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No nation knows how to make, and enjoy, a real cup of coffee like the Italians do. Forget low-fat milk, hazelnut flavouring, and layers of foam. If you order a coffee in Italy (caffe), expect to get an espresso. Coffee machines can make an excellent cup of coffee. But for real authenticity, nothing beats a good coffee percolator bubbling away on the stove-top. Coffee percolators are little pots that force boiling water up through coffee grounds, making a great cup of Italian espresso. Electric percolators are available, but nothing beats a stove-top percolator like the Bialetti Moka Pot. Added to the great-tasting coffee they make, they look good in the kitchen, too.

What is a coffee percolator?

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The Moka Pot has an iconic design, and even appears in London’s Science Museum. The smallest percolator makes a single espresso – perfect for a quick shot of coffee before work – and the biggest ones make up to nine cups.

Real espresso in a few minutes

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Coffee percolators are very easy to use. The bottom of the percolator is filled with water and ground coffee is put in the top chamber. Then the percolator is put on a hot stove and left for a few minutes until all the water has been forced up through the coffee grounds. The only thing to be careful of is not letting the water boil once it has been forced through the coffee. This will mean burnt coffee.

Good coffee

There’s no point trying to make an authentic Italian espresso in your coffee percolator if you don’t use the best coffee. Italian espresso favourites are Lavazza and Illy, but there’s no reason not to experiment. Just stick to high quality coffee, designed for espresso. Origin is a good UK brand, and is also fair trade and organic.

On the side

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In Italy an espresso is often accompanied by biscotti, twice-baked almond-flavoured biscuits a little like rusks, and perfect for dunking. You can make your own biscotti or buy them at most shops. For something different try a few pieces of good dark chocolate with your coffee. The slight sweetness of the dark chocolate will complement your Italian espresso perfectly.

Making coffee is an art form

Italians take making coffee very seriously and will put a lot of care into making the perfect pot. With good coffee percolators, though, there’s no reason to ever have a bad cup of coffee again. The range of coffee brands on the market is mind boggling, but remember that you pay for what you get. Better coffee tends to be more expensive,, but is worth it when it comes to great taste.