Espresso Pot

[dern]

I was bought a stove top espresso pot for father's day. It looks a bit like this...



According to the instructions I have to wait until the top is full (that is all the water from the bottom reaches the top) but this never happens. I get about half the water from the bottom in the top and the rest stays in the bottom and then both halves simmer away.

What am I doing wrong or it is broken in some way?

Thanks,

Mark

[Mannginger]

Sounds like you haven't got a proper seal formed. Check the underside of the top half.

Is the rubber seal tight all the way round and the "filter" properly seated within it? You can buy new seals as well so don't chuck it if the seal's dodgy!

[Mobile Chicane]

Also make sure you haven't got ground coffee on the seal or in the screw thread.

[dern]

Thanks, I'll check that and try again.

[taldo50]

in my experience, the bottom never emties completely, i also assume you are letting the old girl boil properly?

[Stu R]

You'll always get a small amount left, but nowhere near half.

Echo the comments above about the seal. Worth getting ahold of some spare seals too if you haven't got any already.
Don't leave it on the heat to run dry, it wrecks the seals.

[dern]

taldo50 said:

in my experience, the bottom never emties completely, i also assume you are letting the old girl boil properly?

I believe so... it's certainly warm enough that the coffee in the top has stared to actually boil but no more is coming through from the bottom.

I tried cleaning it all up, using the spare seal and even using both to no avail. Maybe the safety valve is leaking.

I'll take it back i think.

Thanks,

Mark

[DBSV8]

dern said:

taldo50 said:

in my experience, the bottom never emties completely, i also assume you are letting the old girl boil properly?

I believe so... it's certainly warm enough that the coffee in the top has stared to actually boil but no more is coming through from the bottom.

I tried cleaning it all up, using the spare seal and even using both to no avail. Maybe the safety valve is leaking.

I'll take it back i think.

Thanks,

Mark

If your kids don't mind I would reccommend swapping it for a percolator , essentially its what you have already ( moka pot )



delonghi make fantastic coffee

[dern]

Sorted. Got the replacement and I could immediately see the problem... the original didn't have the tube running from the bottom of the coffee filter bit that goes down in to the water. Now I see it needs that to force the water up through the coffee by pressure from the heated water.

The coffee tastes lovely

Cheers,

Mark

[tim-b]

dern said:

... the original didn't have the tube running from the bottom of the coffee filter bit that goes down in to the water. ...

wow that's great italian quality control for you!

BTW does anyone notice the coffee tasting slightly burnt with these if you keep it one the heat for too long? or is it in my imagnation?

[Mannginger]

No I notice that too but assumed it was just me being precious, it's not a bad taste, just added "bitterness"