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.
have a place already for this on my counter LOL daily entry monday june 15th
i like that they just take a few inches of space thanks
Monday entry! Thank you!
06/15 entry!
BialettiShop outlet section features products that have been used for demonstration purposes, discounted overstock as well as products that are new but have minor flaws. All products passed a thorough inspection process and, in the case of used products, have been cleaned thoroughly by our staff.
nice!
How cute is the Pink Cookware Set! I love coffee! Great giveaway! Thanks! senekers@comcast.net
As one of the world’s leader in stovetop espresso maker and cookware, Bialetti products are also among the most imitated and copied products in the world.
The company started in Italy in 1933 and they came to the US in 2001 – that was a long wait!
Thanks
I like the Pink Dama because part of the proceeds benefit the National Breast Care Foundation! However since this would be my dad, I think he would like a more…hhmmmm..manly version!
autielady[at]live.com
auties last blog post..Be posautive!
They created the first self draining pasta pot!
This coffee maker would make my dad’s father’s day truly something wonderful!
I learned Rondine has the 2nd largest market share of cookeware in Europe and 5th largest in the world.
I like that this company has a reputation for Superior Service.
Which to me says all I need to know.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
I am subscribed via email.
I have never thought of cookware as adorable until now–I would love to have a set of those ADORABLE polka dotted skillets!
I think the self-draining pasta pot sounds awesome! Though I’m sure I’d forget about it and the pasta would get all sticky. So maybe I’m better off with a pot and strainer! =]
self-draining pasta pot
I found out that they have appeared in many popular magazines and have had their products featured in “O- Oprah Magazine”, “Women’s Day”, “For Me” and many more! That says a lot about the reputation of this company and the products that they offer.
I learned that the Moka Express can be found in nearly 90 percent of Italian households.
Moka Express can be found in 90% of Italian households
Tuesday entry! Thank you!
The Bialetti made kitchen tools are really nice.
In the past couple years I have been doing volunteer work by bricklaying–I do the mortar, and am the hod carrier, but I love it. It can be very warm on the construction site, so need lots of water!!
Louise Werres last blog post..“Bialetti Moka Express” Stovetop Coffee Maker Giveaway
I’d love their garlic press. I still mince garlic by hand with a tiny paring knife!
I could use this in my RV. My pot is about to bite the dust.
In 1933 Alfonso Bialetti revolutionized home coffeebrewing in Italy with the introduction of the Moka Express aluminum stovetop brewer.
happy tuesday
I love to go camping but can’t do without my morning coffee when I’m away. The Bialetti Moka Express solved this problem for me. You can brew coffee over a campfire, on a Coleman stove or on my travel trailer’s gas stove. Yipee!! Problem solved!
A true retro look.
I like all of the cookware but especially the italian collection!
Moka Express can be found in 90% of Italian households
I think it’s pretttty interesting that I don’t have this yet >:/
The sound model lets you know when coffee is done by playing a tune.
I think it’s wonderful that they’ve teamed with National Breast Cancer Foundation and their pink Coffee maker is beautiful. Thank you!
Italian made- quality! …and it shows by the large percentage of users! This would go PERFECT with the Italian cafe style kitchen we are trying to achieve!
I just love the Pink Cookware Set by Bialetti.
Thanks for the great contest.
Tools & Gadgets feature traditional wood handles.
I love the Pink Dama! And I love that for every Pink Dama sold they’ll donate a portion of the proceeds to the National Breast Cancer Foundation!
final daily entry – june 16. thank you!!
do re mi
I love their Italian cookware
I like that they have a line of pink products that they donate a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer research. I especially like the Pink Mukka Express that makes two cups of authentic Italian cappuccino. A great wakeup drink and a great cause both in one purchase!! Thanks.
Bialetti offers free shipping for orders over $88.00
(and starts at only $4.50 for orders below)
The Moka Sound model will play a tune for you when the coffee is ready
I learned that they have teamed up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Good on them!
i love their Bialetti Caffe Concerto$349.00 that is so awesome
subscriber
Whomever wins this, is one lucky duck!
Thanks for a great giveaway!
anne_c_taylor@hotmail.com
(in Canada)
http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/2196352928
06/16 entry!