MYTHILO Vol. 4. // BIALETTI // MOKA EXPRESS

It was 1918 when Alfonso Bialetti turned his back from France and returned to his hometown of Omegna, on Italy's Lake Orta. However, he does not come back to beautiful Italy alone, in his luggage he brings a brilliant idea from the French aluminum factory and immediately founds his own machine factory there.

Alfonso Bialetti has always dreamed of bringing espresso from Italian bars and cafés into every home. To do this, however, he would have to manage to reduce the pressure required in the production process, while at the same time not neglecting the powerful aromatic taste of a fresh espresso. While the bar machines have strong pressure springs, the Bialetti presses the hot water in the pot through the fresh ground coffee using only the low steam pressure.

After countless hours of planning, development and sleepless nights, the time had finally come. In 1933, the first "Moka Express" pot was ready. The classic octagonal design of the espresso pot with handle resembles the common Italian coffee machines - but the "Moka-Express" is made entirely of high-quality aluminum.

Alfonso initially sells his product himself at markets, so his invention temporarily remains in the region. But his son Renato recognizes the potential of the idea, applies for a patent and builds the largest coffee machine factory in the world. With great success!

To date, the silver pot has sold around 300 million units without ever questioning the traditional design! I personally don't care from which high-tech machine George Clooney or Brad Pitt let their brew out - when making espresso I only let the little man with the moustache into my kitchen.

To all Espresso-Nerds out there: Yes I know...even if it is strictly speaking no "espresso", because for this a pressure of at least 9 bar is needed...

Nevertheless - I love you little Moka Express!