London Sip Stainless Steel Stove-Top Espresso Maker Coffee Pot

The London Sip Stove-Top Espresso Maker is a classic Italian-style moka pot upgraded with modern design and premium stainless steel construction. This review will examine its key features, usability, brew quality, and value for money.

Overview

The London Sip Stainless Steel Stove-Top Espresso Maker is a stylish and functional upgrade to the traditional Italian moka pot. Designed in England and relaunched globally under the Escali brand, this espresso maker combines classic brewing methods with modern materials and design. Made entirely of high-quality stainless steel, it promises a rich, flavorful espresso without any metallic aftertaste. Available in three sizes (3-cup, 6-cup, and 10-cup), it caters to various coffee needs, whether you’re brewing for yourself or entertaining guests. With a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon based on over 950 reviews, it’s clear that this espresso maker has captured the hearts of coffee lovers worldwide.

Key Features

• Rust-proof stainless steel body and joining parts
• Thick silicone gasket for tight seal during brewing
• Safety release valve prevents excess pressure buildup
• Ergonomic design with stay-cool handle
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Design

The stainless steel build gives the London Sip a sleek, modern aesthetic. The metal construction also allows it to be used on all stove types, including induction. The extra-large handle provides a safe grip during use.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Using the London Sip Stainless Steel Espresso Coffee Maker is straightforward. Fill the bottom chamber with water, add ground coffee to the filter basket, securely screw on the top chamber, and place on low to medium heat. The coffee percolates up into the top chamber in just a few minutes.

Cleaning is also simple - just disassemble the parts and rinse thoroughly after each use. A soft brush helps clean the filter basket. Unlike aluminum, stainless steel does not require special cleaners to keep it looking pristine.

Stainless Steel Construction

Crafted entirely from high-quality stainless steel, the London Sip espresso maker offers several advantages over traditional aluminum models. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, longevity, and resistance to rust and corrosion. Unlike aluminum, stainless steel does not impart any metallic taste to the coffee, preserving the pure, rich flavor of your brew. Moreover, the stainless steel body is compatible with all stovetops, including induction, making it a versatile choice for any kitchen.

Thick Silicone Gasket

The London Sip espresso maker features a thick silicone gasket that creates a tight seal between the upper and lower chambers during brewing. This ensures optimal pressure buildup, resulting in a richer and more flavorful espresso. The silicone gasket is also heat-resistant and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Safety Release Valve

Equipped with a safety release valve, the London Sip espresso maker prioritizes user safety. This valve automatically releases excess pressure if it builds up beyond safe levels, preventing any potential accidents or damage to the appliance. The safety release valve provides peace of mind, allowing you to brew your espresso with confidence.

Ergonomic Heat-Proof Handle

The London Sip espresso maker features an ergonomic heat-proof handle that ensures a comfortable and secure grip during use. The handle remains cool to the touch even when the pot is hot, preventing accidental burns. The ergonomic design allows for easy pouring and handling, enhancing the overall user experience.

Dishwasher Safe

Cleaning the London Sip espresso maker is a breeze, as it is dishwasher safe. Simply disassemble the parts and place them in the dishwasher for a thorough and convenient cleaning. This feature saves you time and effort, allowing you to enjoy your espresso without the hassle of manual cleaning.

Durability

The stainless steel body is rust-proof and built to last. The handle and joints are sturdy in daily use. No issues with corrosion or wear with proper care.

Use Cases

The London Sip is ideal for home kitchens. It’s compact size takes up minimal space. The 3 cup version works well for individual use or for couples. Larger 6 cup and 10 cup options allow serving groups. It’s great for apartments, dorms, RVs and campers.

User Feedback

With over 950 customer reviews on Amazon, the London Sip espresso maker has received largely positive feedback. 71% of customers gave it a 5-star rating, with 12% at 4 stars.

Many reviewers praise the rich, bold flavor of the espresso and the convenience of brewing good espresso at home. They find it easy to use and love the modern stainless steel design. Common complaints include the sharp edges being difficult to clean, trouble getting the right brewing technique, and issues with faulty gaskets/seals on some units.

Overall, most feedback indicates the espresso maker works very well when users dial in the right grind size, heat level, and assembly method. While there may be some quality control issues, the company seems responsive about replacing defective units. With practice, most people can get restaurant-quality espresso from this affordable model.

Pros

• Makes rich, flavorful espresso
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Works on all stove types including induction
• Large heat-proof handle protects hands
• Easy to use and clean
• Great value for price

Cons

• Small capacity, have to brew multiple rounds for more servings
• Requires manual operation instead of push button automation
• Not as fast as electric espresso machines
• Requires learning curve to master ideal brewing method

Value

Priced at around $30 for the 3-cup size, the London Sip stovetop espresso maker represents an excellent value. It costs a fraction of an expensive espresso machine, yet can produce espresso almost as good. For the materials and performance, it is very reasonably priced compared to other stainless steel moka pot brands.

The only recurring cost is quality coffee beans to use with it. With proper care and maintenance, the espresso maker should provide many years of daily use. So it can save you a lot of money on takeaway espresso drinks in the long run. Overall, it’s a worthwhile investment for espresso lovers on a budget.

Conclusion

For its premium build, ease of use and delicious espresso, the London Sip Stainless Steel Stove-Top Espresso Maker is highly recommended for anyone looking to make espresso at home. It extracts bold, aromatic coffee that rivals professional machines.

Specifications

• Materials: Stainless steel (grade 304) construction

• Sizes available: 3 cup (300ml), 6 cup (600ml), 10 cup (1000ml)

• Dimensions:

• 3 cup - 5.3” diameter x 6.8” height

• 6 cup - 5.7” diameter x 8.3” height

• 10 cup - 6.3” diameter x 9.1” height

• Weight:

• 3 cup - 14.7 oz

• 6 cup - 1.87 lb

• 10 cup - 2.43 lb

• Maximum wattage: 1250 watts

• Operation: Manual, stovetop percolating

• Compatibility: All stove types - gas, electric, ceramic, induction

• Safety features: Steam release valve, heat-proof handle

• Brewing time: Approximately 3-5 minutes

• Minimum/maximum brew temperature: 212°F min, 230°F max

• Filter basket: Stainless steel with laser cut holes

• Seal/gasket: Food-grade silicone

• Certifications: CE, RoHS

• Warranty: 1 year limited

• Care: Hand wash only with non-abrasive cleaner

What’s Included

The London Sip Stainless Steel Espresso Coffee Maker comes packaged with the stainless steel coffee maker unit and an instruction manual. No additional accessories or parts are included. You provide the ground coffee and stove for brewing.