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
Apparently they are from the 50’s
I just got one for ,may I say, $5. I knew from the look it was for coffee. I had never seen anything like it. I used it and the gaskets were shot. It still made a good cup of coffee….Mine is not electric and I like it like that….in case there is an earthquake (i live in los angeles) or I want to take it camping and impress my friends…
O!
I just baught one for 10 dollars and it is in perfect condition except the gaskets are very old and hard. I sent Gary and email for the gaskets. I will post later.
I bought one of these at Fazzi’s deli in Hollywood in the 60’s it is fantastic. I have several espresso makers and haven’t used it in years. I MUST dig it out of storage and star using it again….I was raised in the late 40s on espresso…long and many years before the Starbuck craze…..
From a kid I knew Cafe Correcto……[does anyone know what that is?]
i have a Vesuviana It was stadard issue to Italian officers in WW2 It works fine, and makes GOOD coffee. If you have one, I’d say cherish it, kepp it, and best of al use it every day
I used a Vesuviana for years,from about 1970, everyday in kitchen and it was the best camping gear !I would love to have another if anyone knows where??
I bought an electric one brand new at a store in Washington DC in the mid 80’s. It was about $100.00 (which seemed a bit expensive at the time) and it served very well for a number of years. It may yet be working for all I know - it went with my ex-wife when we divided assets.
I am looking for another one - does anyone know if they are still made?
I, too am in search for a gasket for the Vesuviana I bought in Italy in the ’70s.
I am heading to the website now, and can’t wait to be able to use this wonderful contraption agsain!
The Swiss patent is from 1946