Stovetop Espresso Maker - Vev Vigano Kontessa Gold 4 cup size

Had it 9 months. Makes a good cup of coffee. Trouble is the water compartment has increasingly become rusty on the bottom. Its not stainless steel, even though everything else is!

Anyway took it back to the retailer who were good enough to replace it with a different brand at their own expense. Apparently Vev has a non refundable non replacement policy. Doesn't that just say it all! You'd expect them to be made in China not Italy.

The unit is very beautiful and efficient in making espresso. Will last for decades if you take care of it. Espresso is done in about 3-5 minutes. I like the fact that the unit comes completely apart for proper cleaning and is made from stainless steel. Only exception to this is that the inside water compartment has a rust proof coating that does eventually wear off, but the solution is to simply clean it after you use it, or scrub it with steel wool once in while. The included gasket lasted about 6 months under normal everyday use. Very nice unit. I owned it for about 1 year, but I have stopped drinking coffee now.

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Can't believe I've had this espresso maker for 4 years! There is a gasket between the bottom and top sections that I've needed to replace for about 2 months now (still works, just looks like it needs to be replaced) so while I was searching for that part I thought I'd put a review down.

I have used this at least 5 times a week for the past 4 years, and have never had a problem with it. I'm not sure how the previous reviewer got rust on the bottom of his (maybe he lives near saltwater and it reacted with the metal of his heating element?) -it is most certainly stainless steel.

I've always used mine with a gas stoves, so mine actually is done brewing in about 2 minutes. It is the perfect time to make a latte -start the espresso brewing, 30 seconds to grab the glass and pour the milk, heat milk in the microwave for 90 seconds, and when the microwave beeps the espresso maker is making that tell-tail sound that it is finished. Perfect!

Since I am the only one in my household who drinks coffee, I love that this is a "4-cup" size (which is actually the right amount of espresso for one of my lattes) -it makes the right amount for me. If you want to serve more, get a bigger one. You can't do rapid-fire back-to-back brews with this unless you have fireproof hands that can pull it apart while still hot. (I have a french press for when I have company over and need to brew extra). I find that it takes about 5 minutes before I can handle this to wash/reload.

Pros:

-High quality / very durable materials

-Size (for me is perfect)

-Looks good (i keep it on the back burner in view)

-Pour spout pours cleanly without drips or dribbles (unlike some cheaper ones I've used)

-Easy to disassemble / clean

Cons (these are pretty much the same for all stove-top espresso makers):

-Can't 'reload' until it has cooled

-Handle gets hot if placed directly over the flame (I set mine to the side a bit, and keep the handle out of the flame; still use a towel when I pour)

I would highly recommend this, and if the day comes when I need to replace mine I will definitely look to this brand!

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I ordered this one because I could not afford the $197 one I really wanted. I am not sorry, since getting this I am making 4-5 cups of perfect expresso throughout my day. Up from 1 cup a day. This machine works extremely well and the coffee is just perfect. Follow the instructions on the little booklet packed in its box and you are on your way to heavenly brews.

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When I first became interested (addicted) to espresso at home I researched via the web and bought a medium priced pump espresso maker. I didn't like it much as it took so much care to get the coffee hot. So for the next few years I settled on a cheapo Mr. Coffee espresso maker. It broke, and I read about a stove top espresso maker and especially the Vev Vigano Kontesso Gold. I just made my first cup and I am enthusiastic! It was hot, but not bitter at all. I agree with other reviewers that it does come close to the more expensive pump espresso machines. I love the idea of no electrical parts or dials. I am now a convert. Plus it looks very classy with the gold trim. Highly recommend it!! Oh and no grounds! It would be great on a camping trip.

Several months later I came back to revise this slightly. Watch out, if you cook the coffee out, it will burn the pot, and wreck the seals. Don't walk away.