Stovetop Espresso - Coffee Tastes Burnt

[Scotter]

Hi Everyone,

I have just recently started using a stovetop espresso maker at home. I have a basic version from Baccarat, nothing special.

When making my coffee I follow the directions that came with the item. Grind up my beans, place them in with water in the bottom and then onto the stove on medium-high heat. Everything goes well enough, but for some reason the coffee that is coming out of it is always tasting just a little bit burnt. I went to the local coffee shop and got a type of bean they said should work better in the stovetop espresso, but it is still tasting burnt.

Are there any tips/tricks out there from people experienced with this type of coffee maker?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[PinkRose]

Hello Scott,

I'm assuming that the stove top espresso maker that you're referring to is a moka pot.

Did you "season" your moka pot before using it? If you do a Google search, you'll find lots of information about seasoning the stove top espresso maker. (moka pot)

Also, you said that you are using medium-high heat. Too high of a flame, resulting in a too fast coffee making process, will make the coffee taste bitter and burnt. Try lowering your flame. It may take a little longer to get the water to boil, but it may make a difference. Remove the pot from the heat when you hear the gurgling sound. If you leave it on the flame too long, the coffee will taste burnt too.

Rose

 

[Scotter]

Hi Rose,

Yes I mean Moka Pot, called by a different name here

I will try turning the heat down and see how that goes. I try to take it off the stove once I hear the gurgling, so I'm on it with that tip.

Off to make myself a pot now with a lower temp, will let you know how it goes.

 

[Scotter]

Oh, and yes I did season it.

 

[Flori]

How is your moka pot going now? Hope it is much better for you that when you first started it.

Flori
Blogger, CoffeeLoversOfWorld.com

 

[CoffeeJunky]

Yes it will burn if it is too hot.
I think that is the part of the nature. But if you go to Youtube, you will find great informative videos.

Good Luck

 

[cfbugsbunny]

Hi Everyone,

I have just recently started using a stovetop espresso maker at home. I have a basic version from Baccarat, nothing special.

When making my coffee I follow the directions that came with the item. Grind up my beans, place them in with water in the bottom and then onto the stove on medium-high heat. Everything goes well enough, but for some reason the coffee that is coming out of it is always tasting just a little bit burnt. I went to the local coffee shop and got a type of bean they said should work better in the stovetop espresso, but it is still tasting burnt.

Are there any tips/tricks out there from people experienced with this type of coffee maker?

Thanks,
Scott

I lift the lid up on my Bialetti 6 cup. That way I can see when it starts coming up through the top. I then lower my flame down to slow down the process. Once I see that the coffee level is up to the bottom of the triangular pouring spout I cut the flame and let the heat of the unit take care of the rest. It seems to be a good method and got it from another site.
Good luck.
Mark