How to clean a Bialetti Mukka Express?

Question

i have a Bialetti Brikka, but it should probably be cleaned the same way as a Mukka Express. What is the correct way to clean it? i've heard thinkgs like "don't use soap, just rinse, only wash this or that part...." i want to clean it the right way because i think that certain parts aren't supposed to be washed in order to acheive a greater flavor or something. so what's the right way??

Answer 1

If this is a regular stove top Espresso maker, just take it apart and clean it with soap and water.  I would NOT put it in the dishwasher.  Just take out the part you put the espresso coffee in, and the part with the water and wash it with warm, soapy water the way you would anything else.  My family and I have used stove top Espresso makers for years and years and it's the ONLY way we've ever cleaned them without any problems!  Even my relatives in Sicily clean them this way.

We take them apart when they're cool enough to handle, empty everything out and rinse out any residue that's left and clean them very good.  You want to make sure to clean them well or you'll get a white residue that's left inside.  It will build up in the bottom where the water goes.  Make sure to clean that part really, really well or you're get like white spots to a film there.  Same with the top. Just clean the pot the same way you would any other pot that you cook in.  Take it apart and use good soapy water and very warm well and clean it well and then allow it dry or you can dry it with a towel.

I'm not sure why someone would tell you it affects the taste, as long as you clean it well and rinse it well, you should be fine, we've been using the same ones for years and NEVER EVER had problems, it's just a matter of making sure that you clean them well and rinse them well and dry well!  Otherwise you get that film and you can't miss it when you get it, but do NOT fear, if you do get it, just wash it really well and it will come out!  I would NOT put it in the dishwasher though.  Out of all the years my family and I have had ours, we have never put them in the dishwasher.  I know it can sometimes be a pain because there is the part that you take out and the top and bottom of the pot, but it will last longer and be much better if you wash it by hand.

I wouldn't worry about it, if this is the stainless stell stove-top maker that has the top and bottom that you s***w apart and there's a piece in there that looks like a funnel that takes the espresso itself, you CAN wash it!  If you have ANY doubts, you can call the company and ask them!  They will be more than happy to talk to you, they've been around forever and will have no problem talking to you!

I hope this helps!  Enjoy your Espresso!