Coffee & Espresso Makers Tips

Bialetti Mukka Express 2-cup Espresso Machine Key FeaturesTypeEspresso MachineCapacity2 CupOperation SourceElectric DimensionsWid...

Bialetti Mukka Express Espresso Machine Key FeaturesTypeEspresso MachineCapacity1 CupOperation SourceElectric Technical Fea...

The Bialetti Mukka Express comes in three colors: a cow print, silver with a black bottom, and all silver. Each unit functions in the same way and each sells for $89.99. I did not find a store that sold it for less. That told me something.

The Bialetti Mukka Express makes excellent Cappuccino and Latte. It’s important to follow the directions regarding the first uses of the Mukka Express. The directions indicate that you should first make three pots of coffee and discard them. I thought this was a little extravagant, but I followed the directions. The directions were correct. The first pot yielded a mediocre froth. I discarded it, rinsed out the pot and did a second pot. To my surprise this trial yielded an excellent froth. The third time was even better. The fourth pot was superb. Subsequently I learned that the purpose of the three initial uses was not only to insure that the unit was clean but also to set the gaskets so that they seal properly.

The Mukka Express makes real Cappuccino. There are two critical elements in making Cappuccino: the froth and the temperature of the resulting coffee. The froth was excellent. Use milk directly from the refrigerator. Cold milk will make a better froth. I used regular milk. You must use exact measurements to get consistently good results. A plastic measuring cup is included for the water, and the amount of milk for Cappuccino is marked on the inside of the top part of the unit. The directions for Latte are different. Once you know what to do, it is all quite simple and within four minutes of so, depending on your stove, you will have an excellent Cappuccino or Latte. The amount of water and the position of the pressure valve are different for Cappuccino and Latte. You must follow the directions. Milk and only milk can be used in the upper part. The lower part (heater unit) is for water only. Espresso coffee is placed in the “funnel filter.” Do not pack down the coffee.

For Cappuccino the valve must be in the DOWN position. This is actually the open position. After applying heat for a few minutes the resulting steam with push the valve up, closing it, and the milk will froth as the coffee is pushed into the upper part of the unit. This happens very quickly and you should keep the top lid closed until the frothing finishes. If you choose to watch this fast process, be sure to close the lid when the frothed milk nears the top. Then you can turn off the heat and just wait a minute or so for the resulting Cappuccino to get to the proper temperature. You will know how long to wait after a few trials. All stoves are different but the process should take about four minutes. Because it is so fast, I highly recommend that you stay at the stove until the process is finished.

The resulting Cappuccino measures about 10 ounces. Italian Cappuccino cups hold about five ounces. You can pour about five ounces into each of two Cappuccino cups and then divide the remaining froth by using a spoon. American coffee cups usually hold much more than five ounces.

For Latte (the Italian word for milk) the valve must be in the upper (closed) position. Fill the heater unit (lower part) with water to the upper ring. This amount of water is about 12 ounces. The amount of milk and coffee is the same. After joining the top and bottom apply heat according to directions. This makes about 16 ounces of Latte.

For both Cappuccino and Latte you may wish to leave the Mukka Express on the stove (after turning off the heat) for about 60 seconds. This will heat the Cappuccino or Latte to a higher temperature, if you wish.

Helpful hints:

- Do NOT over tighten the top unit onto the bottom unit. Only reasonable hand pressure sufficient to make a good seal is necessary. This seems counter-intuitive but if you over tighten the unit, the seal will not be a good seal and some water and steam may begin to escape as the unit heats. Use the same pressure as you would to tighten a cover onto a jar to make it water tight – about 3 pounds of pressure. With just a little experience you will know exactly how much pressure to use.

- You must wait until the unit is entirely cool before you attempt to unscrew it. When it is completely cool, at least 20 minutes off the heat, remove the valve, and then fill the top with water. If there is any residual pressure the valve opening will draw in a little water. Rinse. Then the unit will be easy to unscrew.

- Use only a soft sponge and a little liquid dish washing detergent (like Dawn or Joy). Do not use powdered cleaners or an abrasive sponge. The unit may only be hand washed.

- The unit may be air-dried.

Cappuccino cups hold about five ounces. Latte can be served in a regular size American coffee cup.

Mugs are not appropriate for Cappuccino or Latte.

You are not going to find another way to make proper Cappuccino or Latte for this price. The Mukka Express will outperform a not so expensive ($150-$250) steam pump machine, and the Mukka Express is easier to maintain.

I was ready to return the Bialetti Mukka Express if it was not satisfactory. It is more than satisfactory. I am considering buying another one. The Bialetti Mukka Express is easy to use, easy to clean and it makes real Cappuccino and Latte. If you follow the directions the resulting Cappuccino or Latte will be perfect.

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