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This is absolutely fabulous! I can't decide whether to bookmark it to remember for when we eventually go to Italy, or start searching Ebay for instant gratification!

This is the only way I make coffee, but I must correct you. It does not percolate.
This is a variation on a moka pot. (Like the ones beside it in the photo) The difference between a moka pot and a percolator is Pressure. Also in a moka pot the two chambers (water and espresso) never shall mix.

Ok, coffee snob aside. This is a great, simple way to enjoy espresso at home. It's much cheaper and easier to use than a counter top espresso machine, and it's way smaller. We use ours at least once a day so it lives on the smaller back burner on our store. We don't own a drip brew machine anymore, we just make americano's. (espresso hot water).

kittystockings: ebay or Italy aren't required, you can get one of these at most Italian grocery stores. Some are better than others, but you shouldn't have to spend more than $30 for a good one. The most important thing is a good seal between the two chambers, make sure the rubber ring is soft. If it isn't rub a little Olive oil on it to soften it up.

so I don't know where to find an italian market in town, and italian espresso maker didn't pull up any on ebay, is there an official name for this wonderful contraption? any good ideas as to where i can find one online??

San Gimignano is one my favorite places I have ever visited. Great views, great food. My friend and I would always joke about having pasta envy because we'd always want to try what the other ordered. Thanks for the great post.

Super cool coffee maker! I'll have to try it.

I got something very similar on sale at Crate & Barrell last Christmas. Cutest little espresso cups!

My last attempt at using a moka pot did badly. It refused to work properly and would boil dry before actually producing any espresso, and I was following the directions in the box exactly... these always look so attractive, I wish I knew what I was doing wrong before!

It's a cute idea and a neat take on a moka pot, but with one flaw that only rears its ugly, scalding head the first time you try to use it: the cups get unbelievably hot. Or, you can watch carefully (unlike a moka pot, where you can come back upon the torrent of sputtering to remove the pot from the burner), and risk not getting the cups onto the platform in time to catch all the "espresso", resulting in a burnt, coffee-y mess.

kchoun8 I often find them at home sense, or winners.... most specialty kitchen shops sell them.

srtussing
BUT- sometimes it's just the moka pot, they are not all made equal.