I still use my Moka pot from time to time, especially when the power goes out. I have a gas top, so that is perfect for me. However, I wanted to look into something a bit more fancy than my regular second-hand one. So I am sharing my findings here in my Alessi 9090 Manico Forato review.
Brief overview: The Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker is a classic design by Richard Sapper that has been in production since 1978. It is made of stainless steel and features a unique closing system that allows you to open and close the coffee maker with a simple push of the handle.
The Alessi 9090 is not only a functional device, but also a beautiful object that can be displayed on your kitchen counter or table.
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In this Alessi 9090 review, we will look at the following:
Alessi 9090 Manico Forato review – the basics
Let us start this Alessi 9090 Manico Forato review with the basics. The Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker comes in different sizes, from 1 to 10 cups, and has a reducer filter that lets you adjust the amount of coffee you want to brew.
The handle, I love the color, has a perforated inside that helps to disperse the heat and prevent burns.
The spout is designed to pour the coffee smoothly and without dripping.
The Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker is compatible with all types of stoves, including induction. It is easy to use and clean, and it produces a rich and aromatic espresso that can be enjoyed on its own or with milk and sugar.
The Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker is a great choice for anyone who loves Italian coffee culture and appreciates timeless design.
How to use the Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker
To use the Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker, follow these simple steps:
- Fill the bottom chamber with cold water up to the level indicated by the safety valve.
- Place the filter funnel in the bottom chamber and fill it with finely ground espresso coffee. Do not tamp or overfill the filter. Here you can learn what coffee to use for espresso.
- If you want to brew less than the maximum capacity of the coffee maker, use the reducer filter and fill the water up to the appropriate level.
- Connect the top and bottom chambers by hooking them together and pressing down on the handle until it clicks into place.
- Place the coffee maker on the stove over low to medium heat, with the lid open.
- Wait until the coffee starts to percolate through the central column and into the top chamber. You will hear a hissing sound when it is done.
- Remove the coffee maker from the heat and stir the coffee gently with a spoon.
- Serve the espresso in small cups and enjoy.
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Pros and cons of the Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is made of high-quality stainless steel that is durable and resistant to corrosion. | It is more expensive than other stovetop espresso makers on the market. |
| It has a sleek and elegant design that adds style to your kitchen. | It requires careful maintenance and cleaning to prevent calcium deposits and stains. |
| It has a patented closing system that makes it easy to open and close with one hand. | It may not fit well on some stoves due to its shape and size. |
| It has a perforated handle that prevents burns and a spout that pours smoothly. | |
| It comes with a reducer filter that allows you to brew different amounts of coffee according to your preference. | |
| It works on all types of stoves, including induction. | |
| It makes a delicious espresso that has a rich aroma and flavor. |
History of the Alessi coffee maker 9090
You might wonder, why should I spend this amount of money on a moka pot? Well, in short, you get excellent coffee, design, and history. So let’s get a bit deeper into the history part.
The Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker has a long and interesting history that dates back to 1978, when it was first designed by Richard Sapper. Sapper was a German industrial designer who had worked with many famous brands, such as IBM, Fiat, and Siemens.
He had a passion for creating products that combined functionality, aesthetics, and innovation.
Sapper was inspired by the traditional Italian moka pots that were popularized by Bialetti in the 1930s.
He wanted to create a modern and elegant version of the stovetop espresso maker that would appeal to the international market. He also wanted to improve the performance and usability of the device.
Sapper also paid attention to the details and proportions of the coffee maker, making sure that it had a harmonious and balanced shape. He also added some decorative elements, such as the hexagonal base and the logo of Alessi on the lid.
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The Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker was an instant success, both commercially and critically. It won several awards, such as the Compasso d’Oro in 1979 and the Design Plus in 1980.
It also became part of the permanent collections of many museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It is considered one of the most iconic and influential products of Alessi, and one of the masterpieces of Richard Sapper.
The Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker is not only a historical product, but also a contemporary one. It is still in production today, with some minor modifications and improvements over the years. It is still one of the best-selling products of Alessi, and one of the most popular stovetop espresso makers in the world.
Alessi coffee maker 9090 – warranty
The Alessi coffee maker 9090 comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer, which covers any defects or malfunctions that may occur during normal use.
If you encounter any problems with your coffee maker, you can contact Alessi’s customer service via phone or email, and they will assist you with your issue.
You can also visit their website for more information about their products and services. However, this is a pretty good product, so you should have no worries.
Comparison with Ilsa Turbo Express espresso maker
A similar product to the Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker is the Ilsa Turbo Express Stainless Steel Stovetop Espresso Maker, which is another high-end stovetop espresso maker from Italy.
Here are some of the main differences between them:
- The Ilsa Turbo Express is made of 18/10 stainless steel, while the Alessi 9090 is made of 18/8 stainless steel. Both are durable and rust-proof, but 18/10 stainless steel has more nickel content, which makes it more resistant to corrosion.
- The Ilsa Turbo Express has a plastic handle, while the Alessi 9090 has a metal handle. The plastic handle can melt or crack if exposed to high temperatures, while the metal handle has a perforated inside that helps to disperse the heat and prevent burns. The spout of the Ilsa Turbo Express is more curved, while the spout of the Alessi 9090 is more straight. This may affect the flow and direction of the coffee when pouring.
- The Ilsa Turbo Express has a turbo valve (how cool is that in the coffee world) that increases the pressure and speed of the brewing process. This can result in a stronger and faster espresso, but it may also cause more bitterness and less crema. The Alessi 9090 has a standard valve that allows for a more gradual and gentle extraction. This can produce a smoother and creamier espresso, but it may take longer and require more heat.
- The Ilsa Turbo Express comes in two sizes, 3 and 6 cups, while the Alessi 9090 comes in five sizes, 1, 3, 6, 10, and 12 cups. The Ilsa Turbo Express has a larger base diameter, which makes it more stable on the stove, but also takes up more space. The Alessi 9090 has a smaller base diameter, which makes it more compact and portable, but also less stable.
In addition to my Alessi 9090 review, I have compiled a nice list for you here on 25 Best Gifts For Coffee Snobs Under $100
Conclusion – Alessi 9090 Manico Forato review
I hope you like my Alessi 9090 Manico Forato review. We found out that the Alessi 9090 espresso coffee maker and the Ilsa Turbo Express espresso maker are both high-quality stovetop espresso makers that can make a delicious cup of espresso at home.
They have different features and designs that may appeal to different preferences and tastes.
The Alessi 9090 is more suitable for those who value aesthetics and convenience, while the Ilsa Turbo Express is more suitable for those who value speed and intensity. Both are expensive compared to other stovetop espresso makers, but I think they are worth the investment if you are looking for a premium coffee experience too.
Happy espressoing! (Not sure it is a word, but you know what it means)