Moka pot/Bialletti experts please help….

[Decisionsdecisions1]

I have a new Bialletti moka pot, bought two months ago. First few weeks worked fine. Proper gurgling sounds and filled up the top properly.

Now it splutters and leaks a bit and steam rather than gurgles and only fills half of the top bit. I’ve tried:

• making sure all parts, filter etc are properly clean
• made sure it’s screwed on properly with no coffee grinds in the way
• only filling the water to the right level
• a low heat
• a high heat
• less coffee in the top/more coffee in the top (never tamp it down)

I feel I must be missing something obvious….,

Two things I can think of; 1, the plastic seal has degraded, although it shouldn’t have after 2 months. I think you can buy replacements on amazon. And 2, have you changed the type of coffee? The espresso ground (whatever brand) should be the one used.

After much trial and error I will only use Alessi stove top pots now, I found the Bialetti ones to be bit rubbish (which doesn’t help you in your present coffee predicament!).

Thanks Tutor. It's the same coffee we've used before. And have tried experimenting with different coffees too, ground for Moka pots.

So much for Biarletti - might have to revert toy cheapo no brand one!

Try boiling water first in kettle and then filling the base up to the line. You will have to use a towel or rubber gloves to protect your hand when screwing it together. It might not make a difference as it might be the seal that needs replacing but worth a try.

Google James Hoffman mokka pot technique

I lost the rubber seal that goes in the bottom of the top half so worth checking that. If it is that, You can get replacements if you measure up eg www.amazon.co.uk/Silicone-Replacement-Gasket-Ring-Espresso-Compatible/dp/B0FDL1VZG8/ref=asc_df_B0FDL1VZG8?mcid=3fc64cfef75739658abad4adc6544ec9&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=745678609368&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6247638900282445626&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006631&hvtargid=pla-2442525065703&psc=1&hvocijid=6247638900282445626-B0FDL1VZG8-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1

Double posted by accident

Yup I boil the water first. And the rubber seal is still intact. Just surprising as it’s only 7 weeks old.

Today’s coffee tasted burnt and bitter - as had to leave it on the hob for so long just to get a half full top bit.

Thanks, this is v helpful. I might try putting an aero press filter in. Also didn’t realise you can open the top while it’s brewing to see what’s going on. I thought that would stop it working properly.

Also reminds me that it’s intended to make very strong shortish coffee and I should be adding more water for an americano.

For an americano you add hot water afterwards.

Also how big is the pot you’re using? Ex was Italian and I learnt the mistake people make is buying too big a pot. For one coffee you need the teeny tiniest one and then you cram as much coffee in as you can.

If you put one spoon of coffee into a pot made for 8 then it’s not going to work, the coffee isn’t dense enough and any water that steams up is going to plop right down again.