The "cup" size of espresso makers is based on Italian espresso cups (tazza) and equates to approximately 1.5 ounces per "cup". Stovetop espresso makers, also known as espresso pots, moka pots or caffettiere are very simple to own, operate and care for. The lower tank is filled with water to a level just below the brass pressure valve. This is not a very critical amount that needs to be measured. Some water will always be left in the lower tank to prevent scorching. Do not fill past the pressure valve or the pot will not work.
Insert the funnel filter in the lower tank and fill with espresso coffee. It is not necessary to tamp or compress the coffee, allow the coffee to form a mound in the centre of the funnel and it will properly compress when you screw the two tanks together.
Screw the upper tank and lower tank together tightly and place on the stovetop. Use a medium to low flame appropriate to the tank diameter. Using too wide of a flame will burn the sides of the pot, and can damage the internal gasket and handle. Leave the lid of the pot open and you should see coffee begin to seep into the upper tank within a few minutes. When the upper tank is almost filled, close the lid and remove the pot from the heat source. Allow the coffee to finish brewing off the heat until no more coffee rises into the upper tank...usually about 20 seconds or so.
Serve immediately in warm demitasse cups or in cappuccino cups topped with warmed or steamed milk. Italian coffee is often served liberally sweetened, to the extent that you are almost preparing a coffee liquor.
It is advisable to make and discard 3 pots of coffee with any new espresso maker to season the pot prior to use.
Moka pots work best with "moka grind"...a coarse grind espresso. All of the major Italian coffee brands sell a moka grind. If you are grinding yourself or buying ground coffee from a roaster, Moka is just a bit coarser than the coffee for an electric espresso machine. Using too fine a coffee can cause the moka pot to clog.
An Americano, a mug of American Joe is easy to make with a stovetop espresso maker. To make a single large mug of American coffee you will need a 3-4 cup espresso maker. Fill your mug approximately 1/3 with milk, add in a full pot (3-4 oz.) from your espresso maker and top up the mug with boiling water from a kettle. Adjust to your liking. Remember the coffee produced by an espresso maker will be much more concentrated than from a drip coffee machine so the significant diluting with milk and water will bring the espresso closer to a drip of French press coffee strength.
Aluminum espresso makers must not be placed in the dishwasher, stainless pots are dishwasher safe. The best way to clean all of the espresso makers is with a quick rinse and air dry after the pot has cooled down. Go easy on the soap and scouring. Espresso makers will darken and "season" inside with use this is considered desirable and improves the quality of the coffee over time. If the pot develops any chalky mineral deposits they can be removed with a mixture of water and plain vinegar.