6 reviews for Stainless Steel Espresso Coffee Maker

Aunt B
Rated 5 out of 5
February 19, 2022
As I am purchasing my second Primula espresso maker, I am moved to write a review. We have used this at least once a day for the past 15 months, and have been nothing but completely happy with the espresso this pot makes. For those who complain about a bit of water left in the bottom after the coffee is done - this is intentional. If there is no bits of water remaining, you have left it on the heat too long. We buy espresso grind (locally roasted) coffee, and tap the side of the filter to settle the coffee, but have never tamped it down. If you want the creme, you need to remove it from heat BEFORE it starts the bubbling sound. We have two larger Cuisinox pots as well, and I think the Primula makes just as good espresso (and at a great price). For those wanting to use this on a wood stove - I wouldn't. I would be worried about the handle. I would choose a Cuisinox which has a stainless handle instead. I personally never use soap to clean the inside, as I prefer to let it develop a patina, but I do tap the filter against the sink to loosen any 'sludge' that may have accumulated. We moved to these stainless pots about 6 years ago from the aluminum ones, and aside from the health benefits of stainless over aluminum, it makes a much better cup of coffee!
ShoppingMom
Rated 5 out of 5
January 17, 2022
This is exactly what we needed! This little gem of an espresso maker works perfectly with easy clean up and the most important part, it's all stainless steel so it won't leach aluminum into your drinks or your body! IT is so easy to use. You fill the bottom with water, fill the removeable filter with espresso coffee like LavAzza which is awesome, and put it on the stove top for a few minutes, mine is a gas stove. It rinses clean in seconds and looks nice on the counter top for daily use. My son has made lattes with frothed milk and added syrups and a little whipped topping and says that it is as good as any he has purchased. I'm not much for sweetened drinks and I use only full fat cream, I use 2 oz full fat cream warmed and 3 oz espresso and it is fantastic! We couldn't be happier and from the reviews I read on counter top machines, this seems like the way to go. We have 4 coffee drinkers in the house so we use K-cups, a french press and now this. My poor old coffee pot sits unused unless we have a large gathering. Thank you for this quality Primula espresso maker!
Philip W. Knopp
Rated 5 out of 5
January 13, 2022
I bought this to use pre-ground espresso coffee (espresso grind). I own a Nespresso capsule machine as well as a big Jura Capressa. The Primula can make about 6 oz. of pretty strong coffee with a maximum load of about two Tbsp of espresso grind. I tried about 4 oz. of water to see how close I could get to a Nespresso capsule. Well, close...but the pressure feed of the Nespresso was much better when it comes to straight black espresso. However, for a latte type drink the Primula works fine. So for mixed espresso drinks, you could get by with the Primula. It cleans up pretty quickly, and if you load it to the max you can make two latte type drinks well enough. Just don’t expect a maximal espresso...but I use it three or four times a week! The Primula is well made and the pressure vessel is extra heavy. No problems there...
Joseph
Rated 5 out of 5
November 15, 2021
Even though it has only been one day that I have had this, I feel confident in its build quality and am convinced that it is an excellent value at $23. I can tell the handle will not and is not meant to withstand any torque as a result of joining or dismantling the unit. It is meant to hold the unit, and allow pouring and that is it. The reservoir holds 8oz, no more on this 6 cup model. Do not put more than that in the reservoir or you may have problems such as leaks. It is the perfect amount for 2 cups with steamed or warmed/frothed milk. I used some old freezer beans for my first run, I was also using a new hand grinder so I am still getting used to the grind settings. It was a fine grind, I tamped lightly. The first pot smelled fantastic! but I dumped it down the drain and waited for things to cool down to clean things up and go again. This time with a french roast bean and a slightly more coarse grind but still fine. Assembled the halves being sure that there were no loose grinds to interfere with the 2 parts joining properly and put it on the heat. I preheated the water this time and it started brewing a little faster. It gives the same auditory signals that an electric espresso machine gives, the sputtering means it is about done and remove it from the heat when it is mostly silent. It was a fantastic cup of espresso, well cappuccino I suppose, just like I remember from my old machine. This type of coffee making takes some attention to detail and careful execution to be successful. It is not a set it and forget it kind of thing. You are committed to the process for about 12 minutes, depending on your heat source and barista skills. Of course once you have enjoyed your Java, you have to clean the unit and dry it for best results.I experienced no leaks, no surprises just a splendid cup of espresso. The unit is easy to clean, no soap just hot water and brush or cloth. maybe occasionally remove the silicone ring(takes a little effort) and give the filter a good cleaning especially if it ever gets left for extended periods after use. I use baking soda to remove any stains where coffee is involved.I will add any updated information as time goes by but for now I have full confidence in this product and recommend it to anyone who is looking for an economical way to make espresso that is full stainless steel. Seeing how things have changed in the last few years where old time quality has given way to new world garbage, it is refreshing to see that a quality item can still be had for a decent price amongst all the inferior options.
Drake C.
Rated 5 out of 5
June 4, 2021
I first start reading the negative reviews first about everything I buy. Of course this product has way more positives than negatives. Let me address the negative comments.The seal. Some say it leaked. No it does not leak at all. Simple just screw it on.Metallic coating in water pot: No this is stainless steel too. It is unpolished stainless and is not a coating.Does not make six cups: lol it makes 6 cups of 1 oz espresso each. Some people are just idiots.I am so impressed with this product I am not using my expensive electric espresso anylonger.
Your Number One Fan
Rated 5 out of 5
May 24, 2021
I had used strictly Bialetti brand moka pots prior to this. I wanted to give a stainless steel version a shot. As far as I could tell, all the Bialetti ones were aluminum. So this seems to start brewing a bit faster than the 3 cup version of the Bialetti (this is a 4 cup version). I fill the reservoir with already hot water (I use one of those hot tea water heaters) so as to not scorch the coffee from sitting on the stove too long. So far it makes a pretty decent cup of coffee though sometimes it sputters for longer than I like toward the end of a brew. Cleanup is pretty easy. I've never met a moka pot where the coffee grain funnel just plucks right out, so expect to have to upturn this thing to get it out, unless you've got good fingernails. I've only had it a couple weeks so no signs of corrosion, and I hope that continues to be the case.