Bialetti Mukka Express 2-cup Espresso Machine

I love my Mukka maker. It did leak at first, but only because *I* was not firmly attaching both ends together. Once I figured that out, it has been smooth latte and cappuccino sailing. I don't believe there are any inherent design flaws with the Mukka. I have been buying these as gifts (along with a can or two of Illy coffee) for friends in the USA and they too have had no problems once they get through the first few pots.

A few tips I found helpful: Once you hear the frothing sounds, you can turn down the heat just a little to control the frothing and the flow of the coffee. Leave the heat on until the frothing noise dissapaites, then remove from the heat. This will ensure that all the steam pressure is released. After my cappuccino is done I always release and remove the steam valve, rinse it well, and then fill the milk chamber with warm water. This makes cleaning it later in the day a breeze. Also, the directions recommend taking the Mukka completely apart and cleaning it well after 30 pots. This is important because powdery coffee granules will eventually build up on the inside of the filter and not allow the coffee to rise to the top chamber.

I have had the best results using either 1-2% milk or using vanilla soy milk regarding froth. I have tried unsweetened soy milk and it did not froth well.

An aside: let me say that I am shocked at how expensive the Mukka maker is in the USA compared to Italy. Sure, they are made in Italy, not the USA but $89 USD seems excessive. I bought my Mukka for 28 Euros and it included 2 large Bialetti Cappuccino cups. Also interesting to note is that replacement parts and gaskets for the Mukka and all other Moka makers are much easily found here in Italy (usually at a grocery or home store) than in the USA.