washer for wear. Over time, they may need to be replaced.

Never use the pot without water.

Never use other contents besides coffee like teas, cacao powder or instant coffee as it will clog the filter plate.

If the heat is too high, coffee may have a burnt taste. Getting the optimum temperature for brewing may take some trial and error.

Store coffee grounds in airtight container, away from sunlight.

Use filtered water for best coffee flavor.

Replacement parts, if lost or worn out, can be found on Amazon.com.