The Alessi is a definite improvement over the standard Moka pot in a few ways. First of all, and most importantly, it makes better coffee. I had read this in reviews but had some admitted skepticism until I tried it. It produces a rich, full-bodied demitasse strength cup with none of the burnt notes I would always get with my old Moka. Also unlike the Moka, it consistently uses all of the water in the base, whereas the Moka pot would start to sputter and gurgle after using only half the water. The thick plate on the bottom of the pot seems to do a good job of dispersing the heat evenly, even on an electric stove.
Second, the build quality is impressive. I have had several Moka pots of various sizes over the years and they felt, for lack of a better word, cheap. The aluminum felt flimsy and the pieces fit together in a haphazard sort of way. The Alessi, by contrast, seems to be engineered and manufactured to much tighter specifications. The aluminum feels heavier and the parts fit together snugly. The lid on the upper part opens and closes smoothly without being loose or rattling around.
Third, but partly an extension of the point above, the Alessi is beautiful. Both the aesthetic and functional design elements are outstanding. It looks great on the shelf, its crisp, smooth lines (presumably from CNC machining) when viewed up-close become sweeping curves when viewed from a few feet away.
The only real downside to the design is the handle. It is a bit small and awkwardly shaped, making it difficult to pour without your fingers bumping the hot metal. I usually grab it with a towel or oven mitt if I am pouring right off the stove.
Also, in case anyone is not acquainted with Moka-style coffee makers, this device does not make espresso. Coffee from the Alessi is never going to taste like a shot of espresso from your favorite coffee shop. That said, it does produce a stronger brew with more body than a drip-style coffee maker, and it is appropriate for a demitasse serving. It is called a 3-cup maker, but I get just a bit over two espresso cups' worth of coffee per brew.
Overall, if you are like me and had given up on Moka-style coffee, you might consider giving this one a try. It is a big improvement over the Moka, and will look great on the shelf even when you aren't using it.
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From the manufacturer
Pulcina
Alessi
Designer: Michele de Lucchi
Espresso coffee maker Pulcina
Pulcina comes from a research entirely dedicated to the design and functionality of the espresso coffee maker. As a result of this study and the application of the technology developed by illycaffè, Pulcina is a high performance coffee maker with a boiler that stops dispensing the drink at the right time before the coffee gets a bitter aftertaste. This helps to enhance the full and rich aroma of this drink. The spout has been designed with the same attention to functional aspects: when pouring coffee, its special V shape, which recalls a chick's beak (hence the name of the coffee maker) allows it to perfectly stop the drop. The handle and plastic knob in colours black and red complete the coffee maker.
The Designer
Architect. Michele De Lucchi was a prominent figure in movements like Cavart, Alchimia and Memphis. He designed lamps and furniture for the most well known Italian and European companies and realized architectural project in Italy and abroad. His work has been exhibited in Europe, the United States and Japan. He was appointed Officer of the Italian Republic for services to design and architecture and has been nominated Professor at the Design Faculty of the Politecnico of Milan and Member of the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca in Rome. He has recently realized a number of proejcts for the city of Milan: the pavilions for Expo 2015 (Padiglione Zero, Expo Center, Intesa Sanpaolo), UniCredit Pavilion in piazza Gae Aulenti and the installation for the Pietà Rondanini at the Ospedale Spagnolo at the Castello Sforzesco. For the Salone del Mobile 2015 De Lucchi has created "La Passeggiata" for Workplace3.0, dedicated to his vision of workspace.
The company
Founded in 1921 as a “Workshop for the processing of brass and nickel silver sheet metal, with foundry”, Alessi has always stood out for the high quality of its products.
In almost a century of history, the company has gradually evolved to become one of the leading “Factories of Italian design”, capable of applying its expertise and excellence in design management to many different product types.
Open to change and international development, Alessi at the same time has a strong bond with the traditions and cultural background of its area and continues to be synonymous with handcrafted objects produced with the help of machines.
Alessigraphy: the geography of Alessi production
Since the Company's foundation in 1921 the majority of Alessi products have been manufactured through the cold working of metals, a tradition that is kept alive today by the skilled workers at the Crusinallo plant in Omegna.
Over time, Alessi also began to work with many other materials, such as porcelain, glass, wood, and plastic... A specific production method was developed for each one. Even when production takes place outside the Crusinallo plant, Alessi’s guidelines guarantee the company’s original production quality standards, continuing to reconcile industrial technological complexity with an artisanal eye for detail.
