Has anyone tried the "new" Bialetti expresso pot, the one that steams milk at the same time? My husband just saw it in the Xmas Crate & Barrel catalog and wants one for Xmas (he already has 2 other expressos). It's to be used stovetop, not electrical.

Nancy -- if you are talking about this machine, I bought a different model of this Moka express machine when we were in Florence earlier this year -- it was a little under 40 euros there. A couple of comments:
a. it is not designed to make expresso - rather, it makes cappucinos (cappucini?)
b. each pot holds enough for one regular coffee mug - not a full latte glass, as shown in the photo.
c. I find I really have to watch closely while it is frothing the milk and brewing the coffee, or it tends to boil over.
d. If you want a really steaming hot cup of cappucino, don't use milk straight from the fridge - the steam doesn't heat it up enough. I preheat the milk for about 20 seconds in the microwave.
d. It is NOT easy to clean - there are several ridges and crannies in the upper pot that tend to collect the oils from the coffee and milk film.

But -- it makes a pretty good cup of cappucino if you use good quality expresso coffee, and it's easier than having to steam the milk separately. And mine is made with a black and white cow pattern on the top half,and black enamel on the bottom, which is kind of cool. It's a great souvenir of our Italy vacation, too.

Judy: This is exactly the kind of info I need, thank you. My husband wants this machine just for cappucino, but I beginning to wonder if it's worth it. He already has an electric machine that steams milk separately, giving you two nice cups of cappucino, perhaps three of cafe latte.

Nancy -- if I were you, I think I'd pass, given what you already have. This pot makes only one cup at a time -- and you have to allow a little time in between cups before you can hold it to unscrew the top from the bottom. I'm enjoying it, but I'm only fixing cappucino for myself, once a day.

Judy

I just got Consumer Reports yesterday and they had a review of this new Bialetti. They said pretty much exactly what Judy said (Judy, do you work for Consumer Reports?) They also said that the milk isn't white and foamy like a real cappucino. The machine really makes more of a cafe latte.

-Krista

Krista - interesting but not particularly surprising that Consumer Reports mentioned the same aspects I did (and no, I'm just a humble consumer). And as long as I can get a fix of espresso and steamed milk, the white foam is not a big factor.

Judy

Thanks to all who replied. I think we'll just stick to what we already have.