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Bialetti Moka Express
N
o one takes coffee more seriously than the Italians , where good espresso fuels the population ’ s days – and nights – even more than Vespas and pasta . This is a country where , remember , lattes are drunk only by children . So it ’ s a good sign that this iconic coffee pot sits on 9 out of 10 Italian stovetops and has done , pretty much unchanged , for over 80 years .
Invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti , it was introduced into an Italy of the Great Depression where Italians were forced to cut down their visits to the cafe but couldn ’ t do without their coffee so were ready and probably a little jittery for a way of making an affordable espresso at home .
Bialetti was inspired by the workings of his wife ’ s primitive washing machine that used a fire to heat pressurised water in a sealed bucket . Many prototypes later and with help from designer Luigi De Ponti , the Moka Express was born . As well as sitting stylishly on most Italian stoves , it can now also be found in The Design Museum , the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum to name but a few .
The design uses steam pressure to make great coffee . A lower water holding section acts as the boiler . When heated , pressure pushes the water up through the funnelshaped metal filter filled with ground coffee and the freshly brewed liquid collects in the upper chamber where you can pour it into your cup . The fact that it happens in that distinctive eight sided Art Deco pot seals this inexpensive icon ’ s timeless status and brings a touch of Dolce Vita to any kitchen .
But what of the other icon involved ? The cartoon mascot on every pot is called l ’ omino coi baffi , or “ the moustachioed little man ”. He was commissioned from Italian artist Paul Campani in 1953 as a way of distinguishing Bialetti ’ s Moka Express from rival coffee pots . It ’ s apparently a caricature of Alfonso Bialetti ’ s eldest son , Renato .
He ’ s looked out at countless cups of great espresso percolated and bubbled up from the depths of this design classic and blissfully drunk in kitchens filled with the one of the world ’ s greatest aromas , also courtesy of the Moka Express – fresh coffee .
S E E + SHOP
Find the rest of Bialetti ’ s range at www . hartsofstur . com
Bialetti Moka Express 12 Cup Espresso Maker RRP : £ 69.99 Harts Price : £ 62.99 ( 1 Cup to 18 cup versions available from £ 24.29 to £ 71.99 )
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