Bialetti Brikka Review: Is The Coffee Crema Worth It?
My review of the Brikka by Bialetti is for those who are considering a stovetop espresso maker but aren’t sure which is best for them. I’m here to help!
What Is The Difference Between Bialetti Brikka And The Moka Express?
When you use a Bialetti Moka Express, pressure builds in the bottom water reservoir pushing the boiling water up through the coffee grounds and into the upper chamber with coffee ready to drink. This coffee, because the pressure is lower than a commercial espresso machine, is lacking the delicious crema on top. The process is the same for the Brikka, but the water reservoir is heavier duty because of an increase in pressure caused by the smaller holes for the boiling water to pass through. This generates a crema similar to a commercial espresso maker, but the pressure is still a bit less with the Brikka, so the results aren’t identical to a commercial espresso.
How Does Bialetti Brikka Work?
If you have ever used a Bialetti Moka, the process for brewing a stovetop espresso with a Brikka is nearly identical. The steps are:
- Fill the boiler with water using the plastic measuring cup supplied, insert the funnel filter into the boiler and fill with coffee that was ground specifically for a Moka, without pressing it down.
- Screw the upper part onto the boiler and tighten well, without forcing the handle.
- Put the coffee maker on the stove and turn it to medium.
- Check through the lid to determine when the froth has fully formed inside the upper part of the moka and immediately remove Brikka from the heat source. This Part Is Important: the heat does not dissipate quickly and it will continue to boil even once you remove it from the stove. If you wait too long, the coffee will boil over and make a mess, so better to be too early than too late.
- Pour the coffee into the cups, evenly distributing coffee and crema (foam).
What Is The Bialetti Brikka Made Of?
There is the standard version and the induction version, which is dependent on the type of stove you use. The parts are the same, except for the boiling pot on the bottom. The standard version is aluminum and the induction is a combination of aluminum and steel that facilitates the induction process. The parts are made of these materials:
- Body material: Aluminum
- Handle material: Thermoplastic
- Knob material: Thermoplastic
Does The Coffee Taste Different In A Brikka?
It does, and that is why the Brikka is such a great option. While the coffee itself tastes the same, when you add the crema, the cup becomes much smoother and creamier. Given the limitations of the home espresso makers, it can never be as good as the espresso you can get at a proper Italian coffee house, it is as close as possible with a stovetop espresso maker.
Is The Brikka More Complicated To Use?
Generally, no. The coffee brewing process is exactly the same as using a moka or some other type of stovetop espresso maker. The one exception is that you need to pay closer attention to when the boiling starts. If you wait too long, it can boil over, so be ready once you hear that percolating sound coming from the Brikka.
Are The Bialetti Brikkas Made In Italy?
While this is an easy question, there is not a clear answer. Over the years, Bialetti has made their products both in and outside of Italy. Some pieces are stamped with “Made In Italy” and others indicate they are “Designed In Italy”, implying they were manufactured elsewhere. For me, the value is in the design and not the manufacturing, but there is a pride aspect to being made in Italy. I think the way to interpret the labeling is that some parts are made in Italy and others aren’t, but all designs are Italian.
Is The Brikka More Complicated To Clean?
Not at all. The parts are basically the same and you can clean them by hand. It is also NOT recommended to use a dishwasher or soap to clean any of these stovetop espresso makers. For more information, check out:
- Moka Pot Cleaning With Vinegar.
- Moka Pot Mistakes That Can Wreck A Delicious Italian Coffee.
- How To Use Stovetop Espresso Makers.
Should I Buy A Bialetti Brikka?
Since this is a review, it seems appropriate to tell you if you should or shouldn’t buy a Bialetti Brikka. I don’t think this is the right stovetop espresso maker if this is the first time you have tried using one. In particular, the line between crema and boiling over is pretty thin. If this is your first Bialetti, I would recommend a Moka Express.
If you are a veteran of the stovetop espresso making options and want to try something new, I would strongly recommend buying on. The bottom line is that the crema does make an enjoyable improvement in the coffee and it is worth the effort. Just be careful so that it doesn’t boil over.
More Italian Stove-Top Espresso Makers
If you found this review of the Bialetti Brikka useful and/or informational, please check out some of these other coffee maker articles that I think you will also enjoy:
- Skip The Bialetti Mini Express 2-Cup Stovetop Coffee Maker.
- Coffee From Italy Can Be Enjoyed At Home Overview.
- The “La Cupola” By Alessi Will Brighten Every Morning.
- The Beautiful Alessi Pulcina Stove-Top Espresso Maker.
- Could A Famous Stove-Top Espresso Maker Go Out Of Business?
- Long Live The Amazing Bialetti Stove-Top Espresso Makers!
- A Neapolitan Coffee Experience.
