This morning I drank coffee made from this contraption. And it was good. Way better than those other stove top espresso makers. I am house sitting for a friend who likes to collect old stuff and she happens to have this - a Vesuviana Stovetop Espresso Maker.Two drawbacks: it’s made of aluminum, old style aluminum, and they aren’t really available for purchase that I could find (at least in the United States) .
Image from: http://www.contrex.ca/coffee/img/stovetop.jpg
I just had to share.
hi there,
I’d never seen one of these before, until today - I picked it up in a thrift store for only a few bucks.
Lucky you - a few bucks!!!! On ebay they sell for over a hundred dollars!
One helpful tip if you are going to use it - don’t fill the fixed container all the way, fill the portable container with the amount of water you want to use (I filled up all the way) and pour it into the fixed container.
Also, fill the coffee grounds part all the way (if you fill the water all the way up) but don’t tamp down.
OK - this sounds confusing but really isn’t.
Enjoy!
I have moved recently, and in all the packing I came across my old Vesuviana - just like your friend has. Now I need to know where to get a new gasket. I am searching the web thoroughly. Could you please ask your friend where (if ever) they get replacement parts? Now, here’s the funny (strange) part: I packed away my old Vesuviana when I got an electric espresso maker. However, I have moved to the Texas gulf coast and I thought this one would come in handy when we have no electricity. (Pretty hard core, huh?) There is currently a storm headed our way, and I don’t think I’m going to get the gasket in time, but maybe, just maybe…Thanks in advance for your help! - Rebecca
Rebecca -
I looked online and found this…
http://www.contrex.ca/coffee/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2&PN=1
Specifically this comment:
“Posted: 12 July 2008 at 4:34am | IP Logged Quote Glenn
Gary Valenti sold me some gaskets for my Vesuviana and sent them from the US no problem. They are described as “Vesuviana White Gaskets - 6 cup”. $3 each and they fit perfectly. I am enjoying a mug of the good stuff as I type.
Go to the Gary Valenti web site, then use the phone number or e-mail link to contact them. They may have gaskets for other machines - they did ask me if I needed the white or black gasket.”
The website is sort of basic http://www.garyvalenti.com/index2.html but you can call the number and see if he can get you the gaskets.
Good luck with the gaskets and good luck with the storm!!!
freakin gorgeous.
I just got one at a garage sale for $15.00 . Does anyone know how old they are