Is ‘Italian” synonymous with “design”? Perhaps my husband could help answer that question. A proud European to the core, he practically shuddered with delight when a Bialetti Moka Express arrived in our home. Was I excited too? Yes, I adore coffee, especially any with a European preparation involved, but for my husband it meant a glimpse of home. He even researched the little unit and discovered the Bialetti is a 70-year-old Italian design icon, found in most Italian kitchens. And a big hurrah was let out from the man who yearns for something more lasting (and more Old World) these days.
So what is this Bialetti? Envision a simple coffee pot that brews espressos and prepares unbelievable coffee-house style coffee on your stovetop, without electricity, loud whirring noises, or attitudinal, heavily-pierced baristas rolling their eyes at you. If you wanted an espresso machine but didn’t want to cough up hundreds of dollars for the countertop hogging unit of your dreams, this darling Bialetti takes up no more than a few inches of space and starts at only $19.95, well worth every dime. Mine stays on the stove because it’s just that darned charming looking! And the coffee? Let’s put it this way: Since the Bialetti Moka Express’s arrival, my cappuccino machine has been in storage. The operation is simple. Place water in the bottom portion, fresh ground coffee in the strainer, screw on the top half, and set the unit on low heat until all the water from the bottom has found its way to the top. (I wait for this pleasant little gurgling sound; then I know my coffee is waiting.) The results is smooth, heavenly coffee with no grounds to chew around. I haven’t prepared a bad brew yet! It’s very consistent in its results, with the simplicity of the unit most likely its secret.
And my Euro husband? He used to work for an American movie company overseas and says this: “I did see the Bialetti Moka Express sometime in 1993, and had a taste of the coffee it produced. It was a great starter for a hard working day. And it was three Italians that brought this wonderful coffee maker to the film crew. A lot of us gathered there to jumpstart the day. Gianni was brewing, Aldo would comment and Adolfo would bless it, the rest would drink and wish for more.” I’d say that sums it up nicely! With no Adolfo for the blessing, though, I’ll just have to thank heaven each morning myself.
Want to win your own Bialetti Moka Express? The people of Bialetti are kindly offering one to a lucky carp(e) libris reviews reader!
Multiple Options for Multiple Entries:
1.) Just visit Bialetti and tell me something you liked or learned about the company or their products. (You may enter once a day.) Remember, leave an interesting comment. If I cannot contact the winner, you might be chosen instead based on your comment.
2.) Blog about, Twitter, and/or Subscribe! Get an extra entry for each of these activities. Blog about and/or Twitter this giveaway with a link to the post. Subscribers to carp(e) libris reviews and get an entry too! Just leave a separate comment for each, giving me a link to your blog post, your Twitter name, and/or a note saying you’re a subscriber. SUBSCRIBE HERE!
(Psst! My Twitter name is dkMommy.)
Feel free to do all four to gather multiple entries to win! You have until midnight EST on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, to enter.
What I liked about the company is that they are an innovator and trend-setter in the cookware market. The use cutting edge design, materials, and colors to appeal to a whole new audience of cookware buyers which makes them so popular.
I thought is was VERY interesting that the Moka Express can be found in 90% of Italian households – that should speak for itself!!
Loving coffee over here in Alabama!
Jamies last blog post..Debt is Slavery
I signed up to follow on Twitter as savinginstyle – yay!
Jamies last blog post..Debt is Slavery
I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/SavinginStyle/status/2091292369
Jamies last blog post..Debt is Slavery
Like the retro-style design and teaming up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation in their pink sets.
JaimeSewss last blog post..Bangle Dot Catch-All Bib
I love that the company has teamed up with the breast cancer foundation. That is really nice.
The self-draining pasta pot they came up with.
BRILETTI’S BRIKKA IS THE ONLY STOVETOP COFFEE MAKER ON THE MARKET THAT PRODUCES THE PERFECT “CREMA”.
and you know i gotta have sugar and crema.
I like that they do a pink one for breast cancer.
Bialetti takes up no more than a few inches of space mverno@roadrunner.com
I liked several of their coffee makers and found out that they focus on quality and use the highest grade aluminum in their products. The little guy is on all their pots.
Impressive and lovely giveaway. Their cookware products are great and the materials strong and durable. Thanks for this great giveaway.
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Excellent products. The electric espresso machine is versatile and makes cappuccino.
I subscribe.
Guess if I were Italian or had Italian friends….I would have already known about this treasure. I love this coffee maker.
I subscribe by email.
My 06/09 entry
ktgonyea at gmail.com
The Moka Sound model will play a tune for you when the coffee is ready!
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They choose the highest grade of aluminum to ensure optimum performance.
I like their Pizza Cutter and Garlic Press.
I subscribe by email.
Wow, founded in 1933 and now in over 90% of Italy’s homes. I love it!
Babas last blog post..Helping To Fight Ovarian Cancer
Posted here:
http://babasfarmlife.blogspot.com/2009/06/cool-giveaways_09.html
Babas last blog post..Helping To Fight Ovarian Cancer
Subscriber
Babas last blog post..Helping To Fight Ovarian Cancer
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/Babasfarmlife/status/2095067835
Babas last blog post..Helping To Fight Ovarian Cancer
I had no idea that they launched an advertising campaign as early as the 1950s..pretty cool. thanks for the contest.
I am a subscriber.
I like that they offer a pink version.
I am a subscriber!
I tweeted and follow – keep up the great blog!
They have a really cute cow print Cappuccino maker!
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I posted about this contest here
self-draining pasta pot
I learned that although the company has been in existence in Italy since 1933, Bialetti products did not come to the US until 2001!
I’m a subscriber!
You’ve aid it all. This is a great site, a great product and a great giveaway. Here’s what I saw on their website, “In 1933, Alfonso Bialetti revolutionized home coffee brewing in Italy with the introduction of the Moka Express aluminum stovetop brewer.”
I didn’t know Bialetti made kitchen tools. They’re beautiful! Makes me want to “accidentally” lose some of mine so I can replace them with these!
I’m subscribed.
Moka express can be found in nearly 90% of Italian homes…… that’s amazing
I’m following on twitter and tweeted here: http://twitter.com/stlyhu/status/2096185318
I learned the Moka Express is the world’s most recognized coffee maker. Over 120 million cups of this delicious, aromatic coffee, is made internationally every day. The “L’Omino” (the “Little Man”)-who’s figure is on every coffeepot-is the trusted symbol of quality and authenticity. And, YES, I want one! LOL
maggie@mannwieler.com
I’m a subscriber by email
maggie@mannwieler.com
I follow on Twitter as “Smokeysmom” and Tweeted this excellent giveaway:
http://twitter.com/smokeysmom/status/2096545207
maggie@mannwieler.com
i am so americanized with the plug in coffe brewers that I didnt even think about the stove top version of a coffee maker – I am so exicted to discover this thanks to you
tweet!!
http://twitter.com/crownthequeen/status/2096729334
I just love the pink cookware set. Makes cooking for 7 more of a fun activity!
I learned that Bialetti is pretty much synonymous with italian coffee making… MUST BE GOOD COFFEE!