The objects produced from the different materials are manufactured in various production plants across the world. They remain original Alessi objects in that they are conceived with the same design excellence and produced with the same attention to quality that sets the company’s products apart.
Product information
| Brand | Alessi |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 4"D x 4"W x 8"H |
| Special Feature | Permanent Filter |
| Coffee Maker Type | Moka Pot |
| Filter Type | Reusable |
| Style | Modern |
| Specific Uses For Product | Espresso |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Office, Home |
| Included Components | Espresso Coffee Maker |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
| Voltage | 2.3E+2 Volts (AC) |
| Model Name | Pulcina Stovetop Espresso Maker |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Customer Package Type | Traditional packaging |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 08003299388080 |
| Coffee Input Type | Espresso |
| Manufacturer | Alessi |
| UPC | 759284005194 |
| Item Weight | 1.33 pounds |
| ASIN | B0156A0VVG |
| Item model number | MDL02/3 B |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #249,363 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #69 in Stovetop Espresso & Moka Pots |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 17, 2015 |
Warranty & Support
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Compare with similar items
This Item  Alessi MDL02/3 B Pulcina Stove Top Espresso 3 Cup Coffee Maker in Aluminum Casting Handle And Knob in Pa, Black | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -20% $93.27 List Price: $116.00 | $125.00 | $86.63 | -24% $45.50 List: $59.99 | -44% $63.91 List: $115.00 | -34% $69.00 List: $105.00 |
| Delivery | Get it May 8 - 13 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 3 | Get it May 8 - 13 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 3 | Get it May 21 - Jun 12 | Get it May 6 - 8 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon Global Store UK | ICB. | Amazon Global Store UK | Amazon.com | LA MAISON di A.Latini | Speranza Design Gallery |
| capacity | 3 cups | 1 kilograms | 300 milliliters | 6 cups | 7 centiliters | 30 centiliters |
| material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Metal | — | Aluminum |
| input interface | buttons | buttons | buttons | buttons, buttons, buttons, buttons | buttons | buttons |
| voltage | 230 volts of alternating current | 120 volts | — | — | — | 0 volts |
| wattage | 1000 watts | 1000 watts | 230 watts | — | 1000 watts | 1000 watts |
| model name | Pulcina Stovetop Espresso Maker | Alessi | Moka | Venus | — | MT18/3 |
Functional Art for the Kitchen
It makes espresso and looks GORGEOUS. What more could I want in life??
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024Size: 3 CupsColor: RedVerified Purchase
It makes espresso and looks GORGEOUS. What more could I want in life??
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2023Size: 6 CupsColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Alessi describes the Pulcina as "revolutionary" and promises a "substantial design innovation" to improve the taste of the coffee. Shockingly, they actually deliver on their promise and then some. The coffee tastes better than with any pot I've used. Also, although tank holds slightly less water, unlike every other mocha pot I've used, every drop is used. This actually makes slightly more coffee than the 6 cup Bialetti coffee makers I've tried. And, again, the flavor is tremendous. I know this isn't technically espresso but the flavor is as close as you can get without a big expensive machine.
Also, it's drop-dead gorgeous!
A genuine triumph!
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2023Size: 6 CupsColor: BlackVerified Purchase
Love the Deco style of this Alessi espresso maker! The 6 cup espresso pot makes 1 pretty large cup of regular brew. I ditched my electric drip pot after this purchase because the brew from this pot is superior. It's not recommended for the dishwasher, but it's easy to clean. And it looks great on my stove!
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
- Patrick WillemReviewed in Belgium on March 12, 2025
Italien coffee
Size: 3 CupsColor: RedVerified Purchase -
MabeReviewed in Italy on October 2, 2020
Meravigliosa caffettiera che prepara un ottimo caffè.
Size: 3 CupsColor: BlackVerified Purchase -
wellsReviewed in Germany on May 3, 2019
SUPERSCHÖN UND GUT.
Size: 1 CupColor: BlackVerified Purchase -
Serdar ARIKReviewed in Turkey on November 29, 2021
GRAFİK TASARIM
Size: 6 CupsColor: RedVerified Purchase - maggieReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2015
Excellent. Makes a great espresso
Size: 1 CupColor: BlackVerified Purchase
