The Bialetti Venus is a cult product with great reviews over the years, I just had to try.I upgraded my old moka pot to Bialetti Venus 4 cup for myself (1 strong AU standard sizing or 2 medium if you'd like to share) and it makes excellent coffee that I can make at home or take to the great outdoors. I also bought a 10 cup so I could make for guests. I did also bought a Bialetti milk frother to take it to the next level and very much worth the investment. Quality construction and easy to clean!

This is a Bialetti coffee maker (technically they are percolators and not true espresso makers - nobody cares). It's pluses are 1. it is stainless steel, not aluminum, so it works with induction stove tops. 2. Even though it is a 4 (espresso) cup machine it can use the gaskets and screens from the 3 cup makers (it is a little taller and thinner). 3. It makes enough coffee to last until I finish breakfast. It's only minus is it is a little difficult to really clean by hand - if it fit in your dishwasher it should be no problem and it is a little bit harder to find the screens for these than the 3 cup ones - though you can use the ones from the 3 cup ones.

I've used the 6 cup version for years and it's a great way to make coffee. Use boiling water in the bottom, grind a bit coarser than normal espresso, use a low heat and turn the heat off as soon as the liquid starts to appear, the residual heat will push the water through without getting a burnt flavour. If it starts to splutter and spit, run the base under cold water. No, you won't get crema (as a previous reviewer states) but that's because it's not espresso. You don't get the carbon dioxide reaction that creates crema unless you're brewing with espresso-type pressures (9 bars). You're not supposed to get crema with a stove-top coffee maker.For me, this is one of the best ways to make coffee at home. Espresso is my favourite type of coffee, but it isn't easy to ... MoreI've used the 6 cup version for years and it's a great way to make coffee. Use boiling water in the bottom, grind a bit coarser than normal espresso, use a low heat and turn the heat off as soon as the liquid starts to appear, the residual heat will push the water through without getting a burnt flavour. If it starts to splutter and spit, run the base under cold water. No, you won't get crema (as a previous reviewer states) but that's because it's not espresso. You don't get the carbon dioxide reaction that creates crema unless you're brewing with espresso-type pressures (9 bars). You're not supposed to get crema with a stove-top coffee maker.For me, this is one of the best ways to make coffee at home. Espresso is my favourite type of coffee, but it isn't easy to make at home, even with expensive equipment. The Bialetti Venus makes great coffee that's still strong, and much more delicious than filter or pour-overs.