The Bialetti Moka Italian coffee maker

The Bialetti Moka was invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. It makes a rich, full-bodied espresso in just a few minutes on the stovetop. The Moka creates a concentrated coffee (more than a drip coffee) that can be used as a base for a great latte (or even tiramisu). Since our beginnings, we have sold both models of Moka: the aluminum (the original) and the stainless steel. There is no difference in taste between these two models; it is a matter of your preference in terms of look and type of metal. This coffee maker is sold in different sizes, ranging from 2 to 12 cups of espresso. It is affordable and easy to transport, making it the perfect coffee maker for a weekend camping trip!

Recommended mix: Fidelio

Recommended Cafellini grind: espresso #6 (coarsest)

The manual (semi-automatic) espresso machine

The semi-automatic espresso machine requires some manipulation, that is, you have to put the ground coffee in your machine yourself. At Cafellini, we sell the Rocket espresso machines. This very versatile machine allows you to froth milk and make coffee at the same time. With this one, Jordan assures us that it is possible to have as good a coffee at home as on a commercial machine like at Cafellini. You should allow about 15 to 20 minutes to warm up the machine, then another 5 minutes to make your coffee.

*Psst! Go read our blog post How to Make the Best Latte? for more tips and tricks!

Recommended blends: All our espresso blends (according to your tastes)

Recommended Cafellini grind: espresso #8 (very fine)

The super automatic machine

The super-automatic machine is the easiest to use. It can do everything: grind beans, extract espresso and froth milk, and all in just a few minutes. However, this is the type of machine that requires the most maintenance, because the interior is more complex. You must therefore make sure to get effective cleaning products and change the filters every 2 months or so. Even if the super-automatic machine makes a very good espresso, it will never be as rich and creamy as with a manual machine. Indeed, the plastic components inside the machine do not grind as finely and the water is not as hot. In this sense, the flavors of the espresso are not at their full potential. Despite this, super-automatic machines remain an excellent choice for having a good coffee ready quickly in the morning.

Recommended blends: Kyoto , Fidelio , Giulietta , Gran Copola , Decaf , Federico , Bella Nera (the strongest, but won't damage your machine)

Mixes to avoid: Don Pepe , Kenya AA Brown , Kenya AA Black and Plan C Black

*As these blends are heavily roasted, they contain more oil, which can clog the grinder and thus break the machine*

Recommended grind: The machine does it for you!

Quick tips in a row

• Ideally, it is good to have a good grinder at home to grind your own coffee. The more the coffee is ground at the last minute, the fresher it is! Also, it allows you to be more precise in your grinding.
• If you're not sure which type of beans are best for which grind, here's a tip: the lighter the bean, the finer the grind. Conversely, the darker the bean, the coarser the grind.

Do not hesitate to write to us at info@cafellini.com for more information or come see us in Saint-Bruno to ask your questions!