Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've used this type of espresso pot for many years but it's always been a Bialetti. When my last pot had a meltdown (forgot to put water in) I decided to try the Primula since it was on sale for a significantly lower price than the Bialetti. Overall they're the same with a couple minor differences that lowered my rating on this. Primula recommends a fine espresso grind - I use Café Bustelo Espresso Dark Roast with good results. Per instructions, do NOT use the handle to screw or unscrew the top - it WILL break. Instead hold the bottom in one hand and the top in your other when unscrewing. Second, set the pot at the edge of the burner with the handle beyond the burner - if the handle is directly above the heat, it WILL melt. Do NOT use on high heat - use a medium setting. You can turn the burner off when you hear the coffee start to bubble up the center tube - it will stay hot enough to finish brewing and reduce the risk of burning your coffee. These issues are true for all brands of this kind of pot so it did not affect my rating. However, the handle on this pot is designed so that is easy for your top finger to brush against the aluminum connector and get burned. Also, if you let the coffee sit on the burner and it starts boiling, your hand can get scalded by steam coming around the back portion of the lid. Be sure there is no steam escaping from the pot when you pour. Per instructions, don't use soap when cleaning, and don't put it in the dishwasher. I just rinse in hot water after brewing. The water tank (bottom) of the pot will develop a black layer of coffee residue that an Italian family told me is a good thing - it adds to the flavor. However if you can't deal with the look, just use a big bottle brush after each brew and it will prevent that layer from developing. Eventually you WILL have to replace the rubber gasket - at the moment Primula 9 cup gaskets are not available on Amazon, but other brands are and hopefully they will work. Finally be aware that 'cup' in this context means a 1 oz espresso shot - the 9 cup model is perfect for the large mug I use. All these things said, it makes great coffee if you pay attention to the instructions and take care not to burn yourself. I expect it to last for years as long as I can get replacement gaskets that fit.