New Moka? Here is what to do to get off to a good start

• The life-span of a Moka is quite long: at the beginning, however, some simple but essential rules should be observed.
• When using it for the first time, the coffee maker must be washed carefully with water.
• New Moka: what to do in the first few steps of the journey together? From an initial wash to the no-load operations.
• The importance of (3) disposable coffees: they create a protective coating that shields future preparations, enhancing the aroma of the coffee.

The importance of the first steps

We could say that more experience provides more added value. The coffee maker, as we know, is not a mere tool. It is, rather, a generous treasure chest of scents and experiences. From this point of view, the Moka Express dictates the line, with a rather long life-span, thanks to the materials used and the secrets of production. In short, if not really forever, a Moka is a faithful companion for a long segment of one’s life. A journey that obviously begins with the purchase of the coffee maker. Once we bring home our new Moka, what should we do to start this relationship in the best possible way? Here are the steps to take in order to immediately make a state-of-the-art coffee.

What to do with a new Moka? A good start…

When it comes to a new Moka, what can one do to get started right away? As in a romantic relationship, you need to get to know each other and break the ice a bit.
Some may think that it is not necessary to focus on these preliminary rituals with a newly purchased Moka. In reality, this is not the case. How long and satisfying a relationship with our new coffee maker will be depends largely on the quality of the first steps taken together. When using a Moka for the first time, it is good practice to wash it carefully. To do this, do not use detergents or abrasive products, as this can damage the coffee maker. Simply use water. The user manual of the Moka Express also reiterates this, and suggests making several coffees to then discard. Undoubtedly a small sacrifice. But also a good investment for the future, as we will see below.

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Three steps for an A-plus coffee

In the case of a new Moka, there are three fundamental steps to be taken to ensure an excellent coffee right away. Let us see the first two in detail.

• Washing the Moka
  As anticipated, the first step is to carefully wash the new coffee maker, both inside and out. In this case, it is important to just use water..
• No-load operation
  The second step consists of making the Moka work when empty. In other words, the boiler is regularly filled with water, its level reaching the valve, but no ground coffee is put into the filter. This way, the water heats up and, while passing through the filter and the column, thoroughly cleans the coffee maker.

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Coffee to lose: a winning primer

Thus, we arrive at the third essential step with a new Moka. What to do to make it "taste" like the aroma of coffee? The classic Italian grandmother’s advice is what actually makes the difference. In short, it is a question of preparing three disposable coffees:

• fill the bottom chamber with room temperature water, up to the lower edge of the valve;
• put some ground coffee in the filter;
• at this point, assemble the coffee pot, and place it on the stove.

The beverage obtained should not be poured into a cup or consumed. By doing this, the oils and waxes present in the ground coffee create an insulating and protective coating inside the Moka pot. An invisible element, but of great importance, that will protect future preparations. The Moka is now ready to accompany you. If not forever, for a long segment of your life.