Coffee the Italian Way

If making coffee with an Aeropress sounds like too much hassle, go for Bialetti’s classic coffee maker. All you need is good, preferably freshly ground coffee and some water. Easy as that.

Without Mussolini, we probably would never have drunk coffee from Bialetti coffee makers at home. Under the rule of the Italian dictator, aluminium was declared Italy’s national metal. All products had to be made from it in order to pull the Italian economy out of the doldrums. This included the Bialetti, designed by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933. The clever Italian then came up with the first aluminium coffee maker for making coffee easily at home.

The arrival of the Bialetti marked a turning point in Italian coffee culture. Whereas espressos were previously drunk standing at the bar, caffè could now also be made at home.

Nothing has changed in the way the Bialetti works since 1933. You fill the filter with freshly ground coffee, pour some water into the container at the bottom and wait until the whole thing starts bubbling vigorously on the stove. Once it is bubbling enough, you know the coffee is ready. Only the design has occasionally been updated, but the classic design is still a favourite among many. Ninety percent of Italians have one in their kitchen.

Fun fact:

Alfonso Bialetti is Alberto Alessi’s grandfather. Yes, the Alessi of the famous design brand.