Stovetop espresso maker

[Deleted]

We received a relatively nice automatic espresso maker when we got married 9 years ago. Unfortunately, we wore it out! Another $700-1000+ is not in the budget so we bought a Tassimo. I like it. However, we are going through 6 pods a day minimum and the waste is killing me!

So. I was thinking of a stovetop espresso maker but have never actually seen one in use. Any recommendations or advice? Are they messy? Can I use one on my glass top stove?

I don't think Dh would use it but that would at least cut down on half the waste. Plus the pods are not cheap.
TIA

[knitty]

We just have those standard ones you see everywhere that are kind of octagonal. They're not messy, but You need to use them frequently or they et that weird crystalline stuff inside them. You'll still need to froth the milk, though.

[Deleted]

I use a Bialetti Moka Express. It's easy to use and not particularly messy. You basically just rinse it out, as you're not supposed to wash the coffee oils off with soap or anything ( so I'm told.) I've never noticed any crystalline stuff on the inside.

[littlemermaid]

I have a stovetop one. Being Italian we made espresso a lot growing up and automatic ones weren't around back then. So the stovetop version was the only kind we had. It's real simple to use, no filters required, makes it quick and easy cleanup.
Mine looks similar to this one:
www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=11305466&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CLDD-J-8iLQCFe5FMgod-SsAeA

[Deleted]

Thanks ladies!

[mmmomof2]

We had a Bialetti, and once it developed the crystals it couldn't seal right and did make a mess. Plus you had to pack and seal it perfectly to get the foam to work. You would get foam, but your espresso would be cold. It was strange. I got DH a "cheap" (around $150) plug in espresso maker by Breville and it has worked well considering the price.