Does anyone have a moka?

[Sweetpotatocurry]

I used to use mine when I was a student in Italy...but my flatmate bought all the coffee, and I have just discovered you apparently need to use moka coffee. I had been using Illy espresso and it doesn't seem to work. Where can I get moka granules please?

[darlingbudsofjuly]

eh? one of those stovetop espresso thingies? have one, use it all the time - with standard Lavazza espresso coffee. Works fine! Really quick, great coffee, super-cheap, no worktop space unlike fancy pod machines - I love it!

[Sgtmajormummy]

Sounds fine to me. Can't get better than Illy.

Is there a blockage somewhere, like limescale in the middle filter? If you haven't used it for a while, give it a soak in Viakal or whatever you use for the bathroom, then wash it well with washing up liquid before running two sets of coffee through it.

It could also be the rubber washer in the middle that has perished and it's not sealing properly.

[Sweetpotatocurry]

Yep that is the thing. Ah ok, well I will keep trying it then. It is quite new. I went on the Illy website and they said it is essential to use moka granules...but they would, wouldn't they?! Thanks v much

[darlingbudsofjuly]

Oh yes, do have a look at the ring thingie - they do perish, but are v cheap to replace (Italian grocers have the right bits).
Illy, Lavazza - I don't think it matters.